Senate Committee Advances Bill to Establish Chesapeake National Recreation Area

A landmark bill that would make parks, lands, and tidal waters along the Chesapeake Bay part of the National Park System has taken a major step forward.

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources voted unanimously to advance the Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act (S.2620). Introduced in July 2023 by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), the bill proposes the creation of the Chesapeake National Recreation Area (CNRA). This designation would incorporate a collection of existing and new parks and protected lands in Maryland and Virginia along the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal waters into the National Park System.

A Long-Awaited Recognition

The effort to grant the Chesapeake Bay a national designation has spanned decades. The creation of the CNRA represents a historic milestone in safeguarding the largest estuary in the United States.

Key Benefits of the CNRA

• Increased Public Access: Improved opportunities for residents and visitors to explore the Chesapeake Bay’s natural beauty and recreational offerings.
• Enhanced Protection: Strengthened environmental stewardship and protections for the bay’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
• Cultural and Historical Preservation: Recognition of the bay’s significance in American history and heritage.

The proposed CNRA would bring additional resources and attention to conserving the Chesapeake Bay, ensuring its health and accessibility for future generations.