The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources unanimously approved the Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act (S.2620) on November 19, 2024, marking a major milestone in the effort to establish a Chesapeake National Recreation Area (CNRA). Introduced in July 2023 by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and co-sponsored by U.S. Representative John Sarbanes (D-MD), the bipartisan bill aims to unite protected lands along the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland and Virginia under the National Park Service (NPS).
If passed, the legislation would officially recognize the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States, as a national treasure. Advocates believe the CNRA designation will bolster federal resources for environmental conservation, improve public access, and celebrate the region’s cultural and historical significance.
Four-Decade Effort Gains Traction
Efforts to secure a national designation for the Chesapeake Bay date back decades. Supporters argue that the CNRA would elevate the Chesapeake to the level of iconic landmarks like Yellowstone and Yosemite.
“This is a great day for the Chesapeake Bay,” said Joel Dunn, President and CEO of Chesapeake Conservancy. “Establishing the Chesapeake National Recreation Area expands resources for environmental protection and ensures public access while providing for the needs of those who live here and depend on the Bay for their livelihood.”
The proposed recreation area would encompass new and existing parks, along with iconic sites such as Burtis House, Whitehall, and the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse in Annapolis, Maryland, as well as the North Beach of Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia.
Boost for Public Access and Conservation
Supporters emphasize the importance of the CNRA in enhancing public access and fostering a deeper connection to the Bay. Kristin Reilly, Director of the Choose Clean Water Coalition, highlighted the benefits of inclusion in the National Park System.
“This recognition will enhance and expand public access to the Bay, helping introduce this national treasure to future generations,” Reilly said. “We’re grateful for Senator Chris Van Hollen’s leadership and look forward to working with the congressional delegation to pass this legislation.”
Theresa Pierno, President and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association, echoed these sentiments. “The Chesapeake National Recreation Area will better connect green spaces and waterways, improve access, and help build a more sustainable future,” she said. “The watershed has sustained Tribal nations for centuries and is rooted in consequential American history.”
Stakeholder Support and Legislative Changes
The CNRA Act has garnered support from over 100 organizations, including environmental groups, historical preservation advocates, and local businesses. The legislation was refined through collaboration with the CNRA Working Group, which incorporated feedback from public listening sessions and stakeholder consultations.
Key modifications to the bill include a streamlined process for NPS to expand the CNRA through voluntary acquisitions. Under the amended legislation, the Advisory Commission can identify sites for potential inclusion, expediting the process while requiring congressional authorization for new acquisitions. These changes aim to balance federal oversight with community input and local interests.
Annabelle Harvey, Federal Policy Coordinator for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, called the CNRA a “national treasure worthy of national recognition.” She added, “This legislation ensures the resources, attention, and access the Bay deserves.”
Next Steps Toward Passage
With the committee’s unanimous approval, the CNRA Act is now eligible for consideration on the Senate floor. Senator Van Hollen emphasized the significance of the legislation for Maryland and the region as a whole.
“Creating the Chesapeake National Recreation Area will celebrate [the Bay] while also bringing major benefits,” Van Hollen said. “This includes opening up more equitable public access, mobilizing federal support for restoration, and supporting greater economic opportunity.”
Representative Sarbanes added, “Designating a unified National Recreation Area will be an enormous step toward celebrating the regional stories that have shaped our nation’s history, advancing conservation goals, and ensuring equitable access to the outdoors.”
As the legislative process continues, advocates remain optimistic about the bill’s chances of becoming law, which would mark a historic moment for the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed communities.
