WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) renewed his effort in Congress to create a unified Chesapeake National Recreation Area (CNRA). The CNRA Act proposes to unite a series of voluntarily contributed park areas and iconic Bay properties under the operation of the National Park Service (NPS) in order to spur more federal resources for environmental conservation, celebrate the Chesapeake’s diverse cultural and economic history, foster sustainable and equitable access to the Bay, and support responsible economic growth in the region.
Senator Van Hollen first introduced this legislation with then-Congressman John Sarbanes in July 2023. An amended version of this legislation was approved in a bipartisan, unanimous vote by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in November 2024, followed the next month by its unanimous passage on the Senate Floor. As there was insufficient time to advance the legislation in the House of Representatives before the end of the previous Congress, Senator Van Hollen has renewed the effort to establish the CNRA through the reintroduction of the legislation in the 119th Congress.
Senator Van Hollen was joined in reintroducing the legislation by Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.).
“The Chesapeake Bay is a natural and national treasure. Creating a unified CNRA will unlock more resources for its restoration, generate more prosperity for those whose livelihoods depend on it, and spotlight its unique story – encouraging greater public access to and enjoyment of everything the Bay has to offer. We built great momentum for the CNRA over the past two years, securing unanimous bipartisan approval by a key Committee and passing it on the Floor of the U.S. Senate. We will continue to build on this progress toward our goal of making our vision for the CNRA a reality, and bringing greater national recognition to the Bay we all cherish,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“The Chesapeake Bay is at the cultural heart of so many Virginia communities, and serves as an economic driver for the Commonwealth as a whole. The creation of the Chesapeake National Recreation Area will not only help to preserve the rich history of the bay, but will ensure that it can be restored and protected for years to come,” said Senator Warner.
“The Chesapeake Bay is deeply embedded in the history, ecology, and economy of Virginia and the entire region,” said Senator Kaine. “Creating the Chesapeake National Recreation Area will help ensure that people can cherish the beauty of the Bay for generations to come.”
“It is past time that we officially establish the Chesapeake National Recreation Area. We know the Chesapeake Bay is the heart of Maryland but it is so much more — rich with history and wildlife, an economic driver for our state, and the home to our beloved blue crab. We must ensure the Chesapeake Bay receives the recognition and resources it needs so that we can enjoy this national treasure for years to come. Passing this legislation is a step forward,” said Senator Alsobrooks.
Text of the legislation can be viewed here.
Background:
The CNRA will increase responsible public access to the Chesapeake Bay and strengthen the culture of stewardship across the region. Additionally, the CNRA will highlight the stories that often go untold – those of Indigenous peoples; free and enslaved Blacks; the role the Bay played in the earliest days of the Maryland and Virginia Colonies; its importance to the region’s economy; and the story of watermen and -women who are essential to the economic success and health of the Bay region.
The first historic sites of regional importance proposed to be in the CNRA network include Burtis House, Whitehall, and Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse in Annapolis, Maryland, and the North Beach of Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia. The CNRA will also utilize a collection of partnerships with states, localities, nonprofit organizations, and private entities to support public access to and restoration of nationally significant historic, cultural, or recreational Bay resources.
This designation will not impose any additional regulations on recreation, fishing, or other business activities in Chesapeake Bay waters, and the National Park Service’s authority will not supersede state authority on these matters.
The Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act was drafted in collaboration with NPS and the CNRA Working Group established by Senator Van Hollen and then-Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.), and in alignment with the ten guiding principles laid out in June 2022. It also incorporated stakeholder feedback on the lawmakers’ discussion draft, released in November 2022. The nearly six-month public comment period also included several listening sessions with groups such as local elected officials, neighborhood community organizations, and interested parties across the watershed. Following thorough review of the feedback provided, Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Sarbanes officially introduced the CNRA Act on a bipartisan, bicameral basis in July 2023.
More details about this initiative can be viewed here.
This effort is supported by an array of state and local elected and economic development leaders:
“This is a visionary project for our region and I thank our congressional delegation for their persistent effort on this legislation. The Chesapeake Bay is one of the most significant natural features of the United States and deserves the same protections and recognition as other national parks,” said Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley.
“The Chesapeake Bay is so important to Baltimore—as a natural resource, an economic engine, and a recreation space—as well as holding economic and historical significance for the state, region, and nation as a whole. We want to make sure all of our families are able to enjoy the Bay for generations to come, which means investing today to preserve and restore the environment. I’m grateful to the Senator for his leadership in this effort, in particular his commitment to highlighting the many Black and Indigenous people who made this region what it is today,” said Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott.
“The Chesapeake Bay Watershed is a unique and remarkable estuary that serves both as a natural habitat for local fish and wildlife, and as the foundation of success and growth for so many communities in the Mid-Atlantic region. A regional icon, its rich history and culture, unique habitat, natural resources, and economic importance make it vital to our way of life. We fully support the passage of the CNRA Act to spread awareness of its significance beyond our region, and to educate others on how it can be responsibly cared for to ensure its sustainability for generations to come,” said Mayor of Easton Megan Cook.
“I strongly encourage Congress to pass the authorization creating the Chesapeake National Recreation Area – the nation’s largest estuary and one of the world’s largest environmental restoration efforts,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “We in Montgomery County are proud to support this effort and appreciate the advocacy and leadership of Senator Van Hollen and the rest of the Maryland Congressional Delegation to improve the environment, economic development, and quality of life for all Marylanders. While not on the shores of the Bay, but as a jurisdiction in its watershed, Montgomery County is working hard to protect this valuable resource. The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure and deserves the respect and recognition this designation will provide.”
“We are proud to support legislation that would create a Chesapeake National Recreation Area, helping us protect, preserve, and celebrate the Chesapeake Bay. Designating a Chesapeake National Recreation Area would also boost our regional economy while increasing access to this important area for local residents and visitors from across the country. A national recreation area would be historic for Maryland, and we look forward to working with our federal partners to help tell the story of the Chesapeake Bay,” said Acting Prince George’s County Executive Tara Jackson.
“Establishing a Chesapeake National Recreational Area is not only a significant step towards safeguarding this invaluable resource, but also an opportunity to foster environmental awareness and promote sustainable recreation. Under the stewardship of our remarkable National Park Service, I am confident this action will highlight the landscape and the national significance of our country’s largest estuary,” said Maryland State Delegate Dana Jones (D-D30A).
“The Chesapeake Bay is a glorious gift of nature that everyone should have the opportunity to experience,” said Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman. “The creation of the Chesapeake National Recreation Area would provide better public access and more opportunities for Marylanders and Americans to fall in love with the Bay, inspiring them to fight to protect the health of this national treasure.”
“Howard County’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay is part of our identity and we remain committed to responsible, environmental stewardship. As our country’s largest estuary, the Bay deserves the protections and increased federal resources that would come with the Chesapeake National Recreation Area designation,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.
“The Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act represents a significant step toward preserving the Bay’s natural beauty and its rich cultural heritage. By designating parts of the Bay as a federally recognized recreation area, this legislation will enhance conservation efforts on the water and throughout the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed. I wholeheartedly support Senator Van Hollen’s reintroduction of this bill and look forward to seeing its positive impact on the bay and beyond,” said Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater.
“The collaborative approach to the Chesapeake National Recreation Area initiative is important and essential to its purpose. By uniting the efforts of the National Park Service, states, and local communities, this bill empowers us to best utilize our shared natural resources while safeguarding the Chesapeake Bay’s fragile ecosystem. Moreover, by embracing and celebrating the diversity of the communities that call the Bay home, we are laying the groundwork for an inclusive approach to conservation—one that not only protects our environment but also honors the unique cultural heritage of our region. I wholeheartedly support this federal effort, confident that it will deliver lasting benefits for both our natural landscape and our people,” said Charles County Commissioner President Reuben Collins.
“The Maryland Chamber of Commerce is proud to once again support the Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act. The Chesapeake Bay is a cornerstone of Maryland’s identity and economy, and this legislation represents a smart investment in our state’s future. By enhancing public access, celebrating the region’s heritage, and fostering partnerships to preserve key sites, this initiative will strengthen tourism, support small businesses, and protect one of our most cherished natural assets for generations to come,” said Mary D. Kane, President & CEO of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce.
“Serving the entire eastern shore of Maryland, the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes that creating the Chesapeake National Recreation Area will be an economic boom to communities, businesses and the citizens of Maryland and the entire Country. The creation of the CNRA is long overdue as this region owns a significant piece of United States history, culture, and our economy,” said William Chambers, President & CEO of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce.
“The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) writes to express our support for the proposed Chesapeake National Recreation Area (CNRA) as part of the National Park System. The Chesapeake National Recreation Area designation achieves multiple policy goals of ecological stewardship, historic and cultural preservation, economic development, and equity. AAEDC appreciates and supports your efforts to deliver resources to one of Anne Arundel’s key economic assets and create a regional amenity that the public can enjoy and celebrate,” said Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation President & CEO Amy Gowan.
It is also supported by the Chesapeake Bay Commission, Wicomico County Council District 4 Josh Hastings, Greater Salisbury Committee, and Somerset County Economic Development.
The CNRA Act is also endorsed by a wide array of stakeholders spanning environmental and historical preservation groups, racial justice advocates, outdoor recreation groups, and many more. Endorsers are the Beach to Bay Heritage Area, Blacks of the Chesapeake, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Chesapeake Conservancy, Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating, Choose Clean Water Coalition, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, Conservation Fund, Hispanic Access Foundation, Latino Outdoors, Maryland League of Conservation Voters, Mathews Land Conservancy, National Aquarium, National Parks Conservation Association, Preservation Maryland, Susquehannock Wildlife Society, and United States Lighthouse Society, Chesapeake Chapter.
“For more than 30 years, the idea of a national park unit dedicated to the Chesapeake Bay has inspired advocates and communities alike. That dream came closer than ever in the 118th Congress, passing the Senate before time ran out in the House,” said Chesapeake Conservancy Interim President and CEO EJ Amyot. “We are grateful to Senator Van Hollen for continuing the momentum by reintroducing the Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act, and we look forward to working with him, Senators Alsobrooks, Kaine, and Warner, and the bipartisan Chesapeake Bay congressional delegation. This landmark legislation will honor the Bay’s rich history, expand public access and ensure that all who live, work and visit here can continue to cherish and protect this national treasure for generations to come.”
“The waters of the Chesapeake Bay are the lifeblood of so many communities up and down the East Coast. The Bay sustains life for beautiful, unique ecosystems and is home to thousands of years of vital history. There is only one Chesapeake Bay, and it deserves nothing less than to be preserved for generations to come. The Chesapeake National Recreation Area will protect key areas and improve public access to the Bay’s beautiful waters, igniting economic growth throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. We are grateful to Senator Van Hollen for his many years of leadership on Chesapeake Bay issues, culminating in the re-introduction of this impactful legislation to establish the Chesapeake National Recreation Area,” said Theresa Pierno, President and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association.
“At a time when our national parks are under assault, we wholeheartedly support the creation of a Chesapeake National Recreation Area. By enhancing and expanding public access to the Bay, the CNRA will help introduce this national treasure to future generations,” said Kristin Reilly, Director of the Choose Clean Water Coalition. “We thank Senator Van Hollen for his leadership and look forward to working with all members of the Chesapeake Bay watershed’s congressional delegation to pass this legislation.”
“Maryland League of Conservation Voters recognizes that making the Chesapeake Bay accessible to more people is integral in inspiring support for its protection and long term viability. We support the establishment of this new national recreation area as an opportunity to provide greater access to the Bay and education about its place as an invaluable resource for this region. We look forward to working with you to ensure that the Chesapeake is recognized for its natural and historic significance by inclusion in the National Park System,” said Maryland League of Conservation Voters Executive Director Kim Coble.
“As we approach the 250th anniversary of the founding of the nation, there is no better time to establish the Chesapeake National Recreation Area, an endeavor that will help to restore, interpret, and revitalize our region’s unparalleled history and historic communities,” said Nicholas Redding, President & CEO of Preservation at Preservation Maryland. “Maryland America’s story was written in the brackish waters of the bay and this new designation will affirm that story’s national significance.”
“The Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries provide an essential role for millions in and outside the watershed for recreation and sustenance. The Chesapeake National Recreation Area would cement that role and protect the resources for our children and grandchildren. The Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse has been a beacon of light for the past 150 years,” said John Potvin, Board Member of the Chesapeake Chapter of the United States Lighthouse Society and Lighthouse Manager at the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse. “We are strongly in favor of the CNRA and believe passage of this bill will foster consistent stewardship of the estuary. I can’t emphasize enough our support for enacting the CNRA.”
“We applaud Senator Chris Van Hollen for his leadership toward designating a Chesapeake National Recreation Area,” said National Aquarium Chief Mission Officer Jennifer Driban. “The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure, and this designation will formally recognize the significance of our nation’s largest estuary, catalyze increased investment that supports recreation and conservation, and foster better public access and connection across the diverse landscapes and communities of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. We appreciate and support the specific focus on expanding recreational opportunities and ensuring communities are centered throughout the effort.”
“Establishing the CNRA will allow all stories of the watershed, its citizens, and its history to be shared with visitors from across the world. The creation of the CNRA will enhance public understanding of the Bay at participating National Park Service sites and partner sites to tell the story of the outstanding, remarkable, and nationally significant resources of the Bay watershed,” said DeeDee Strum, Interim CEO at Blacks of the Chesapeake.
“The Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act is so important to the Eastern Shore of Maryland. We are a place of incomparable landscapes, storied spiritual history and a culture defined by water. Maryland’s Eastern Shore ranked on National Geographic’s list of ‘must’ places to visit. Let’s continue to keep this place special and preserve the very reason why visitors love coming here,” said Lisa Challenger, Executive Director at the Beach to Bay Heritage Area.
“Hispanic Access Foundation strongly supports Senator Van Hollen’s reintroduction of the Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act. Establishing this national park ensures greater access for all to outdoor recreation and helps preserve the Chesapeake’s natural and cultural heritage,” said Maite Arce, President & CEO at the Hispanic Access Foundation. “We appreciate Senator Van Hollen’s continued leadership on this important initiative.”
“Protecting the lands that benefit both our local communities and our wildlife is one of the most important actions we can take for the Chesapeake. This watershed has been a sacred and life-giving place with a bounty of resources that have served countless inhabitants for millennia,” said Scott McDaniel, Co-Founder and President of Susquehannock Wildlife Society. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate and tell its story in the way that only our world class National Park Service can provide. In creating this National Recreation Area we can connect our existing special places, create more access, and conserve priceless habitats and species, all while sharing why the Bay is one of the world’s greatest treasures. Now is the time for us all to come together to bring this vision to life.”
“The Chesapeake Bay is a National Treasure worthy of restoration, conservation, and protection for an array of scientific and recreational activities,” said Stan Grice, Director at the Mathews Land Conservancy. “The Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act will create improved opportunities for waterfront public access while advancing conservation efforts in the Bay.”
“Our beautiful Chesapeake Bay is one of the most desirable recreational waters in the world and our guests with disabilities, wounded warriors, and children from underserved communities benefit greatly from the therapeutic experience of sailing and boating on it,” said Paul Bollinger Jr, President & CEO of Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB). “Everyone at CRAB applauds and fully supports Senator Van Hollen’s efforts to increase public access to the Chesapeake Bay.”
“Establishing the Chesapeake National Recreation Area (CNRA) will allow the stories of the watershed, its citizens, and its history to be shared with visitors from across the world. The creation of the CNRA will enhance public understanding of the Bay at participating National Park Service sites and partner sites to tell the story of the outstanding, remarkable, and nationally significant resources of the Bay watershed,” said Emily Thompson, Executive Director of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks.
“Those of us who live and work in this region know that the Chesapeake Bay watershed is a natural wonder fully deserving of national park status. Latino Outdoors strongly support the goals of the new recreation area to recognize the Chesapeake’s national significance, conserve and interpret these resources, expand public access, enhance tourism and local economies, engage watershed communities, promote diversity and equity, improve water quality, and advance the conservation goals of the Chesapeake Bay Program and the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network,” said Albert Arevalo, Program Coordinator at Latino Outdoors.
“Creating a Chesapeake National Recreation Area (CNRA) is an idea whose time has come. Our region’s history is as diverse as its people. Yet many of their stories and contributions, particularly those of people of color, are not well known or appreciated. The CNRA would help elevate those untold stories, share them with more people, and foster a sense of collective responsibility for this national treasure. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation thanks Sen. Van Hollen for his leadership on this important legislation. We are proud to support this effort,” said Annabelle Harvey, Federal Policy Coordinator at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
“The Chesapeake is an American icon that enriches all of our lives. The Chesapeake National Recreation Area will preserve access to this magnificent setting and its tremendous resources, and I applaud U.S. Senator Van Hollen and the rest of the Bay’s Congressional Delegation’s leadership for putting together a well-crafted proposal that provides public access and supports the region’s recreation economy,” said The Conservation Fund President & CEO Larry Selzer.
Further Background on the Initiative to Establish a CNRA:
The concept of the Chesapeake National Recreation Area has been discussed as far back as the 1980s, spurred by an op-ed in the Capital Gazette and work by Anne Arundel County Executive Jim Lighthizer and followed in the 1990s by the efforts of Senator Paul Sarbanes. Driven by Senator Sarbanes, in 2004, the National Park Service (NPS) released a special resource study which found that the Chesapeake Bay is ‘unquestionably nationally significant and a major part of the nation’s heritage.” Shortly after his election to the Senate, Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Sarbanes began discussing the possibility of a designated Chesapeake National Recreation Area. In 2019, the lawmakers began working on the effort requesting drafting service from NPS to pursue a national recreation area designation for the Chesapeake Bay. The effort has garnered widespread bipartisan support, and in 2020, then-Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and then-Virginia Governor Ralph Northam shared their backing of the concept in letters to Congress. Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Sarbanes continued to pursue the effort, and in 2021 formally announced a Working Group to foster further discussion with stakeholders and community members on the project. Then in June 2022, the lawmakers released a set of guiding principles to serve as a foundation for the draft proposal, followed by a discussion draft bill for public comment in November 2022. The introduction of bipartisan, bicameral legislation for the first time in July 2023 was the next significant milestone in this historic process. In November 2024, the legislation passed out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee with unanimous, bipartisan support and, in turn, the bill passed on the Senate floor with unanimous support a month later.
