Bill Proposes Chesapeake National Recreation Area: Aims for More Bay Access Without Forced Land Sales

This bill lays the groundwork to establish the Chesapeake National Recreation Area (CNRA) in Maryland and Virginia, bringing parts of the iconic Bay into the National Park System. The core idea is to protect the Bay's natural beauty, history, and cultural spots while boosting public access for recreation. The exact boundaries aren't set in stone yet; they'll depend on which lands, depicted on a specific map (numbered P99189631, dated June 2023), are eventually acquired by the Secretary of the Interior. The green light for the official establishment comes once enough land is secured to make it a manageable park unit.

What's Changing on the Map?

The big news for landowners is how the land gets acquired: the bill explicitly allows acquiring land or interests only through donation, purchase from willing sellers using donated or appropriated funds, exchange, or transfer from other federal agencies (Section 4). Crucially, it prohibits using condemnation (eminent domain) to take land. Land from states or local governments can only be acquired via donation. The bill also adjusts the boundary of the Fort Monroe National Monument, transferring some already cleaned-up land from the Army to the new Recreation Area once ready, while excluding the North Beach area (Section 3). The Secretary, guided by an Advisory Commission, will also scout for other potential sites near the Bay that meet National Park Service criteria.

Who's Running the Show?

If established, the National Park Service (NPS) will manage the CNRA, applying the standard rules and regulations used across the National Park System (Section 5). Think preservation, visitor services, and resource management. To streamline efforts, the headquarters might be co-located with the existing NPS Chesapeake Bay Office, fostering collaboration with the Chesapeake Gateways network and the Chesapeake Bay Program. Importantly, the bill states it doesn't alter existing authorities for navigation, commercial or recreational fishing, or shellfish farming, nor does it interfere with state management of fish and wildlife (Section 5). The NPS can also enter agreements with states, local governments, non-profits, or individuals to help restore and interpret important sites, as long as the public gets reasonable access (Section 6).

Planning for People and Place

Within three years of funding becoming available, the Secretary must develop a comprehensive management plan (Section 8). This isn't just about trails and signs; the plan has to consider visitor facilities, specifically mentioning Annapolis, MD, and the area near Fort Monroe, VA. It also requires consulting with state and local governments to figure out how to minimize traffic jams in nearby communities – a practical nod to the reality of attracting more visitors. This plan will be developed with input from the Chesapeake Executive Council (part of the Bay Program) and a newly formed Advisory Commission.

Your Voice on the Bay? The Advisory Crew

A key feature is the creation of a 19-member Chesapeake National Recreation Area Advisory Commission within 180 days of the Act passing (Section 9). This group is designed to bring diverse perspectives to the table. Its members, appointed by the Secretary, will include representatives from Maryland and Virginia with expertise in the environment, recreation, culture, or history, plus members representing commercial fishing, agriculture, federally or State-recognized Indian Tribes associated with the Bay, and even a youth representative (under 22) from each state. The Governors of Maryland and Virginia will also recommend a member each, and the Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission gets a seat. This commission will advise the Secretary on the management plan and recommend potential new sites for the CNRA. It's set to operate for seven years, providing a structured way for local and specific interests to have input, though it serves in an advisory capacity only.