Bill Introduced To Create Chesapeake National Recreation Area

Published Date

July 27, 2023

Legislation has been introduced in Congress to establish a Chesapeake National Recreation Area/Michael Weiss

Legislation has been introduced in Congress to establish Chesapeake National Recreation Area, a sprawling National Park System unit that would, if created, tie together new and existing sites and trails, according to its sponsors.

The Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act was introduced Thursday by U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen and U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes, both Maryland Democrats. They say the legislation would increase public access to the Chesapeake Bay and create a national park-worthy visitor experience for all to enjoy. Co-sponsors include Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mark Warner, and Tim Kaine (both D-Va.) and U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-Va.), Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.), Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.), Bobby Scott (D-Va.), David Trone (D-Md.), and Rob Wittman (R-Va.).

One year ago, a July 2022 public opinion poll showed profound support for National Park Service status for the Chesapeake, with 83 percent of Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., respondents in favor of establishing a Chesapeake National Recreation Area, a release from the Chesapeake Conservancy said. A congressional working group was formed in June 2022, and draft legislation was shared in November 2022. Hundreds of public comments were submitted.

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