Chesapeake National Recreation Area

Summary#

This bill would create the Chesapeake National Recreation Area as a new unit of the National Park System in Maryland and Virginia. The park would not be established until the Secretary of the Interior determines enough land or land interests have been acquired to make a manageable unit. The park boundary would include sites shown on an official map filed with the National Park Service. The bill allows the Secretary to acquire land by donation, purchase from willing sellers, exchange, or transfer from other federal agencies, but not by condemnation. It also provides for transfer of certain land now associated with Fort Monroe from the Army to the Interior if that land is remediated and suitable for the recreation area. The Secretary would administer the recreation area under laws that govern other National Park Service units, coordinate with the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network and the Chesapeake Bay Program, and may locate headquarters at the National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Office. A management plan must be prepared within 3 years after funds are first made available for that purpose. The bill creates a 19-member Chesapeake National Recreation Area Advisory Commission with specified representation from Maryland, Virginia, tribal representatives, youth members, and the Chesapeake Bay Commission executive director. The commission would advise on the management plan and additional properties to study. The commission would terminate 7 years after enactment.

What it means for you#

• A new federally managed recreation area could protect and interpret natural, cultural, historic, and recreational resources around the Chesapeake Bay.
• The park would only be created after enough land is acquired, mostly from willing sellers or by donation. No land could be seized by condemnation.
• State authority over fish, wildlife, and shellfish aquaculture is not changed by this bill. Fishing rules and navigation authority remain governed by existing law.
• The management plan may consider visitor facilities in Annapolis and near Fort Monroe and must try to limit park-related traffic impacts.
• Local residents and stakeholders can be represented on the advisory commission, including youth and tribal representatives, and the commission may form committees for education, tourism, transportation, natural and cultural resources, and revenue activities.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on total costs or estimated budgetary impacts is included in the bill text. The bill amends language for Chesapeake Gateways to authorize appropriations "such sums as are necessary," but it does not specify dollar amounts. The bill allows land purchases using donated or appropriated funds, authorizes travel reimbursements for advisory commission members, and allows the Secretary to provide staff or technical assistance, but it does not provide cost estimates.

Proponents' View#

The bill states its purpose is to "preserve, protect, interpret, and provide for the public enjoyment of, and access to, the natural, cultural, historic, and recreational resources relating to the Bay and surrounding areas." It creates a management framework and advisory body to carry out those goals.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information on opposition or objections is included in the bill text.