Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act of 2025

This bill would create the Chesapeake National Recreation Area in Maryland and Virginia as part of the National Park System. It aims to protect the Bay’s natural, cultural, historic, and recreational places and improve public access. The area becomes official once enough land is gathered to run it well, and then the public is notified.

Land for the park can come from willing sellers, donations, exchanges, or transfers from other federal agencies. The government cannot take land by condemnation, and state or local land can be added only if donated. The Interior Department would run the area, work with the Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Bay Program, and may place the headquarters at the National Park Service’s Chesapeake Bay Office. This bill does not change fishing rules, shellfish farming, navigation, or state authority over fish and wildlife.

Key points

• Planning: Within three years after funding is available, a management plan must be written with input from partners. It should consider visitor facilities in Annapolis and near Fort Monroe and look for ways to reduce park‑related traffic in nearby neighborhoods.
• Advisory Commission: Created within 180 days of enactment, a 19‑member commission from Maryland and Virginia, plus the Chesapeake Bay Commission, will advise on the plan and future sites. Members serve three‑year terms, are unpaid (travel costs covered), and the commission ends after seven years.
• Fort Monroe: After cleanup, part of Fort Monroe’s North Beach area can be transferred from the Army to Interior and added to the recreation area; the monument’s boundary would be adjusted.
• Where: Boundaries will follow sites shown on a map kept by the National Park Service.
• Partnerships: Interior can partner with states, local governments, nonprofits, and individuals to restore and share important Bay places, with reasonable public access.
• Land limits: Up to 10 acres outside the boundary may be acquired for offices or visitor services.