Chesapeake National Recreation Area a Win for Public Access

(ANNAPOLIS, MD)—Today, the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate each introduced the Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act which would create a Chesapeake National Recreation Area (CNRA). The CNRA would designate a collection of new and existing parks and protected lands throughout the Chesapeake Bay region as part of the National Park System. In response, Choose Clean Water Coalition Acting Director Mariah Davis issued the following statement:

"After several years of planning, we are thrilled to see legislation introduced that would create the Chesapeake National Recreation Area. The CRNA would increase diverse public access to the iconic Chesapeake Bay and its many rivers and streams, strengthening the culture of stewardship across the region.

"Promoting and expanding public access to this national treasure is critical to meeting our clean water goals. Future generations cannot save what they don't know. Crucially, including the Chesapeake region as a new unit of the National Park System will create opportunities to expand recreational access to water in underserved communities throughout the region and commemorate the rich culture and contributions of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color that have lacked recognition throughout history.

"We want to thank Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD) for their leadership on the CNRA. We look forward to working with all members of the Chesapeake Bay watershed's congressional delegation to pass this legislation."

The Choose Clean Water Coalition is an organization that harnesses the collective power of more than 280 local, state, regional and national groups to advocate for clean rivers and streams in all communities in the Chesapeake region.

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Media Contact:
Drew Robinson
443-927-8049
RobinsonAQ@nwf.org