The Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the U.S., could become a part of the nation’s park system, potentially bringing in more federal resources, expanding public access, and bolstering conservation efforts.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.) introduced draft legislation on Monday that would create a unified Chesapeake National Recreation Area — essentially, linking key sites around the Bay under the coordinated brand of the Park Service. This will, the lawmakers hope, boost tourism, uplift the historical and cultural significance of the Chesapeake, and help water conservancy, as pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction threaten the Bay’s wildlife. While the state would maintain fishing and water-use regulations, the National Park Service could absorb certain properties, increasing public access to the shoreline, which is 90% privately owned.

“We all know that the Chesapeake Bay is a natural treasure and a national teasure,” Sarbanes said during a press conference announcing the proposal on Monday. “Having the opportunity for the park service to create a unit that lifts up the bay is something we don’t want to miss.” 

Van Hollen and Sarbanes released a draft of the legislation on Monday, and will accept public comment on the initiative for 90 days. A final version of the bill will be introduced in the next legislative session, starting in 2023.

“We want to ensure that this legislation, when it’s introduced, really reflects the values, priorities, and vision of the Chesapeake Bay,” said Joel Dunn, the president of the Chesapeake Conservancy.

Van Hollen and Sarbanes formed a working group to explore the possibility of a National Park Service designation in March 2021 — a coalition of regional lawmakers and different stakeholders. Earlier this year, the group released a set of “guiding principles” to shape the drafted legislation, with goals outlined to increase tourism, highlight the history of Indigenous people and the enslaved or freed Black Marylander, and enhance the restoration efforts of the Chesapeake Bay Agreement. The guiding principles also include an emphasis on the “opt-in” nature of the recreational area designation, meaning certain sites along the shoreline may choose to not be included. The proposed sites for the designation currently include Burtis House, Whitehall Manor, Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, and Fort Monroe’s North Beach.

The push to nationally recognize the Chesapeake Bay dates back decades, to an op-ed in the Capital Gazette in the 1980s written by former Anne Arundel County Executive James Lighthizer. Former General Assembly member, retired U.S. senator, and father of Rep. John Sarbanes, Paul Sarbanes, was also heavily involved in the Chesapeake’s conservancy efforts during his career, and working with the NPS’ Chesapeake Gateways and Watetrails Program.

“It’s really been a part of the fabric of the effort to protect and restore the bay,” said Dunn. “Now it’s coming into fruition. The idea is: let’s create a national park that allows visitors to experience the wonders, the magic of the Chesapeake Bay, and engenders a sense of appreciation, so they fight to protect it.”

This post was updated to include the proposed sites.