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Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act

1/14/2025, 5:11 PM

Summary of Bill S 2620

Bill 118 s 2620, also known as the Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to establish the Chesapeake National Recreation Area in the state of Maryland. This area would be designated for recreational use and conservation efforts, with the goal of preserving the natural beauty and resources of the Chesapeake Bay region.

The bill outlines the boundaries of the recreation area, which would encompass a significant portion of land along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. It also specifies the types of activities that would be allowed within the recreation area, such as hiking, fishing, and boating. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the management and protection of the area, including measures to prevent pollution and preserve wildlife habitats.

If passed, the Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act would provide a valuable resource for residents and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay region, while also promoting conservation efforts to protect this important ecosystem. The bill has received bipartisan support in Congress, with lawmakers from both parties recognizing the importance of preserving and promoting the natural resources of the Chesapeake Bay.

Congressional Summary of S 2620

Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act

This bill establishes the Chesapeake National Recreation Area in Maryland and Virginia as a unit of the National Park System (NPS).

The Department of the Interior may acquire land and land-based resources within the recreation area boundaries by (1) donation, (2) purchase from a willing seller with donated or appropriated funds, (3) exchange, or (4) transfer from another federal agency.

Interior, in consultation with the Chesapeake Executive Council, must prepare a management plan for the recreation area as specified by the bill. Interior must also conduct transportation planning, in coordination with the Department of Transportation and state transportation agencies, to minimize traffic in the surrounding community. Additionally, Interior must establish an advisory board for the recreation area.

Finally, the bill directs NPS's Chesapeake Bay office to administer the Chesapeake Gateways and Watertrails Network in coordination with the recreation area.

Current Status of Bill S 2620

Bill S 2620 is currently in the status of Passed in Senate since December 18, 2024. Bill S 2620 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on July 27, 2023.  Bill S 2620's most recent activity was Held at the desk. as of December 19, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 2620

Total Number of Sponsors
12
Democrat Sponsors
12
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
6
Democrat Cosponsors
6
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 2620

Primary Policy Focus

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Potential Impact Areas

- Advisory bodies
- Chesapeake Bay
- Geography and mapping
- Land transfers
- Land use and conservation
- Maryland
- Parks, recreation areas, trails
- Public-private cooperation
- Virginia
- Watersheds

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 2620

Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act
Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act
A bill to establish the Chesapeake National Recreation Area as a unit of the National Park System, and for other purposes.
A bill to establish the Chesapeake National Recreation Area as a unit of the National Park System, and for other purposes.

Comments

Jax Fernandez profile image

Jax Fernandez

664

1 year ago

This bill good for nature, me like. More parks, more fun. #ChesapeakeAct