The largest estuary in North America, the Chesapeake Bay watershed encompasses 64,000 square miles including six states and the District of Columbia—it’s a thriving ecosystem that has sustained Native peoples for centuries and played a pivotal role in American history. With its ecological and cultural significance, the Chesapeake has become a symbol of the delicate balance between human activity and nature.
Support the Proposed Chesapeake National Recreation Area
The Chesapeake Bay is worth inclusion in the National Park System to enhance public access and protection.
See more ›There are many national park units in the watershed, but none are dedicated to solely telling the powerful and unique story of the Bay, which is why NPCA and the Chesapeake Conservancy are leading efforts to establish the Chesapeake National Recreation Area (CNRA). Passage of legislation to establish this new national park unit would be a culminating achievement for the Bay’s restoration efforts—a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to safeguarding the Chesapeake Bay for generations to come.
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Blog Post
What a Federal Government Shutdown Means for National Parks
If Congress fails to pass a continuing resolution to extend federal funding by midnight tonight, the federal government will shut down.
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Press Release
National Parks and Communities Reeling from Numerous Disasters Face Uncertainty as Government Shutdown Nears
"The only way to fix this situation is for both parties in Congress to come together, do their job and get parks and communities the support they need, and…
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Blog Post
An Enormous, Wild Victory for Alaska
Tireless advocates stepped up in 2024 to defend the Brooks Range and America’s largest intact park landscape from the Ambler mining road — and they won
