What does Preamble of Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act of 2025 do?

This bill is formally titled 'To establish the Chesapeake National Recreation Area as a unit of the National Park System, and for other purposes.' The bill aims to establish the Chesapeake National Recreation Area as a unit of the National Park System.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act of 2025 do?

This bill is formally titled the Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act of 2025.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act of 2025 do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. The 'Advisory Commission' refers to the Chesapeake National Recreation Area Advisory Commission established under section 9(a). The 'Bay' is defined as the Chesapeake Bay, including its tidal tributaries, in Maryland and Virginia. The 'Bay Program' is the Chesapeake Bay Program authorized under section 117 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The 'Chesapeake Gateways' refers to the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network authorized under the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998. The 'Map' is specifically the map entitled 'Chesapeake National Recreation Area Proposed Boundary', numbered P99/189631, and dated June 2023. The 'National Recreation Area' is the Chesapeake National Recreation Area established by section 3(a). The 'Secretary' refers to the Secretary of the Interior. A 'youth representative' on the Advisory Commission must be under 22 at the time of appointment and represent the interests of children and young adults.

What does ESTABLISHMENT AND BOUNDARIES OF CHESAPEAKE NATIONAL RECREATION of Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes the Chesapeake National Recreation Area in Maryland and Virginia as a unit of the National Park System. The Recreation Area's purpose is to preserve, protect, interpret, and provide public enjoyment and access to natural, cultural, historic, and recreational resources related to the Bay and surrounding areas. The Recreation Area will not be formally established until the Secretary determines sufficient land or interests in land have been acquired. The boundary of the Recreation Area will include any land acquired by the Secretary, as depicted on a Map. The Map will be available for public inspection at National Park Service offices. The boundary of Fort Monroe National Monument will be revised to exclude the North Beach area upon the Secretary's determination that the land has been remediated and is appropriate for inclusion in the Recreation Area. Administrative jurisdiction over the land within Fort Monroe National Monument will be transferred from the Secretary of the Army to the Secretary. Until the transfer of jurisdiction, the Secretary of the Army will continue to administer the land according to a memorandum of agreement. References to the land within Fort Monroe National Monument will be considered references to the Chesapeake National Recreation Area.

What does ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR THE CHESAPEAKE NATIONAL RECREATION of Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act of 2025 do?

This section outlines methods for acquiring land for the Chesapeake National Recreation Area. The Secretary is authorized to acquire land or interests in land through donation, purchase from willing sellers, exchange, or transfer from another federal agency, subject to subsection (c). The Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory Commission, may identify and assess potential additional sites near or adjacent to the Bay for inclusion in the Recreation Area. Sites identified may be assessed for appropriateness and compliance with National Park Service criteria. Land or interests in land owned by a State or political subdivision may only be acquired by donation. Acquisition of land for the National Recreation Area is prohibited through condemnation.

What does ADMINISTRATION. of Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act of 2025 do?

The Secretary is responsible for administering the National Recreation Area according to this section and general laws applicable to units of the National Park System. The Secretary may locate the headquarters of the National Recreation Area at the Chesapeake Bay Office of the National Park Service to facilitate coordination. The Secretary may acquire up to 10 acres outside the National Recreation Area boundary for administrative, interpretive, and visitor service purposes. This Act does not affect existing authority regarding navigation, commercial or recreational fishing, or shellfish aquaculture in the Chesapeake Bay. This Act does not alter a State's jurisdiction, including fish and wildlife management. The Secretary must coordinate the management of the National Recreation Area with the Chesapeake Gateways and the Bay Program. The Secretary should coordinate with National Park System units to interpret and enhance public understanding of the Bay's resources.

What does AGREEMENTS. of Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act of 2025 do?

This section authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with various entities. These agreements pertain to the interpretation and restoration of nationally significant historic, cultural, or recreational resources relating to the Bay. The agreements must provide for reasonable public access to the covered resources.

What does CHESAPEAKE GATEWAYS. of Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes the Chesapeake Gateways program. The Secretary will administer the Chesapeake Gateways in coordination with the National Recreation Area. Section 502(c) of the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998 is amended to allow for appropriation of necessary sums to carry out the section. This section clarifies that eligibility criteria developed under section 502(b)(2) of the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998 remain unchanged.

What does MANAGEMENT PLAN. of Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act of 2025 do?

This section outlines the requirements for a management plan for the National Recreation Area. The Secretary must prepare the management plan within three years of funds becoming available. The Secretary must consult with the Chesapeake Executive Council and the Advisory Commission during plan preparation. The plan must be prepared in accordance with section 100502 of title 54, United States Code. The Secretary should consider including visitor facilities in Annapolis, Maryland, and in or near Fort Monroe. The Secretary should seek to minimize park-related traffic impacts on nearby communities through transportation planning.

What does CHESAPEAKE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA ADVISORY COMMISSION. of Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes the Chesapeake National Recreation Area Advisory Commission within 180 days of the Act's enactment. The Advisory Commission's duties include recommending management plan development to the Secretary and suggesting properties for potential addition to the National Recreation Area. The Commission is composed of 19 members, with 9 appointed from Maryland and 9 from Virginia, including representatives from various sectors like environmental, fishing, agricultural, and tribal communities. Maryland appointments must include individuals with expertise in environmental, recreational, cultural, or historic resources, education, or interpretation, as well as a youth representative. Virginia appointments have similar requirements, including representation from commercial fishing, agricultural, and tribal interests, and a youth representative. The Commission is subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, except for section 1013(b). Members serve 3-year terms and may be reappointed. The Commission will elect a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson annually. The Advisory Commission shall terminate 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.

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Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act of 2025

Last updated: 4/10/2025 · Introduced: 4/10/2025

Author: Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes the Chesapeake National Recreation Area as a unit of the National Park System, encompassing land in Maryland and Virginia related to the Chesapeake Bay.
The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to acquire land or interests in land for the Recreation Area through donation or purchase from willing sellers, but condemnation is prohibited.
The bill requires the Secretary to develop a management plan for the Recreation Area within three years of funding availability, consulting with relevant councils and an established advisory commission.
A Chesapeake National Recreation Area Advisory Commission will be created, composed of 19 members representing various sectors and providing recommendations on management and potential additions to the Recreation Area.
The bill clarifies that existing authorities regarding navigation, fishing, and shellfish aquaculture in the Chesapeake Bay, as well as state jurisdiction over fish and wildlife management, will remain unchanged.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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