Chesapeake Bay proposed as a National Recreation Area
MARYLAND – Legislation is in the works to establish a Chesapeake National Recreation Area. Local organizations believe doing this will create a more inclusive and recognizable history.
“The Chesapeake Bay is a national and natural treasure. Make sure that we protect it for generations to come, but also it will help preserve a healthy bay which preserves a healthy bay economy and it will improve and give a boost to the folks that make their livelihood of the Chesapeake Bay,” Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen said.
The goal is to start with 4 historical markers filled with information highlighting the stories of the Chesapeake Bay that officials say often go untold. “People of color if they are portrayed it’s been crab pickers or oyster shuckers and no other attributes. What we have done is written books, curriculum guides, produced and been featured in documentary films,” said Vincent Leggett, the Founder and President of Blacks of the Chesapeake.
He says African Americans have to be a part of the Chesapeake Bay’s history as they too are impacted by local issues. “Those voices in those communities need to be inside the tent sharing their concerns. Specifically on the Eastern Shore definitely, climate change and sea level rise is real because we’re on the water’s edge,” Leggett explained.
For those who spend their lives on the water, Senator Chris Van Hollen says this will not interfere with their current rules. “This in no way undermines state regulations, it doesn’t give the federal government any more control over fishing regulations or anything else, it preserves state control in that way,” Senator Van Hollen said.
If this legislation passes, it could bring a boom to the local economy. “Bring more federal resources to protect the bay but it would also bring more visitors and tourists to Maryland and to the bay areas so that will help local businesses,” Senator Van Hollen said.
Senator Van Hollen doesn’t know when the bill will pass, however, he is hopeful the bill will be a success with the current bipartisan support.
You can find more information on the proposed legislation on Van Hollens’ website.
