Chesapeake Bay Program Adds 312 Public Access Sites to Bay Watershed
CHESAPEAKE BAY, Md.– The Chesapeake Bay Program announces it has exceeded its goal of opening 300 new docks, boat ramps, kayak launches and other sites that allow the public to access creeks, streams and rivers across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Included in the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, the partnership’s Public Access Site Development Outcome calls for 300 new public access sites to be added throughout the watershed by 2025, with a strong emphasis on providing opportunities for boating, swimming and fishing. In 2024, 27 new public access sites were added, bringing the total to 312 since 2010.
“In 2000, the idea of 300 new sites watershed-wide seemed daunting, so to see the goal achieved today is tremendously gratifying,” said Lisa Gutierrez, director of Public Access, Water Trails and Recreation Planning at Maryland Department of Natural Resources . “It is a good time to pause and think about all the people who worked toward this moment, the contributions they made and the years of planning, implementation and collaboration that is needed at every level. Achieving the goal of 300 new sites is tangible proof that, despite intense competition for funding and a host of other challenges, sustained commitment to the Bay Program and dedication to this shared goal resulted in expanded access to a national treasure for everyone.”
Providing access to the Bay and its tributaries has been a hallmark of the Chesapeake Bay Program’s work since it first appeared as a goal in the 1987 Chesapeake Bay Agreement. A report from the American Sportfishing Association shows that in 2022, over 2,525,000 anglers spent over $1.5 billion recreating in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, supporting an estimated 15,500 jobs and generating an economic impact of over $2 billion. Outdoor recreation and tourism in general generated an annual income of $14.3 billion watershed-wide in 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In addition to the economic impact, time spent outdoors has been shown to strengthen family bonds, nurture active, creative children and help people build personal connections with places in the region.
“The Hopewell Riverwalk became far more than a public amenity—it blossomed into a beloved landmark woven into the city’s identity,” said Jasmine Gore, former mayor of Hopewell, Virginia. “It unites neighborhoods and nurtures fellowship, health and joy. Families gather under gazebos by the waterfront, children chase fresh air through the park and anglers cast lines from the fishing pier, where photo sessions and memories oftentimes unfold. From its lush green spaces to its tranquil walkways, the Riverwalk stands as a symbol of connection—welcoming all walks of life to share, celebrate and thrive.”
Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania—which make up the bulk of the watershed and opportunities for new sites—have seen the biggest increases in access sites since 2010. Overall, there are 1,451 public access sites throughout the watershed: 652 in Maryland, 414 in Virginia, 230 in Pennsylvania, 77 in West Virginia, 40 in New York, 30 in the District of Columbia and eight in Delaware.
In addition to meeting the goal of 300 sites by 2025, Chesapeake Bay Program partners are working on improving the quality of new public access sites. Where feasible, partners are ensuring that there are ample parking spaces, amenities and multilingual signs to meet the needs of communities. Efforts will also be made to build upon existing access sites with new infrastructure.
The establishment of the region’s public access sites demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships and recreation initiatives at all levels of government and with non-governmental organizations. For example, of the 27 new sites opened in 2024, three are owned by the federal government, nine are owned by states, 12 are owned by local governments and four are owned by non-governmental organizations or private businesses.
“Public access to water is a high priority for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission,” said Mark McLaughlin, chief of Waterways and Marina Management with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. “Participation in the Public Access Work Group of the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Stewardship Goal Implementation Team has helped the Commonwealth increase the number of fishing and boating opportunities for residents and visitors, with nine new sites opening in 2023-2024. New access sites on the Susquehanna River and its tributaries serve as vital connections for local recreation and inspire people of all ages to connect to Chesapeake Bay watershed restoration efforts.”
Chesapeake Bay Program partners are now working to update and revise the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement to guide future restoration efforts. As increasing public access to open space and waterways creates a shared sense of responsibility to protect these important natural environments and engage communities, a revised Public Access Outcome is proposed to be included in the updated Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. The draft updated outcome includes targets for improving ADA/ABA accessibility, expanding access to urban green spaces, and maintaining and expanding existing public access sites.
The draft revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement is now available on the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Beyond 2025 webpage. Members of the public are encouraged to provide feedback to comments@chesapeakebay.net until September 1.
