Approved Revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement

Chesapeake Bay Partnership Executive Council Approves Revised Watershed Agreement

If you missed it, the Chesapeake Bay Partnership’s Executive Council convened for its annual meeting on December 2, 2025, at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland. The meeting resulted in three major actions that will help shape the future of Chesapeake Bay restoration and partnership efforts.

First, the Executive Council formally approved a revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. The updated agreement streamlines the Partnership’s framework into four overarching goals: Clean Water, Healthy Landscapes, Engaged Communities, and Thriving Habitat, Fisheries, and Wildlife. Together, these goals are supported by 21 outcomes that reflect the commitments of watershed partners to advance restoration, conservation, and protection efforts across the Bay.

Second, the Executive Council unanimously elected Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as Chair. This marks the first time in 20 years that Pennsylvania has held the Chair position, underscoring the state’s renewed leadership role within the Chesapeake Bay Partnership.

Finally, the Council issued a formal charge to the Principals’ Staff Committee to develop recommendations on how federally recognized tribal nations within the watershed can be more fully integrated into the Partnership’s work. The Committee is expected to deliver its recommendations by July 1, 2026, signaling an important step toward more collaborative watershed governance.

(Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)