Protected Lands

The human population in the Chesapeake Bay watershed continues to grow. The development and land conversion this growth implies are among the top stressors the Bay ecosystem will face, and are threats to its restoration and protection. One way to combat the loss of forests, wetlands and other habitats is to permanently protect these lands from development.

• Read the Management Strategy (pdf)
• Download the 2018-2019 Protected Lands Work Plan (pdf)

Outcome(s)

Protected Lands By 2025, protect an additional two million acres of lands throughout the watershed—currently identified as high-conservation priorities at the federal, state or local level—including 225,000 acres of wetlands and 695,000 acres of forest land of highest value for maintaining water quality.

Lead Goal Implementation Team(s)

Fostering Chesapeake Stewardship Goal Implementation Team (GIT 5)