Publications

The Chesapeake Executive Council Director No. 24-1 established the Chesapeake Bay Program's Agricultural Advisory Committee. The intent of this committee is to facilitate greater engagement of the agricultural sector in the policy development conversations of the Chesapeake Bay Program and serve as a voice for producers to Chesapeake Bay Program leadership by providing high-level policy recommendations to the Chesapeake Executive Council, Principals’ Staff Committee and Management Board. Reciprocally, Advisory Committee members will also help to inform their agricultural networks on the goals and progress of the partnership.

Download publication‍

On December 10, 2024, the Chesapeake Executive Council made a charge to the Principals' Staff Committee to complete revisions to the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement and develop a simplified and streamlined structure and process for the partnership. The charge celebrated the progress made toward the current Watershed Agreement and recognized that the signatories of the Agreement share a vision of a healthy and resilient Bay and watershed.

Download publication‍

Adopted by Chesapeake Executive Council at its October 11, 2022 meeting, this directive charges the Principals' Staff Committee (PSC) in recommending a critical path forward that prioritizes and outlines the next steps for meeting the goals and outcomes of the Watershed Agreement leading up to and beyond 2025. It directs the PSC to report back to the Executive Council at its 2023 annual meeting with recommendations on how to best address and integrate new science and restoration strategies leading up to 2025. It also directs the PSC to report back at the Executive Council's 2024 annual meeting with recommendations that continue to address new advances in science and restoration, along with a focus on our partnership for going beyond 2025.

Download publication‍

In alignment with mission, applicable law and budget constraints, the U.S. federal government will work together to implement the Chesapeake Executive Council Directive No. 21-1 Collective Action for Climate Change. This collective Commitment to Implement by federal agencies reflects our resolve to minimize the adverse effects of climate change on the Chesapeake Bay watershed and its habitats, and to do our part, as appropriate to our missions, to implement the Directive.

Download publication‍

In November 2008, the Chesapeake Executive Council issued the Directive: Leading the Nation in Development of a Sustainable Next-Generation Biofuels Industry (08-1). This directive adopts the findings of the Report: Next Generation Biofuels--Taking the Policy Lead for the Nation through the following actions:

1. Implementation of the Biofuel Action Plans which address the state and regional recommendations as presented in the Report.
2. In 2009, the jurisdictions will develop a regional next-generation Biofuels production goal that includes a plan for market and facility development along with best management practices implementation necessary to support an environmentally sustainable biofuels feedstock.
3. Reconvening of the Biofuels Advisory Panel during 2009.

Download publication‍

The restoration of water quality and living resources is the principal goal of the Chesapeake Bay Program. Through the cooperative efforts of the Bay Program partners, we have endeavored to strengthen and coordinate our actions to protect our living resources, ensure clean and healthy water, minimize the impacts of land use and development, provide environmental education, allow for public access to the Bay and its tributaries and encourage public participation in the restoration campaign.

Download publication‍

Overview of local governments' role in the Chesapeake Bay Program within the range of program activities that depend on local action and support.

Download publication‍

This Directive addresses historical habitats in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the need to accelerate efforts to restore habitat across the basin to benefit living resources and directs the Bay Program to implement an integrated and comprehensive approach.

Download publication‍

Overview of the conditions that will reduce nutrients entering the Bay at a level 40% less than they were in 1985, even in the face of increased population and development.

Download publication‍

Overview of the conditions planned to achieve a net gain in submerged aquatic vegetation distribution abundance and species diversity in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries over present populations.

Download publication‍