Governance and Management Framework for the Chesapeake Bay Program
This document describes the organizational structure for the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership, as well as its accountability practices, public meeting and decision-making procedures, and adaptive management framework.
Description
This document describes the organizational function and governance for the Chesapeake Bay Program in advancing Bay restoration, conservation and protection through the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, signed in 2014 and revised in 2025. It documents the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership's organizational structure, as well as its accountability practices, public meeting and decision-making procedures, and adaptive management framework. For each group within the partnership's structure, it describes roles and responsibilities, leadership and membership, and other operational details.
The policies and practices describes within this document apply to participants in the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership. As the Chesapeake Bay Program has embraced an adaptive management approach, its structure and governance will change and evolve over time, and revisions to this document will be made periodically or as needed. Version 6.0 was approved by the Principals' Staff Committee on June 30, 2026.