Chesapeake Executive Council Publications
Chesapeake Executive Council Charge to the Principals' Staff Committee: Tribes as a Formal and Enduring Partner in the Chesapeake Bay Program
Publication date:A charge from the Chesapeake Executive Council to the Principals' Staff Committee approved at their December 2, 2025 annual meeting to work with federally recognized tribal nations to develop recommendations by July 1, 2026, on how best to include tribes across the watershed in the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership.
In developing these recommendations, the Principals' Staff Committee will research relevant governance matters, including but not limited to partner responsibilities and expectations, pathways for designating and identifying partner representatives, and formal avenues for partnership, including signature on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.
The Principals' Staff Committee will also explore opportunities to elevate and respect Indigenous guardianship and knowledge within watershed restoration planning and implementation.
Directive No. 24-1: Establishment of a Chesapeake Bay Program Agricultural Advisory Committee
Publication date:This directive establishes a new advisory committee to facilitate greater engagement of the agricultural sector in the Chesapeake Bay Program.
Charge to the Principals' Staff Committee: Charting a Course Beyond 2025
Publication date:This charge directs the Principals' Staff Committee to revise the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement and recommend a simplified and streamlined structure and process for the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership.
Charge to the Principals' Staff Committee: Charting a Course to 2025 and Beyond
Publication date:This charge directs the Principals' Staff Committee to recommend a path for meeting the goals and outcomes of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement leading up to and beyond 2025.
Statement in Support of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
Publication date:This statement affirms the Chesapeake Bay Program's commitment to embrace diversity, equity, inclusion and justice.
View document [PDF, 444.3 KB] Statement in Support of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
Resolution in Support of the Chesapeake Bay Program Partnership
Publication date:This resolution calls upon the President and United States Congress to continue federal support for the Chesapeake Bay Program.
View document [PDF, 635.5 KB] Resolution in Support of the Chesapeake Bay Program Partnership
Resolution to Support Local Government Engagement
Publication date:This resolution commends local governments, commits the Chesapeake Executive Council to advocate for clean water and raise awareness about the benefits of investing in watershed protection and restoration efforts, and directs the Principals’ Staff Committee to seek increased funding and investment for local conservation and restoration activities.
View document [PDF, 150.3 KB] Resolution to Support Local Government Engagement
Directive 08-1: Leading the Nation in Development of a Sustainable Next-Generation Biofuels Industry
Publication date:This directive adopts the findings of the Next-Generation Biofuels report and commits the Chesapeake Bay Program to leading the nation in next-generation biofuels policy.
Protecting the Forests of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed: A Response to Directive 06-1
Publication date:This response to Directive 06-1 identifies specific actions the Chesapeake Bay Program will take to conserve and restore forests in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Directive 06-1: Protecting the Forests of the Chesapeake Watershed
Publication date:This directive commits the Chesapeake Bay Program to developing a forest conservation goal, using the best available tools to identify critical conservation areas and identifying innovative strategies to ensure the protection of these important forest lands, slow forest loss and enhance needed stewardship.
View document [PDF, 98.5 KB] Directive 06-1: Protecting the Forests of the Chesapeake Watershed