The Chesapeake Executive Council met on December 2 to formally sign the revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.
The revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement contains four interconnected goals with 21 measurable outcomes. The Goals articulate the desired high-level aspects of the partners’ vision while the Outcomes lay out benefits and results that directly contribute to the achievement of each Goal. The outcomes are measurable steps the partnership will work toward achieving with hopes of restoring, conserving and protecting the Bay.
The Executive Council heard from the partnership’s four advisory committees, which represent agricultural, local government, resident, and scientific and technical interests across the watershed. Notably, this was the first time the Agricultural Advisory Committee participated in an Executive Council meeting, having been established in December 2024.
The Executive Council also approved recommendations to streamline and simplify the partnership’s structure and governance. The Chesapeake Bay Program will implement these revisions and regularly report progress to the Principals’ Staff Committee for their final approval expected by July 1, 2026.
The Chesapeake Bay is vitally important to the Commonwealth of Virginia and plays a vital role in the economies and character of many of its counties. VACo is a longstanding and proud supporter of efforts that continue to restore and protect the Bay. VACo would like to thank Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources, Stefanie Taillon, staff with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and everyone within the Local Government Advisory Committee for their work regarding the Revised Agreement and listening to input from VACo.
In 2040, the partnership will come together to formally assess the progress made and amend this agreement to ensure work reflects the shared Vision.
VACo Contact: James Hutzler