Protected Lands in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

<p><b><i>This data resource is a layer in a map service. To download it, please go to the &quot;Layers&quot; section of this page and click the name of the dataset. This will open a new page that features a download button.</i></b></p> <p><b>Open the Map Service:</b> <a href='https://gis.chesapeakebay.net/ags/rest/services/ChesapeakeProgress/cpProtectedLands_2024/MapServer' rel='nofollow ugc'>https://gis.chesapeakebay.net/ags/rest/services/ChesapeakeProgress/cpProtectedLands_2024/MapServer</a></p> <p>The Protected Lands Indicator is a key metric within the Chesapeake Bay Program that tracks the cumulative acreage of lands permanently protected from development across the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These lands are conserved through mechanisms such as conservation easements, fee simple acquisitions, and other legal instruments that ensure perpetual protection for ecological, cultural, historical, or agricultural purposes. The indicator supports the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement’s goal to protect an additional two million acres by 2025, contributing to water quality, habitat conservation, climate resilience, and public access.</p> <p>Data for the indicator are compiled via data calls from the protected lands work group. Jurisdictions through the bay provide data and feedback to the indicator.</p>