Indicator: Protected Lands in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (2011-2024)

<p><strong>Access the Indicator Materials:</strong><br />- <a target="_blank" href="https://d18lev1ok5leia.cloudfront.net/chesapeakeprogress/chart-assets/protected-lands-by-jurisdiction/AM-2024-Protected-Lands-2025-09-18.pdf">Analysis &amp; Methods</a><br />- <a target="_blank" href="https://d18lev1ok5leia.cloudfront.net/chesapeakeprogress/chart-assets/protected-lands-by-jurisdiction/Data-2024-Protected-Lands.xlsx">Data File</a><br />- <a target="_blank" href="https://gis.chesapeakebay.net/ags/rest/services/ChesapeakeProgress/cpProtectedLands_2024/MapServer">Map Service</a></p><p>The Protected Lands dataset tracks acres of permanently protected land in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and measures progress toward the goal of protecting an additional 2 million acres by 2025. Protected lands are those permanently protected from development through fee ownership, conservation or open-space easements, or other recognized conservation mechanisms. This includes publicly owned lands such as forests, wildlife areas, wetlands, parks, and recreation areas, as well as privately owned working farms and forests protected through easements or development-rights programs.</p><p><strong>Note: This Indicator supported progress tracking toward the Protected Lands Outcome in the original Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, adopted in 2014. The Watershed Agreement and Protected Lands Outcome were revised in 2025.</strong></p>