Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network

The National Park Service � Chesapeake Bay Office aims to connect people with the Chesapeake Bay�s natural and cultural heritage by supporting conservation, public access, education, and recreation through the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network. Assistance supports the implementation of the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act, the Chesapeake Bay Program, and the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. Key goals include conserving landscapes and resources, enhancing public access to waterways, promoting heritage tourism, engaging youth, and interpreting the region�s rich history and environment.

PLEASE NOTE: While applicants can be from outside the Chesapeake watershed, only projects that take place in the watershed will be considered. Projects that take place outside the watershed will not be considered.

Specific evaluation criteria will be included in the funding announcements posted on www.grants.gov. Specific priorities include: � Supporting implementation of new water access sites along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, with a priority on sites on the lower James and York Rivers, lower Potomac River and lower Susquehanna River segments. � Providing interpretation, media, visitor services, and educational programming (especially on-water programming) focused on Chesapeake Bay natural and cultural resources at visitor contact stations and associated sites on the lower James and York Rivers, lower Potomac River and lower Susquehanna River segments as well as through the mobile Roving Ranger program. � Fostering public engagement in conservation, recreation, and resource stewardship through the mobile Roving Ranger offered at partner parks and sites. � Supporting increased visibility of the Chesapeake�s special places through expansion of Find Your Chesapeake and related web media. � Providing front-line staff and interpretive guide training and resources on Chesapeake themes. � Expanding youth engagement through the Chesapeake Youth Corps program through teams in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia and Kids in Kayaks program. � Advancing local, state, private, and federal collaborative conservation in the watershed through activities and initiatives that support Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement outcomes, including supporting the Chesapeake Conservation...

For awards made under section 502(b) of the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998, 50% Recipient cost share is required.

Fiscal year 2025: 1) Water access and outdoor recreation infrastructure: Funding can build or improve paddle craft facilities and trailheads so people can reach cultural, historic, and natural sites by water. Support can add kayak and canoe launches within new public spaces, co?designed with residents, giving tens of thousands of people safe river access for recreation and stewardship. 2) Heritage interpretation, exhibits, and museums: Funding can help museums install long?term exhibits based on oral histories, archaeology, and community input�bringing to life rural heritage, farming, maritime work, and social change for visitors of all ages. Grants can back traveling exhibitions and milestone anniversary programs that deepen connections to the region�s heritage while supporting local economic development through cultural tourism. Funding can also expand visitor services at central heritage hubs, improving orientation, interpretation, and the overall experience so travelers stay longer and explore more. 3) Education, eco?tours, and storytelling: Funding can create immersive, small?group expeditions�by boat, kayak, and on land�that showcase the area�s natural and cultural...