The chesapeake gateways tourism and economic development grants identify, conserve, restore, and interpret natural, recreational, historical, and cultural resources within the chesapeake BAY watershed…

The Maryland Department of Agriculture received a $100,000 Project Grant award on September 20, 2025, from the National Park Service (NPS) Northeast Region under the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network program (CFDA 15.930). The award supports Maryland's Best AgriTrails Initiative, a statewide collaborative effort that identifies, conserves, restores, and interprets agricultural, aquacultural, and outdoor recreation resources within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The initiative connects visitors to Maryland's agricultural and waterfront assets through themed trail experiences—including experiences such as "Shuck Stout" and "Bike Brew"—that link farms, oyster processors, restaurants, and recreational trails to enhance public education and access to Chesapeake Bay resources consistent with the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998.

The AgriTrails Initiative will deliver an online platform and comprehensive marketing efforts designed to boost public appreciation for the Chesapeake Bay while supporting local economies in Maryland's lands and waterfront communities. The project includes a strong evaluation component to measure outcomes and ensure sustainable, strategic growth of participating communities and businesses. The award period extends through November 30, 2026, with work to be performed throughout Maryland.

The chesapeake gateways tourism and economic development grants identify, conserve, restore, and interpret natural, recreational, historical, and cultural resources within the chesapeake BAY watershed and identify and utilize the collective resources as chesapeake BAY gateways sites for enhancing public education of and access to the chesapeake BAY consistent with the chesapeake BAY initiative act of 1998 (PUB. L. 105-312, title V, SEC.502(a)). Marylands best agritrails initiative is a statewide collaboration connecting visitors to the states agricultural, aquacultural, and outdoor recreation assets through themed trail experiences like shuck stout and bike brew. Linking farms, oyster processors, restaurants, and trails, the initiative aims to boost public appreciation for the chesapeake BAY and support local economies. With an online platform, marketing efforts, and a strong evaluation component, agritrails will enhance the visibility, sustainability, and strategic growth of marylands lands and waterfront communities.