Chesapeake Bay Program Office – Annapolis, MD

Regional Restoration Partnership

The Chesapeake Bay Program Office (CBPO), located on Forest Drive in Annapolis, serves as the operational headquarters for a unique regional partnership dedicated to the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay. Led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this office coordinates the efforts of federal, state, and local agencies, as well as non-profit organizations and academic institutions. Since its establishment in 1983, the program has been the driving force behind the science-based management of the Bay’s watershed, which spans six states and the District of Columbia.

Science and Data Management

The CBPO is a hub for environmental science and monitoring. Staff at this facility manage the extensive data collection efforts required to track the health of the Bay, including water quality monitoring, living resources assessments, and computer modeling. This scientific foundation guides decision-making and policy development to reduce pollution, restore habitats, and manage fisheries. The office is instrumental in tracking progress toward the goals of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement and the ‘Pollution Diet’ (TMDL).

Visitor and Security Information

As an EPA facility, the Chesapeake Bay Program Office maintains strict security protocols. Visitors must enter through the main entrance at Suite 130 and are required to sign in at the reception desk. Photo ID is required for entry, and all guests must be escorted by a staff member while inside the building. The office is accessible to the public primarily by appointment or for scheduled meetings. It is located near the Annapolis Middle School, with parking available in the adjacent lot and bike racks provided for cyclists.