National Park Service Partnership

The National Park Service (NPS) is the lead federal agency in administering the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.  It is also a federal partner in the watershed-wide Chesapeake Bay Program. In all these areas, the NPS connects people with the special places and stories of the Chesapeake, helps preserve those special places and stories, and fosters stewardship of the Chesapeake.

The Feasibility Study completed by the National Park Service led to designation of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail in 2006.  Currently, the Park Service is coordinating a comprehensive management plan for the trail.  NPS works closely with other federal agencies, particularly the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency; with state and local agencies in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia; Native American communities; businesses; and with non-governmental organizations, such as The Conservation Fund, Chesapeake Bay Foundation and National Geographic, for its planning efforts.

The National Park Service also seeks public involvement in the planning process. For information on public meetings and opportunities to review and comment on planning documents, please see the National Park Service's planning website.

This broad-based planning effort will provide the long-term vibrancy for the trail's management, stewardship, interpretation, and visitor experience.

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