National Park Service
The National Park Service (NPS) is the lead federal agency in administering the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. Legislation that established the trail in 2006 specifies that the Secretary of the Interior will administer the trail in coordination with the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network and the Chesapeake Bay Program. The Secretary delegated administration to the NPS Chesapeake Bay Office.
The NPS Chesapeake Bay Office (CBO) also administers the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network and co-administers the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail. It is also a federal partner in the watershed-wide Chesapeake Bay Program. In all these areas, the NPS Chesapeake Bay Office 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 in 2006 led to designation of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. That study recommended coordination with the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network. Half of the more than 160 historic sites, museums, wildlife refuges, state parks, and other partners in the Network are located along or near the historic trail routes. The Network also includes more than 1500 miles of existing water trails, providing an instant infrastructure for the first national water trail.
Public Involvement in Trail Planning
Currently the National Park Service is coordinating a comprehensive management plan for the trail, as required by the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1244). 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, National Geographic, Friends of Chesapeake Gateways and Friends of the John Smith Chesapeake Trail.
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, see the website for the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail and the National Park Service planning website.
This broad-based planning effort will provide the long-term vibrancy for the trail's management, stewardship, interpretation, and visitor experience. Meanwhile, the National Park Service is working through Chesapeake Gateways and other partners to connect people with places where they can already experience the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.
