Annapolis, MD (09/05/08) - The National Park Service (NPS) has announced a series of open houses to receive public input and comments on the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. These events, held throughout the Chesapeake Bay region in late September and early October, will provide background on the trail, explain the suggested interpretive themes, and share issues and questions NPS seeks to answer as it develops the trail’s comprehensive management plan and environmental assessment (CMP/EA).

“Public involvement is key to a successful future of the trail,” said John Maounis, the trail’s superintendent.  “Based on what we hear at these workshops, we can develop meaningful programs and concepts that will relate to everyone who visits this unique and significant resource.”

The national historic trail, established in 2006, retraces the 1607-1609 voyages of John Smith in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Touching upon Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia, the trail’s purpose is three-fold: commemorate Smith’s voyages, share knowledge about the Chesapeake Indian societies and cultures, and interpret the natural history of the Bay.

Extensive public involvement (as well as consultation with state agencies) is sought to help guide the NPS as it works to understand the best methods to manage, interpret, and access the trail. The workshops, held in an “open house” format with NPS staff on hand to respond to questions, are scheduled for three consecutive weeks beginning on September 23 at the Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center in Jamestown, Virginia. Other Virginia workshops will be held in Cape Charles, Deltaville, and Alexandria. Venues in Baltimore, Havre de Grace, and St. Michaels have been selected for Maryland’s workshops. An additional workshop will be held in Seaford, Delaware.

Public input from the open houses will help shape a set of management alternatives, which will be brought before the public in spring 2009. NPS plans to distribute a draft CMP/EA in fall of 2009 (also open to public comment). A final plan, which will include responses to the public comments, is expected in early 2010.

For more information on the trail, its purpose, and the upcoming workshop locations and times, please visit the NPS website at www.nps.gov/cajo. The public is invited to share their thoughts at the open houses and online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/cajo.

Schedule of Public Open Houses on the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

September 23, 2008
Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center                                     
1368 Colonial Parkway
Jamestown, VA 23081
6 – 8 pm

September 24, 2008   
Deltaville Community Center                              
17147 General Puller Highway
Deltaville, VA 23043
6 – 8 pm

September 25, 2008 
Indigo Landing Restaurant                                           
1 Marina Drive
Alexandria, VA 22314
6:30 – 8:30 pm

September 30, 2008                                     
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine Visitor Center
2400 East Fort Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21230
6 – 8 pm

October 1, 2008      
Seaford City Hall                                                   
414 High Street
Seaford, DE 19973
6 – 8 pm

October 2, 2008   
Havre de Grace Maritime Museum                                               
100 Lafayette Street
Havre De Grace, MD 21078
6 – 8 pm

October 7, 2008        
Anheuser-Busch Coastal Research Center                                     
(University of Virginia)
6364 Cliff Road (off Crumb Hill Road)
Cape Charles, VA  23310
6 – 8 pm

October 8, 2008     
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum                                        
Steamboat Building
213 North Talbot Street
St. Michaels, MD 21663
6 – 8 pm

For more information contact: Peggy Wall