Draft Interpretive Plan Join the adventure! - Captain John Smith ...

Today, the Chesapeake Bay is a nationally-significant natural and economic
resource.
• The Bay is the continent’s largest estuary. The varied habitats in the Bay’s
watershed – open water, rivers and streams, wetlands and forests – support
a diverse array of plants and wildlife.
• The Bay’s waters serve as a key source of crabs, oysters, clams and other
seafoods for much of the Atlantic seaboard. The Bay serves as an
important hub for trade and commerce.
Since the 17th century, the health and natural diversity of the Chesapeake Bay
have suffered from the cumulative effects of natural and human impacts.
• The water’s ability to sustain life has diminished primarily due to human
causes, resulting in visible and measurable changes. Key species have
declined, disrupting the balance in the sensitive estuarine ecosystem, and
greatly harming seafood industries and traditional lifestyles and
communities dependent upon abundant harvests.
• Nearly 75 percent of the watershed was deforested by the late 1800s to
produce timber and fuel and to make way for agricultural fields. While
natural reforestation occurred during the next century, today’s
deforestation due to urban/suburban development represents a more
permanent change.
Although the natural diversity of the Bay has declined, existing natural areas may
be preserved and some resources can be restored and protected. The Trail can
serve as an important vehicle in this conservation effort.
• The essence of the 17 th century Bay is reflected in some stretches of rivers,
hidden coves, and protected marshlands and woodlands throughout the region.
• Agencies, organizations and individuals are working to protect fragile
resources, restore vital habitats, and revive declining plant and animal
populations. A crucial impetus for Bay restoration is the direct correlation
between the health of the Bay and human health and welfare within the Bay
region.
• Watershed residents and visitors are encouraged to become citizen
stewards, and to help restore and protect the Bay through both individual and
community-wide efforts including private landowner conservation and accessoriented
easements; and community advocacy for federal, state and local
conservation programs.
• The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail can serve as a
vehicle to inspire people to experience, appreciate, conserve and restore the
Chesapeake through exploration, recreation, education, and stewardship.
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