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

among the offices that share interest in the Trail’s potential for education, recreation, ecotourism,
heritage tourism and cultural and natural resource conservation.
A sampling of agencies already invested in the Trail initiative include:
Natural Resources Departments – The state departments have been heavily invested in
assisting with the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network for quite some
time, and have been assisting with development of the Trail. Just a few of the activities
the departments have been engaged in include developing water trails, providing outdoor
recreation opportunities for visitors, and assisting the NPS with inventories and gap
analyses related to Trail resources and public access.
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Tourism Offices – State tourism offices have provided assistance with the Gateways and
Watertrails Network since its inception, and are providing valuable guidance and
assistance with Trail planning.
Delaware Tourism Office
Maryland Office of Tourism Development
Virginia Tourism Corporation
Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission
State Historic Preservation Entities – Several state agencies have been involved with the
Gateways and Watertrails Network for many years, providing guidance and support.
These agencies are serving as active participants and consultants in Trail development.
Maryland Historical Trust
Virginia Department of Historic Resources
Local Government
Numerous local government entities, including Parks and Recreation Departments, local
tourism branches, and others, have been involved with the Gateways and Watertrails
Network and have participated in early scoping meetings and planning efforts related to
the Trail.
The District – Agencies within Washington, D.C., including D.C. Planning and
Development and others, have participated in Trail planning. Efforts thus far have
focused on the Potomac and Anacostia river corridors.
Chesapeake Bay Commission – The Chesapeake Bay Commission is a policy leader in
restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. As a tri-state legislative assembly representing
Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania, the Commission’s leadership covers a full
spectrum of Bay issues: from managing living resources and conserving land, to
protecting water quality. The Commission has been deeply rooted in development of
both the Gateways and Watertrails Network and the Trail.
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