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

A spectrum of commercial services - tour guiding, accommodations, equipment rentals,
and food provisions - will support visitor experiences along the Trail. It will be essential
to work closely with outfitters; touring guides/tour boat operators; hunting and fishing
guides; watermen; marina owners/operators; hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts;
restaurants; and other commercial entities to ensure seamless and well-accommodated
visitor experiences. Some commercial enterprises will become partners in developing
and/or providing interpretation along the Trail. They may offer innovations that will
further Trail goals, such as the services Verizon Wireless provides for the Chesapeake
Bay Interpretive Buoy System.
Media
To promote interest and support for the Trail within the watershed’s citizenry, it is critical
to align with the region’s various media outlets, including television, radio, newspapers
(especially small local papers), and magazines. In addition to providing information to
the outlets and encouraging coverage of Trail-related events and developments, it is
important to create ongoing relationships with reporters, writers and other media
representatives to enhance their understanding of the goals and complexity of the Trail.
SECTION 7: TAKING ACTION
The Need for Action
While the National Park Service develops a Comprehensive Management Plan for the
Trail, numerous activities and projects have been initiated to promote the Trail, gather
information, enhance existing sites and Trail segments, create new Trail components,
strengthen existing partnerships, and create dialogue with potential partners and
providers. Some strategies have been identified to “grow” the Trail; they will evolve as
new information is gathered and new opportunities arise.
Issues and Opportunities Affecting Interpretation
Numerous issues, challenges and opportunities will affect the development and
implementation of the Trail’s interpretive program. The information outlined below
provides a context for understanding, planning and implementing the program.
1. The Trail’s vastness and diversity – The Trail traverses 3,000 miles and
interconnects with an array of diverse locations. Trail-related stories are numerous
and varied. Visitors will experience the Trail in many different land and water
contexts. The Trail has the potential to provide a variety of rich and diverse, lifechanging
experiences.
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