John Smith Water Trail

John Smith Trail to Help Watermen

Chesapeake College, the Maryland Watermen's Association, and The Conservation Fund recently submitted a $1.5 million grant proposal to the U.S. Department of Labor that would provide training for watermen to give tours on the John Smith Trail. If awarded, we hope this program will not only highlight the Bay's natural and historical heritage but also shape a new sustainable industry that can help preserve the Bay's unique sense of place.

This program was supported by the entire MD Congressional Delegation and Gov. O'Malley's Workforce Investment Board.

We Need Your Support for 'Smart Buoy' Funding

Thanks to the leadership of Senator Barbara Mikulski- D-MD, (pictured on left) and the support of Senators Warner-R-VA, Cardin-D-MD and Webb-D-VA, the FY 2008 Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) Appropriations Bill includes $500,000 for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to continue the Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System (CBIBS) and deploy more buoys along the trail that promote awareness of the Bay's condition and its history. The buoys mark significant points along the John Smith Trail and provides real-time meteorological, oceanographic, and water-quality information. (www.buoybay.org, 877-BUOYBAY).

Please write your Senators and thank them for the Senate's support for the $500,000 for the buoys included in the Senate bill. In particular, please thank Senator Mikulski for beating back an amendment that would have stripped these funds from the bill. Also, please write your U.S. Representative and communicate your support to include the $500,000 for the CBIBS program in the CJS appropriations conference report.

Park Service Hires Trail Project Manager

In October, the National Park Service hired Sarah Bransom as the new John Smith Trail project manager. Sarah has had a distinguished career as a planner, including work at Yellowstone as a natural resource planner. Sarah will spearhead the development of the Comprehensive Management Plan for the John Smith Trail. Her expertise and experience will be critical as the Trail moves forward.