The job of the Resource Stewardship and Visitor Experience Committee is to identify and assess the condition of the resource base; craft a future vision for the Star-Spangled visitor experience; identify investment priorities for resource stewardship and visitor experience; and ensure a robust post-bicentennial legacy.
The co-Chairs are Ralph Eshelman, Eshelman and Associates and John Maounis, Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network.
Major accomplishments to date
- A comprehensive resource list of War of 1812 sites in Maryland that evaluates significance, integrity, and accessibility was completed in the spring of 2010. This list will guide funding investment and refinements will be made based upon new information as it is discovered and reported.
- Broke ground on new $15 million Fort McHenry Visitor Center and facilitated $1.4 million state grant toward construction cost. Opening set for March 2011.
- Secured $1.8 million in matching Federal Highway Administration Scenic Byway grant funds to fund statewide system of interpretive signage; film documentary; trail book; public art; and Byway planning.
- Secured $100,000 Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network Grant to complete access, interpretation and stewardship plan for the water trail portions of the National Trail.
- Secured $40,000 American Battlefield Protection Program Grant to complete archeological assessment and National Register nomination of Caulk’s Field, Kent County. Worked with Eastern Shore Land Conservancy and Maryland DNR to secure funds to acquire a conservation easement.
Meeting notes
Jan. 14, 2010
Mar. 17, 2010
April 20, 2010
July 13, 2010
Aug. 9, 2011
Communications and Marketing
Development and Sponsor Relations
Education and Curriculum
Operations and Management
Programs and Events
Transportation and Capital Infrastructure