From Sultana Projects:
On Friday, June 29, U.S. Senator Benjamin Cardin, elected officials from Kent and Queen Anne’s counties, and representatives of Sultana Projects, the Chester River Association, the Sassafras River Association, and the Chesapeake Conservancy will participate in a ceremony to celebrate the establishment of the Chester River and Sassafras River water trails as historic components of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. Established by Congress in 2006, the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail follows the 3,000-mile route of John Smith’s expeditions on the Chesapeake Bay from 1607-1609.
Under the direction of Sultana Projects, and with financial assistance from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority and the National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network, several important trail development projects have recently been completed. This work includes the development of map guides, web sites, way markers and interpretive signage for the Chester River and Sassafras River water trails.
Following the noon ceremony, speakers, organizational representatives, and the general public are invited to participate in a group paddle on the Chester River departing from the kayak launch at Wilmer Park. The ceremony is open to the public. The public is also welcome to bring their own kayaks/canoes to participate in the group paddle.
When: Friday, June 29, 2012 beginning at Noon
Where: Wilmer Park in Chestertown
Who: U.S. Senator Ben Cardin
Richard Sossi on behalf of Congressman Andrew Harris
Ronald H. Fithian, President, Kent County Commissioner
Bob Simmons, Queen Anne’s County Commissioner
Drew McMullen, President Sultana Projects
Bob Campbell, National Park Service
Matt Power/Hannah Byron, Maryland Heritage Areas Authority
Joel Dunn, Executive Director Chesapeake Conservancy
David Foster, RiverKeeper-Chester River Association
Pam Duke, Executive Director Sassafras River Association
Attire: Paddling Attire
RSVP: Attendees /Paddlers Please register with sburritt@sultanaprojects.org
A special note for paddlers:
If you wish to participate in the group paddle following the noon ceremony you must RSVP to sburritt@sultanaprojects. Paddlers must provide their own equipment, including a canoe or kayak, and are completely responsible for their own safety. Parking is available for paddlers at Wilmer Park on a first come – first serve basis. Please note the launching ramp is approximately 100 yards from the parking lot, so canoes/kayaks must be carried. If you have questions about the paddling portion of this event please contact Drew McMullen at 410-778-5954 or dmcmullen@sultanaprojects.org.
