Chesapeake Gateways Visitor Experience Network Self-Nomination Instructions

Introduction

Chesapeake Gateways is a system of places providing opportunities to enjoy, learn about and help conserve the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. Included in the visitor experience network are diverse natural, cultural, historical, and recreational sites, trails, museums, parks, refuges, interpretive and orientation facilities, and associated programs. These places, and Chesapeake Gateways as a whole, serve as entry points and the key guide for experiencing the Chesapeake watershed.

Joining the Network

Membership is granted to places or partners that meet the defining characteristics listed in the 2021 Updated Framework. Membership entitles Chesapeake Gateways Places certain benefits enumerated through a general agreement. Membership in the visitor experience network is not required to seek other NPS Chesapeake Gateways financial assistance (grants and cooperative agreements) or technical assistance.

Nominate a Place

Any organization may complete the Chesapeake Gateways Places Self-Nomination Questionnaire to be considered for inclusion in the Chesapeake Gateways visitor experience network. However, the organization submitting the Questionnaire must be the managing organization for the place. One Questionnaire should be completed for each place proposed to join the visitor experience network.

A word version of the questionnaire can be downloaded by clicking here, however, please keep in mind all nominations must be submitted via the Microsof Form link above.

Frequently Asked Questions

If we are an “existing visitor experience network site” do we need to self-nominate to rejoin?

Yes, all places wishing to join or rejoin the refreshed Chesapeake Gateways visitor experience network must submit a self-nomination and sign a general agreement with NPS Chesapeake Gateways to be included moving forward.

This is a revamp of the existing system?

Yes, this is a refresh of Chesapeake Gateways which was established in 2000 through the Chesapeake Initiative Act passed by Congress in 1998. All places wishing to be included in the Chesapeake Gateways visitor experience network must submit a self-nomination and sign a general agreement.

Are there an existing nominations from which we can learn how they formulated their nomination?

This new process launched on February 1, 2024, so no examples will be available until April 2024, but we can share examples as they’re available.

What will you do if resources aren't submitted?

Places that do not submit the self-nomination questionnaire and sign the general agreement will not be included in the Chesapeake Gateways visitor experience network.

For designations other than site what is the “ownership” or “management” requirement/criteria?

If your organization (or consortium of organizations) is the recognized managing or coordinating organization for a multi-jurisdictional connecting route, trail, or water trail, please submit documentation attesting to this designation.

What about if you are in several different designated areas? Water trail and Historic trail?

This depends on the role of your organization and the place you are nominating. If your organization is the recognized managing or coordinating organization for the connecting route, trail, or water trail, your place may use one of these designations. However, if your organization manages a individual site within a trail or heritage area, then you would just nominate your place as a site.

Is it Ok if we are open anytime by appointment?

Based on the Chesapeake Initiative Act, places need to open to regular public access on a set schedule.

How do sites indicate they have water access (for paddling) or other recreational activities?

There is a question on the questionnaire “Describe the authentic experiences (natural, cultural, historical or recreational) visitors can have at the site.” In the narrative response to this question, organizations can provide an overview of the full breadth of experiences available no matter the place designation.

What do you recommend for a site that moves?

(i.e. a sailing vessel that travels) Submit the Site nomination questionnaire and use your primary (home) dock as your location. We’ll work with your organization to ensure your place designation appropriately describes your opportunity.

Does an organization that doesn't manage a whole trail need to own the access points?

To nominate a trail access point, it must be owned or managed by the organization nominating it. Access points need to meet the defining characteristics of a site to be included.

What about trail, area, region, county, or community visitor centers or information centers?

A visitor center or information center associated with a water trail/trail/connecting route/heritage area where folks are directed to go if they have questions or need information should be nominated as site.

Would it be welcome for Heritage Areas to share this process with our partners?

Yes, all places included within an eligible heritage area but managed by a different organization should submit a separate nomination for their place.

Can places within a Heritage Area be connected to the heritage area on the digital platforms?

Yes, no matter the nominating organization, if the place indicates their connection to the heritage area in their nomination we can use metadata tags to connect those within digital assets.

Do you have an example of the agreement?

The draft general agreement will be added to this page in early February 2024.

Questions

For additional information or clarification, please reach out to Brent Everitt, Director of Communications and Visitor Experience, by email. Thank you for your interest in and partnership with Chesapeake Gateways.