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The Chesapeake landscape of today is very different from that of 1812. Over 200 years of deforestation, development, agriculture and overfishing have shaped the modern landscapes and waterways of the Chesapeake region. The battlefields, historic sites, museums and water routes of the Star-Spangled Banner Trail provide experiences that offer a fun and informative glimpse into the past, but these experiences are further threatened by climate change. Some of the threats to the Star-Spangled Banner Trail presented by climate change include sea level rise, storm surge, extreme weather, rising temperatures, increasing precipitation, changes in wildlife and damage to infrastructure. Climate change has already had a noticeable impact on the Chesapeake Bay and those who call it home. The mission of the National Park Service is to “preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.” To protect parks and all the benefits they provide for generations into the future, the National Park Service is taking action to address the climate crisis today. Read the National Park Service's Coastal Adaptation Strategies Handbook and Cultural Resources Climate Change Strategy.
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Last updated: November 14, 2024