It's hard to believe that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is so broke that it might mothball the nine Chesapeake Bay "smart buoys" that mark the nation's first all-water national park.
With the boating and fishing season about to begin, the Chesapeake Conservancy sent a letter this week to NOAA administration Jane Lubchenco, asking her to save the distinctive yellow interpretive markers that guide boaters and school children in classrooms on a guided tour of Capt. John Smith's adventures on the bay more than 400 years ago.
The buoys on the Capt. John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail have a toll-free number (877-BUOY-BAY) and are linked to a website to provide water and weather conditions and commentary on cultural and historical events from Smith's time.
Read the complete story from The Baltimore Sun.