Representatives of the Watermen’s Museum at Yorktown are spearheading an effort to have the York River designated as a scenic and historic river which might have a significant impact on area businesses.

Michael Steen, the museum’s director of education, said that he is making a pitch to each of the five counties directly on the York that would benefit from a special state designation. The river, if so designated, would be specially marked on maps and social media that could enhance marketing opportunities for eco-tourism, he said.

Kayakers, canoeists and boaters might be attracted to a river designation, Steen said, as would birders, hikers and others who enjoy land uses. The proposal is called the York River Stewardship Project.

During February and March, Steen plans to speak to county officials in Gloucester, York, James City, King and Queen and New Kent counties. If the support of these counties is there, Steen said, a formal request for the scenic and historic river designation might be before the Virginia General Assembly in 2016.

Besides possibly attracting tourists, Steen said, the designation might result in some tax advantages for property owners along the river.

According to Steen, the local counties should expect to see immediate primary business increase such as from fishing charters and secondary business increase from restaurants, gasoline stations and historic sites.

The designation would also encourage social and environmental stewardship, Steen said, including river shoreline cleanups, historic preservation and Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts.

In addition, the project would promote an archaeological survey of the Yorktown Sunken Fleet, Steen said. Lord Cornwallis, who headed the British forces, saw his fleet scuttled in the York River during the Battle of Yorktown in 1781.

The project will provide an up-to-date survey of the historic site, Steen said, and allow the project team to begin the development of a comprehensive preservation plan.