You are here

Home » National Park Service Approves Plan To Repair Short Section Of C&O Canal Towpath

National Park Service Approves Plan To Repair Short Section Of C&O Canal Towpath

Share

Published Date

April 17, 2019
Repairs to the towpath along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal/NPS

Repairs similar to this work done back in 2012 will be completed on another short stretch of the towpath at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park/NPS file

The National Park Service has approved a plan to stabilize a historic stone wall and raise parts of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath, move it farther from the Potomac River and resurface it. The improvements will be made between McMahon’s Mill (milepost 88.1) and Lock 42 (milepost 89.0) in Washington County, Maryland.

Currently, high water makes sections of the towpath in this area impassable many times each year, requiring a 3-mile detour for hikers and bikers on narrow, winding county roads. The towpath also is impassable to vehicles, which prevents emergency vehicles from reaching injured visitors or employees. A similar project was completed downstream of McMahon’s Mill through Big Slackwater in 2012.

The project, as approved in this plan, will resurface the length of the towpath from McMahon’s Mill to Lock 42, stabilize and reconstruct portions of the towpath’s stone wall, move short sections of the towpath farther inland, widen areas to allow access for emergency and maintenance vehicles and raise the elevation of some areas of the towpath. This will improve safety and reduce the impacts of high water events to the towpath historic features of the park and park visitors.

A Finding of No Significant Impact was signed on April 15 by Acting National Capital Regional Director Lisa Mendelson-Ielmini. A FONSI is a decision document following the completion of an environmental assessment that selects how the NPS will implement a project and outlines conservation measures that the NPS will take to avoid, minimize or mitigate impacts when the project is implemented. 

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.