Save the C&O Canal from intrusive development!
DEFENDERS OF POTOMAC RIVER PARKLAND
PROTECT THE C&O CANAL NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK FROM PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT
Two of your favorite trails are threatened by private development. Georgetown University wants to build an enormous private boathouse at the gateway to the natural areas of the C&O Canal National Historical Park's towpath and to the Capital Crescent Trail. If approved, the building would block views of the river, disrupt the trails, destroy trees and natural habitat, and set a precedent for private development in other areas of the park. The Defenders of Potomac River Parkland coalition is determined to prevent this outcome. For a summary of the issue, review our Fact Sheet.
Two of your favorite trails are threatened by private development. Georgetown University wants to build an enormous private boathouse at the gateway to the natural areas of the C&O Canal National Historical Park's towpath and to the Capital Crescent Trail. If approved, the building would block views of the river, disrupt the trails, destroy trees and natural habitat, and set a precedent for private development in other areas of the park. The Defenders of Potomac River Parkland coalition is determined to prevent this outcome. For a summary of the issue, review our Fact Sheet.
A SITE AT RISK
The massive proposed structure would rise in the area to the left in the photo above, between the river and the Capital Crescent Trail. The canal towpath embankment is at right. (View more images.)
The massive proposed structure would rise in the area to the left in the photo above, between the river and the Capital Crescent Trail. The canal towpath embankment is at right. (View more images.)
WHAT IS THE ISSUE?
An intrusive private Georgetown University boathouse at a location inside the C&O Canal National Historical Park is not in the public interest. Public land at the gateway to the park and trails would be stripped of vegetation and sacrificed to construction - removing shade, wooded views, wildlife habitat, wetlands, and natural flood barriers.The entrance to the Capital Crescent Trail, at K St., within three historic areas, would be impacted by a construction and maintenance access road; bikers, hikers, and baby strollers would tangle with heavy equipment and motorized vehicles.The huge boathouse facility would tower above the river and the Capital Crescent Trail and modify the views of the river shoreline from the C&O Canal Towpath, the Key Bridge, and Virginia.
THE NATURAL, SCENIC, HISTORIC CHARACTER OF THIS SECTION OF THE NATIONAL PARK WOULD BE LOST FOREVER!
NEWS
GU reported to have spent more than $1 million on boathouse lobbying >> read more.
CURRENT STATUS
The National Park Service is continuing to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on a proposal to build a Georgetown University boathouse on land within the C&O Canal National Historical Park, and on a land exchange that would make the project possible. The Park Service invited the public to submit comments on the scope of the EIS during a period that ended on January 18, 2007. (See sample comments at our EIS Process page.) During the spring and summer of 2008, NPS held a series of public focus meetings on the scope of the EIS. The next step in the process would normally be for NPS to prepare a draft EIS and invite public comment on the document.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Be prepared to comment when the draft EIS is published. Meanwhile, express your opposition to a massive Georgetown University boathouse in the C&O Canal National Historical Park in letters to the media, National Park Service, and U.S. Congress. (See Take Action.) Spread the word to everyone who cares about the canal park.
GU reported to have spent more than $1 million on boathouse lobbying >> read more.
CURRENT STATUS
The National Park Service is continuing to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on a proposal to build a Georgetown University boathouse on land within the C&O Canal National Historical Park, and on a land exchange that would make the project possible. The Park Service invited the public to submit comments on the scope of the EIS during a period that ended on January 18, 2007. (See sample comments at our EIS Process page.) During the spring and summer of 2008, NPS held a series of public focus meetings on the scope of the EIS. The next step in the process would normally be for NPS to prepare a draft EIS and invite public comment on the document.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Be prepared to comment when the draft EIS is published. Meanwhile, express your opposition to a massive Georgetown University boathouse in the C&O Canal National Historical Park in letters to the media, National Park Service, and U.S. Congress. (See Take Action.) Spread the word to everyone who cares about the canal park.