Save the C&O Canal from intrusive development!
DEFENDERS OF POTOMAC RIVER PARKLAND
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.)
PROTECT THE C&O CANAL NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK FROM PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT -- Two of your favorite trails are again threatened by private development. A new feasibility study may open a path for Georgetown University to build a massive 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.
CURRENT STATUS -- The National Park Service is conducting a feasibility study to implement a non-motorized boathouse zone along the Georgetown waterfront (see article). The Environmental Impact Study (EIS process), dormant since 2008 in the face of strong public reaction, has been placed on hold -- but it could be resumed in the future. The boathouse zone feasibility study will consider many of the same issues as the EIS and may determine whether private development will intrude into the C&O Canal NHP.
WHAT YOU CAN DO -- Follow the development of the boathouse zone feasibilty study and be ready to comment on the study text when it is published, which is expected during the late summer or early fall, 2012: see Take Action.
Meanwhile, be prepared to voice your opposition to a massive Georgetown University boathouse in the C&O Canal NHP through letters to the media, National Park Service, and U.S. Congress. Spread the word to everyone who cares about the canal park.
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 from Virginia.
THE NATURAL, SCENIC, HISTORIC CHARACTER OF THIS SECTION OF THE NATIONAL PARK WOULD BE LOST FOREVER!
CURRENT STATUS -- The National Park Service is conducting a feasibility study to implement a non-motorized boathouse zone along the Georgetown waterfront (see article). The Environmental Impact Study (EIS process), dormant since 2008 in the face of strong public reaction, has been placed on hold -- but it could be resumed in the future. The boathouse zone feasibility study will consider many of the same issues as the EIS and may determine whether private development will intrude into the C&O Canal NHP.
WHAT YOU CAN DO -- Follow the development of the boathouse zone feasibilty study and be ready to comment on the study text when it is published, which is expected during the late summer or early fall, 2012: see Take Action.
Meanwhile, be prepared to voice your opposition to a massive Georgetown University boathouse in the C&O Canal NHP through letters to the media, National Park Service, and U.S. Congress. Spread the word to everyone who cares about the canal park.
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 from Virginia.
THE NATURAL, SCENIC, HISTORIC CHARACTER OF THIS SECTION OF THE NATIONAL PARK WOULD BE LOST FOREVER!
News Alert : Initial comment period on the Georgetown boathouse zone study ended March 30, 2012; study preparation is now under way.
