National Park Service News Releases

January 30, 2012 - National Park Service Funds Trail Projects in 22 States and DC

Contact: Kathy Kupper, 202-208-6843; Steve Elkinton, 202-354-6938

WASHINGTON - You've heard of taking a walk in a park, it will now be easier to take a walk to a park because of nearly one million dollars in trail grants announced today by the National Park Service.

The 2012 Connect Trails to Parks Awards will provide a total of $934,000 to 14 projects where national historic and scenic trails intersect with national parks and other federal facilities. The projects will restore or improve existing trails and trailhead connections, provide better wayside and interpretive services, encourage innovative educational services, support bridge and trailhead designs, and provide planning services for important trail gateways.

"We really want people to get up, get out, and enjoy the outdoors," said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. "It is vital for physical and mental well-being. These trail projects will provide additional places to recreate and improve access to existing parks and other green spaces."

Many of the projects reflect National Park Service priorities such as expanding outreach, connecting to youth, enhancing urban recreation, promoting healthy lifestyles, and upgrading interpretive materials as outlined in the agency's A Call to Action: Preparing for a Second Century of Stewardship and Engagement.

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, in cooperation with other national parks in the District of Columbia and Greater Washington Area, will utilize Connect Trails to Parks funding to launch DC Park Prescriptions later this year. "DC Park Prescriptions will unite parks with the health community to create and promote programs, activities and events that encourage youth, families and adults to get outside and get moving," said Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Superintendent Kevin D. Brandt. "From doctors giving their patients a prescription for outdoor activity along with park and trail information, to ranger programs featuring hikes and bike rides, to community events focused on health and wellness, the opportunities are endless."

In addition to operating 397 parks across the United States and its territories, the National Park Service plays a vital role in overseeing the 52,000-mile National Trails System. The trails system dates from 1968 legislation that created the Appalachian and Pacific Crest national scenic trails. Today, the National Trails System includes 11 national scenic trails (NSTs), 19 national historic trails (NHTs), and more than 1,150 national recreation trails (NRTs).

The Connect Trails to Parks program is designed to increase awareness, appreciation, and use of the nation's federally-designated system of trails. The years from 2008 to 2018 have been declared "A Decade for the National Trails" ramping up to the trails system's 50th anniversary in 2018. Many of these projects will help specific trails and their related federal facilities to achieve goals associated with this commemorative decade. At the same time, the National Park Service, as an agency, is preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary in August, 2016.

(See full list of projects at http://www.nps.gov/news/release.htm?id=1280).

January 10, 2012 - National Park Rangers at C&O Canal Mourn the Loss of One of their Own

Contact: Brian Carlstrom 301-714-2200

C&O Canal NHP staff salute Margaret Anderson - Photo courtesy of NPS

HAGERSTOWN, MD- On January 10, 2012, Park Ranger Margaret Anderson was memorialized after being killed New Year's Day while on duty at Mount Rainier National Park. Margaret had been a park ranger at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park from 2004 to 2008. She was 34 years old and leaves behind her husband Eric, also a park ranger at Mount Rainier NP, and two young children.

"When Margaret worked here on the C&O Canal, we learned as much from her as she learned from us" said Kevin Brandt, the park's superintendent. "Margaret had a real love of nature, was a consummate ranger, and was everything that you'd want a ranger to be."

On the morning of January 1, Mount Rainier Ranger Margaret Anderson was shot and killed while attempting to stop a car that had raced through a mandatory chain-up check point and was headed for Paradise, the park's most popular winter destination, where more than 100 people were already playing in the snow.

The heroic actions of Margaret Anderson and the other rangers who stopped the gunman, were the result of deliberate, tactical decisions designed to protect the visitors, volunteers, and employees at Paradise, many of whom have said they believe Ranger Anderson saved their lives. The park rangers at C&O Canal NHP mourned along with their peers across the country.

At 8:15 a.m., staff gathered outside the Park Headquarters in Hagerstown, Maryland and saluted as the flag was lowered to half-staff in memory of Margaret. At 4:00 p.m., Ranger Anderson's memorial service was streamed live at Park Headquarters. Immediately following the ceremony, staff said a final farewell to Margaret and raised the flag to full staff.

Donations to help the family can be sent to KeyBank, P.O. Box 159, Eatonville, WA 98328. Checks should be made out to the Margaret Anderson Donation Account. Online donations can be made through the National Park Foundation at www.nationalparks.org/MargaretAnderson.

Mourning bands will continue to be worn by uniformed employees to honor the life and service of Ranger Margaret Anderson until sunset on January 31, 2012.

December 9, 2011 - Deer killed by two dogs off leash at Great Falls

Contact: Aly Baltrus, 301-491-2452

POTOMAC, MD – At least three deer have been attacked by a pair of dogs off-leash in the last week as witnessed by park staff and visitors. At least one deer was killed. The first attack occurred on Friday, December 2nd, along the entrance road to Great Falls. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park staff was able to chase the dogs away. The deer was left exhausted. The second attack occurred on Friday, December 9th, when the dogs chased a deer into a stream. Park staff pulled the deer out of the stream, but had to put it down because of its injuries. One of the dogs, a Scottie mix, was caught and handed over to Montgomery County Animal Control. The other dog, a 40-50 lb. Airedale Terrier, ran away. Less than an hour later, the terrier was spotted chasing a third deer into the flooded Potomac, just one hundred yards upstream of the falls. The dog, which has a pink collar, is still at large.

Over the few past years, C&O Canal park staff have seen a number of problems stemming from dogs off leash, including people being bitten, dog fights, lost dogs, and other wildlife harassment incidents. They are asking visitors to keep visitors safe and help protect park resources by adhering to leash laws and reporting violators to park staff.

Regulations state that dogs must be on a six-foot or shorter leash and under full control of an owner while in the park. Owners can be charged $50 per dog plus a $25 fee for dogs off leash and with any class B violation, the maximum penalty is 6 months on jail and $1000 fine. Dogs harassing wildlife in the park may be dispatched on site.

To report dogs off leash please call 866-677-6677.

December 9, 2011 - Investigation underway for vandalized C&O Canal restroom facility

Contact: Todd Stanton, District Ranger, (301) 491-6282

SHARPSBURG, MD -- On Tuesday, December 7, 2011, law enforcement patrol at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical discovered a restroom facility had been set on fire near the Big Slackwater Boat Ramp located in Washington County, Maryland. Park rangers along with the Maryland State Fire Marshall's Office are investigating the incident. A reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for setting the fire. Anyone with information regarding this crime may call the C&O Canal National Historical Park’s Toll-Free Hotline at 1-866-714-2250.

November 16, 2011 - C & O Canal Towpath to be repaired at Angler's - Parking Affected

Contact: Peggie Gaul, 301-739-6072

POTOMAC, MD - Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park announces that repair work of the towpath breach near Angler's has begun. Classic Site Solutions is the primary contractor performing the work. Work is expected to be completed in fall 2012. After the 125 foot breach in the towpath is rebuilt, water flow will be restored in the C&O Canal between Widewater and Lock 6. Repair work will require periodic closures of all parking areas across from the Old Angler's Inn on McArthur Boulevard, as well as the lower drop off lot. Alternative parking is available at Carderock (2 miles east) and Great Falls (2.2 miles west). While the National Park Service recognizes this inconvenience to the public, these closures are necessary to assure visitor safety while construction is underway. Vehicular traffic will be prohibited at Angler's from 6:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily during the project's duration. Limited parking will be available after 5:00 p.m. weekdays, on weekends, and holidays. Every effort will be made to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists using the area. All visitors are asked to obey posted closure signs and stay on designated detour routes for their safety. Please obey flagmen and regulatory signs and do your part to assure that construction proceeds as quickly and safely as possible.

See National Park Service's C&O Canal closures page for current information

November 15, 2011 - Sycamore Island Pedestrian Bridge Reopens

Contact: Peggie Gaul, 301-739-6072

CABIN JOHN, MD - Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park has reopened Sycamore Island Pedestrian Bridge which crosses the C&O Canal and provides access to Sycamore Island from MacArthur Boulevard. During the recent closure bridge decking was replaced, structural maintenance was completed, and the bridge was painted. The steel truss bridge dates back to the early 1900's.

October 15, 2011 - C&O Canal National Historical Park Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Catoctin Aqueduct

Contact: Bill Line, Toni Braxton, (202) 619-7400; Kevin Brandt, (301) 714-2201

HAGERSTOWN, MD - On Saturday, October 15, 1011, at 10:00 a.m., the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completed restoration of the Catoctin Aqueduct. Light refreshments, live music, and interpretive programs were provided from 8:30 until noon. Guest speakers included United States Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, Julianna Albowicz representing United States Senator Barbara Mikulski, Chief of Staff Bud Otis representing United States Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, Eric Brenner representative for Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, Maryland Senator Ronald N. Young, Frederick County Commissioner David P. Gray, National Capital Regional Director Stephen E. Whitesell, National Park Service, Dr. George E. Lewis Jr. President of the Catoctin Aqueduct Restoration Fund, and Superintendent Kevin D. Brandt of Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park as master of ceremonies.

The restoration was completed under contract by Corman Construction, based in Annapolis Junction, Maryland. The National Park Service's, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal NHP) awarded the $3.93 Million contract under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

"This is an outstanding day for all those who support and love the C&O National Historical Park," said U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, a strong supporter of the restoration. "I was here for the groundbreaking of the project and I am here today because of the importance of this restoration to the region and because it provided jobs for Marylanders. "This restoration also will help stimulate tourism and development as more people come to view the site at which the C&O Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad first competed to cross Catoctin Creek, a major tributary of the Potomac."

The Catoctin Aqueduct Restoration (CAR) Fund, Inc. and with funding from the Community Foundation's C&O Canal Current Initiatives/Catoctin Aqueduct Restoration Fund, led the effort to raise awareness of the significance of the Catoctin Aqueduct and substantial funds to undertake the project.

"I can think of no other public project in this area where so many, well over 1,000, citizens, donors, and government officials have come together to restore a historic structure," said CAR Fund President, Dr. George E. Lewis, Jr. "a project of local, state, national significance and interest, a restoration that so many people have a piece of."

"Today we bear witness to the accomplishment of the impossible - or at least what we once thought was impossible. The impossible became possible because one man motivated and led us into dreaming with him that one day the Catoctin Aqueduct would stand whole again. Dr. George Lewis inspired us and together we put history in our hands and this aqueduct back together. The restoration of the Catoctin Aqueduct represents the best in community partnerships," Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Superintendent Kevin Brandt stated. "I applaud the many participants and heroes of this great effort and know that current and future generations of park visitors from across America and around the world will better understand the great 19th century battle waged between the titans of transportation that took place right here."

The Catoctin Aqueduct, one of the 11 aqueducts along the 184.5 miles of the C&O Canal, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The C&O Canal is the most intact and impressive example from America's 19th century canal building era. Catoctin Creek is the single national site where the two titans of period transportation, the C&O Canal and the B&O Railroad, struggled, fought, endured Asiatic Cholera, and finally compromised to cross in parallel a major tributary of the Potomac River; the Canal on the historic Catoctin Aqueduct and the railroad on the adjacent viaduct. The Catoctin Aqueduct was known as the most beautiful aqueduct on the Canal. On October 31, 1973, two of the three arches of the 139-year-old Aqueduct collapsed from frequent flooding.

"The Catoctin Aqueduct is a part of Maryland's history and America's history. But it's more than that. The restoration of this historic aqueduct means jobs, jobs, jobs for Frederick County- jobs in construction that brought us here today, and jobs in tourism tomorrow," Senator Mikulski said. "The Catoctin Aqueduct restoration project is a perfect example of Recovery Act funding put to work for local communities, both honoring our past and securing our future."

In addition, the NPS added important elements to the project including access improvements at Lander to facilitate the work and stabilization of the wing walls that protect the aqueduct from flooding on Catoctin Creek. Moreover, the project included removal of both the World War II era Bailey bridge that has served as passage across the creek for the last 37 years as well as the remnants of the failed footbridge erected in the 1970's after the Aqueduct collapsed. The project also included restoration of the stream bank and adjacent areas.

"Our infrastructure is an area where we have the largest investment deficit in our State, and that matters both for job creation today, and for what type of state we leave to the next generation," said Governor O'Malley. "The completion of the Catoctin Aqueduct restoration reminds us of our history as Marylanders and Americans. Thanks to our federal and private partners, we are able to create much-needed jobs for our families."

This project was made possible through an allocation of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding along with funds raised by Catoctin Aqueduct Restoration Fund, Inc. and The Community Foundation of Frederick County. Additional funding came from individuals, families, corporations, the C&O Canal Association, Tourism Reinvestment in Promotion and Product Program Development grants from the Tourism Council of Frederick County, Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, a State of Maryland Bond Bill, and funds received through the Maryland State Highway Administration's Transportation Enhancement Program. The Catoctin Aqueduct Adopt-A-Stone Program also raised money for this important project.

Together, the funds allowed the Catoctin Aqueduct construction project to be undertaken. Corman Construction began the rehabilitation of the Catoctin Aqueduct in the summer of 2010 and finished in late July 2011.

October 5, 2011 - National Park Service Awards Contract to Repair Towpath Breach at Angler's

Contact: Kevin Brandt, 301-714-2201

HAGERSTOWN, MD - The National Park Service (NPS) has awarded a $3.36 million contract to Classic Site Solutions Inc., of Springfield, Massachusetts to repair the towpath breach near Angler's Inn at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park (C&O Canal NHP).

Known as Angler's Breach, this 125-foot gap in the towpath occurred in September 2008 as a result of torrential rains from the remnants of Tropical Storm Hannah. A temporary bypass was installed shortly after the breach to allow visitor use of the towpath to detour around the damaged area. The bypass blocks the flow of water in the canal prism for seven and one-half miles downstream. This area of the towpath has breached previously during especially high flood levels. The planned repair includes a more sustainable design that will better resist the pressures and erosion of future storms and floods. Upon completion the canal will be watered once again.

"This project will restore the towpath and canal's historic continuity while improving visitor safety. This area is a gateway to the popular Widewater area of the canal as well as a necessary link to return water to the seven mile stretch of the canal downstream. By making these repairs in a sustainable way we will minimize the potential for breaches in the future." said Superintendent Kevin Brandt.

This project became eligible for funding because of a $100,000 donation from the C&O Canal Trust, the park's official non-profit park partner. This donation expedited the engineering studies needed to create a sustainable design. Construction funding is being provided by the NPS construction program and $1,100,000 received from the Maryland State Highway Administration's Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP).

"If it hadn't been for our donors rallying their support immediately after the breach, this project would not have been competitive and eligible for public funding," said Matthew Logan, President of the C&O Canal Trust. "Those supporters have had to wait 3 years to see their investment pay off, but their patience is finally being rewarded."

"We also need to recognize the leadership of Senator Ben Cardin, Congressman Chris Van Hollen, and Montgomery County Councilman Roger Berliner. Each of these officials care for the park and worked hard to see that the repairs were funded," said Logan.

Classic Site Solutions Inc. is scheduled to begin repairs of the Angler's Breach in the late fall of 2011 with an anticipated completion targeted for late fall of 2012.

October 6, 2011 - Paw Paw Tunnel Hill Trail Ribbon Cutting and Hike Planned

Contact: Rita L. Knox, 301-722-8226

Vista at Paw Paw Bends Photo courtesy of NPS

CUMBERLAND, MD- The C & O Canal National Historical Park recently installed a series of new wayside exhibits and directional signage along the two mile-long Paw Paw Tunnel Hill Trail. On Friday, October 21, 2011 at 1 p.m., a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony will be held at the trail followed by a ranger led hike. The public is welcome and invited to attend. Park visitors who hike Tunnel Hill Trail will now be guided by ten informational and directional signs and two trail head markers to learn about the history of tunnel construction the park's natural features.

Funding for the project came from the C & O Canal Trust, donations through Scout Troop 799, Frederick, Maryland, and the park general donation fund. Eagle Scout candidate, Michael Roth, and members of Troop 799, assisted with installation of wayside and directional sign posts on August 20, 2011 and park staff mounted the wayside exhibits on August 30.

Paw Paw Tunnel is the largest structure along the length of the C & O Canal. The tunnel is located in Allegany County, Maryland, 25 miles south of Cumberland, off MD Rt. 51. The entrance to the tunnel and the ribbon cutting site is a half-mile walk from the parking area. Park visitors planning to hike Tunnel Hill Trail should be aware that it is a steep, strenuous hike and comfortable, sturdy footwear is recommended. Bikes are not permitted on Paw Paw Tunnel Hill Trail. Bring a flashlight to walk safely through the tunnel at the conclusion of the hike.

August 18, 2011 - Park Superintendent Kevin D. Brandt Receives Prestigious Appleman-Judd-Lewis Award for Excellence in Cultural Resources Stewardship

Contacts: Peggie Gaul, (301) 739-6072; Annette Martin, (301) 714-2201

HAGERSTOWN, MD - National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis has announced Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park Superintendent Kevin D. Brandt as the recipient of the prestigious national 2010 Appleman-Judd-Lewis Award for Excellence in Cultural Resources Stewardship

The award recognizes Brandt's sustained contributions to excellence in cultural resource stewardship and especially his pivotal role in conceiving, developing, and nurturing the C&O Canal Quarters program. Canal Quarters is a new and innovative program that allows visitors to stay overnight in a period-furnished lockhouse while having an immersive interpretive experience on the C&O Canal. The program capitalizes on the proximity of the lockhouses to the 184.5 mile-long towpath and provides a new interpretive opportunity for the park's 4.1 million visitors. C&O Canal Quarters is the result of a successful partnership between the C&O Canal Trust and C&O Canal National Historical Park and exemplifies creative and adaptive reuse of historic buildings in a national park.

"I am extremely proud to have been selected to receive this honor. The park's success in providing stewardship for more than 1300 historic structures has been a team effort. In particular the C&O Canal Quarters program would not have been possible without the extraordinary teamwork between C&O Canal National Historical Park staff, the C&O Canal Trust and our volunteers," said Brandt. "Long term, it is our goal that C&O Canal Quarters emerges as a model for viable adaptive reuse of historic buildings and provides a new, creative paradigm for providing meaningful interpretive experiences to park visitors." The award was presented to Brandt by Director Jarvis at a ceremony in Washington D.C. on August 16.

The Director's Appleman-Judd-Lewis Award for Excellence in Cultural Resource Stewardship is an annual recognition for outstanding contributions to cultural resource stewardship by a National Park Service employee. This award was created to recognize expertise and foster creativity in cultural resource stewardship practices and projects, particularly those that may serve as examples or models for programs throughout the National Park Service.