News
NPS Conducting Georgetown Boathouse Zone Study
The National Park Service is conducting a Feasibility Study to Implement a Non-motorized Boathouse Zone along the Georgetown Waterfront. The study may result in useful ideas for ways to improve river access while respecting the environmental and historical value of the area. It remains possible, however, that the study may lead toward approval of a massive private boathouse within the construction within the C&O Canal National Historical Park, something that C&OCA has long opposed.
On December 13, 2011, NPS held an open-house to introduce the public to the feasibility study. Speakers included: Peter May, Associate Regional Director of the National Capital Region; Tara Morrison, Superintendent of Rock Creek Park; Kevin Brandt, Superintendent of the C&O Canal National Historical Park; and members of the Louis Berger Group consulting firm. The aim of the feasibility project was described as studying ways to enhance river access for user groups and determining what facilities can be accommodated in the zone.
The zone under study includes land on both sides of Key Bridge. It extends upriver from the bridge for approximately 1,200 feet, including parts of the C&O Canal NHP upriver from the Alexandria Aqueduct ruins and also upriver from the Washington Canoe Club. The zone also includes private and public properties near Key Bridge, but it stops at 34th Street at the border of the new Georgetown Waterfront Park. It does not include that park, any land further downriver, or any part of the Virginia shore.
During January and February, NPS conducted focus group meetings with stakeholder organizations such as user groups, universities, and citizens associations, including C&OCA. The agency then held a public workshop on March 3 to gather more public input and identify possible solutions. During a period that closed on March 30, 2012, NPS accepted written comment through its project website.
The feasibility study is intended to assist future NPS decisions that may include development or improvement of NPS facilities, and/or further actions under laws governing environmental planning and historical protection. At this time, the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the proposed Georgetown University boathouse within the present borders of the C&O Canal NHP is on hold. However, the EIS may be reopened in the future and may still result in a massive private structure intruding on the canal park.
C&OCA hopes that the boathouse zone feasibility study will aid in a satisfactory resolution of the long boathouse controversy and that boating access in Georgetown can be enhanced in appropriate ways. Our overriding mission is to protect the historic, scenic, and natural value of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. To that end, Association members are urged to stay informed about the feasibility study and to express their comments. NPS is expected to open a new comment period once the draft feasibility study has been published, expected in late summer or early fall of 2012. Key points to remember include:
- The part of the C&O Canal NHP included in the feasibility study is rich in historical assets, including the towpath and the ruins of the Alexandria Aqueduct.
- This portion of the canal park is environmentally vulnerable and includes scenic wooded shoreline that must be preserved.
- This part of the canal park is extremely popular but very narrow, presenting a danger of crowding along the canal towpath and Capital Crescent Trail.
- Areas downriver from the canal park are entirely suitable for new boating-related structures and afford better vehicular access.
- The C&O Canal National Historical Park belongs to the whole people, not private interests.
Background information on boathouse issue is contained in an article on this website and on the website of the Defenders of Potomac River Parkland, a coalition of organizations of which C&OCA is a member.
