Comment Period #2 - Great Falls DCP Management Concepts

The Great Falls area of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is one of the most popular sections of the park, attracting visitors with its rich natural beauty and historical significance. Located close to Washington, D.C., this area has seen a dramatic increase in visitors over the last five years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching approximately 800,000 annual visitors.

The surge in visitors has created both opportunities and challenges. While the growing popularity brings potential for new, engaging public activities like hiking etiquette or astronomy classes, it also strains the park's natural, cultural, and staffing resources. The increase in visitation affects the quality of experience for visitors on trails, towpaths, and recreational areas, while also harming sensitive ecosystems and historical sites.

To address challenges, the park has initiated a development concept plan (DCP). The DCP aims to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors, while also protecting the park's resources. The DCP includes identifying tactics to increase safety and improve recreational opportunities, increase participation by people with disabilities and accessibility needs, establish ways to protect sensitive natural and cultural resources. The DCP will include guidelines to manage high visitation and preserve endangered plant species and historical sites.

Your feedback is vital! Help shape the park's future by sharing your input. We encourage you to participate in shaping the future of Great Falls by participating in our upcoming online public meeting on January 9 from 6:30 to 8pm EST through Microsoft Teams.


To join: Join the meeting:
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NmQ5NGJmZTQtODM3ZS00YmFmLWFkMGMtNTJlOTE5ODU1MTZj%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%229cad90d3-94e7-4d78-86a4-a09f6fa733e9%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22e8b64ab3-59da-4d22-b59b-100a89cde025%22%7d

Meeting ID: 236 796 986 652
Passcode: wV2FE7

Dial in by phone
+1 323-741-6471,,915395005# United States, Los Angeles
Phone conference ID: 915 395 005#

The comment period will be open from January 9, 2025 to February 10, 2025.

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