Antietam National Battlefield Superintendent J.W. Howard today announced the funding of over $240,000 dollars in projects at the Battlefield using Recreational Fee Program Funds. Recreational Fee Program Funds are monies derived from visitor entrance fees and National Park Passes sold at Antietam National Battlefield.

This years' projects include:

Mitigation of Exotic Vegetation: Removal of non-native vegetation from the fields and forests in an effort to continue historic landscape restoration efforts.

Replacement of the Interpretive Tablet in Observation Tower: Re-casting and replacement of the bronze interpretive tablet at the top of the War Department Observation Tower. These tablets were originally placed by the War Department in the early 1900's.

Rehabilitation of Historic Lanes: Repairs to the historic sections of the Mumma, Roulette and Pry Lanes.

Restoration of Piper Orchards: This phase II of restoration of a Historic Apple Orchard on the Piper Farm. This project will restore 176 trees and the final four acres of Orchard.

Replacement of Benches in Visitor Center: Replacement of 9 wooden benches and safety railings in the Visitor Center Observation Room.

Develop and Install New Wayside Exhibits: Development of an additional series of wayside exhibits for the Battlefield Tour Road and Visitor Center. Replacement of current wayside exhibits.

Removal of Non-Historic Structures: In continued efforts of historic landscape restoration, this project will involve the removal of modern structures on National Park Service property.

Replacement of Fueling Station: Replacement of 12 year old Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Pumps at the Battlefield Maintenance Area.

Public Land Corps: Provides funding for natural resource and cultural resource management programs through the Student Conservation Association.

100% of all Entrance Fees at Antietam National Battlefield are returned to the park to support Interpretive, Educational, Resource Preservation and Maintenance activities.
Through the use of Recreational Fee Program funds, Antietam National Battlefield will continue to preserve and restore the historic landscape and structures that make up the Sharpsburg Battlefield.

updated 3/01/06, kbs