Dear Friends,

The National Park Service (NPS) is beginning a planning process regarding public access to the river from the South end of the Parkway. Belle Haven Marina, Inc. is the current concessioner who oversees the boat ramp, dry and wet storage facilities, a sailing school and the rental of canoes, kayaks, and sailboats. The initial concession contract between George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) and Belle Haven Marina, Inc. expired in 1992 and the marina continues to operate under a contract extension. The latest extension expires on December 31, 2001 and by law can not be renewed (National Park Service Concessions Management and Improvement Act of 1998, 16 USC 5952 (11)(A)). As part of this planning process GWMP is considering alternative locations and different combinations of visitor services.

Since the early 1950s, the NPS allowed marina services on the three-acre parcel of waterfront. In 1959, the NPS was able to acquire Dyke Marsh, one of the largest naturally occurring freshwater tidal marshes in the National Park System. Public Law 86-41 authorized the NPS acquisition of Dyke Marsh in exchange for providing dredging rights to the Smoot, Sand and Gravel Corporation, on the NPS land surrounding the marina. Cited as an area of "irreplaceable wet lands," this law required that, "preservation [of] wet land wildlife habitat shall be paramount." In considering the future of the peninsula, the NPS is seeking to provide necessary and appropriate visitor services while minimizing the impacts to Dyke Marsh.

Two public scoping Open Houses will be held at Potowmack Landing Restaurant in Alexandria on May 1st and 2nd. From 7 to 9 PM, on those two evenings the public can view aerial photographs identifying the locations of the alternatives and participate in dialogue with park staff. The alternatives are described in this newsletter so those who are unable to attend will have all the information about alternatives being considered. We welcome your participation in this process. Please submit your comments on the enclosed form by June 4, 2001.

Sincerely, Audrey F. Calhoun

Superintendent, George Washington Memorial Parkway