News Release

Share your thoughts on the future of recreation at White’s Ferry

Date: May 2, 2022
Contact: Christiana Hanson, 301-491-6265

WILLIAMSPORT, Md. – The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking input as we take steps to improve opportunities for public recreation at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The NPS is seeking public comments from May 11 through June 11 to aid the preparation of a Development Concept Plan for White’s Ferry. The public is invited to help shape the long-term vision for the area and provide feedback on an initial range of proposed concepts. 

The purpose of a Development Concept Plan is to evaluate existing conditions and create concepts for future use and enjoyment. The NPS will use the plan to improve recreation in the area for residents and visitors. White’s Ferry is approximately 73 acres, made up of two tracts of land and includes open space, a picnic pavilion, a large parking lot, wooded areas, river access, structures, and access to private lands.  

The area surrounds a private property where the White’s Ferry ferry operation and White’s Ferry Store & Grill are located. The future of the ferry operation is not within the scope of this Development Concept Plan. The NPS will not pursue commercial development of the site. 

Public participation is vital to the planning process. There are several ways to get involved.
 

Attend a virtual public meeting: 

Attend a virtual public meeting on May 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. Join the meeting and view the presentation live. Audio for the meeting will be available via computer through the above website link or by dialing [phone] (Conference ID: 619402466#). A recording of the meeting and presentation materials will also be available after the meeting at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/whitesferryconceptplan.  

How to comment: 

Submit written comments online at the NPS’ Planning, Environment and Public Comment website, https://parkplanning.nps.gov/whitesferryconceptplan from May 11 to June 11 or mail comments by June 11 to: 

Superintendent, Attn: White’s Ferry DCP 

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park 

142 West Potomac Street, Williamsport, MD 21795.  

The NPS will only consider mailed comments postmarked by June 11, 2022.