News Release

Second chance for public to share thoughts on the future of recreation at Whites Ferry

Date: October 3, 2022
Contact: Christiana Hanson, 301-491-6265

WILLIAMSPORT, Md. – The National Park Service (NPS) is again seeking public input as we take next steps to improve opportunities for recreation at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. On Oct. 12, the NPS will host a public meeting and begin the second public comment period to continue the preparation of a Development Concept Plan for Whites Ferry. The public is invited to comment until Nov. 12.

The purpose of a Development Concept Plan is to evaluate existing park conditions and create future plans for visitor enjoyment and recreation, and park preservation. Earlier this year, the NPS held a public meeting and accepted comments on the initial concepts for the plan. After the comment period closed, the NPS incorporated comments and ideas and revised the draft plan.

In the revised plan, the NPS proposes to: 

• Improve forest areas and stream buffers throughout the area; 
• Open a gathering and play area, add new picnic tables and restrooms, and repair the pavilion on the north tract; and 
• Add campgrounds on the south tract. 

Whites Ferry is approximately 73 acres, made up of two tracts of land and includes open spaces, a picnic pavilion, a large parking lot, wooded areas, river access, historic structures and access to private lands. However, there is currently no access to the Canal towpath and the area lays in a floodplain.  

The area surrounds a private property where the Whites Ferry ferry operation and Whites 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: 

The NPS will host a live, virtual public meeting on Oct. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. Join the meeting and view the presentation live. To connect to audio, use the meeting website link or dial, [phone] (Conference ID: 872 681 497#).  A recording of the meeting will also be available to view at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/whitesferryconceptplan after Oct. 12.

How to comment: 

You are invited to review the proposal and provide comments and ideas from Oct. 12 to Nov. 12. To provide comments online or get additional information on the project, visit https://parkplanning.nps.gov/whitesferryconceptplan. If you prefer to mail your comments, make sure they are postmarked by Nov 12 to receive consideration.

Superintendent, Attn: Whites Ferry DCP 
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park 
142 West Potomac Street, Williamsport, MD 21795.  

Before including personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
 

-NPS- 
 

Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures. Learn more at www.nps.gov/choh.