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Contact: Hollie Lynch, 301-491-0149
Potomac, Md. – Arborists will remove hazardous trees in the Swains Lock area of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park between April 21 and May 15. The park urges visitors to heed warning signs and barriers. Towpath users may experience brief delays between mileposts 14 and 20 during this work.
National Park Service-certified arborists selected specific trees to be removed because they pose a danger to people or structures. Other vegetation will be removed to protect historic structures and culverts. Where trees are removed, new trees will be planted in the same locations, promoting a sustainable forest.
“Routine maintenance of our trees helps us keep our visitors safe while promoting a healthy ecosystem,” Superintendent Tina Cappetta said. “While this operation may be a temporary inconvenience, it will improve visitor safety and protect the park’s natural and historic features.”
C&O Canal National Historical Park manages 6.5 million trees with a comprehensive plan designed to protect people while preserving the towpath, structures, and a sustainable ecosystem.
This work is continuing while communities adjacent to the C&O Canal are under stay at home orders to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “Preventing loss of, or damage to property” is an excepted activity for non-essential businesses under Governor Hogan’s order. Many park facilities remain closed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Up-to-date closures and other advisories are available on the park website at www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.
www.nps.gov/choh
About the C&O Canal: The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park preserves and interprets the historical, natural and recreational resources of the C&O Canal. Over 5 million visitors a year enjoy the opportunities for recreation and understanding that the park has to offer. For more information, visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/choh.
Last updated: April 20, 2020