News Release

National Park Service will dredge Fletchers Cove  

Date: July 13, 2024
Contact: Christiana Hanson, 301-491-6265

FLETCHERS COVE, DC - Fletchers Cove, a beloved part of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, is set for an important restoration funded by fees that park visitors pay for park entry, camping and special activities through the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA). The money is used for facilities and services that improve visitors’ experiences.

Over time, sediment accumulation has made boating and fishing on the Potomac River difficult in a part of the park popular with kayakers, rowboaters and stand-up paddle boarders. The dredging will improve access and restore these activities.

The project will start with dredging the cove to remove built-up sediment and repair worn-out infrastructure.

The dredging is just the beginning, setting the stage for a long-term plan to address ongoing sediment issues and restore Fletchers Cove to a more natural state. The National Park Service and its partners are committed to improving public access and preserving this historic site for future generations to enjoy. 

Located about 2.5 miles upstream from Theodore Roosevelt Island in northwest Washington D.C., Fletchers Cove has been popular for outdoor activities since the 1850s. Despite previous dredging efforts, sedimentation has continued due to changes in the floodplain over the years.