Replanting in Montgomery County

Date: March 10, 2016
Contact: Catherine Bragaw, 301-491-6259

Potomac, Md. - The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park will begin replanting at Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campground and Rileys Lockhouse Day Use Area in Montgomery County. This replanting effort is in response to recent hazard tree removal projects that were necessary for public safety. In areas where the Park conducts hazard tree removal, the Park carefully considers the need for replanting trees or other vegetation. The work will be completed this spring as soon as park contractors and volunteers can be scheduled. The affected areas will remain open with some partial closures.

Large trees will be planted by a contractor, while smaller trees and shrubs will be planted by volunteers. Twenty large trees will be planted at Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campground, and fifteen large trees will be planted at Rileys Lockhouse Day Use Area. Small trees and shrubs will be planted in high densities appropriate to the area to ensure survival. Detailed maps can be found at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/canalhazardtree

 When planting is deemed appropriate, the park consults the Restoration and Re-vegetation Protocols for the C&O Canal National Historical Park (2010) and any applicable laws or regulations;plantings consist of species that are native to the park or that are historically appropriate. Information on this protocol can be found at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/canalhazardtree