WILLIAMSPORT, Md. — The National Park Service is asking the public to have a hand in future changes as they move forward to improve opportunities for recreation at the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, including a new play area, campground and more.
Members of the public can join the second comment period by attending the Oct. 12 meeting on the preparation of a Development Concept Plan for White’s Ferry. Commentary will be accepted for one month, ending on Nov. 12.
White's Ferry is made up of 73 acres which include two tracts of land along with a picnic pavilion, historic structures, wooded areas, river access, open spaces and a large parking lot, among other public uses.
The plan's purpose, according to the NPS, is to evaluate the park's current conditions and create future plans for recreation and preservation. The NPS does not plan to pursue commercial development of the site, they've confirmed.
Earlier in the year, the NPS held its first public meeting and accepted and incorporated comments on the concepts for the plan, they said, ultimately revising their initial draft.
As it currently stands, the revised plan details a proposal to improve forest areas and stream buffers, open a new gathering and play area, along with picnic tables and restrooms, and repair the pavilion on the north tract. On the south tract, they hope to add campgrounds.
Public meeting details:
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, (877) 286-5733 (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.
Provide comments:
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.
"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.," the NPS specifies. "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."
