THE GOVERNMENT NEWS DESKPERMANENT NPS STORY ARCHIVE
Organized by publication date and destination. Each story retains its permanent State & Nation address and official NPS source.
You don’t have to travel far to find spectacular fall color. National parks across the Washington, D.C., region offer countless ways to experience autumn, from mountain trails and Potomac River views to historic battlefields, urban forests and the National Mall.
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The National Park Service is excited to welcome visitors to celebrate National Park Week from Saturday, August 22 through Sunday, August 30, as dozens of sites across the region mark the 2026 theme, “Celebrate America’s Story,” highlighting the 250th anniversary of American independence and recognizing our shared American heritage of national parks.
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The National Park Service has completed the Great Falls Area (Maryland) Development Concept Plan, a major milestone that sets the long-term direction for stewardship, visitor experiences and education at one of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park’s most visited places.
Official NPS sourceUpdate (12/23/25): The Lander Lock Bridge has reopened with a reduced load rating of 5-tons.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service will begin construction on a new stairway connecting the Goodloe Byron Memorial Footbridge (Byron Bridge) to the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park towpath at mile 60.6.
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The National Park Service (NPS) today celebrated the completion of the stabilization project of a historic drylaid stone wall at Mile 11 with funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund. This approximately 1,015 linear foot long wall historically called the “Log Wall” plays a critical role in supporting the towpath and the canal prism and protecting them from the waters of the Potomac River. The rehabilitated historic wall ensures future generations will continue to learn and enjoy the C&O Canal in its historical context.
Official NPS sourceUnder the terms of the agreement, Georgetown will donate a parcel of land on the Potomac River to the National Park Service to be added to the boundary of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. This parcel includes an easement along the Capital Crescent Trail, which would be extinguished when the land is donated. This will allow for uninterrupted use of the trail by the public.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) invites the public to comment on their experiences and ideas for the future of the Great Falls (Maryland) area of Chesapeake & Canal National Historical Park. Everyone is invited to help shape the long-term vision for the area and provide feedback through July 28.
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Seventh graders from Washington, D.C. explored nature, history, and fishing at Fletchers Cove during an Earth Day event hosted by the National Park Service and Friends of Fletchers Cove. Hands-on activities fostered environmental awareness, sparked curiosity, and highlighted the value of accessible outdoor experiences in urban communities.
Official NPS sourceVenison donations from national parks of the National Capital Region in 2025.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) invites the public to comment on their experiences and ideas for the future of the Great Falls (Maryland) area of Chesapeake & Canal National Historical Park. Everyone is invited to help shape the long-term vision for the area and provide feedback through March 7.
Official NPS sourceThis fall, the National Park Service (NPS) will close the Four Locks (mile 108.9) boat ramp and adjacent parking lot at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park for repairs starting in October through the winter. The closures will not affect the towpath or access along the adjacent public roadways.
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Edward “Ed” Wenschhof has been named the new deputy superintendent of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal).
Official NPS sourceFletchers 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.
Official NPS sourceEight national parks in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia have concluded this year’s annual operations to reduce overabundant white-tailed deer. These parks donated more than 13,000 pounds of venison to local nonprofit organizations that will serve approximately 55,000 meals to families in need.
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The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park has closed the Polly Pond Bridge at mile 134.3 because engineers found damage to its foundation, piers, and structure due to erosion. This bridge crosses Polly Pond Creek. Visitors should follow posted detour.
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Effective Dates: Week of May 20, 2024, through Fall 2025 (weather dependent) Affected Area: Mile 106 through 106.8 of the towpath, including the parking lot at Dam 5 Reason: Rehabilitation of the left abutment of the historic Potomac Dam No. 5
Official NPS sourceOn May 6, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (NHP) will host a meeting of the park’s Federal Advisory Commission. This annual meeting will be held at the park Headquarters, 142 West Potomac Street Williamsport, MD 21795.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service is preparing to conduct a prescribed burn at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park in early spring, depending on weather conditions. The park plans to burn approximately 90 acres, in the former agricultural fields between rural Oldtown and Spring Gap, Maryland.
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The National Park Service (NPS) is continuing to seek tips from the public to aid in the ongoing investigation of an aggravated assault that occurred in the evening of March 6, 2024 and a related incident that occurred in the afternoon of March 10, 2024. Submit a tip: 888-653-0009, nps_isb@nps.gov, go.nps.gov/SubmitATip
Official NPS sourceNPS seeking tips to help identify suspect who assaulted a woman on the Canal Towpath Trail in Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park.
Official NPS sourceOn February 28, 2024, the National Park Service (NPS) notified Georgetown Heritage of the termination of its philanthropic partnership agreement effective April 29, 2024. This does not change the operation of the canal boat in Georgetown.
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The National Park Service (NPS) will carry out a large-scale $12.7 million preservation and rehabilitation project on the historic C&O Canal in Georgetown to protect key parts of our country’s early transportation history and reduce the risk of flooding during storms and high-water events. The project is expected to start mid-March and is anticipated to continue through Winter 2026, weather dependent. Construction activities will likely require intermittent towpath detours in Georgetown.
Official NPS sourceHarpers Ferry Road between Hoffmaster Road and the school bus turnaround on Sandy Hook Road will reopen Tuesday, December 19. There will be a short work zone (approximately 200 feet) during the final phase of construction where traffic will alternate right of way. This traffic pattern will continue until all remaining construction work is complete this winter.
Official NPS sourceA historic preservation and maintenance project starting in 2024 will protect key parts of our country’s early transportation history and reduce the risk of flooding in Georgetown during storms and high water.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) has prepared a Development Concept Plan that outlines potential improvements within the Whites Ferry area. This concludes a year-long planning process, developed with stakeholder and public input, re-envisioning this part of the park.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) invites the public to comment on their experiences and ideas for the future of the Great Falls (Maryland) area of Chesapeake & Canal National Historical Park. Everyone is invited to help shape the long-term vision for the area and provide feedback through Sept. 29.
Official NPS sourcehis summer, the National Park Service (NPS) will close three boat-ramps at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park to replace three vehicle bridges. The Edwards Ferry Boat Ramp (mile 30.8), Dargan Bend Recreation Area Boat Ramp (mile 64.9) and the Fifteen Mile Creek Campground Boat Ramp (mile 140.8) will close in phases starting July 2023 and depending on weather, could extend into the winter.
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In honor of completing the largest restoration project in modern park history, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park today received the Excellence in Historic Preservation and Sustainable Design award from the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT).
Official NPS sourceSeven national parks in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia have concluded this year’s annual operations to reduce overabundant white-tailed deer. These parks donated more than 12,000 pounds of venison to local nonprofit organizations that will serve approximately 48,000 meals to families in need.
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Join national parks in the D.C. area for National Park Week! This annual celebration of the more than 400 national parks across the country starts April 22.
Official NPS sourceMost forests in eastern United States national parks are at risk due to browsing by overabundant white-tailed deer and crowding by invasive plants, according to a National Park Service (NPS) study published in the journal Ecological Applications.
Official NPS sourceChesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park rangers have received reports of several racoons behaving abnormally near Lock 34 (mile 61.5) which may be a sign of rabies. Anyone who has had physical contact with raccoons in this area is advised to seek immediate medical evaluation.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service is preparing to conduct a prescribed burn at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park in early spring, depending on weather conditions. The park plans to burn approximately 90 acres, in the former agricultural fields between rural Oldtown and Spring Gap, Maryland.
Official NPS sourceJoin the National Park Service (NPS) this March for eight Women’s History Month events. National parks in the D.C. area invite the public to visit, celebrate and learn about the many stories of women’s history that happened right here in the nation’s capital!
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The National Park Service (NPS) will begin construction on the Level 33 dry-laid stone wall just across the Potomac River from Harpers Ferry, WV this March.
Official NPS sourceThe Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (NHP) will host a meeting of the park’s Federal Advisory Commission on March 2 at 9:30 a.m. The meeting will be held at the park Headquarters, 142 W. Potomac St. Williamsport, Md. 21795.
Official NPS sourceCatoctin Mountain Park, Antietam and Monocacy national battlefields, Manassas National Battlefield Park, and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and Harpers Ferry national historical parks will conduct deer management operations in 2023 to protect and restore native plants, promote healthy and diverse forests, and preserve historic landscapes. Operations will take place from Jan. 30 to April 30, 2023.
Official NPS sourceWILLIAMSPORT, 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.
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National Park Service (NPS) Regional Director Kym Hall has named Jeri DeYoung as the new superintendent of Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (NST).
Official NPS sourceOn August 11, 2022 at 9:20 a.m. the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (NHP) will host a meeting of the park’s Federal Advisory Commission
Official NPS sourceA new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 6,675,119 visitors to national parks in Maryland spent $246.6 million in the state in 2021. That spending resulted in 2,940 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to the state economy of $344.3 million.
Official NPS sourceA new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 2,187,125 visitors to national parks in West Virginia spent $108.9 million in the state in 2021. That spending resulted in 1,447 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to the state economy of $131 million.
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A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 28,599,634 visitors to national parks in the District of Columbia spent $600,600,000 in 2021. That spending resulted in 5,293 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to the District’s economy of $679,400,000.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS), in partnership with DC Water, invites public review of a proposal to repair three segments of a sanitary sewer system adjacent to the Clara Barton Parkway between Lock 14 and the Chain Bridge in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. You’re invited to review the proposal and submit comments from June 17, 2022 through July 1, 2022.
Official NPS sourceOn Saturday evening, a construction barge carrying an excavator and other equipment broke loose and was held in the Potomac River for a short time. This afternoon, a second barge broke loose as well. Both floated downriver toward Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) is seeking input as we take steps to improve opportunities for public recreation at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The NPS is seeking public comments from May 11 through June 11 to aid the preparation of a Development Concept Plan for White’s Ferry. The public is invited to help shape the long-term vision for the area and provide feedback on an initial range of proposed concepts.
Official NPS sourceDuring recent, routine white-tailed deer management operations and subsequent disease sampling at Catoctin Mountain Park, Rock Creek Park, Monocacy National Battlefield and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and Pennsylvania State University researchers found positive results for SARS-CoV2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) in the park deer population.
Official NPS sourceCatoctin Mountain Park, Antietam and Monocacy national battlefields, and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and Harpers Ferry national historical parks will conduct deer management operations in 2022 to protect and restore native plants, promote healthy and diverse forests, and preserve historic landscapes.
Official NPS sourceMaryland State Highway Administration is seeking public comment on proposed repairs to the James Rumsey Bridge (MD 34) over the Potomac River and C&O Canal between Sharpsburg, MD and Shepherdstown, WV for the next 15 days.
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