Public Meeting Tonight on C&O Canal Park’s Proposed Fee Increases

C&O Canal towpath near Slackwater. Photo credit: Rudi Riet

The National Park Service announced yesterday that they will be hosting a public meeting to discuss their proposed fee hikes (PDF) for access to and amenities on the C&O Canal National Historical Park. The C&O Canal is a public park that stretches from Georgetown in Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, MD. While most of the meetings on the subject are outside the Washington region, Tonight’s meeting will be held at the Washington Waldorf School, 4800 Sangamore Rd. in Bethesda from 7pm to 8:30pm. We encourage all bicyclists to attend, ask questions, and voice any concerns about the proposal. WABA is working with NPS to learn more about the proposal, but we oppose regressive fees that would limit access for biking, walking, and enjoying the public park. NPS Director Jarvis has tasked all parks with considering such revenue-generating activities, so we are working throughout the region to respond to these fee proposals. Presently, public comment periods are open for the Prince William Forest Park, George Washington Memorial Parkway, and the C&O Canal. If you bike on the C&O Canal towpath, you will likely be affected by this proposal. Please consider attending the meeting tonight. Meeting Details What: National Park Service meeting on proposed fee increases for C&O Canal National Historic Park When: 7pm – 8:30pm, Thursday, February 5th Where: Washington Waldorf School, 4800 Sangamore Rd., Bethesda, MD Google Map Directions