ACCESS PROJECTS – C&O Canal -
T.O. = take-out, P.I. = put-in
CCA – ACCESS PROJECTS – 20x - 15 Jan 2018
This set of problems affects access to the River (the Potomac in almost all cases), most of which we've been dealing with over the years. We suggest a longer term and consistent response to them. Presented at the CCA board-meeting (10 Sept 2017) – Access Committee formed 12 Nov 2017.
WISH LIST (details below)
1 - Rewatering the Lock 4-5 Level: the Coffer Dam
2 - Fletchers Take-Out - Improve
3 – Little Falls – Dalacarlia Take Out – Improve*
4 - Lock 10 Take-Out *
5 - Carderock Take-Out*
6 – Anglers Put-In – Improve Steps
7 - Swains Lock Take-Out - Improve
8 - C&O / GW Loop - Operation of Pennyfield Lock
9 - GW Loop: C&O Crossing - Improve
10 – Violettes Lock Put-In – Improve
10.5 – Rileys Lock Put-In - Monitor
11 - Continuing Trump/USCG river blockages - working w/ the USCG on implementation *
12 - Anglers Put-In – Roll Back Parking Prohibition along MacArthur *
13 - Harpers Ferry Access - New Developments*
14 - Goose Creek - Press for a Put-In*
15 – Warning signs for bikes “Kayak Crossing” at 2, 3, 4, 6, 9
16 – Recover permission to put in at Roosevelt Island for the 4th of July paddle.
17 – Lock 34 Parking
18 – Md-side Parking at top of the Needles
19 – Patoma Wayside - Winter Parking
20 – Antietam Ck Mouth T.O.
DETAILS with Suggestions
1 – Rewater the Lower Canal – Lock 4-5 Level - This is proceeding much too slowly - and the NPS coffer dam is needed more than ever. This could take years - Get NPS to put in 2 very low dams to give 2 ft deep water, not 4 ft. Disproportion of spending for the Georgetown Canal Boat – nothing for boaters, fishers.
2 – Fletchers - Build-up the waterside T.O. spot with gravel. Broaden trail by the water, remove logs. Also, three nasty broken-off 2”-high iron pipes near the parking place need razing - by saw, sledgehammer, dig-out. - we got the NHP to do this in a week - as a safety issue -
3 – Little Falls – Dalecarlia – Dig out the low level exit bayou and build steps and a slanted stone drag-ramp at the end.
4 - Lock 10 - T.O. used to be well stabilized with spongy stuff secured by black plastic snow-fence. The upstream side is now gone and erosion is setting in - slippery, too.
5 - Carderock - T.O. before Stubblefield Falls. - Several possible locations. Big job.
6 – Anglers - Put-In – Above the Canal - Access is mediocre, the path becomes a stream in wet weather; the existing timber steps become more treacherous yearly. Consider the disproportionately expensive concrete bridge at the foot of steps. Also, erosion down the road to the bottom parking lot is a problem,
7 - Swains Lock – PI/TO is eroded, needs stabilizing – stone or concrete.
8 - Pennyfield Lock - The lock-wickets and waste-weir are opened, lowering the water level on the Canal up to Violettes to a trickle. Boaters should have some input on these decisions - or at least be told when they're made. We asked about this & it was fixed in a week.
9 - GW Loop/ C&O Canal Transfer – Mile 21 - The towpath is being abraded on both sides by us boaters.
10 – Violettes – P.I is difficult – esp for handicapped. Tree roots are being exposed as paddlers clamber over them on several different routes. Moving the rocks in the water a few feet would make the put-in far easier. This put-in is used by TRR and kayaking schools and CCA beginner paddlers. Improve the upper (canoeists) P.I.
10.5 – Rileys Lock Put-In – Monitor – This Maryland DNR put in is ideal – nothing needed, but keep watch. With Calleva there, any deleterious change will be instantly noticed – and opposed.
11 - Trump Prohibition – CCA’s Sunday Paddles cross the Po almost every Sunday and now have a USCG number to call (410) 576-2525 that works well. This info shd be posted at Violettes so the unaware not run into the USCG and spoil their day. The USCG are (not always) enforcing a total river ban. We need to show the USSS / USCG how kayaks are not the problem. The USCG has yet to announce its final ruling. We sued, we won.
12 - The MacArthur parking prohibition near Anglers Inn is a crap-shoot - who'll be nailed on which day? This is not how law enforcement should work. This opportunity for mobilizing people parked there - handbills on windshields, talking with the Montgomery Co groups, etc. The householders later got the police to bar off the parking on the river side of MacA - lost.
13 - AW's HF Access project is dead in the water. But 2 new short term fixes: for the Needles: MCC has a deal with River Runners so members can go for free. (Should CCA do a similar?) Also for the Staircase: Adventure Rec Center (below the 340 bridge) will drive you up to Millville for $5 after your run. At the Weverton T.O get NPS to remove 3 downed trees across the trail.
14 - Goose Creek has been shut down 16 years - need to go after the new owners of the dam - Loudoun Water - to hurry up permissions. Go see the planned P.I.
15 – Warning signs for bikes at “Kayak Crossings” at 2, 3, 4, 6, 9 - Should show a kayak being carried – say “SLOW – RING BELL.” Too many bicyclists are zoned out, don’t realize the danger of hitting blinded kayakers, who sometimes have children along, crossing the towpath. Kayakers at MP 21 need a warning sign, too.
16 – Reopen Teddy Roosevelt P.I. for the Fourth of July – CCA used to launch there – now no longer – Why?
17 – Lock 34 Parking – this has been blocked by the CSX or by the Canal – unclear – HFOF’s Mike Moore of HFOF will provide photos
.
18 – Maryland-side Parking – at top of the Needles – overrun by tubers in summer – Outfitters have a monopoly – need photos
19 – Patoma Wayside Winter Parking – This should be open to all (not just outfitters, who have closed for the season (1. Nov to mid April). Change the signs.
20 – Antietam Ck Mouth T.O. – muddy after rain, thaw. Place stone steps from riverside up the bank – 100 yds upstream of the Creek..
For all of this we need people, volunteers and advice. Sep 22, 2017, Presented at 10 Oct 2017 CCA Bd Mtg.