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Frederick County Water Intake Tree Removal Project

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park » Frederick County Water Intake Tree Removal Project » Document List

Frederick County Division of Utilities and Solid Waste Management has requested to remove trees adjacent to their water intake structure at Noland's Ferry. They contacted staff of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park regarding this request. They have requested to remove approximately fifteen (15) trees that are within ten feet of the buildings' east and west elevations. Additional trimming of larger, overhanging trees was also requested. The trees are located on the Potomac River bank.

Frederick County retains a deeded right-of-way and the requested action is within the right-of-way. Frederick County, in a cooperative spirit with the National Park Service, is willing to abide by NPS standards for this project.

Site visits were conducted in December 2005 and January 2006 to evaluate the request. It was determined that a green buffer could be established at the intake structure. This buffer would not exceed ten (10) feet. This width is compatible to the park's best management practices for vegetation control around historic structures.

Fifteen (15) trees, three inches or greater were marked for removal. Numerous saplings were also noted in the buffer zone. Mature overhanging trees were also approved for trimming. Affected area is approximately 600 square feet.

None of the trees marked for removal were threatened or endangered species. Several of the trees were beginning to grow against the structure, with the potential to cause future structural damage.

The area will be maintained as a green buffer by the Frederick County Division of Utilities and Solid Waste Management.

A special use permit will be issued to govern the tree removal activity.

This project has been reviewed for impacts to natural and cultural resources by the park's Interdisciplinary Team. The project does not pose any serious or long-term effects to environmental, historical, cultural, archeological, or visual resources. It meets Categorical Exclusion #3.4 C (3) - Routine maintenance and repairs to non-historic structures, facilities, utilities, grounds, and trails.


Contact Information

For further information about this project, please contact Permit Coordinator, at 1850 Dual Highway, Suite 100, Hagerstown, MD 21740.