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Mary's Wall Vegetation Removal, Part II

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park » Mary's Wall Vegetation Removal, Part II » Document List

The National Park Service, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, will expand the area for vegetation removal from the Mary's Wall area, mile 13.85 of the park. The initial environmental and cultural compliance package was evaluated and approved under PEPC project number 18488. The scope of the previous review was limited to 900 linear feet of retaining wall known was Mary's Wall. Money for the project was designated specifically for vegetation removal from historic structures in this area of the park. Upon award of the contract, funding remained that could be applied to additional wall areas. This compliance package will identify the additional area of work to be undertaken in conjunction with the initial work identified in project number 18488.

The work will address vegetation that is growing through the historic stone retaining wall along Mile 13-14 of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal's historic towpath. This wall is a structural component of the canal and towpath in this area. The preservation maintenance of the wall is imperative for the structural integrity of the canal.

Approximately an additional 850 linear feet have been evaluated for vegetation removal. This work will be undertaken in conjunction with the work already approved for Mary's Wall. It has been determined that sections within the total length will be addressed to remove the most invasive and destructive vegetation.

The work zone will begin at Level 19 to remove trees that interfere with the park's boat operations. The work will continue downstream to the Level 17 Waste Weir. Selective cuttings will be undertaken with all cuttings being removed from the park. All proposed work will be in accordance to the approved work evaluated under the previous compliance package. The vegetation will be cut back to stump level. The stumps will need to remain as removal of the root systems will cause additional damage to the masonry structure. The stumps are to be treated with an herbicide that will halt growth yet is safe to use near water. All herbicides will have pre approval from park's natural resource project manager. All tree components, to be cut and removed, will be lifted to towpath. The cuttings will be processed through a chipper and hauled from park property. Work will be undertaken by a National Capital Region contract. Herbicide application will be performed by a licensed applicator.

No additional work is anticipated.

The park's Interdisciplinary Team reviewed the project for impacts to natural and cultural resources. The project does not pose any serious or long-term effects to the environmental, historical, cultural, archeological, or visual resources. A memo to the file has been issued.





Contact Information

For further information about this project, please contact Exhibit Specialist (Restoration), at 1850 Dual Highway,Suite 100, Hagerstown, MD 21740.