Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Park Service National Historical Park U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Billy Goat Steward Orientation Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

January 13, 2018

Bob King, Coordinator National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Agenda

• Who’s Who at the C&O National Historical Park • Interpretation and History • The Billy Goat Trail – What’s So Special? • What is a Billy Goat Trail Steward (BGTS)? – Roles and Responsibilities • Park Rules and Common Violations • A Tour of the Billy Goat Trail, Section A • How to become a Billy Goat Trail Steward – Training and Trail Requirements – Reporting and Resources • Review and Closing National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Volunteers in Park (VIP) Mission

To involve individuals and groups in the stewardship and enhancement of the Park’s resources in an atmosphere of respect and cooperation. National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Who’s Who at the C&O Canal National Historical Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Superintendent

Safety Deputy Superintendent

Resources Interpretation, Visitor & Business Facility (Natural & Education, and Resource Management Management Cultural) Volunteers Protection

Boat Weed Crew Quarter- masters Warriors Admin Rovers Campground Host Bike Patrol Level Walkers

Billy Goat Visitor Center Special Trail Stewards Projects Canal Stewards National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

NPS C&O Canal Personnel

• Kevin Brandt, Superintendent, C&O Canal NHP • John Noel, Deputy Superintendent • John Adams, Safety Officer • Catherine Bragaw, Chief of Interpretation, Education and Volunteers • Emily Hewitt, Park-wide Volunteer Coordinator, Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers • Pete Peterson, Supervisory Ranger, Interpretation National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

NPS Canal Personnel

• Joshua Nolen, Palisades VIP Team Leader • Eric Kenney, Park Ranger, Fee Booth • Mark Myers, Park Ranger, Interpretive Division (mule caretaker) • John McCarthy, Park Ranger (boat crew) • Carl Lennartson, Park Ranger (boat crew) • Geoff Suiter, Park Ranger (boat crew) • Darryl McLeod, Palisades Maintenance Supervisor, Facility Management Division National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Law Enforcement

• Horse-Mounted US Park Police (PP) – Blue uniforms – Park Police jurisdiction extends to Seneca Creek Aqueduct at MM 22.7 – US PP respond to many other NPS sites in the DC area • NPS Law Enforcement (LE) – Park Service Uniforms – NPS LEs have jurisdiction in the entire NHP • Montgomery County Police, Coast Guard, DNR also have jurisdiction. Maryland SP may respond • Central determines who responds to incidents National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Partners • Canal Trust – official nonprofit partner of the C&O Canal NHP – works in partnership with NPS and local communities to raise funds to preserve the Park for future generations and to broaden support through programs that highlight the Park’s historical, natural, and cultural heritage and recreational opportunities. • Nature Conservancy – co-owner of Bear and Olmsted Islands – mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. • Potomac Club (PATC) – responsible for trail maintenance by agreement with NPS – through volunteer efforts, education and advocacy, maintains and protects lands for the enjoyment of present and future hikers. National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Partners • Palisades Bike Patrol – trail heads – Purple Horse and Spitzbergen – maps and water • Bike Loaner Program – Provides information to hikers • Potomac Paddlers – NPS volunteers on kayak patrol – not first responders – highly experienced paddlers trained in swift water awareness and interpretation with the NPS National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Interpretation and History of the C&O National Historical Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Orientation

vs.

Information

vs.

Interpretation National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Orientation

Where is my car?

Where is a trash can?

Where can I get water?

Where is the bathroom? National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Information

How long is the trail?

What kinds of rocks are these?

Which direction does the boat ride go?

Can you recommend other hiking ?

Informational questions can lead into interpretation…. National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Metagraywacke National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Interpretation

• Facilitates a personal connection between the meaning of the resource and the interests of the visitor. Give the visitor something of value to themselves. Help them appreciate and understand the fragile natural resources and the need for protection. • Interpretation is a communication process, designed to reveal meanings and relationships of our cultural and natural heritage, through involvement with objects, artifacts, landscapes and sites. Interpretive communications is not simply presenting information, but a specific communication strategy that is used to translate that information for people, from the technical language of the expert, to the everyday language of the visitor. National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

C&O Canal History • C&O Canal Company chartered in 1825 to build shipping canal to establish trade route • Groundbreaking at Little Falls on July 4, 1828 • Operations began in 1831, but wasn’t completed at Cumberland, MD until 1850 • 605’ elevation changed required 74 locks, 11 aqueducts across major streams, over 240 culverts to cross smaller streams, and a tunnel. • Section to connect to Ohio River in Pittsburgh with over 5000’ of elevation change never built. National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

C&O Canal History • Began to decline in 1880s due to competition from B&O RR; purchased by railroad in 1890 • Operations ceased in 1924 • Acquired by US government in 1938 and placed under NPS • Proposed as parkway modeled after Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive • In 1954, Associate Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas challenged newspaper editors to walk the length of the canal, calling public attention to conservation movement • Designated a NHP on January 8, 1971 National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

The Billy Goat Trail – Section A What’s So Special? National Park Service : A National Treasure U.S. Department of the Interior

• The Billy Goat Trail runs through Bear Island, a 96 acre nature preserve co-owned by The Nature Conservancy and National Park Service

• Bear Island is one of the most biologically rich areas of the Potomac Gorge, full of rare plant communities and home to more than 60 state-listed threatened and endangered plant species

• Bear Island is one of a few exposed bedrock terrace habitats in the Mid-Atlantic National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

What is a Billy Goat Trail Steward? Roles and Responsibilities National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

• Help to protect the Park from visitors • Help to protect visitors from the Park and from themselves • Serve as ambassadors (“eyes and ears”) of NPS • Welcome visitors and provide assistance • Provide visitors with information on Park’s history, resources, regulations and safety considerations • Assist NPS operations alerting NPS staff to potential problems and safety hazards • Relay visitor comments and concerns National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

• Inform and educate visitors about NPS rules, but Do Not Enforce! • Our responsibility is to inform visitors about NPS rules • We do not have authority and are not responsible for enforcement. Only police and NPS LE Rangers have enforcement authority • Provide basic first aid to the extent we are comfortable; assist visitor in exiting the Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Park Rules and Common Violations National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Swimming • No swimming or wading in the C&O Canal – 90 feet deep in some places – Snapping turtles and Northern water snakes – Ice skating is permitted on the canal except for Widewater • No swimming in the in any area adjacent to Montgomery County (MP 42.1) or DC – Strong, deceptive, swift and unpredictable river – Dangerous, unseen undertows and hidden rocks – Even wading puts one at risk – Average of 7 deaths per year • Boating and rafting are permitted in canal and river National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Swimming • http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/the-perils- of-great-falls/ National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Swimming (cont’d) • Inform swimmers of the dangers and ask them to get out for their own safety. Nobody can reach them in time if they need help • If they get out, thank them. If not, leave the scene and call Central with a location and description (how many, age group, what they are wearing, etc.) • The NPS takes this matter very seriously! National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Dogs • Dogs not permitted on BGT-A and (exception for service dogs) • Elsewhere, dogs must be on leash at all times • Reasons for the policy: – Dog protection: physical injury, rabies, Lyme Disease – Wildlife protection: dogs harass, injure or kill protected wildlife – Visitor protection: may frighten other visitors – Dog owner’s protection: can’t keep balance holding a leash National Park Service National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Leave No Trace

• Stay on the blue blazed trail at all times to protect rare plants

• Do not walk off the trail to avoid a puddle or difficult section

• Shoes dry overnight. Plants take years to regenerate National Park Service National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Obey trail closures:

• The Billy Goat Trail is prone to flooding • Check river level and trail status at Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center before hike • Trail may be closed during high water on the Potomac River, even if the weather seems nice • Trail is closed to protect the small island from trampling, as parts of the trail are impassable during high water National Park Service National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Off-Trail Dangers

Copperheads • Watch where you put your hands and feet • Avoid disturbing logs and rocks Poison Ivy Ticks Chiggers National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Legal / Illegal Weapons

• Legal for visitors to carry a gun if they have the necessary permit – We are not authorized to check for permit – Call Central and tell them you have observed a gun and specify location • Illegal for visitors to carry bows and arrows, machetes, and some other weapons – Call Central and specify type of weapon and location National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Less Common Violations

• Drones • Alcohol and drug use • Vandalism • Assault and battery • Loud parties • Dumping • Indecent exposure or irrational behavior • Camping outside designated campgrounds • Fires outside of park-provided fire rings or grills National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Medical Emergencies and Rescue • Know where you are at all times! • Identify the problem and gather as much information as possible • Don’t do anything that may endanger your own safety • Always use your best judgment National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Medical Emergencies and Rescue • Call 911 – If you reach Virginia, ask to be transferred to Montgomery County – Ask for fire/medical assistance – Identify yourself as a Billy Goat Trail Steward – Expect to be transferred to uniformed firefighter call takers – Each time you are transferred, identify yourself again National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Medical Emergencies and Rescue • Explain calmly and clearly: – Who you are – Nature of the problem – Your location – What resources you think you need – A patient description • Be prepared to stay on the phone with them for several minutes National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Medical Emergencies and Rescue • May conference you with responding units or have you hang up so the unit can call you directly • Do not hesitate to call them with any issue; they answer many non-emergency calls a day • Always use your best judgment • As soon as possible, use WhatsApp; call Fee Booth. • May wish to call Central as well (radio) National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Emergencies and Violations • Know where you are at all times! • Identify the problem and gather as much information as possible • Never use your cell phone or radio in presence of volatile situation – get out of sight and then call it in • Always use your best judgment National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Using the Radio • Turn the radio on by rotating the On/Off/Volume knob (top of radio, left- hand side) clockwise. • If necessary, move the concentric switch (top of radio, middle) from the clear circle to the circle with the line through it. • The ABC switch and Emergency button on top of the radio have NOT been activated. • If necessary, set the radio to the correct channel (1 for BGT, 6 or 7 for LOS) • Keep all transmissions brief and to the point. If subject matter is extensive, broadcast the essential information by radio and call the rest of the information in by phone later. • The radio system is for emergency and official messages only. • Use plain English in all radio transmissions. National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Violations Radio • Listen for others speaking and check if light is red • Press button on microphone • Say “Central. This is 443 [your last name] • Release button • Central instructs you to go ahead. • Press button on microphone • “443 your name explain the situation • Release button • Be professional in all radio messages. Do not transmit sensitive information unless there is no alternative. National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Violations Phone – Central: 301-714-2235 – Alternate: 866-677-6677 – Call 911 as a last resort – Visitor Center: 301-767-3714 – Fee Booth: 301-767-3722 • Remove yourself from the situation • Visitor Center may also be informed National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

A Tour of The Billy Goat Trail Section A National Park Service The Billy Goat Trail-Section A U.S. Department of the Interior

• Upstream trailhead is located ½ mile downstream of Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center on towpath • Downstream trailhead is located 4/10 mile upstream of the Old Angler’s bridge • The Billy Goat Trail is 1.75 miles long • Using the towpath to complete the hike, it’s about a 4 mile hike roundtrip from the Tavern or Angler’s • Roundtrip hike takes approximately 2-4 hours National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Caish Hole Sandy Beach Mary’s Wall Back Channel Rocky Upstream Trail Head Islands Stopgate

Rocky Island View Lock 16

Root Alley

Lock 15

1 TM 1 2

Pothole Alley

Ironhorse River Access Emergency Exit Ironhorse Stream Traverse River Access Traverse Emergency Widewater 3 Exit Trail MP 13 Downtream Trail Head Spitzbergen TM 2 4 se or 5 leh rp Pu Purplehorse River Access F i sh k Eagle River Access i 6 ll P s o Lower Oxbow ces n r A d TM 3 ive ll R hki Yellow - Emergency Access Points Fis Green - Official Place Names TM 3 Blue - Local Place Names River Access Upper Oxbow White - Billy Goat Trail - A Dead Cow River Access Madeira Point National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Mary’s Wall, Catfish Hole, & Upstream Entrance National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Upstream Entrance to Root Alley National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Trail Marker 1 and Pothole Alley National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Ironhorse Stream & Traverse National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Ironhorse Stream & Traverse

The Traverse: Hikers must climb up / down a 40 ft. cliff. There is no alternative way around. National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Spitzbergen, Emergency Exit (TM2) & Purplehorse Rocks between TM2 and PH are extremely smooth and sand collected on shoes causes hikers to slip on these rocks National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Purplehorse and Fishkill Pond National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Trail Marker 3, Madeira View, Madeira Beach, & Upstream Oxbow National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Madeira View, Madeira Beach, & Upstream / Downstream Oxbows National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Madeira Beach & Upstream / Downstream Oxbows National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

and Downstream

Downstream Oxbow & Downstream Entrance National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Emergency Entrance and Emergency Exit (TM2) National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service There are Other Hiking Options! U.S. Department of the Interior

• Olmsted Island Bridges – Easy 1/4 mile boardwalk allows hikers access to spectacular views of the Great Falls. Dogs not allowed.

• River Trail - Easy 2 mile roundtrip loop. Hike is a gentle stroll along river’s edge above the falls and through a rich floodplain forest. Return on towpath to tavern. View of bald eagle nest.

• Gold Mine Loop – 3.2 Mile Loop of moderate difficulty. Hikers have opportunity to view remains of gold mining operations.

• Ford Mine Trail – Gentle 2 mile roundtrip trail through pristine hillside forest and over small cascading streams along backwater side of the C&O canal National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

How to become a Billy Goat Trail Steward BGTS Requirements National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

BGTS Requirements • Attend classroom training • Complete and sign Application, Volunteer Services Agreement • Read C&O Canal’s VIP Handbook • Successfully participate in up to 3 training hikes • Attend one hour trail head training session • Meet with Joshua Nolen • Commit to minimum of 40 hours per year • Complete First Aid Certification within the first year National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

BGTS Requirements On the Trail • Wear your NPS shirt or vest when hiking; hat optional – Quick ID for visitors – Identifies you as an ambassador of the NPS – Provides professional appearance so you will be taken seriously • Carry a cell phone programmed with Central, Emergency, and Visitor Center numbers • Carry radio, food, water, flashlight, rain jacket, stickers for kids • Know where you are at all times – Trail Markers and landmarks – This is critical and can be challenging! National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

BGTS Requirements On the Trail • Carry basic first aid kit – check one out from the trailer, or – assemble your own from supplies available in the trailer: large and small band aids, antiseptic wipes and ointment, gloves, trash bag • Sign up for [email protected] to find hiking partners • Sign up for WhatsApp group • While performing official volunteer duties we are covered under the NPS Workers Compensation; report all injuries National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Calling Central Checking In and Out • YOU MUST CALL Central to begin and end your hike • Use cell phone – To begin hike • Say “Central, this is 443 [your last name] hiking Billy Goat Trail Section A in an [upstream or downstream] direction for [approximately how long you expect you be out] – To end hike • Say “Central, this is 443 [your last name] ending hike” National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Calling Central Checking In and Out • YOU MUST CALL Central to begin and end your hike • If using a radio (not preferred): – Say “Central. This is 443 [your last name] – Central instructs you to go ahead. – 443 [your name] hiking Billy Goat Trail Section A in an [upstream or downstream] direction and [approximately how long you expect you be out] – Say “Central. This is 443 [your last name] – Central instructs you to go ahead. – “ 443 your name ending hike” National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

BGTS Requirements Reporting • Submit your hours online at chohvip.org • Hours begin / end when you enter / leave the Park • Whenever you help or talk with a visitor, this is a “contact.” • List each contact one time, focusing on what you spent most of your time • If you wish to let others know you are on the trail, use the sign-in sheet National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

BGTS Requirements Reporting

• Report sightings of swimmers or waders on Log Sheet. Note location, size of group, approximate age and any other distinguishing characteristics about the group. • Report sightings of drones. Note location, size of group, approximate age and any other distinguishing characteristics about the group. • Whatsapp for internal communications on trail National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Other Information • Visitor complaints – Listen, agree and find solution or notify NPS – Depending on the situation, just walk away • Volunteer Trailer (aka The Palace) – Supplies (equipment, sign-in sheets, maps, cards, etc.) – Place to cool off and get water or drinks – Door combination – Practice “leave it better than you found it!” policy • Do not solicit or accept donations National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

www.chohvip.org •Logbook (training counts) •Great source of information •News •Opportunities •Calendar of events •Volunteer resources, maps and guides •BGTS Resource Section •Links to Facebook and Twitter •Photos of work projects, the Park and VIPs National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Benefits of Volunteering • Contribute to public service and the greater good and help protect a beautiful trail while hiking • No entry fee to the Park or to Ranger-led programs, including boat ride • America the Beautiful Pass after 250 hours in FY • 15% discount in gift shop • Volunteer Appreciation Dinner • Drive to/from volunteer site may be tax deductible. Check with your tax advisor. National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Review and Closing

1. Inform, but do not enforce. Only Law Enforcement has authority 2. Our role is to be the eyes and ears of the Park, to help protect the resources and visitors, and to act as ambassadors of the Park 3. It is illegal to swim in the Potomac River or the Canal 4. If you see someone swimming or using a drone, ask them to stop, thank them if they do, and call Central if they don’t. Report the incident in the logbook. 5. It is legal to boat and kayak in the Potomac River and Canal with the appropriate safety equipment. 6. Dogs are not allowed on BGT-A because dogs or their owners may be injured, dogs may harass, injure or kill protected wildlife, dogs may frighten or injure other visitors, and the Nature Conservancy says so 7. All areas not blazed are closed to the public. National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Review and Closing

1. For medical emergencies call 911. Use your own judgment when it comes to calling for medical assistance, even if the injured visitor doesn’t want you to. File a report in the logbook. 2. For law enforcement, use the radio to call Central. The BGTS radio call sign is 443. Use normal language when talking on the radio. File a report in the logbook. 3. Your own safety comes first 4. Do nothing you are not trained to do or are uncomfortable doing 5. Call Central before starting a hike and when you are finished 6. BGT-A is 1.75 miles and takes 2-4 hours to hike. The upstream trailhead is 0.5 miles from the Visitor Center, the downstream trailhead is 0.4 miles from the bridge at Anglers. Roundtrip from a parking lot, one way on BGT-A and returning on the towpath is about 4 miles. 7. Enjoy the Park, spread the joy, have fun with the visitors and have a great hike!