In this issue:
Becoming Trash-Free at
C&O Canal National Historical Park
-Kathleen Kelly, Ranger
C&O Canal National Historical Park
The C&O Canal National Historical Park proudly instituted a Trash Free Park program on Earth Day, 1999. The concept was initiated to actively reduce solid waste within the park. The premise is a partnership that provides a safer, healthier, more satisfying experience for all who enjoy the park and its exceptional resources.
The success of this type of program had been realized in many parks and park systems across the country including Maryland's State Forests & Parks. Recognizing the six years of exceptional results with their program, the C&O Canal joined the State of Maryland and implemented the "trash free" practice throughout the 184.5 miles of the park on April 22, 1999.
The state of New Hampshire pioneered the idea more than 10 years ago in response to significant budget reductions. Since then, many states and several parks within the National Park Service, including St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, Prince William Forest Park, Fire Island National Seashore in New York, and Sandy Hook in New Jersey, have implemented comparable programs. Nearly all claim a notable success. In fact, in most cases the amount of solid waste handled by park staff has been reduced by 80-90%. Visitors, the media and local residents have been supportive with little negative response received, which occurred mostly in the first year of the program. The State of Maryland implemented its program in all Maryland parks and forests, sending a message of confidence and a consistent policy throughout the entire state. Since the C&O Canal is located within Maryland, it seemed to be a natural, almost anticipated evolution for the park to join in with the state and its residents to protect the shared natural resources.
Prior to the Trash Free Park program, the C&O Canal National Historical Park collected more than 20,000 bags of trash each year. There were considerable expensed related to collecting the trash so that disease and visual impacts were mitigated. Recycling, long a goal of the park, was not being accomplished because of the high cost of sorting trash. The park considered a variety of methods of reducing solid waste within the park while still providing a healthful and visually appealing park.
In the first five months of the program's phased implementation overall trash collection for the period was down 50% (14,692 bags in 1998, 7380 bags in 1999) and down 73% the next year. Almost four years since its inception, of the more than 80 locations where trash had been collected, most sites are down in excess of 90%. Ten sites are down less than 80% and contribute about 75% of the trash volume still being collected. In these areas park staff continue to focus and fine-tune the park's message. Based upon State of Maryland experience the program's long-term goal remains an 85% to 95% reduction in trash collections.
Under the guidelines of the Trash Free Park program, all trash receptacles were removed from the park and visitors are now required to take their refuse when they depart, leaving an unspoiled, trash free park. This initiative encompasses all recreational sections including the day use, picnic grounds, pavilions, boat ramps, hiker/biker and camping areas.
The C&O Canal installed Trash Free signs and provides park users with bags at the various access points throughout the park as a convenience for refuse removal. However, the park encourages visitors to plan ahead when visiting the park. As they prepare items to carry into the park, visitors should make accommodations to carry garbage out when they leave. Visitors are challenged to make creative choices on what to bring, as trash receptacles are not available anywhere in the park. This program is designed to encourage reuse and recycling practices, so everyone shares the responsibility for managing solid waste and the park's environment.
The many benefits of this program include removing garbage and recycling
containers within the park and associated odors, reducing annoying pests
and unsightly conditions, and helping users to be more aware of the need
to recycle. Eliminating the need for trash receptacles and disposal services
allows the park the opportunity to make more productive use of its available
resources.
|
|
