From DC Water on Friday:
“DC Water is preparing for emergency repairs on a large sewer line next to Rock Creek, after discovering significant structural issues. The six-foot pipeline, known as the Rock Creek Main Interceptor, carries as much as 100 million gallons of wastewater a day and could cause significant environmental harm if a failure occurred. (more…)
photo by Eric P.
Update from NPS:
“The National Park Service (NPS) is striving to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Rock Creek Park Horse Center. While NPS and Guest Services, Inc. (GSI) are in discussions about the possibility of GSI stepping away from its concessions contract, no decisions or timelines have been set. The Horse Center remains open, and we are actively exploring future operational options to ensure it continues to serve the community. We understand the importance of this facility and will provide updates as more information becomes available.”
“Dear PoPville, (more…)
photo by Rock Creek Conservancy
Thanks to John for passing on this very cool PSA from Rock Creek Conservancy:
“A friendly reminder to clean up after yourself in our parks! Recently, a milk bottle dated March 3, 1925, (more…)
photo by DC Fire and EMS Department
Ed. Note: On Saturday we reported a brush fire in another section of Rock Creek Park.
photo by DC Fire and EMS Department
Update from DC Fire and EMS:
“2nd brush fire 300 yards south of Fletchers Boathouse NW along shoreline. Fireboat is operating along with several other units”
DC Fire and EMS reports (Sunday):
“Large brush fire Beach Drive and Park Road NW. At least 2 acres involved. Multiple units operating. Request tanker and additional brush unit from @mcfrs
Update Large woods fire Beach Drive & Park Rd NW. working to establish a perimeter around the fire. In steep terrain. Approx dozen units operating. No injuries. Please avoid area around Beach Drive and Park Rd NW.”
Update: Kristen writes:
“Drawing water from by Peirce Mill” (more…)
Thanks to Derek for sending around noon (Saturday): “Several burnt areas along the Valley Trail in upper Rock Creek Park. Many parts of the trail are closed.” (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
I noticed these orange poles along Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park. My suspicion is that it has something to do with leaf management. (more…)
Ed. Note: NPS donates hundreds of pounds of venison to DC Central Kitchen.
From the National Park Service:
“The National Park Service must balance the needs of all animals and plants in Rock Creek Park. Research has shown that vegetation damage occurs when deer populations exceed 20 per square mile. Reducing the deer population is needed to allow regeneration in a healthy, diverse forest that supports native vegetation and wildlife, including deer. The National Park Service uses an adaptive management approach that is flexible based on how deer and vegetation populations respond. Since 2013, when NPS began reducing the deer population in Rock Creek Park, the park’s tree seedling density has more than doubled.
Without continued management, deer populations would quickly rebound and eat nearly all tree seedlings and other plants before they could grow. (more…)
Thanks to Ken for sending: “This was seen near the Ranger Station in Rock Creek Park this morning”
J. also writes: “The USGS guys doing water sampling in Rock Creek” (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
Something must have spilled in Rock Creek…took a lunchtime walk and saw this…NPS had been alerted and will investigate. Saw it across from the police station and it goes down quiet a ways…Sad…” (more…)
From the National Park Service:
“Since 2013, when the National Park Service (NPS) began reducing the deer population in Rock Creek Park, the park’s tree seedling density has almost tripled. To continue to protect and restore native plants and promote healthy and diverse forests, Rock Creek Park will conduct deer management operations between Nov. 22, 2021, and March 31, 2022.
During this period, the NPS plans to reduce deer populations in Rock Creek Park and other areas under Rock Creek Park’s management. These areas could include Melvin Hazen Park, Soapstone Valley Park, Pinehurst Parkway, Glover Archbold Park, Battery Kemble Park and Fort Totten Park, among others.
Extensive safety measures will be in place to protect park visitors and neighbors during operations. (more…)