The partners in the C&D Canal Recreation Study Working Group, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Delaware Congressman Michael N. Castle; U.S. Congressman Wayne Gilchrest; Delaware's Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and Department of Transportation; Maryland's Department of Natural Resources; New Castle County, DE.; Cecil County, MD; and Delaware Greenways, Inc. have begun to study potential recreational opportunities and infrastructure improvements along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal.

The working Group's Mission

The goal of the C&D Canal Recreation Study is to work with Delaware and Maryland State agencies and other interested partners to investigate potential future recreational usage of the C&D Canal and compile a final report with recommendations to implement these recommendations for the betterment of recreational opportunities available to the citizens of Delaware and Maryland. These recreational uses include hunting, fishing, bicycling, hiking, birdwatching and other popular forms of outdoor recreation. Demand for these and other uses will only increase as the population continues to expand around the canal. To enhance existing recreation along the canal and consider new uses, planning for the future at this time is very important.

The starting point for our C&D Canal Recreation Study came from comments provided to the State of Delaware for its Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2003 to 2008. The State of Maryland has listed the C&D Canal as a potential recreational greenway in its Statewide Greenways Atlas since 1992. The group is recommending that a multi-use trail for walkers, joggers and bikers serve as the main element in all plans to enhance recreation along the Canal .

The C&D Canal has a long history and is one of only two commercially vital sea-level Canals in the United States. Forty percent of all ship traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore travels through the Canal. As it takes on an additional role, it will continue to be a focal point and serve the region well.

A key component of the study process is public involvement. The C&D Canal Recreation Study Working Group plans to make every effort to enlist your support and work closely with its stakeholders in this regional effort.

Evidence of this is the nature of the website as it will act as an information portal for the public to share its comments, concerns, data, and questions.

We need your input to help develop recreation along the C&D Canal now and for future generations. The project will not end with the first shovel of dirt but will be an ongoing regional legacy.

Please visit the site regularly for upcoming public information workshops announcements, study updates, and to provide us feedback and tell us how we can better serve you through this website.