Park Service Developing Landscape Plan At Antietam National Battlefield
From National Parks Traveler
By Compiled From NPS News Releases - July 8th, 2022
The National Park Service is preparing an updated land management plan for Antietam National Battlefield/NPS file
The National Park Service is taking a look across the landscape at Antietam National Battlefield with an eye towards restoration and preservation that would be accomplished through a Landscape Management Plan.
The agency has prepared an environmental assessment for development of the plan and is now seeking public comment on it. The plan would amend the Antietam National Battlefield General Management Plan, last updated in 1992, improve the scene restoration and resource management portions of the GMP, address lands acquired since 1992, and guide the evolving management of the historic battlefield landscape.
The proposed project includes reforesting approximately 140 acres; enhancing riparian buffers and mitigating erosion; establishing approximately 287 acres of additional native grasslands and meadows; maintaining agricultural areas; re-planting and maintaining orchards; maintaining mown lawn; improving the Mumma Farmstead and location-specific designed landscapes; re-establishing important viewsheds; and maintaining fencing and other landscape elements.
Antietam National Battlefield was established in 1890 to commemorate the bloodiest single-day battle in American history. The purpose of Antietam National Battlefield is to preserve, protect, restore, and interpret for the benefit of the public the land and resources associated with the Battle of Antietam and its legacy.
The purpose of the land management plan is to develop comprehensive and sustainable land-use strategies that will preserve significant landscape elements and integrate natural and cultural resources. The plan will define the framework for the treatment of the battlefield describing specific guidelines and tasks aimed to maintain and enhance its historic character. Some of the issues the updated plan will address are invasive plant species, pests, erosion of the battlefield, protection of witness trees, improving agricultural and watershed stewardship and climate change impacts.
Public comment on the plan is being taken through August 8. To learn more about the plan and comment on-line, visit this site. You also can mail comments to:
Superintendent
Attn: Landscape Management Plan
Antietam National Battlefield
P.O. Box 158
Sharpsburg, MD 21782