POINT OF ROCKS BOAT RAMP

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) along with the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently completed the reconstruction and relocation of the Point of Rocks boating access facility.The new location is approximately 900 feet downstream from the old facility and allows boaters easier access to the river using a new two-lane concrete boat ramp. The newly updated, ADA compliant facility also includes a comfort station, 24 trailer parking spaces, 18 additional car parking spaces and a stormwater management system.

CATOCTIN AQUEDUCT RESTORATION

The remarkable restoration of the Catoctin Aqueduct, involving five years of effort and more than $4.5 million, was celebrated October 15 at the aqueduct site near Frederick, Md. The aqueduct collapsed in the 1970s and, until recently, was a pile of granite blocks. Restoration efforts involved a partnership of local, regional, and federal organizations.

FORT FREDERICK CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT

Fort Frederick State Park in Washington County, Maryland, hosted "Picketing the Potomac" to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War on November 5 and 6. The event featured volunteer reenactors portraying Union and Confederate soldiers and civilians from the American Civil War. Activities included military musters, cannon firing demonstrations, discussions of period uniforms and clothing, medical demonstrations, and everyday life during the period.

HISTORIC OCCOQUAN HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Shops in the historic river town of Occoquan, Va., will be having a holiday open house to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. Events include the town tree lighting and awarding of gift certificates for the shops in the town. Details at HistoricOccoquan.com.

STATE OF THE RIVER

The Potomac Conservancy released its fifth annual State of the Nation's River report, scoring the rivers' health at a barely passing "D" grade, a downgrade from the group's previous D+. The report points to reasons for the low grade, growing population, land use practices as the primary culprit for a polluted and degraded Potomac River.

NATURE CONSERVANCY VIDEO ON THE POTOMAC GORGE

Here's a nice video about the Potomac Gorge near Great Falls. The video was created by the Nature Conservancy to describe their work on the river.