HomeMy WebLinkAbout23.03.08 - Minutes, Battlefield Advisory CommitteeBattlefield Advisory Committee
The committee met on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Attending the meeting: Sup. Susan Trail, Chris Vincent, John Schildt, Miriam Cunningham, Mike Barnhart, Justin Mayhue, George Franks, and Gerard Kendle.
Vernell Doyle absent. Superintendent Trail started out the meeting to announce that she will be retiring from the National Park Service on March 31. She has been with the NPS for over forty years, serving eight years as superintendent at Monocacy NB and superintendent at Antietam
since 2012. During this transition period, the interim superintendent will rotate between the park division chiefs. The selected process of a new superintendent may take up to a year. The park is drafting the Strategic Plan for 2023 – 2026. The primary intent of this
strategic plan is to articulate an overarching vision for Antietam National Battlefield and to create a framework for setting goals and prioritizing work for the next three to four years. Three main goals the plan will focus on is Safety, Preserve and Protect the battlefield, and Visitor Services and Enhancing Visitor Experience. Once the plan is complete it will be shared with the committee.
Due to issues with the sidewalk grading, drainage, solar panels, and the elevator; the rehabilitation project of the Visitor’s Center has been delayed. These issues are being worked and most likely the opening will be in this summer. The plan is to have an official ribbon cutting on Friday, September 15.
The new orientation film, which will be approximately 23 minutes is in the editing phase now. The film is expected to be completed by the end of 2023 . Other Projects: HPTC continues to work on the preservation project at the Piper farm
and at the David R. Miller house on the windows and porch. The trace road at the Burnside Bridge will be resurfaced to make it more accessible for handicap visitors. Two major projects this year will be the resurfacing of all the park roads and the National Cemetery rehabilitation which includes tree removal, pruning, and new planting
as well as monument cleaning and repair work. Sup. Trail discussed the future of the Salute to Independence event. After conducting a risk assessment review, they felt the Salute cannot be held in the current format without significant improvements to visitor safety and sustainability. The Park will be working
with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra in professionally facilitated meetings, to see if the event could be held in a safe and adequate manner that meets the needs of stakeholders, visitors, and the requirements of the park. The next meeting is scheduled for June 14th, 2023.
Chris Vincent