Trump Visits May Shut Down Boating Hotspot Near Darnestown

DARNESTOWN, MD — If you're hoping to make the short trip from Potomac, Rockville or Gaithersburg to the Potomac River this summer for some kayaking and fishing with the family, you'd better check President Donald Trump's schedule before you leave. The Coast Guard is looking to shut down a stretch of the Potomac River when the president heads to his golf course in nearby Sterling, Virginia, to unwind, which he does quite often.

The restriction would cover a nearly two-mile stretch of the river where it borders Trump National Golf Club, located at Lowes Island, Virginia, just across from Montgomery County. When Trump is at his club, that section of the river will be totally shut down to kayakers, boaters, jet-skis, and anyone else who doesn't have authorization.

"This action is necessary to prevent waterside threats and incidents immediately before, during and after events held at the Trump National Golf Club at Potomac Falls, VA," states the rule document issued by the Coast Guard. "This rule prohibits vessels and people from entering the security zone and requires vessels and persons in the security zone to depart the security zone, unless specifically exempt under the provisions in this rule or granted specific permission from the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Maryland-National Capital Region or designated representative.

"The regulation will enhance the safety and security of persons and property, while minimizing, to the extent possible, the impact on commerce and legitimate waterway use," the Coast Guard adds.

Locals aren't taking the proposal lying down. Nearly 100 comments had already been submitted as of about noon on Wednesday, with most of them being negative.

"It is the president's own fault for creating the open sight lines to his property by cutting down the many trees that used to line the property. At minimum, a transit path for river users should be established on the Maryland side of the river," writes Melinda Mathis. "What would happen if a kayaker or Stand Up Paddleboarder had launched from one side, and while out for their paddle, the restrictions went into place with the full river blocked? How would that river user be able to return to their launch site and vehicle? Being trapped away from a launch site is a safety consideration and a large one at that. Please reconsider this plan of action as it is unfair to those of us who regularly use and enjoy the Potomac River."

Most commenters so far have objected because veterans groups, boating groups and other regulars have long used the river, viewing the president as a newcomer to the area. Some questioned how much notice would be given, with the possibility that kayakers, who don't have radios, would be caught on the river when a closure goes into effect.

"Please stop the madness. This area has been used by paddlers and boaters for many years," writes John Lockwood. "There's even a public boat ramp on Seneca Creek. Several small businesses that operate in the area offering paddling rentals and lessons will be impacted along with private boaters who enjoy access to the river at both Violettes Lock and Seneca Creek."

Amy Young said such a security zone would be a "blow to the soul of the recreational boating community" in the D.C. area.

"It is outrageous to me that access to a manicured golf course built with little respect for the natural and wild beauty surrounding it, may now trump (pun intended) the access to the river of those who wish to freely recreate on and along the banks of the river," she wrote.

You have until Aug. 9 to comment on the proposed security zone at Regulations.gov.

— Story By Patch Editor Dan Taylor

Image via Google Maps, Donald Trump photo from Gage Skidmore