Anacostia River Corridor
Restoration Plan

The Anacostia River Corridor Restoration Plan is a two-year restoration planning project for the Anacostia River corridor 500 year floodplain within the District of Columbia. The plan will identify and prioritize specific strategies for restoring the fish and wildlife habitat, improving water quality, adapting to climate change, and increasing equitable public access to the river corridor. The project will include robust engagement efforts to foster strong community consensus around the plan for the river corridor’s future.

Project Goals

  • Increase community understanding of the history and ecology of the Anacostia River Corridor

  • Build community consensus on solutions that will improve health and resiliency, and access to the river

  • Identify restoration projects that will improve water quality, restore habitat, an enhance the resiliency of the river

  • Increase public and equitable access to the Anacostia River Corridor

How is It Happening?

Our planning process involves three phases:

  • Phase 1 – Data Gathering and Analysis.

  • Phase 2 – Designing Potential Actions.

  • Phase 3 – Restoration Master Plan Framework

Opportunities for the public to become engaged and share input will be available during each phase and the project website will provide information throughout the planning process. The project schedule is as follows:

Phase 1:
Data Gathering and Analysis

 

This phase includes the review and summary of existing plans and studies related to the Anacostia River and the project’s primary goals, including habitat restoration, resiliency enhancements, pollution reduction, and public access improvements. The planning team will use this data to understand the current state and needs of the Anacostia River Corridor.

During this phase, the planning team will engage with the community through surveys and community conversations at local events and with a Public Meeting. This is the opportunity for the public to share their input on important issues and concerns and a project vision and goals.

Example preliminary geospatial analysis showing potential project opportunities along the DC Anacostia River corridor.

Phase 2:
Designing Potential Actions

 

During this phase, the planning team will use the data compiled from the first phase of the project to select potential restoration and public access concepts that address the needs of the river corridor identified by the data and input provided by stakeholders and the community.

The planning team will share these concepts and potential locations where they can be incorporated. Stakeholders will then have the opportunity to provide feedback to refine an approach toward a final restoration master plan framework.

Photo Courtesy of Biohabitats, Inc

ⓒ Krista Schlyer

Phase 3:
Restoration Master Plan Framework

 

The planning team will prepare a final document that provides final restoration recommendations as well as an implementation plan and suggestions for future studies to support these efforts. The master plan draft will be presented to the public between the development of the draft and final document to continue transparency and engagement with the public.

How to Stay Involved?

Public involvement is important to foster community consensus around the future of the Anacostia River Corridor. The planning team is committed to continuously gather input from the public and provide information about the timeline of the project, results from any significant milestones, and actions taken on any public input received. The project’s goals for public engagement include:

  • To engage a diverse set of stakeholders that live and recreate along the Anacostia River Corridor

  • Take into full account the history, culture, and context surrounding the Anacostia River Corridor

  • Be respectful of every participant’s time, energy, and input

  • Keep in mind the end goals of the restoration plan: improve water quality, restore habitat; enhance the river’s resiliency; and increase public access and recreational opportunities

There are different ways that the public can stay involved throughout the entirety of the project. Please see the descriptions below. You can also register to receive announcements about the project at our EngageDC webpage.

 

Photo Courtesy of DOEE