District of Columbia Anacostia River Corridor Restoration Plan

Project Description

Over the last 300 years, the Anacostia River corridor has been degraded by many factors associated with human development: river straightening and armoring, contamination and pollution, roadway and railway construction, dredging, wetland destruction, and more. Meanwhile, many communities in the river corridor have suffered environmental injustice, separation from the riverfront, and historic disinvestment. To help the District Department of Energy & Environment improve the river corridor and its communities and address future pressures of climate change, sea level rise, and continued urban development, Biohabitats is leading a multidisciplinary team in developing a stakeholder-driven, holistic plan for restoring habitat, enhancing resiliency, reducing pollution, and increasing inclusive and equitable public access to the Anacostia River corridor within the 500-year floodplain.

The planning team began by collecting and compiling data related to environmental conditions, including the identification of potential restoration projects. Through virtual public meetings, stakeholder interviews, online surveys, popup events, and a project website the team is also engaging multiple stakeholders—including federal and local agencies, NGOs, community organizations, and local residents—to learn what they seek in a healthy river corridor.

Informed by the assessment and stakeholder input, the team will work with DOEE to craft a plan comprehensive plan that will serve a as a roadmap for holistically improving habitat, water quality, community access, and resiliency for the river corridor and its historically underserved neighborhoods.