The National Park Service (NPS), in collaboration with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), prepared an environmental assessment (EA) evaluating environmental impacts potentially resulting from implementation of the proposal to develop the Anacostia Riverwalk (ARW), a system of multi-use trails through Anacostia Park along the Anacostia River. The EA was made available for a 30-day public review period that ended on January 20, 2005. It was also discussed in meetings open to the public.

 

After the comment period, the NPS selected Alternative 1A, in Design Section 1; Alternative 2A, in Design Section 2; and Alternative 3A, in Design Section 3. On July 29, 2005 it issued the decision document, a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).

 

The selected alternatives were those that minimized impacts across the range of all environmental impacts analyzed. Objectives guiding the selection of alternatives included: proximity and access to the Anacostia River and Anacostia Park; desired viewsheds from the trail; and physical connectivity to local communities and transportation infrastructure.

 

The alignment selected for the trail was generally the one most protective of the environment and which best utilized views of the Anacostia River. The project has been divided into three design sections, each with sub-alternatives: Design Section 1 consists of the east side of the Anacostia River between the South Capitol Street and Benning Road; Design Section 2 consists of the west side of the Anacostia River between the Washington Navy Yard and Benning Road (which is the first section scheduled for construction that will begin this fall); Design Section 3 consists of the east side of the Anacostia River from Benning Road to the Bladensburg Trail in Maryland. In subsequent years Anacostia Park will see the development of the other two sections of the Anacostia Riverwalk.

 

Anacostia Park currently offers passive and active recreation, but not extended biking and walking opportunities. Few trails exist that allow park users to walk or ride from one area of the Park to another. The new trail will provide residents and visitors walking, jogging, bicycling, skating, and hiking access to park activity centers, open spaces, and diverse sites along the river. Improved access to the Anacostia River shore is expected to broaden appreciation and understanding of this great natural resource.

 

The FONSI is available online. Requests for copies of the NPS documents or for any additional information should be directed to Michael Wilderman, National Capital Parks-East, 1900 Anacostia Drive, SE, Washington, DC 20020, (202) 690-5165.