Anacostia Executive Planning Charrette

Once a historically and ecologically rich treasure nestled in our nation's capital, the Anacostia reflects over 300 years of environmental degradation caused by urban pollution. Poor water quality and impaired aquatic habitat make the river unhealthy and in need of a comprehensive, strategically-focused clean-up plan.

November 28, 2006 marked a giant step in achieving this plan. Representatives from all sectors - private, public, non-profit, educational - convened in College Park, Maryland for the Executive Planning Charrette, determined to make strides in revitalizing the Anacostia.  This was the first phase of a three-phase workshop, conceived through the collaboration of EPA Region 3, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Army Corps of Engineers (COE), and several other public and private institutions devoted to the restoration and long-term sustainability of the Anacostia River Watershed.

The Charrette was a tremendous success. The small group of executives streamlined professional expertise, best minds and committed hearts in order to report progress, share resources and force solutions. Keynote speakers addressed the issues and implications of making the Anacostia a model for revitalization; facilitated discussions yielded progressive ideas and goals. 

Click here to view the notes of the day.

Areas Covered at the Charrette

• Anacostia Watershed Background and Overview of Revitalization Effort                      
• Toxic Sediment in the Anacostia River                         
• Governance Structure and Leadership Framework                      
• The State of the Anacostia, as ranked by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation                        
• BMP Decision Support Systems                       
• Focus Area Rankings                         
• Sustainable Stormwater Management in the Anacostia Watershed                         
• Habitat Losses                         
• Top Ranked Outcomes         
• MDSHA Watershed Efforts

Charrette Presentations

• Overview of Vision & Efforts-To-Date (Jon Capacasa, Environmental Protection Agency Region 3)            
• Sustainable Practices to Support Anacostia Watershed Protection (Adrian Washington, Anacostia Waterfront Corporation)            
• Sustainable Practices to Support Anacostia Watershed Protection (Michelle Pourciau, DC Department of Transportation)                       
• Sustainable Practices to Support Anacostia Watershed Protection (Jon Lindgren, Pulte Homes)                      
• Greening the Anacostia Watershed (Neil Weinstein, Low Impact Development Center)           

Click here to read the closing remarks, delivered by Linda Howard of the Summit Fund of Washington.