River advocates and Washington DC, Prince Georges and Montgomery county governments are working together to restore this river, bringing hope to the Anacostia and the many people and wild species that live along or within its shores.

And not a moment too soon. This river has the potential to be a natural gem supporting improved quality of life, economic improvement and habitat for plants and animals of the region.

But expanding development in the watershed threatens to undo progress that has been made, and thwart significant restoration of watershed ecology. Prince George’s county, where much of the undeveloped watershed land lies, is growing and pressure is mounting for development–which if not done thoughtfully will set river restoration back indefinitely. Washington DC is looking at the future of several key pieces of Anacostia watershed land, the decisions that are made about these lands could provide for greater biodiversity and a healthier river, or sustain a status quo that is ecologically and socially unhealthy.

What happens here in the next five years will determine the future of this iconic river. Restoration and re-wilding, combined with smart development, public awareness, and incentives for protecting the Anacostia could help this watershed rebound, to become healthier than it has been since the founding of the nation’s capital.

A National Model

Counties and cities all across the country continually face the decision of whether to foster river-smart economic development, or traditional, polluting and degrading forms of cheap development and suburban sprawl. Ultimately, communities fare better economically when they protect and value rivers, and make healthy spaces for wild species, but it is not always the easy decision. Helping the community get behind the river will help transform this iconic and beleaguered river into a model for how to revitalize a land community through river restoration.

The Anacostia Project aims to help local non-profits and governments build a campaign of community support around the river, to document current efforts to restore the river, and encourage local leaders to recognize the great value of a healthy, vibrant Anacostia ecosystem.