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Project Location:
Pinehurst Branch originates at the District/Maryland state line in Chevy Chase Manor, Maryland and flows approximately 1.3 miles east-southeast to its confluence with Rock Creek. The 619-acre Pinehurst watershed land use is approximately 70 percent residential and commercial development and 30 percent parkland. Approximately 70 percent of the watershed lies within the District, with the remaining in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Description:
The large amount of imperviousness in the watershed has caused significant erosion in Pinehurst Branch, resulting in sediment transport to Rock Creek and exposed sanitary sewer lines in the stream.
The large forested area with connectivity to Rock Creek is prime habitat for aquatic, terrestrial, and avian species. Restoring the stream will further ensure that this valuable habitat space is protected and restored for future generations of various species.
The Pinehurst Branch Stream Restoration Project will be a comprehensive restoration project that addresses the following objectives: to restore approximately 7,900 feet of degraded stream reaches; to create conditions suitable for wildlife habitat; and to improve the condition of existing wetlands.
Project Status:
This project is currently in the Archeological Investigation and Environmental Assessment (EA) phase, check back soon for more information about the progress.
About the Archeological Investigation: The archeological investigation is in partial compliance with Section 106 of the 1966 National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), as amended (54 U.S.C. 306108) and the 1979 Archeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA), as amended. The Investigation is required to identify whether significant archaeological resources are present and to determine if they will be adversely affected by a proposed stream restoration project that will occur in Pinehurst Branch Park (Reservation 545) and Rock Creek Park (ROCR) (Reservation 339). Because the land is owned by the National Park Service (NPS), the Project constitutes an Undertaking under Section 106 of the NHPA and is therefore subject to District State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) consultation.
About the Environmental Assessment (EA): The EA and associated tasks will cover an assessment and analysis of the proposed implementation of stream restoration and wetland restoration work in Pinehurst Branch.
Next Public Meeting: TBD
Contact: For questions or more information, please contact: Cecilia Lane: [email protected] (202) 535-1961.