Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Park Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
NCPC backs NPS plan to update management zones for Civil War Defenses of Washington, urges invasive‑species control and improved connectivity
Summary
NCPC approved comments on the National Park Service's proposed management‑plan amendment for the Civil War Defenses of Washington, supporting new zones to balance preservation and community uses, urging an invasive‑species management plan and greater trail connectivity especially near Fort Stanton.
The National Capital Planning Commission on May 1 approved staff comments on the National Park Service’s concept master‑plan amendment for the Civil War Defenses of Washington (the Fort Circle Parks), endorsing efforts to balance protection of cultural and natural resources with expanded community uses and improved connectivity.
NCPC staff presenter Laura Shipman described proposed updates that retain core management zones while adding two new categories — a sight‑sensitive recreation zone and a community garden zone — and refining zone definitions to protect archaeological resources discovered since the 2004 plan. Staff recommended the amendment formalize strategies for invasive species control, identify additional vistas for restoration, and add a process for periodic management‑zone amendments to respond to new discoveries.
Superintendent Brian Joiner of Rock Creek Park said the update responds to community interest in more recreational options and improved connections between isolated fort sites, while also protecting newly identified archaeological resources.
Commissioners praised the planning approach, stressed the importance of invasive‑species management to restore historic viewsheds, and asked that the plan prioritize improved walking and biking connections where feasible — notably connections at Fort Stanton between Howard Road and Marian Berry Avenue. NCPC recommended continued coordination with state and local agencies and considered possible cooperative management agreements where NPS staffing and funding are limited.
The commission voted unanimously to approve staff comments supporting the concept amendment; Commissioner Dixon moved the motion and Commissioner STDM seconded. The commission asked NPS to continue public engagement as the project proceeds to a draft environmental assessment and subsequent public review this fall.
