Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

Red box around the boat ramp from a above view

NPS

Record of Determination for a Temporary Closure of the Anacostia Park Boat Launch Dock

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 1.5, the National Park Service is imposing a temporary closure of certain parkland within National Capital Parks - East, specifically the entirety of the Boat Launch Dock in Anacostia Park. A map of the area affected by this closure is attached to this record of determination and incorporated by reference. This area will be closed until emergency repair work is completed, which is currently estimated to be on September 30, 2024.

This temporary closure is necessary for the protection of visitors as the Boat Launch Dock has sustained damage to the ramp connecting the dock to the ramp. Entering this dock area would be extremely hazardous as the dock is no longer affixed to the ramp. Because accessing the Boat Launch Dock is an immediate hazard to visitors’ safety, and repairs to make the area safe will take approximately four months, lesser restrictive measures will not suffice.

This temporary and partial closure is not of a nature, magnitude and duration that will result in a “significant alteration in the public use pattern.” Indeed, other nearby park areas will remain open to the public. The closure will not adversely affect the park's natural, aesthetic, or cultural values; nor require significant modification to the resource management objections; nor is it of a highly controversial nature, given that it is only imposed to provide for visitors’ safety due to damage to the Boat Launch Dock.

Accordingly, the National Park Service determines that publication as rulemaking in the Federal Register, is unwarranted per 36 C.F.R. § l.5(c). This is consistent with hundreds of earlier partial and temporary park closures, the legal opinion of the Office of the Solicitor, and judicial adjudications. Picciotto v. United States, No. 99-2113 (D.D.C.); Picciotto v. United States, No. 94-1935 (D.D.C.); Picciotto v. Lujan, No. 90-1261 (D.D.C.); Picciotto v. Hodel, No. 87-3290 (D.D.C.); Spiegel v. Babbitt, 855 F.Supp. 402 (D.D.C. 1994), aff’d in part w/o op. 56 F.3d 1531 (D.C. Cir. 1995).

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R.§ 1.7, notice of this temporary and partial closure will be made through the posting of signs and maps at conspicuous locations in the affected park area, and media advisories. Finally, pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 1.5(c), this determination is available to the public upon request.

To meet Section 508 compliance the RODs are the exact content from the signed/letterhead versions. The signed versions are filed in the Superintendent's Office.

 

 

Bald eagles can be seen soaring over the Anacostia River

Photo Courtesy of Tim Ervin and Lily

Fall at Anacostia Park

Winter is a great time to visit Anacostia Park! The crowds of summer are gone and you can find peace and serenity along to river. Migratory ducks and gulls are found on the river, and bald eagles soar above. The Anacostia River Trail is a great place to exercise and reach those new year's goals! Or you can simply enjoy a picnic and bask in the winter sun.
The park is open from sunrise to sunset.

 

Records of Determination

Girls on the Run
ACLI Capital Challenge