Stream & Habitat Restoration

DOEE’s Stream and Habitat Restoration Program oversees the design and construction of stream restoration, low impact development (LID) stormwater retrofits, and outfall repair  at various locations around the District including: federal parkland, District parkland and in the public right of way. The goal of these projects is to improve water quality,  provide high quality outdoor recreational space, restore natural stream flow, reduce erosion and stormwater pollution, enhance wildlife habitat, and ensure long-term protection of stormwater and sanitary sewer infrastructure. 

More information on specific projects can be found at the following pages on DOEE’s website: 

Innovative Stormwater Retrofits
Stream Restoration
Stickfoot Branch Restoration
Wetland Habitat

Uncovering the History of the District’s Buried Streams

In this StoryMap below DOEE investigates the legacy of stream loss or “burial” as the District evolved into its modern form. We identify these buried streams, and discuss the potential for their restoration and even daylighting prominent streams to the surface. The first part of this StoryMap, Streams from our Past, examines the changes that have occurred in the District's stream network from its founding until the present through the context of historic maps. The second part of this StoryMap, Streams for the Future, introduces the benefits of stream daylighting and details the example of a project at Broad Branch, a successful stream daylighting project that has occurred within the District.