Gulf Branch Stream Project
Location
3608 North Military Rd, Arlington, VA 22207 View Map
38.92028181481866, -77.11857109478589
3608 North Military Rd ,
Arlington, VA 22207
3608 North Military Rd ,
Arlington, VA 22207
StatusApproved
In Design
Location
Stream sections near Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N Military Rd.
View Map
Status
In Design
- Spring 2019: Kickoff/Pre-Design Engagement
- Fall 2019: Draft Concept Design
- March 2020-2022: Project on Hold
- Spring-Summer 2022: Concept Design Re-engagement
- 2023: Develop Draft Final Design, Seek Input
- 2024: Permitting, Procurement
- 2024-25: Anticipated Construction
Winter 2023 Update
Throughout the Gulf Branch stream project engagement, controlling runoff closer to the source has been an important theme in community member input. Parallel to the Gulf Branch stream project, several Green Street projects have also been proposed in the watershed. In 2022, design feasibility was assessed for projects identified in the Watershed Retrofit Study.
Engagement with the Green Street nearby neighbors began in fall 2022. Design work and neighbor engagement for the Green Street projects will continue in 2023. The Green Street projects will begin construction before the Gulf Branch stream project.
The stream project design process continues to move forward. Internal and external feedback has been incorporated and the next design phase is getting started.
Spring-Summer 2022 Update
Thanks to all who attended and provided input for the June 2022 community meeting! Please find the meeting materials below.
2019-2020 Engagement Summary
In 2019-2020, during two preliminary meetings, we reviewed the goals of the project, floodplain reconnection structures, and specific challenges and proposed practices in the targeted areas in Gulf Branch. We received feedback at the meetings and through an online form about how the community values and uses the stream valley currently and gathered input about desired changes. Please see the meeting materials in the table below for more information.
In March 2020, the project design process was put on hold due to budgetary constraints for capital funding during the pandemic. The engagement process was restarted with a community meeting in June 2022.
About the Project
As part of Arlington County’s efforts to protect our local streams, Gulf Branch was identified as a high priority for a stream repair and resiliency project because of habitat degradation, active erosion and infrastructure concerns. Funding for design was allocated through the Capital Improvement Plan in 2018.
Stream projects are a key strategy identified and adopted as part of the Stormwater Master Plan. Project goals include:
- Create a stable stream channel to accommodate storm flows, address active erosion and create overall resiliency to climate change
- Repair and protect vulnerable exposed infrastructure and prevent sewage releases to the stream and repeat emergency repairs
- Reduce excess sediment and nutrients being transported downstream to help protect Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay and meet regulatory requirements
- Enhance habitat and reduce impact to existing high-quality habitat
- Increase public safety and access to stream for recreational purposes (also supports biophilic goals)
Meeting Materials
Please contact us to receive notification of upcoming meeting dates.
| Date |
Location and Description |
Meeting Materials |
| November 2022 |
Gulf Branch Green Streets Neighbor Meetings
|
|
| June 22, 2022 |
Community Meeting
Virtual
|
|
| May 23, 2022 |
Advisory Group Meeting
Gulf Branch Nature Center
|
|
| February 19, 2020 |
Advisory Group Meeting
Gulf Branch Nature Center |
|
| November 6, 2019 |
Community Meeting #2
Madison Community Center |
|
| October 9, 2019 |
Advisory Group Meeting
Gulf Branch Nature Center |
|
| July 17, 2019 |
Open House / Meeting #1
Gulf Branch Nature Center |
|
| May 22, 2019 |
Gulf Branch Stream Restoration Advisory Group
Gulf Branch Nature Center
|
|
Photo Gallery