News
Proposed Canopy Trail
August 1st 2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. National Arboretum (USNA) prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) to analyze the potential impacts associated with the proposed construction and operation of a canopy trail attraction at the USNA in Washington, DC. The purpose of the proposed action is to expand educational and visitor opportunities, as well as generate revenue for the USNA.
This notice announces the availability of the Final EA/Errata and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The EA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 40 CFR Parts 1500–1508, and evaluates the potential impacts of the Build Alternative and No Build Alternative. The proposed Build Alternative consists of constructing three self-guided, aboveground canopy trails that would weave through an existing, forested area of the Arboretum. The trails would consist of a series of ADA-compliant static bridges, as well as suspension bridges, which connect to platforms attached to existing trees.
Based on the analysis in the Final EA/Errata, the USNA has determined there will not be significant impacts to the human environment from implementation of the proposed action under the Build Alternative. As a result, an Environmental Impact Statement has not been initiated and a FONSI has been prepared to document the USNA’s decision to implement the Build Alternative.
The Final EA/Errata, the USNA FONSI, and supporting documents can be viewed and downloaded electronically below.
Proposed Canopy Trail Documents
- FONSI ATTACHMENT A: Final EA Errata
- FONSI ATTACHMENT B: Final EA Appendix A: USNA Canopy Trail Draft Plans Errata
- FONSI ATTACHMENT C: Final EA Appendix E: Section 106 Coordination Errata
- FONSI ATTACHMENT D: Phase I Cultural Resource Survey for the United States National Arboretum Canopy Trail Project
- FONSI ATTACHMENT E: FINAL EA Appendix G: Additional Coordination Errata
- FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT - Proposed Canopy Trail at the U.S. National Arboretum
- PUBLIC NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY - Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Proposed Canopy Trail