National Park Service Invites Public Input on Proposed Plan for George Washington Memorial Parkway

Contact: [email protected]

Contact: [email protected]

WASHINGTON -- The National Park Service invites the public to comment on a proposed vista management plan for a 2.65-mile section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway between Spout Run and the Glebe Road Bridge. This plan will guide long-term care of historic scenic views along this stretch of the parkway.

In 2018, the NPS worked with the Federal Highway Administration and the National Capital Planning Commission to complete the environmental and historic preservation reviews required by federal law. Those reviews supported the North Section Rehabilitation Project, which covers the parkway from Spout Run to Interstate 495, also known as the Capital Beltway.

Over time, native and invasive vegetation grew and blocked historic views along the parkway. In fall 2024, crews cleared vegetation at 10 of the 15 vistas previously identified as having the highest scenic value. During that work, NPS and the Federal Highway Administration determined that the amount of vegetation removal required additional environmental review. The agencies paused the work so they could develop a long-term management plan and gather input from partner agencies and the public.

This project will address work already completed and establish a long-term strategy for managing these historic vistas. It will also meet environmental review requirements connected to the larger North Section Rehabilitation Project.

Public participation is essential to this process. NPS values public input and will use comments to help refine management options and evaluate potential environmental effects. Community voices help shape better decisions, strengthen stewardship, and ensure this historic roadway continues to reflect the public interest.

We encourage everyone with an interest in the George Washington Memorial Parkway to take part.

How to Participate

NPS will host a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, March 18, at 6 p.m. Eastern time on Microsoft Teams. The meeting will include a presentation and an opportunity for questions. You do not need to register in advance.
At the time of the meeting, use the following link to join by computer or mobile device. Enter the meeting ID and passcode if prompted.
Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/3770832508033? p=tq7s8dIy8I8u9lTVRv

Meeting ID: 377 083 250 803 3

Passcode: 9Q7Vj2GA

You may also join by phone without video.

Call-in number: +1 347-973-6426
Phone conference ID: 834 487 201#

How to Submit Comments

Online (preferred): You can submit comments online at ParkPlanning-Vista Management Plan/EA Scoping. See Documents open for comment on left side of the screen. Comments are requested by April 11, 2026. The public meeting recording will be posted at this site for you to review if you are not able to attend the live session

Mail: Mail your written comments postmarked by April 11, 2026, to:

George Washington Memorial Parkway
Attn: Superintendent - GWMP Vista Management Plan
700 George Washington Memorial Parkway
McLean, VA 22101

Please be aware that the entire comment submitted - including personal identifying information such as address, phone number, and email address - may be made publicly available. Requests to withhold such personal identifying information from public release will be considered, but there is no guarantee that they will be withheld.

About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America's most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.