Whereas the Anacostia River watershed stretches across 176 square miles, and the Anacostia River runs through the heart of the eastern half of the District of Columbia and through substantial portions of the Washington metropolitan area; Whereas the Anacostia River is bordered by vital local and Federal parks in Wards 5–8, including Kingman and Heritage Islands, the National Arboretum, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Yards Park, Diamond Teague Park, Buzzard Point Park, and Anacostia Park, providing District of Columbia residents and visitors opportunities for recreation and connection to nature in the Nation’s capital; Whereas the Anacostia River watershed contains recreation resources, such as trails and parks, that are valued assets in the region, and are enjoyed by residents and visitors by boat, bike, and on foot; Whereas the Anacostia River watershed is home to nearly 500 species of fish, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates; Whereas, on August 31, 1918, Congress passed legislation preserving 1,200 acres as riverside public parkland and creating Federal protection for Anacostia Park, and on August 31, 2018, the National Park Service will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the enactment of the legislation; Whereas the Anacostia River watershed has numerous historic and cultural sites that are vital for the history of the United States and the Washington metropolitan area, including a War of 1812 battle site, the National Museum of the United States Navy, the Congressional Cemetery, and Cedar Hill, Frederick Douglass’ home; Whereas, in 2018, the Nation celebrated the 200th anniversary of the birth of Frederick Douglass, the Lion of Anacostia ; Whereas the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments established the Anacostia Watershed Restoration Partnership in 2006 for public, private, and community cooperation to implement the regional vision for Anacostia River watershed restoration and waterfront development