WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to Mayor Muriel Bowser and the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment’s decision to invest $4.7 million in the restoration of Kingman and Heritage islands in the Anacostia River, and the designation of Kingman Island as a State Conservation Area , Allison Schutes, associate director of Ocean Conservancy’s Trash Free Seas® program, made the following statement:

“We applaud Mayor Bowser for her leadership and vision in protecting and investing in these beautiful outdoor community spaces. We also thank the Living Classrooms Foundation for their efforts to make Kingman and Heritage Islands outdoor learning laboratories accessible to all of the District’s youth.

With more than 30 years of experience conducting beach and waterway cleanups around the world, Ocean Conservancy knows the significant role that our rivers, lakes, and ocean play in supporting healthy and vibrant communities. The Anacostia River is integral to the identity and history of the District. We have been proud to host our flagship International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) event along the river for over 15 years and on Kingman Island since 2016. Last September, more than 500 Washingtonians participated, collecting nearly 4,000 pounds of trash.

“We are thrilled that this new investment will enable even more Washingtonians to enjoy these incredible islands, and we are excited to work with Living Classrooms Foundation again this year on Kingman Island for the ICC on September 15th.”

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