Stream cleaners in an unamed DC area stream by fromcaliw/love used with permission.

Three DC area streams get low quality ratings from region’s Audoboun Naturalist Society

Three local streams, Maryland’s Northwest Branch, Virginia’s Holmes Run, and Maryland and DC’s Oxon Run got low-quality ratings from the society, which worked with the adjacent local governments and friends of the streams groups to compile the data to raise awareness of the need for cleanup of the entire area’s watershed, not just the major rivers.  (Jacob Fenston / DCist)  

Maryland court upholds right to challenge developers’ forest conservation plans

The decision allows Marylanders to take developers to court over forest conservation plans that are approved prior to the full project receiving approval. However the site the lawsuit centered on will still be allowed to develop and remove trees, despite being one of the last contiguous forested areas at the head of the Chesapeake Bay.  (Timothy B. Wheeler / Maryland Matters)  

Fairfax County to phase out county-owned gas-powered leaf blowers

The county will stop buying gas-powered blowers and buy more electric blowers as a county ordinance passed last November goes into effect. Several jurisdictions have considered similar ordinances against gas-powered blowers, which are seen by some as a major air and noise polluter.   (Matt Blitz / FFXnow)  

Bike lane battle in Capitol Hill could lead to odd electoral results

Some Capitol Hill residents are pushing to recall Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Amber Gove from office over her vote in favor of a one-block bike lane. However, those residents may not be eligible to vote against her due to redistricting, and the timing of the vote means Gove could be re-elected but still recalled from office for the remainder of her term.  (Martin Austermuhle / DCist)  

Federal lawsuit challenges Prince George’s County pit bull ban

The county’s ban, enacted in 1997, requires people who own the dogs, which are not a set breed, to either get rid of their dogs or move out of the county. The lawsuit alleges this violates the federal Fair Housing Act.  (Katie Mettler / Post. Tip: Chester B.)  

Pedestrian in Seven Corners parking lot dies after being struck by driver

The driver of the vehicle struck the pedestrian after having been hit by another driver and then after hitting the pedestrian, hit another parked vehicle and landed in a mulch pit. The pedestrian was taken to the hospital where he died of his injuries. The driver who caused the collision was arrested on the scene.  (Martin Weil / Post. Tip: Chester B.)  

Riders affected by next set of major Metro shutdowns express concern

While much of the concern over the most recent planned closure of Metro stations in Virignia has been focused on downtown commuters, some Virginia commuters with less flexible schedules are also concerned about getting to work on time this fall, despite efforts to create alternatives.  (Jordan Pascale / DCist)  

DC tourism numbers are up, but not back to prepandemic levels

Over 19.1 million people visited DC in 2021, up from 13.3 million in 2020, but down from 24.6 million in 2019. Travel industry groups are trying to lure more international travelers, who tend to spend more money than domestic tourists.  (Lori Aratani / Post)  

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