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Cultural Landscape Foundation v. Department of the Interior

No. 1:26-cv-01593 District · Active Active
Court
D.D.C.
dcd
Judge
Carl J. Nichols 45
Filed
May 11, 2026
Judge (CL)
Carl J. Nichols 45
Filed (CL)
May 11, 2026
CL Status
active

Case Overview

The Cultural Landscape Foundation sued the Department of the Interior over the resurfacing of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.


The Application

History

The Cultural Landscape Foundation argues that Interior failed to comply with NHPA consultation requirements and undertook the resurfacing without adequate environmental review or consideration of the landscape's historic significance as a designed feature of the Lincoln Memorial complex.

The Conclusion

The case remains active in the D.C. District Court before Judge Carl J. Nichols; the court will determine whether the resurfacing project may proceed pending resolution of any preliminary injunction request and the merits.

Federal Court TMR-fd723c8d The Reflecting Pool Jul 11, 2026

Case Analysis

Overview

The Cultural Landscape Foundation sued the Department of the Interior over the resurfacing of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Issue

Whether the Department of the Interior's resurfacing of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool violates the National Historic Preservation Act and the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to adequately consider impacts on this historic landscape resource.

Rule

Under the Administrative Procedure Act, agency actions must not be arbitrary and capricious. Under the National Historic Preservation Act, federal agencies must take into account the effect of their actions on historic properties and provide the Advisory Council a reasonable opportunity to comment.

Analysis

The Cultural Landscape Foundation argues that Interior failed to comply with NHPA consultation requirements and undertook the resurfacing without adequate environmental review or consideration of the landscape's historic significance as a designed feature of the Lincoln Memorial complex.

Conclusion

The case remains active in the D.C. District Court before Judge Carl J. Nichols; the court will determine whether the resurfacing project may proceed pending resolution of any preliminary injunction request and the merits.

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