2004 News Archive

Fairfax Trails and Streams e-news 6 Dec. 2004

Our next meeting is Monday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 pm at the McLean Govt. Center, 1437 Balls Hill Road, to discuss the recently-passed Park Bond, focusing on its benefits for the Pimmit Run Trial.

All of the November worktrips accomplished their goals. Randy Kerr led a team to move the Cross County trailhead at Miller Heights Road into the park property and onto slightly higher ground, with various improvements between there and Oak Marr Park. The three worktrips on the Heritage Trail (Oct 23, Nov 6 and 13) created over two miles of new trail along the Potomac and Goose Creek.

Cross-County Trail advocates may be interested in the following hike, on a new trail that goes a long way toward connecting CCT with the 17-mile Bull Run Trail.

Sun. Dec. 5. Hike the West Fairfax Trail. Discover the recently created West Fairfax Trail and hike 8 mi. from Bull Run Regional Park to Eleanor Lawrence along Cub and Rocky Runs in western Fairfax County. Learn about a rapidly growing greenway system that will someday connect hundreds of miles of Northern VA trails. Meet at the Cabells Mill parking lot along Walney Rd in Eleanor Lawrence Park at 9am. Driving directions: Take I-66 west to Centreville and go north on Route 28. Make the first right at Walney Rd and proceed to Cabell Mill on right. Park in lot in front of mill. Leader: Glenn Gillis 703/430-0568.

Fairfax Trails and Streams e-news 12 Nov. 2004

HIGHLIGHTS

• TWO Trail Worktrips Tomorrow (Sat.) Morning: Oakton and Lansdowne
• Mon. Dec 6 7:30pm FTAS monthly meeting
• Mon. Jan 24 7:30pm Cross County Trail Annual Caucus, Woodson HS
• Volunteers clean up Pimmit Run (details in later e-news)
• Organizational News

DETAILS

CCT Work Trip - Saturday 11/13/04, 9:30 AM
We'll be working on the Cross County Trail between Oak Marr Rec Ctr and Miller Heights Road. Plans are to relocate about a 60' of trail (primarily brush clearing) in the low wet place at Miller Heights Rd, do some maintenance work on two stream crossings, fixing a boggy area and the regular loping and pick-up. It's a pretty area and a great section of trail.

Meet at Oak Marr Rec Center, 3200 Jermantown Rd, Oakton, VA. Park at the back of the lot furthest from the rec center near the woods. Directions: From Route 66, Route 123 north, left on Jermantown Rd, right into Oak Marr Rec Ctr. As usual on the CCT, this will be a group effort of neighbors, hikers and equestrians on a this multi-use trail.

Information contact Randy Kerr
MORE Cross County Trail liaison
lerrkerr@aol.com
home (703) 937-3920
cell (703) 926-6779

Sat. 9 am Nov 13. Help build Potomac Heritage Trail in Loudoun Co.

On Nov. 6, 28 volunteers from the Potomac Heritage Trail Association, REI, FTAS and other groups built about a mile of new trail along the Potomac River in Loudoun Co. Tomorrow, the work continues down the Potomac another mile. Pleas join us!

DIRECTIONS: From Rt. 7 heading west, right on Lansdowne Blvd, right on Riverpoint Drive, just past Coton Farm Ct., turn right into Potomac Club. This is the Community Center, looks like an old Barn.

More details at www.potomacTrail.org or 571-436-7801

Organizational News

Ed Pickens was elected the new president of FTAS, replacing founder Bill Niedringhaus, who will continue lead the group’s efforts on the CCT and the Potomac Heritage Trail, and edit this newsletter. Ed will focus on the Pimmit Run Trail and watershed.

At Potomac River Greenways Coalition (PRGC), 501-c3 parent of FTAS, the following officers were elected last week:

• President – Bill Niedringhaus
• Vice President – Chuck Sloan
• Treasurer – Don Finberg
• Secretary – Randy Kerr

Randy, who recently joined the PRGC board, replaces long-time FTAS-er Bob Jordan, who is moving to Honduras.

Ed Pickens was elected to the Board, joining other members Robin Rentsch, Bev Dickerson, Steve Dryden and Sue Wakefield.

Bill, Robin, Beverly, and Randy also serve on the Cross County Trail planning Committee, led by Jenny Pate of FCPA, which meets quarterly.

Bill, Robin, and long-time FTAS-ers Ric Francke and Bruce Glendening are also Potomac Heritage Trail Assn. Board members (Bill is president, Ric Exec Director, and Bruce is secretary). Ric and Bruce have key positions also at Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.

All of these groups want to put trail on the ground!

Fairfax Trails and Streams E-news 22 Oct. 2004

CALENDAR

DETAILS

Sat. 9 am Oct 23, Nov 6, Nov 13 Help build Potomac Heritage Trail.
DIRECTIONS: Route 7 east towards Leesburg, right turn on to Belmont Ridge Road, Right on to Riverside Parkway, turn right at 3rd median break (construction trailers, 19112 Xerox Dr. More details at www.potomacTrail.org or 571-436-7801

Tue. Nov 2 ELECTION DAY---VOTE “YES” FOR PARK BOND
Please vote Yes for the Park bond. It provides enough funding for all Pimmit Run stream crossings, major Cross County Trail segments, Laurel Hill Greenway and many other projects. Bond details at http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/parks/2004bondprojects.htm)

Sat. Nov 6 9-noon Pimmit Run Litter Cleanup
Help join FTAS in our semi-annual litter cleanup on Pimmit Run. Teams will form at each of Pimmit Run’s road crossings: Great Falls St and Westmoreland St (near Lemon Rd), Old Chesterbrook Rd (near Longfellow St), Old Dominion Dr (just down the hill from McLean Business district), the cul-de-sac at Brookhaven Drive, and Kirby Road (near Claiborne). More details will be posted soon at www.FairfaxTrails.org

Mon. Nov 8 7:30pm FTAS monthly meeting
We will discuss much recent progress on Pimmit Run, a new initiative (with the Park Bond) for completing the trail, and a planned reorganization of Fairfax Trails and Streams. Bob Jordan expects to present his briefing on the Pimmit watershed, developed under a $19,000 grant from Fish and Wildlife.

FTAS Supports Fairfax Co Park Authority TEA-21 Grant for CCT
Last week FTAS wrote a letter in support of the Park Authority’s requested matching funding for a section of the Cross County Trail (Old Keene Mill underpass to Lake Accotink), which has been in very bad shape with all the recent flooding. Potomac River Greenways Coalition is also writing in support.

Fairfax Trails and Streams E-news 26 Sept 2004

FTAS meets Mon Sept 27, 7:30pm
FTAS meets tomorrow evening, to discuss news from Pimmit Run Trail, the Cross County Trail, and the Potomac Heritage Nat Scenic Trail.

NEW BRIDGE ON CCT
Volunteers from MORE built a 16' wooden bridge over a gully on the Cross County Trail, just south of the Dulles Access Rd. Kudos to Randy Kerr and the off-road bicyclists from MORE. Meanwhile, FTAS volunteers cleared the overgrown CCT section south of Rt 7, mostly removing invasive Russian Olive branches.

FTAS reopens Pimmit Trail in Potomac Hills
Five FTAS volunteers cleared the overgrown section between Potomac School and Colleen Place on Sept 15.

CALENDAR
Mon Sep 27, 7:30 pm FTAS meeting McLean Gov Ctr
Thu/Fri Oct 14-15, Potomac Heritage Trail Caucus, Shepardstown, WV
Sat Oct 23, 9:00 am Pot Heritage Trail worktrip, Lansdowne
Tue Nov 2 Election Day--Vote for Park Bond!!!
Sat Nov 9, 9:00 am Pot Heritage Trail worktrip, Lansdowne

8th Potomac Heritage Trail Annual Caucus
14 - 15 October 2004
National Conservation Training Center
--------------------
DRAFT Agenda
THURSDAY
3:00 pm - 9:30 pm
* Explore:
* Hike with Mark Madison, Historian, National Conservation Training Center
* Fish the Potomac River (WV or MD license required)
* Bicycle ride to Dam 4
* Paddle upriver to historic Dam 5
* Exhibit set-up in the Roosevelt Room, the Commons
* Dinner
* Perspectives on the Potomac Heritage Trail (Roosevelt Room): Roundtable discussion with Mary Margaret Sloan, President, American Hiking Society; Kevin Brandt, Superintendent, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park; Linda McKenna Boxx, President, Allegheny Trail Alliance; others
* Exhibits & Informal networking opportunities

FRIDAY
6:30 am - 3:30 pm
* Breakfast in the Commons
* Status of the Trail network
* existing trails, planned trails and gaps
* local and regional highlights
* needs (planning, design and construction funds; volunteers; interpretive and educational programs; etc.)
* Hiking Guide to the Potomac Heritage Trail
* Trail Administration
* status of applications for designation
* summary of projects over the past year
* review elements of a PHNST Graphic Media Toolkit
* Interpretive planning & media
* Overview of Trail Interpretive Concept Plan
* Why and How of Connecting People to Resources: David Guiney, Director, Interpretive Media Institute, Harpers Ferry Center, National Park Service
* next steps
* Lunch in the Commons
* Communications and Coordination
* between and among citizens groups, between and among Trail segment managers, and among all Trail interests
* scoping for a Trail comprehensive management plan?
* priorities for 2005 and beyond

DIRECTIONS
The Center is on the Potomac River in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, 16 miles upstream from Harpers Ferry and 4.5 miles upstream from Shepherdstown. Directions at http://training.fws.gov/mapdir.html. Lodging available on site by reservation only. More information: Don Briggs at don_briggs@nps.gov or 304-535-4016.

Fairfax Trails and Streams E-news 14 Sept 2004

Our Pimmit worktrip tomorrow has been moved to the cul-de-sac at Colleen Place. We will clear the overgrown trail between there and Potomac School. Please bring loppers, handsaws, gloves (tho some will be available).

Directions: From 123 take Kirby Road to Levin Preserve, left on Loch Raven, immediate right onto Colleen Pl, park near cul-de-sac. We'll have pizza. We'll go unless rain is heavy.

Check out the Pimmit trail upstream and downstream of Kent Gardens, you will find things less muddy thanks to our last two worktrips.

Please join us Mon. Sept 27, 7:30 pm, for our monthly meeting at 1437 Balls Hill Rd, McLean; we'll discuss our fall litter cleanup and much trail news.

Fairfax Trails and Streams E-news 8 Sept 2004

The weather appears favorable enough to go ahead with our Pimmit worktrip Thurs 9/9 at 5:30 pm. Please park on Old Chesterbrook Road, between Longfellow and Wrightson (just up the hill from Pimmit Run, towards McLean High School). We'll have pizza there.

We gave the wrong date for the Potomac Heritage Trail worktrip at Lansdowne. It is Saturday morning, November 6.

Fairfax Trails and Streams E-news 3 September 2004

CALENDAR
Thu Sep 9, 5:30 pm Trail worktrip, Pimmit Run @ Old Chesterbk Rd
Wed Sep 15, 5:30 pm Trail worktrip, Pimmit Run @ Kirby Rd
Mon Sep 27, 7:30 pm FTAS meeting McLean Gov Ctr
Thu/Fri Oct 14-15, Potomac Heritage Trail Caucus, Shepardstown, WV
Sat Oct 23 Saturday morning, November 6, 9:00 am Pot Heritage Trail worktrip, Lansdowne
Tue Nov 2 Election Day—-Vote for Park Bond!!!
Sat Nov 9, 9:00 am Pot Heritage Trail worktrip, Lansdowne

DETAILS
There are a number of trail worktrips coming up this fall. Some are listed above. More are planned (including some on the Cross County Trail—-stay tuned for dates). On the two Pimmit Run worktrips, we have weeds to clear and drainage work. At Lansdowne, in Loudoun County, we join Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and REI to build several new miles of trail along the river.

Mark Evenson and Gerry Schueman have offered to take responsibility for Pimmit Run Trail maintenance between Westmoreland and Great Falls Streets. Ed Pickens had been doing this; he will now have time to devote to other sections. Thanks to Mark and Gerry!

Fairfax Trails and Streams E-news 22 Aug 2004

Reminder -- FTAS meets tomorrow, Monday evening, 7:30 at the McLean Govt. Center, to discuss news of local trails: Pimmit Run, Cross County, and Potomac Heritage Trail. There will be many volunteer opportunities this fall! Next meeting Sept 27 same time/place.

Mark on your calendars the Potomac Trail Caucus, Thursday -Friday Oct 14-15, in Shepardstown, WV, about the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. Details TBA.

Fairfax Trails and Streams E-news 29 July 2004

Tues. Aug 3 5:30pm: Emergency Repair Worktrip on Pimmit Run
Over 3 inches of rain two days ago damaged some of the small bridges and left debris which could cause more harm soon. Please join Ed Pickens and Bill Niedringhaus after work (5:30 pm) to do some emergency repairs.

With five people we should be able to finish by 8. We'll have pizza and drinks at 5:15. Meet at McLean Little League, Westmoreland Street near Lemon Rd.

Ribbon Cutting Postponed:
The Park Authority will be adding more signs and stonedust to the wettest parts of the new Oakton stretch of the CCT in September, so we'll reschedule the 9/4/2004 ribbon-cutting for later in the fall.

Next meeting Mon. Aug. 23 7:30 pm. McLean Govt Ctr, 1437 Balls Hill Rd

Fairfax Trails and Streams E-news 23 July 2004

HIGHLIGHTS
-Park Bond funding for Pimmit Trail, CCT
-FCPA Purchases 31 acres of Land for CCT
-Mon. Aug 23 7:30pm FTAS meeting: (NO JULY MEETING)
- Volunteers needed to maintain Pimmit trail sections
-Boy Scout nears completion of bridge near Bryan Branch
-Sat. Sep 4 9:am Ribbon Cutting for Oakton CCT
-Volunteers reroute Potomac Heritage Trail at Riverbend
-Supporters Rally to protect W&OD in Loudoun


Park Bond funding for Pimmit Trail, CCT
The $65 million park bond, which must be approved by voters in November, includes CCT funding and $543,000 for missing links/stream crossings on the Pimmit Run trail. There is $12.7 million countywide for acquisition of open space. Kevin Fay, Fx Co Park Board (Dranesville) discusses it in a letter, copied at the end of this newsletter.

FCPA Purchases 31 acres of Land for CCT
The purchase, completed June 4, 2004, includes the CCT route just north of Rte 236.
The price, $138,000, came from the 2002 Park Bond.
For more info see http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/parks/streamvalleysadded.htm

Mon. Aug 23 7:30pm FTAS meeting: (NO JULY MEETING)
We will NOT meet Monday July 26; please join us for our August meeting. A key topic is Pimmit trail volunteers (next bullet)

Volunteers needed to maintain Pimmit trail sections
Ed Pickens has been maintaining, largely on his own, major sections of the Pimmit Run Trail, including everything west of Old Chesterbrook and much else.
We need commitments from FTAS volunteers to maintain specific sections. This will be a main topic at our August 23 meeting.

Boy Scout nears completion of bridge near Bryan Branch
The bridge, which contributions from FTAS and Potomac River Greenways Coalition helped pay for, should be completed in August. It replaces an older bridge damaged by tree trunk growth.
We hope this project, approved by the Park Authority, will lead to additional Scout-built bridges on the Pimmit Run Trail. Kudos to Ed Pickens for helping to coordinate this project.

Sat. Sep 4 9:am Ribbon Cutting for Oakton CCT Postponed
This key section was recently built by volunteers from FTAS and other groups. The Park Authority has installed CCT signs and plans minor improvements to the wettest sections. BOS Chair Gerry Connolly expects to attend the ceremony, tentatively scheduled for 9 am, Saturday Sept 4.

Volunteers reroute Potomac Heritage Trail at Riverbend
On July 10, about 50 volunteers from many groups including FTAS, led by Mark Nelson of REI, relocated a frequently-flooded stretch of the Potomad Heritage Nat. Scenic Trail onto the side of a slope.

Supporters rally to protect W&OD in Loudoun
The W&OD Trail in Loudoun Co. is threatened by a new power line, which would remove most of the tree cover and eliminate the stonedust (equestrian) trail.
Volunteers gathered near Leesburg July 23 to rally support. To help, please visit www.wodfriends.org/Dominion_forest.html

LETTER FROM KEVIN FAY ABOUT PARK BOND FUNDING
DATE: July 21, 2004
TO: Dranesville District Friends of FCPA
FROM: Kevin Fay
SUBJECT: Results of 2004 Bond Decision

I am pleased to enclose this list of projects in the Dranesville District for the 2004 Park Bond referendum. We have struck a good balance of projects based on information contained in our recently completed Needs Assessment Survey and taking into consideration the many requests we received from many interested groups.

As you know, this year has been very challenging as we have identified numerous renovation and maintenance needs in addition to new development and open space desires. We have tried to balance these areas.

Approximately $7.8 million in Dranesville District projects are proposed, including $3.015 million for Clemyjontri Park. This is out of an approximate $52 million in non-land acquisition allocation. We are pursuing several land acquisition projects in Dranesville that we are not prepared to discuss at this time. Suffice it to say that any one of these land acquisition projects could consume most of the entire $12.7 million earmarked for land acquisition in the proposed 2004 Bond.

We have succeeded in securing funds for Colvin Run Mill, Pimmit Run Stream Valley Trail, Turner Farm Park Equestrian and Observatory facilities, Spring Hill RECenter, Hutchison School Park, Great Falls Nike Park, and numerous athletic field enhancements. We are still working on a project for Riverbend.

County-wide we have also succeeded in funding significant projects at Lake Fairfax, Frying Pan Park, Laurel Hill, numerous stream and cross county trail projects and significant new athletic field sites at Popes Head and Stevens. In addition, we have made a good start at funding our newly adopted Natural Resources Management Plan.

Thanks to all of you, Joan DuBois was successful in increasing the Park Bond from $50 million to $65 million. Gerry Connolly and Sharon Bulova were also instrumental in supporting this increase. But $65 million in still well short of our $100 million goal. We eagerly anticipate county staff’s reply to Chairman Connolly’s request for development of a creative financing mechanism for land acquisition outside of the Bond process.

Fiscal realities being what they are, many of our projects are going to require additional support in the nature of public-private partnership efforts. These partnerships have been the hallmark of Dranesville District’s support for the Park Authority. I know that we can count on you to continue that support and that it will also be reflected in your support for this year’s bond referendum.

Fairfax Trails and Streams E-news 27 June 2004

HIGHLIGHTS
Mon. Jun 28 7:30pm FTAS meeting: Guest Liz Cronauer
NEW SECTION OF CCT CLEARED IN OAKTON
PARK BOND INCREASED TO $65 MILLION
Sat. July 10 9:30-12:30 RIVERBEND PARK WORKTRIP
Tue July 13, 10 am TRAIL VOLUNTEER WORKSHOP
Mon. July 26 7:30 pm FTAS monthly meeting Cancelled: Next Mtg 4th Monday in Aug.

Mon. Jun 28 7:30pm FTAS meeting: Guest Liz Cronauer
Ms Cronauer (of Fx Co Park Auth.) leads the effort to build the Pimmit Trail between Old Dominion and Brookhaven St. We will also discuss the Park Bond (see below), a number of new developments on the Cross County Trail and next steps on Pimmit Run. 1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean Govt Center.

NEW SECTION OF CCT CLEARED IN OAKTON
On Saturday June 26, seven volunteers completed the final missing section of the Cross-County Trail between Vale Road and Lawyers Road. This section once (during Cross County Hikes) required a dangerous hike along Vale Road. It is now it is entirely in woods between Miller Heights Road and Great Falls Park. The CCT also has a new crosswalk at Vale Road.

PARK BOND INCREASED TO $65 MILLION
The Fx Co Board of Supervisors voted to increase the Park Bond from $50 to $65 million last week. Assuming a $50 million level, the Park Authority Board had $4.3 million for stream valley trails. It is unclear how much of the extra $15 million might go to stream valley trails or open space preservation. The Bond must be approved by voters in November

Sat. July 10 9:30-12:30 RIVERBEND PARK WORKTRIP
The worktrip to reroute the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (rained out last time) is now set for July 10, we could use your help. Info Mark Nelson, 703 379 9400

Tue July 13, 10 am TRAIL VOLUNTEER WORKSHOP
Virginia Recreation & Park Society ~ Northern Service Area
presents a Trail Workshop on Tuesday, July 13, 2004 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Fountainhead Regional Park
10875 Hampton Road
Fairfax Station, VA 22039

Join Mark Nelson, Outreach Coordinator with Recreational Equipment, Inc (REI), to learn about Construction and Maintenance of Natural Surface trails. Discussions will include:
* Major factors that have influenced the development of natural surface trail systems on public land, and resulting standards of design, construction and maintenance.
* Discussion and demonstration of the tools used by volunteers in the design, construction and maintenance of natural surface trails, including purpose, efficient use, safety and tool maintenance.
* Major components of, and challenges to, successful volunteer recruitment and building and maintaining a volunteer corps for natural surface trails. Liability concerns and their affect on recruitment, planning, supervision and safety. Assessing scope and history of existing volunteer work; making contact with key volunteers; cooperating with local trail clubs and non-profits; using the media and websites; making volunteerism personal; recruiting by phone, email and US mail. Building a volunteer trail maintenance organization: 4 local models.
* Trail Construction Practicum: hands on introduction to use of specific tools in a project to rehabilitate a short section of existing trail. Emphasis on an understanding of both sides of the volunteer equation: the volunteer viewpoint and the land manager/supervisor viewpoint. Emphasis on efficient tool use, communication and supervision to maintain safety, achieve project goals, and provide an enjoyable, enriching experience for volunteers. To include cutting sidehill tread, grading and finishing tread, construction or re-building of waterbars using best locally available materials. Participants will have the opportunity to take on several roles and use a variety of tools.

Fairfax Trails and Streams e-news June 8, 2004

HIGHLIGHTS
Wed. June 9, 8:30 pm Park Auth. Board Reviews Trails Funds in 2004 Park Bond
Mon, June 21, 4:30 pm Fx Board of Supervisors Reviews Park Bond
Sat, June 26, 9:30 am–12:30 pm Cross County Trail Worktrip, Oakton
Mon. June 28, 7:30 pm. FTAS June Meeting: Guest Liz Cronauer
W&OD Trail threatened in Loudoun Co.

DETAILS
Wed. June 9, 8:30 pm Park Auth. Board Reviews Trails Funds in 2004 Park Bond
The trails part of the bond review will be at 8:30 PM Wednesday, June 9th on the 9th floor of the Herrity Building, please call 703 324 8674 for details. The public may attend but not speak; however your presence there will be noted, especially if you are known as a trail advocate.
There is planned to be $4.3 M in the bond to be allocated for trails and streams crossings. Proposed projects include Pimmit Run (for up to 6 stream crossings), Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Design, Clarks Branch Crossing, Cross County Trail from Lake Accotink Dam to Old Keene Mill Rd,$1M for Laurel Hill Greenway, connections in Cub Run Stream Valley, Holmes Run, and others. They have a handout listing all the projects.

Mon, June 21, 4:30 pm Fx Board of Supervisors Reviews Park Bond
The Board of Supervisors holds a hearing on the bond referendum for Monday, June 21st. Public part is scheduled for 4:30, to speak at a public hearing before the Board, you are encouraged to register in advance with the Office of the Clerk to the Board at 703-324-3151, TTY 703-324-3903, or via e-mail. Lists of scheduled speakers for specific public hearings are posted inside the Board Auditorium. Note: If you cannot appear on the date of the public hearing but wish to submit written testimony, please mail to Clerk to the Board of Supervisors, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 533, Fairfax, VA 22035, or e-mail Clerk to the Board. (Please provide your full name, home address and home and work telephone numbers as applicable.)

Sat, June 26, 9:30am–12:30 pm Cross County Trail Worktrip, Oakton
Volunteers Needed to Build the Cross County Trail! Please come help Fairfax Trails and Streams, MORE, the Hunters Valley Riding Club and Fairfax County Park Authority complete a new section of the Cross County Trail in Oakton. This work will complete the section north of Vale Road in the Camp Crowell easement to the riding ring. We'll be clearing brush and briars to build new trail. The section we worked on in March could also use some re-clearing.
Bring water, work gloves and tools such as bow saws, loppers, clippers and hedge trimmers work well. A swing blade would be helpful also. No experience necessary.
Directions:
From Dulles Toll Road take Hunter Mill Road south, and right on Vale Rd. From Route 123 take Hunter Mill Road north, and left on Vale Rd.…then turn left on Valestra Ct and park near the corner. We'll have some snacks and juices to start us off in the morning. For additional information contact Randy Kerr (703) 926-6779 or LERRKerr@aol.com

Mon. June 28, 7:30 pm. FTAS June Meeting: Guest Liz Cronauer
Join Fx Co Park Authority’s Liz Cronauer, who is managing the Pimmit Run Trail between Old Dominion Drive to Brookhaven.

W&OD Trail threatened in Loudoun Co.
A section of the W&OD is threatened by a new power line. The horse trail would be closed and most ot the trees would be cut down. Please see http://www.savethebiketrail.com for details on how to help.

Fairfax Trails and Streams E-news 22 May 2004

CALENDAR/HIGHLIGHTS
Mon May 24, 7:30 pm FTAS meets to discuss several new developments on Pimmit Run, CC Trails.
Sat Jun 5, 8:30 am - 2:30 NAT TRAILS DAY; help restore Pot Heritage Trail at Riverbend Pk
Mon Jun 28, 7:30 pm FTAS meets: Guest--Liz Cronauer, FCPA's Pimmit Trail proj manager
FTAS Testies for Trails at Public Hearings Apr. 28 and May 4

DETAILS

FTAS next two "4th Monday" monthly meetings
Please join us Monday May 24 to discuss the latest news on Pimmit Run Trail and the Cross-County Trail. On Monday, June 28, our guest speaker is Liz Cronauer, FCPA's leader of the effort to build the Pimmit Trail between Old Dominion Dr. and Pimmit Bend Park. Both meetings are at 7:30 pm at the McLean Govt. Center, 1437 Balls Hill Rd. McLean.

FTAS testifies for Trails at Public Hearings Apr. 28 and May 4
FTAS' letter on Pimmit Run Trail priorities is posted at www.fairfaxtrails.org/pimmit/letter.html
On April 28 we testified at the Dranesville District Hearing (publicized in our previous e-news) on how the Cross-County Trail and Potomac Heritage Trail could form a giant 80-mile loop with its northern intersection at Great Falls Park, where many long-distance trails come together. On May 4, at the Laurel Hill public hearing in Springfield, we spoke of how that area could be an equally impressive nexus of major trails, including the CCT, the Heritage Trail north and south, and trails along the Occoquan east and west, all mostly scenic and wooded. We were not alone. Many other allied groups, hiking, biking and equestrian, and a number of private citizens, joined us in the call for more and better-connected trails.

Potomac Heritage Trail Restoration at Riverbend Park
On Sat. June 5, (8:30 am - 2:30 pm) FTAS joins REI Corp., the Potomac Heritage Trail Association, and other groups at Riverbend Park to restore/reroute the badly-eroded Potomac Heritage Trail. 100 volunteers are needed. The work will include brush cutting and trail construction; tools will be provided, although those with shears, loppers or other trail tools are welcome to bring them. Registration is required. Please call 703-379-9400 or 301-982-9681 or e-mail at mnelson@rei.com.

Fairfax Trails and Streams e-news 23 April 2004

CALENDAR / HIGHLIGHTS
Sat Apr 24, 9 am Pimmit Run Hike--meet at McLean Citiz. Assn 703 448 0415
Mon Apr 26, 7:30 pm FTAS meeting McLean Gov Ctr
Thu Apr 29, 7 pm Dranesville Park Board Hearing, McLean Community Ctr
Sat May 15, all day McLEAN DAY (Vols needed for a FTAS table)
Sat Jun 5, NAT TRAILS DAY; help restore Pot Heritage Trail at Riverbend Pk

DETAILS
Sat Apr 24, 9 am Pimmit Run Hike--meet at McLean Citiz. Assn 703 448 0415 Very easy, flat hike. Car shuttle. Meet at the McLean Community Center parking lot, 1234 Ingleside Avenue. (From Rt 123 and Old Dominion, take 123 toward Chain Bridge, first left onto Ingleside, the MCC is on the left a little after the library).

Mon Apr 26, 7:30 pm FTAS meeting at McLean Gov Ctr We will discuss Trails Day events, powerline clearing on Pimmit and other trail news.

Thu Apr 29, 7 pm Dranesville Park Board Hearing, McLean Community Ctr Citizen testimony is needed to encourage local officials to prioritize trails.

Pictures on Web from Pimmit Cleanup, Cross County worktrip in March.

Great Falls Volunteers help restore Cross County Trail at Difficult Run
Eleanor Weck reports on Great Falls Trailblazers' trail worktrip last week: A biker from MORE, an equestrian, a hiker, and a neighborhood family with two children were among the nine who worked on the Difficult Run Trail Saturday April 17 (north of Rt 7), under the able leadership of Bill Allard. It was a beautiful morning and the trail is looking better

Fairfax Trails and Stream e-news 11 April 2004

HIGHLIGHTS
Your testimony needed at Fx Park Bond Hearings (703) 324-8662
Volunteers clean litter from Pimmit Run (Pictures)
Victor Litwinski's Ongoing Pimmit litter cleanup
Volunteers build 1/2 mile of CCT north of Vale Road (Pictures)
Nelson, Wedemeyer Win Cross-County Jog in 4:43:00--http://members.cox.net/jcoogan/cct/
Detailed CCT navigation--see http://members.cox.net/jcoogan/cct/coursedescription.html

CALENDAR
Sat Apr 17, 9 am 11-mi vol-built hike/horse trail opens in Loudoun 540 338-4031
Sat Apr 24, 9 am Pimmit Run Hike with McLean Citiz. Assn 703 448 0415
Mon Apr 26, 7:30 pm FTAS meeting McLean Gov Ctr
Thu Apr 29, 7 pm Dranesville Park Board Hearing, McLean Community Ctr
2nd & 4th Mondays, 7pm, Mar-May: Master Watershed Steward Program

DETAILS
Your testimony needed at Fx Park Bond Hearings (703) 324-8662
The time has come to express your support for Fairfax Co. stream valley trails and open space. The $50 million park bond (if approved by voters in November) is the primary source of funds for these priorities, which in the past have often been crowded out by other park programs. Most effective is to appear in person at any of nine Park Bond Hearings April 13 - May 6

To speak, please call (703) 324-8662 or e-mail Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Pimmit Run trail enthusiasts should speak at the Dranesville hearing Thursday, April 29, 2004, at 7 p.m. at the McLean Community Center. The Cross-County Trail and Potomac Heritage Trail are countywide and may be supported at any hearing.

Announcement from Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) and the Northern Virginia
Regional Park Authority (NVRPA)
[We] encourage citizen participation in upcoming public hearings scheduled in April and May 2004 to consider current and future park and recreation needs in Fairfax County. Join us as we shape our parks for the future!

A park bond referendum is slated for November 2004 for the purpose of financing the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The CIP will include land acquisition, capital development and renovation of park facilities in Fairfax County. The park bond, if approved by voters, will provide
at least $50 million over the next four years. An additional $10 million bond will be considered on behalf of the NVRPA for regional facilities and projects.

The public hearings are scheduled at the following times and places:

The Park Authorities are seeking your guidance in setting the priorities and selecting the projects to be proposed for funding through the 2004 park bond referendum. Each hearing will feature a brief presentation on park and recreation needs countywide. Following this presentation, the public will have an opportunity to testify.

To sign up in advance to speak at the hearings, contact the FCPA Public Information Office at (703) 324-8662 or send an e-mail to Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov. Individuals may speak for three minutes. Those representing groups may speak for five minutes. Each organization is limited to one official presenter. For persons with hearing impairments, sign language interpreter services are available upon request. Please call (703) 324-8563 or TTY (703 )324-3988 at least ten days before the meeting.

The Park Authorities will accept comments on the bond hearings until the close of business on Monday, June 7, 2004. Written comments for the FCPA should be directed to Ms. Lynn S. Tadlock, Director, Planning & Development Division, Fairfax County Park Authority, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 421, Fairfax, VA 22035. E-mail comments should be sent to: Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Comments for the NVRPA should be addressed to: NVRPA Planning and Development, 5400 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039. Emails should go to info@nvrpa.org.

For more information, contact Judy Pedersen, FCPA Public Information Officer, at 703-324-8662, or Carol Ann Cohen, NVRPA Public Information Officer, at 703-359-4603, or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks and www.nvrpa.org

Volunteerss clean litter from Pimmit Run
Kudos to Ed Pickens and Steve Dryden for organizing this semiannual cleanup. Our volunteers hauled out dozens of large trash-filled bags at seven sites. Details to come. Pictures.

Victor Litwinski's Ongoing Pimmit litter cleanup
For four or five days each week, Victor Litwinski dons wading boots and workgloves, to clean litter from Pimmit Run. Please help him! He gathers trash in small bags and leaves them along the Run, in hopes that neighbors or hikers will properly dispose of them. If not, Victor hauls them away himself. You can help Victor by hauling these bags away when you see them!

Victor writes: Thanks are due to residents along Pimmit from Great Falls down to Chesterbrook for having picked up up many dozen bags of trash placed on the trail over the last two years. I walked the creek Easter Sunday morning to celebrate my third year, and I came up with only two bags (thanks, Kevin) as opposed to ten or so in the past. I apologize to the gentleman with a large lawn who received a very large share of stuff from the bottom of a Pimmit tributary, apparently not cleaned in a while, for having done it on Easter.

Volunteer-built hike/horse trail opens in Loudoun Apr 17
You are invited to the official opening of Loudoun County's first public Equestrian/Hiking Trail on Saturday, April 17th at 9:30 A.M. The trail is over 11 miles long and will connect to many more miles of trail in the near future. It is natural surface and meanders through fields and woods. The trail has a number of loops so you can do a short walk/ride or a longer one

The Park is located between Evergreen Mills Road (621) and The Woods Road (771) south of Leesburg. There is a small parking lot with entrance off The Woods Road at the intersection with Evergreen Mills. Volunteers built and will maintain the trails. More volunteers are needed to help build more trails. All are welcome. For more information call 540 338-4031 or 703 431-955

Fairfax Trails and Stream e-news 15 February 2004

CALENDAR
Mon Feb 23. 7:30 pm FTAS meeting 1437 Balls Hill Rd, McLean Gov Ctr
Thu Feb 26. 7:30 pm Cross County Trail Caucus, Woodson HS
Mon-Fri March Hike the (Capitol) Hill for Trails Issues
Mon Mar 22. 7:30 pm FTAS meeting McLean Gov Ctr
Sat Mar 27, 9 am Pimmit Run spring litter cleanup (rain date Mar 28)
Sat Apr 24, 9 am Pimmit Run Hike with McLean Citiz. Assn
Mon Apr 26, 7:30 pm FTAS meeting McLean Gov Ctr

CCT CAUCUS - The Caucus was postponed last month due to snow. The decision came only hours ahead, too late for us to announce. It is rescheduled for Thurs Feb. 26. at 7:30 pm. The agenda and location have not changed. Woodson HS, 9525 Main St. Fairfax City Info call Jenny Pate, FCPA, jenny.pate@fairfaxcounty.gov http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/cctnews.htm
7:30 REFRESHMENTS
7:50 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION -- Kirk Holley, Fairfax County Park Authority
8:00 ANNOUNCEMENT OF CROSS COUNTY TRAIL CHAMPION AWARD--Bill Niedringhaus, FTAS
8:10 CROSS COUNTY TRAIL FRIENDS GROUP-- Harry Glasgow, president Friends of Huntley Meadows; Federation of Friends Groups
8:30 RECOGNITION OF VOLUNTEER TRAIL PROJECTS AND SUPPORTING GROUPS -- Kirk Holley, FCPA
8:35 PRESENTATIONS BY VOLUNTEER GROUPS Trail building? November 2003 -- Randy Kerr, MORE Stream Stabilization? Difficult Run -- Beverly Dickerson, Hunters Valley Riding Club
8:45 STATE OF THE TRAIL ? CCT Annual Status Report -- Jenny Pate, FCPA Trail Coordinator
9:00 STATUS OF MASTER PLAN, GREENWAY ? LAUREL HILL -- Kelly Davis, FCPA Special Projects
9:10 PLANS FOR NATIONAL TRAILS DAY, JUNE 5, 2004: discussion/brainstorming -- Bill Niedringhaus, FTAS and Jenny Pate, FCPA
9:30 ADJOURN

New Heritage Trail segment built at Seneca Jan 17 Sixteen volunteers,along with chainsaw-wielding staffers from No. VA Regional Park Auth. (NVRPA) braved the cold to build 3/4 mile of new trail at from Seneca Park in northern Fairfax County to Lowes Island Golf Course on the river in Loudoun. Meanwhile, foundations were installed for new bridges at Old Sugarland Run, and fencing to protect trail users from errant golf balls. Another work trip this winter is scheduled when the ground thaws...stay tuned.

Fx Co Park Auth's Liz Cronauer has taken responsibility Pimmit Run Trail construction project from Old Dominion to Brookhaven Dr. Liz has visited the site and is actively working with residents and Fairfax Trails and Streams volunteers. We welcome her to this exciting project.

Hike the (Capitol) Hill for Trails Issues The American Hiking Society asks trail enthusiasts to lobby Congress every March to support trail funding and other issues. Please help! Many people come from across the country, but we are already here! Another way to help is to house a student volunteer from another state. For more info: 301-565-6704 ext. 205; email CMontorfano@AmericanHiking.org or see http://www.americanhiking.org/policy/advo_week.html for more info.

Fairfax County Park Bond Taking Shape For 2004-2008 The Bond, for 2004-2008, is expected to include funds to complete the Cross County Trail. Public hearings will be held this spring, stay tuned for details.
COUNTYWIDE: FTAS supports the CCT completion and would like bond to address completion of the Potomac Heritage Trail, including the Laurel Hill Greenway (where the two meet in the south) and the Clarks Run Bridge (where they meet in the north).
DRANESVILLE: FTAS has recommended to Kevin Fay (Park Board, Dranesville) that the bond include funding for completing the Pimmit Run Trail. The main expenses are eight stream crossings, all to be built "light on the land" with volunteer assistance to minimize cost. (Read our letter to Kevin Fay). Please email Linda.lammerson@co.fairfax.va.us to help support funds for this in the Park Bond.

Fairfax Trails and Stream e-news 15 January 2004

CALENDAR
Sat Jan 17, 10 am Seneca Worktrip, Pot Heritage Trail
Mon Jan 26. 7:30 pm Cross County Trail Caucus, Woodson HS
Mon Feb 23. 7:30 pm FTAS meeting McLean Gov Ctr
Mon Mar 22. 7:30 pm FTAS meeting McLean Gov Ctr
Sat Mar 27, 9 am Pimmit Run spring litter cleanup (rain date Mar 28)
Sat Apr 24, 9 am Pimmit Run Hike with McLean Citiz. Assn
Mon Apr 26, 7:30 pm FTAS meeting McLean Gov Ctr

Sat Jan 17, 10 am Seneca Worktrip, Pot Heritage Trail
Help connect Great Falls Park and the Cross County Trial with Loudoun's Algonkian Park via a new section of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. Directions: From beltway, Rt 7 west past Reston. Right on Georgetown Pike, immediate left on Seneca road, park at end of road.

DRAFT AGENDA, CCT CAUCUS
Mon Jan 26. 7:30 pm Cross County Trail Caucus, Woodson HS, 9525 Main St. Fairfax City
Info contact Jenny Pate, FCPA, jenny.pate@fairfaxcounty.gov