2008 News
10 December 2008 EFairfax Trails and Streams E-newsletter http://www.FairfaxTrails.org/
FTAS MEETS Thurs Dec 11, 7:30pm
Guest: Paul Gilbert, Director, Northern VA Regional Park Authority
We'll discuss the latest news on local trails. On Pimmit Run, we'll announce a reroute that takes advantage of the newest park in the stream valley. The Potomac Heritage Trail Association will discuss news of this National Scenic Trail, including the PHTA's 2008 Trail Awards (one of which wiill be presented at the meeting). The Fall 2008 issue of Potomac Heritage Trail News will be available.
Guest Paul Gilbert will share his thoughts on next steps for the NVRPA, protecting our remaining open space and ideas for the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
Place: McLean Govt Center, 1437 Balls Hill Rd, McLean.
Hope to see you there.
21 November 2008 EFairfax Trails and Streams E-newsletter http://www.FairfaxTrails.org/
FTAS MEETS Thurs Dec 11, 7:30pm
Guest: Paul Gilbert, Director, Northern VA Regional Park Authority
The NVRPA owns large scenic tracts along the Potomac River in western Fairfax and eastern Loudoun County, all of which have officially designated segments of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. NVRPA works closely with trail volunteer groups like us to make the trail a reality. NVRPA administers the W&OD Trail, Meadowlark Gardens, Occoquan Regional Park, and many other scenic areas.
Paul will share his thoughts on next steps for the NVRPA, protecting our remaining open space and ideas for the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
Place: McLean Govt Center, 1437 Balls Hill Rd, McLean.
Hope to see you there!
9 October 2008 EFairfax Trails and Streams E-newsletter http://www.FairfaxTrails.org/
HIGHLIGHTS
Crucial Property on Pimmit Run Becomes Park!
Sat. Oct 11 10am: John Taggart Memorial Bench, W&OD, E Falls Ch
Tue. Oct 21 4-6pm Pimmit Run Trail Worktrip
Sat. Oct 25 9-noon FTAS Fall Litter Cleanup
Sat. Oct 25 4-6pm Reception to Repair C&O Hurricane Damage
Thu. Dec 11, 7:30pm FTAS meets: Guest is Director of NoVa Reg. Parks, Paul Gilbert
DETAILS
Crucial Property on Pimmit Run Becomes Park!
The Fx Co Park Authority now owns a crucial strip of flood plain land, between Old Dominion and Old Chesterbrook. We have been trying to get a trail here for 18 years, and finally it has happened! This will allow our trail to cross Pimmit Run just downstream of Old Ch. Rd, at the site of a natural ford (crossable now). It then follows the wooded base of the slope. The old crossing won’t be needed—good thing (it was washed out by Hurricane Hannah). The trail will no longer be under the powerlines, next to townhouses, in a muddy and hard-to-maintain easement! Ed Pickens is arranging a worktrip to put in the crossing, please stay tuned for details.
Congratulations to the FCPA, especially Mike Lambert and Kay Rutledge, for getting this done!
Sat. Oct 11 10am: John Taggart Memorial Bench, W&OD, E Falls Ch
John was Webmaster for Fairfax Trails for many years, and could always be counted on to help out on any trail project. We honor his memory by dedicating a bench along the W&OD, at one of his favorite spots.
Location: W&OD Trail east of the East Falls Church metro station (and just east of the Brandymore Castle historic marker on the trail).
Driving directions/parking: From the corner of Washington
and Sycamore streets in Arlington go south (past the
entrance to I-66 east) and turn left at the first street
(17th street), then take an immediate left on to Roosevelt
and go one block where it ends in a cul-de-sac. Parking is
available here. The bench is east along the trail that
parallels I-66 barrier from this parking area. (Note: If
coming from the south Roosevelt becomes Sycamore at 17th St.
This can be confusing because the small street with the
parking is also Roosevelt).
If there are no parking spaces available here and if you
have a map or GPS, the trail can also be accessed from
Madison Manor Park (12th Road and Powhatan St.) where there
is additional parking. The bench is just west of the
entrance to the trail from the park.
Tue. Oct 21 4-6pm Pimmit Run Trail Worktrip
Come help repair two of the stepping stone crossings of Pimmit Run damaged by Hurricane Hannah! Please call 703 448 0415 for details.
Sat. Oct 25 9-noon FTAS Fall Litter Cleanup
Details TBA, but reserve the date! We need volunteers! Details 703 448 0415.
Sat. Oct 25 4-6pm Reception to Repair C&O Hurricane Damage
As you probably know, Hurricane Hanna caused a huge breach in the C&O Canal last month -- washing out the towpath at Angler's Inn and causing $2 million of estimated damage. This national recreational treasure, in our own backyards, needs our help.
In order to raise awareness of the problem as well as funds for repair, the C&O Canal Trust is holding a benefit (cocktails, hors d’oeuvres) at the Historic Marwood Mansion on October 25. Tickets $100. 11231 River View Drive, Potomac MD. Details at http://www.canaltrust.org/gallery.php?level=album&id=20 .
Thu. Dec 11 7:30pm FTAS meets: Guest: Dir. of NoVa Reg. Parks, Paul Gilbert
We have back-to-back FTAS meetings with Park Directors as guest! This time, we are honored to have Paul Gilbert, Director of the No. Va Regional Park Authority. It is the steward of the W&OD and large swaths of Fairfax and Loudoun County’s Potomac shoreline. Paul and the NVRPA have a wonderful “can-do” attitude toward trails, and he’ll have lots of trail-related news.
28 September 2008 EFairfax Trails and Streams E-newsletter http://www.FairfaxTrails.org/
REMINDER:
John W. Dargle, Jr., Director, Fairfax County Park Authority, will be our guest at our next meeting on September 29, 7:30 pm. David Bowden, Director of the Planning and Development Division, and Kirk Holley, Manager of Special Projects will also join us.
We'll discuss next steps for stream valley trails, the CCT, and the upcoming Park Bond Referendum.
McLean Govt Center, 1437 Balls Hill Rd, McLean.
7 September 2008 EFairfax Trails and Streams E-newsletter http://www.FairfaxTrails.org/
The BOS hearing on the Madeira trails issue has been postponed. It is tentatively scheduled for the evening of Nov. 17.
It will NOT happen on Sept 22.
It is important that supporters of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail testify then to support this key trail segment just downriver from Great Falls Park
As mentioned earlier, FTAS meets 9/29 at 7:30 pm, hope to see you there.
30 August 2008 EFairfax Trails and Streams E-newsletter http://www.FairfaxTrails.org/
HIGHLIGHTS
Director of Fx Co Park Auth to speak next meeting Sept 29 7:30 pm.
Madeira vote postponed
DETAILS
Director of Fx Co Park Auth is guest, Sept 29 7:30 pm.
John W. Dargle, Jr., Director, Fairfax County Park Authority will be our guest at our next meeting on September 29. David Bowden, Director of the Planning and Development Division, and Kirk Holley, Manager of Special Projects will also join us.
We'll discuss next steps for stream valley trails, the CCT, and the upcoming Park Bond Referendum. Please note the unusual date, the 5th Monday in September (an incorrect date was reported last e-newsletter)
Madeira Vote Postponed
The Planning Commission's vote on the Madeira School requirement to grant a trail easement, has been postponed, to September 18. Please continue to write to your supervisors in support of a trail here, as per the previous e-newsletter. The Board of Supervisors may discuss the issue on Sept 22, so please reserve that evening if you'd like to testify in favor of this key trail opportunity.
14 July 2008 EFairfax Trails and Streams E-newsletter http://www.FairfaxTrails.org/
HIGHLIGHTS
Next steps on Madeira Trail
No meeting in July/August
Successful Potomac Heritage Trailfest June 28
Sept 22 7:30 pm. FTAS meets, McLean Gov Ctr, 1437 Balls Hill Rd
Nov 13 (all day): Potomac Trail Workshop (Nat. Park Service), Algonkian Park
DETAILS
Next Steps on Madeira Trail
The Planning Commission met June 26. Eight people spoke in favor of the trail. A larger number, mostly from the school or its immediate neighborhood, testified against. The Planning Commission deferred its vote till July 31.
Supervisor Foust's office reports they got 52 pro-trail e-mails (congratulations to those of you who sent them!) Although there were 42 "anti's", they were scattered (some opposed trails on the west-boundary, some the east-boundary, some the riverfront, and some concerned trails on the opposite side of Georgetown Pike).
ITS IMPORTANT WE KEEP PUSHING THIS!!
Please e-mail your supervisor (if you haven't already). The core message: "I support the river trail at Madeira School" (more details at http://www.fairfaxtrails.org/news/index.html, scroll down to June 10 news)
If you're not sure of your district, see http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/maps/images/maps/handouts/pdf07/SupervisorDistricts.pdf
Then go to http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/government/board/
and click on your supervisor to send e-mail. We need to get pro-trail e-mail from ALL 9 supervisory districts.
No meeting in July/August
Because we are focusing our energies into the fight for trails at Madeira, we will NOT meet in July/August. See you on Sept. 22!
Successful Potomac Heritage Trailfest June 28
Over 200 people participated in the Potomac Heritage Trailfest. Groups maintaining booths: Potomac Heritage Trail Assn, Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, MORE, and REI.
Glenn Gillis envisioned and organized the whole event. Supervisors Connolly and Foust attended. The Connection newspaper gave a very favorable report.
20 June 2008 EFairfax Trails and Streams E-newsletter http://www.FairfaxTrails.org/
HIGHLIGHTS
June 28 Potomac Heritage Trailfest
-9am: Hike at Riverbend Pk (Keynoter: Chmn Gerry Connolly)
-2pm: Hike at Gt Falls Pk (Keynoter: Supv. John Foust)
June 26: 8pm Hearing on Madeira School Trail
Pickens Steps Down
75 Volunteers Build Scotts Run Trail
July 28 7:30 pm. FTAS meets, Guest: Supv. Foust; 1437 Balls Hill Rd McLean
Sept 22 7:30 pm. FTAS meets, McLean Gov Ctr, 1437 Balls Hill Rd
Nov 13 (all day): Potomac Trail Workshop (Nat. Park Service), Algonkian Park
Please keep e-mails coming to Supv. Connolly, Foust, Hyland re Madeira, Belvoir!
DETAILS
June 26: 8pm Hearing on Madeira School Trail
The Fx Co. Planning Commission holds an important hearing on the Madeira School trail situation on June 26. To fill this remaining gap in the Potomac Heritage Trail, it will help greatly if a lot of trail supporters sign up and testify in favor of the trail. You must register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning/speaker.htm and enter "SEA 83-D-030-08" as the subject. Info: 703 324 2870
Pickens Steps Down
Ed Pickens, President of FTAS for three years, has stepped down. He continues to lead the Pimmit Run Trail effort and will remain an active member, but cites the need to scale back his activities, which have been extremely wide-ranging these past few years. At our July 28 meeting, we will discuss next steps for FTAS.
75 Volunteers Build Scotts Run Trail
The June 6 worktrip was a great success. Eight massive waterbars were installed, a major segment was sidehilled to avoid a muddy area along the Potomac, many trail-marking signs were installed, and a large amount invasive plants were removed--despite oppressively hot weather. Kudos to Fx Co Park Authority, REI, Ric Francke, Ed Pickens, Bruce Glendenning, and many many other volunteers for leading the effort.
POTOMAC HERITAGE TRAILFEST (Sierra Club/MWROP, AMC, Potomac Heritage Trail Assn)
Keynote Speaker: Chairman Gerry Connolly, Fairfax Co.
Sat. June 28. 9am The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Riverbend and Great Falls Parks, VA. [New] Enjoy a 6 mi. morning-plus hike that’ll take you the hilly inland way from Riverbend Park’s former nature center to the falls overlooks near the visitor center in Great Falls Park and then take you back to the trailhead on a gorgeous riverbank segment of the PHNST, with possible sightings of the eagles that nest on Cobb Island. Also, pause on the way back at Riverbend’s visitor center to participate in the Potomac Heritage Trailfest festivities. Meet at 9 am at the Riverbend nature center. Call for directions or if carless. Leader: Paul Elliott, 703/256-6351.
Keynote Speaker: Supervisor John Foust, Fairfax Co. (Dranesville)
Sat. June 28. 2pm Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Great Falls Park, VA. Enjoy a 5 mi. afternoon roundtrip hike on most of the short stretch of the PHNST that lies within this scenic riverside park. From the park visitor center, we’ll go down the steep canyon of Mather Gorge to the historic Potowmack Canal before returning past the most spectacular waterfall in the mid-Atlantic region. Arrive early to participate in the park’s Potomac Heritage Trailfest festivities. Meet at 2 pm at the visitor center ramp near the snack bar. Leader: Glenn Gillis, 703/430-0568 or glennpotomacfalls@yahoo.com.
10 June 2008 EFairfax Trails and Streams E-newsletter http://www.FairfaxTrails.org/
Please Join
Fairfax Trails and Streams
Friends of Burke’s Spring Branch
For dedication of the Burke’s Spring Historic Site
At Stockwell Manor, McLean (enter from Great Falls Street, between Kirby and Haycock Roads)
4pm June 14, 2008
This project was funded by the McLean Citizens Foundation and the Fairfax History Commission. Fence and historic marker donated by Winchester Homes; plants donated by Earth Sangha and the Potowmack chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society; marker design by Katherine Lenard; landscape plan by Kathryn von Bredow; stone work by Jack Mandel Design.
****Click here for a digital version of this historic marker.****
HELP COMPLETE THE
POTOMAC HERITAGE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL
The Fairfax County portion of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (PHNST) is largely complete (see map on reverse side), and lives up to its name. With your support, two of the few remaining gaps can soon be filled, in spectacularly scenic fashion. Both opportunities, however, face stiff resistance.
This year, we have an opportunity to complete a natural surface trail across the two main gaps, at Madeira School and at Ft. Belvoir. There is powerful opposition at both sites. We need all trail supporters to call, or send e-mails or faxes (details below), in support of completing this beautiful trail. Without public support, we risk losing these opportunities for a very long time.
At Ft. Belvoir, we propose a route along existing, marked trails through the Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge. The Army keeps open to the public the western half of these trails—the part closest to the main facilities. The eastern half follows jeep roads through the Wildlife Refuge along the Potomac. It is not open to the public, despite the fact that it is very remote, as remote as anywhere in Fairfax County. Its main Army use is occasional bow-hunting by soldiers during their leisure time. The Army’s proposed route would be far less appealing—along busy Route 1. The Army estimates it will take $6 million to build, but refuses to spend any money on it. In contrast, the Wildlife Refuge route already exists; volunteers could open it with a little time and very little money.
The State of Virginia requires Madeira School to make major improvements in its water treatment facilities. In granting the needed permits, Fairfax County should insist the school fulfil its obligations under the Countywide Trails Plan. To fill the gap between Great Falls Park and Scotts Run Nature Preserve, the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail needs to cross the school’s property. It needs to start at Difficult Run (eastern end of Great Falls Park) and exit at the school’s southeast corner (at Georgetown Pike near Spring Hill Road). There are at least two possible scenic routes, the ideal route being along the Potomac, turning south along the eastern boundary to Georgetown Pike. Our supervisors are already receiving letters of opposition (the usual NIMBY arguments). We point to Oakton’s Girl Scout camp on the Cross County Trail, where the girls helped build the trail, and consider it a good neighbor.
Please e-mail, fax or call with the following message (verbatim or in your own words):
I support a scenic, wooded route for the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail through Fairfax County. At Ft. Belvoir, it should follow the remote and scenic route through the Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge, and NOT parallel the busy Route 1. At Madeira School, the trail should be routed to allow countywide connectivity. This can be done while staying well away from school facilities, as has been done successfully at the Girl Scout’s Camp Crowell on the Cross County Trail. The trail must reach Georgetown Pike near Spring Hill Road, the only egress allowing a future connection to Scotts Run Nature Preserve. Once we complete these two spectacularly scenic segments, the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Fairfax County will be a treasure for generations to come.
FOR BELVOIR
Supv. Gerry Hyland, Mt. Vernon; mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov Tel: 703 780 7518; Fax 703 780-1491
Chairman Gerry Connolly; chairman@fairfaxcounty.gov Tel: 703 324 2321; Fax: 703 324-3955
Congressman Jim Moran Tel: 202 225 4376; Fax: 202-225-001
Senator Jim Webb: Tel: 202 224 4024; Fax: 202-228-6363
Senator John Warner: Tel: 202 224 2023; Fax: 202-224-6295
FOR MADEIRA
Supervisor John Foust, Dranesville dranesville@fairfaxcounty.gov Tel 703 356 0551; Fax 703 821-4275
Chairman Gerry Connolly; chairman@fairfaxcounty.gov Tel: 703 324 2321; Fax: 703 324-395
All this info is also ONLINE at www.fairfaxTrails.org
****For images of maps, click here for an informal image, and here for a formal map.****
****For MS PowerPoint slides, click here.****
Prepared by the Potomac Heritage Trail Association
6 June 2008 EFairfax Trails and Streams E-newsletter http://www.FairfaxTrails.org/
HIGHLIGHTS
June 7 (Nat. Trails Day) 8:30am: Worktrip at Scotts Run
June 28 Potomac Heritage Trailfest
-9am: Hike at Riverbend Pk (Keynoter: Chmn Gerry Connolly)
-2pm: Hike at Gt Falls Pk (Keynoter: Supv. John Foust)
July 28 7:30 pm. FTAS meets, McLean Gov Ctr, 1437 Balls Hill Rd
Sept 22 7:30 pm. FTAS meets, McLean Gov Ctr, 1437 Balls Hill Rd
Nov 13 (all day): Potomac Trail Workshop (Nat. Park Service), Algonkian Park
!!!!!!!! Please keep e-mails coming to Supv. Connolly, Foust, Hyland re Madeira, Belvoir!
DETAILS
National Trails Day Volunteer Project at Scotts Run
6/7/2008 8:30 AM
Saturday, June 7, 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Volunteers Needed!
National Trails Day Volunteer Project
Scotts Run Nature Preserve
FTAS joins REI, the Fairfax County Park Authority, the American Hiking Society, the Potomac Heritage Trail Association, Nature Valley, and the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, for some great fun doing great work outdoors! We?ll have an outdoor celebration of trails and environmental stewardship. We?ll be re-routing and reconstructing sections of trail through mature forest and along the Potomac, constructing erosion control structures, and removing invasive plants. Families and groups are welcome! Registration is necessary to ensure the correct tool supply and work strategy for the various portions of the project. To register call REI Customer service at 703-379-9400, or e-mail mnelson@rei.com
Location: Scotts Run Nature Preserve, McLean, VA
If you plan to come, please call REI Customer Service 703-379-9400
POTOMAC HERITAGE TRAILFEST (Sierra Club/MWROP, AMC, Potomac Heritage Trail Assn)
Keynote Speaker: Chairman Gerry Connolly, Fairfax Co.
Sat. June 28. 9am The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Riverbend and Great Falls Parks, VA. [New] Enjoy a 6 mi. morning-plus hike that’ll take you the hilly inland way from Riverbend Park’s former nature center to the falls overlooks near the visitor center in Great Falls Park and then take you back to the trailhead on a gorgeous riverbank segment of the PHNST, with possible sightings of the eagles that nest on Cobb Island. Also, pause on the way back at Riverbend’s visitor center to participate in the Potomac Heritage Trailfest festivities. Meet at 9 am at the Riverbend nature center. Call for directions or if carless. Leader: Paul Elliott, 703/256-6351.
Keynote Speaker: Supervisor John Foust, Fairfax Co. (Dranesville)
Sat. June 28. 2pm Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Great Falls Park, VA. Enjoy a 5 mi. afternoon roundtrip hike on most of the short stretch of the PHNST that lies within this scenic riverside park. From the park visitor center, we’ll go down the steep canyon of Mather Gorge to the historic Potowmack Canal before returning past the most spectacular waterfall in the mid-Atlantic region. Arrive early to participate in the park’s Potomac Heritage Trailfest festivities. Meet at 2 pm at the visitor center ramp near the snack bar. Leader: Glenn Gillis, 703/430-0568 or glennpotomacfalls@yahoo.com.
Correction to May 7 news
My apologies for sending you wrong e-mails for the supervisors on May 7.
To support two new segments of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, please e-mail the message below (or you own words) to:
Supervisor Foust dranesville@fairfaxcounty.gov;
Chairman Connolly chairman@fairfaxcounty.gov;
Supervisor Hyland mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov;
Dear Supervisors Connolly, Foust and Hyland:
I support completing two spectacularly scenic segments of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, at Ft. Belvoir and Madeira School.
FORT BELVOIR: The trail should follow the remote and scenic route through the Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge, close to the Potomac River and Pohick Creek—and NOT parallel the busy Route 1. This scenic route is far from the sensitive areas on the site. The Ft. Belvoir trails already open to the public are closer to those sites and have posed no security risks to date. Its costs are insignificant, since the trails already exist and can be opened with volunteer labor. Ft. Belvoir’s cost estimate for its proposed alternative route along Route 1 is $6 million, for which there is no funding.
MADEIRA SCHOOL: The trail should be routed to allow countywide connectivity. This can be done while staying well away from school facilities, as has been done successfully at the Girl Scout's Camp Crowell over in the Hunter Valley area on the Cross County Trail. The ideal Madeira route proceeds from Great Falls National Park down Difficult Run, onto the Madeira School property to follow the Potomac shoreline downriver. The trail then needs to turn inland along the Madeira School property’s eastern boundary to emerge on Georgetown Pike. This is a crucial point—the trail cannot terminate at the river since it would dead-end there. The trail must reach Georgetown Pike near Spring Hill Road, the only egress allowing a future connection to Scotts Run Nature Preserve.
These two trails will be a treasure for generations to come.
7 May 2008 EFairfax Trails and Streams E-newsletter http://www.FairfaxTrails.org/
HIGHLIGHTS
Your help urgently needed for two new trails
John Taggart Memorial Bench Ceremony postponed (date TBA)
Support Needed for Ft. Belvoir and Madeira School Trail
The Fairfax County portion of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (PHNST) is largely complete and lives up to its name. With your support, two of the few remaining gaps can soon be filled, in spectacularly scenic fashion. Both opportunities, however, face stiff resistance.
What you can do: Contact public officials to support scenic trail alignments for the Trail at Ft. Belvoir and Madeira School. A sample letter, and a list of who to contact, appears after background information below.
BACKGROUND
Existing Potomac Heritage Trail sections in Fairfax County include (north to south):
1. Wooded riverside dirt trail 10 miles from Loudoun line to Great Falls National Park
2. Scotts Run Nature Preserve
3. Wooded riverside 10-mile dirt trail, Beltway to Roosevelt Island
4. Mt Vernon trail, 17 miles
5. Noman Cole / Lorton Town Center trail, 3 miles through woods
6. Laurel Hill Greenway, 6 miles to Prince William Co. line.
This year, we have an opportunity to complete a trail at the two main gaps, at Madeira School (gap between 1 and 2 above), and at Ft. Belvoir (gap between 4 and 5 above). There is powerful opposition at both sites. We need all trail supporters to send e-mails, faxes or letters in support of completing this beautiful trail. If you wish to advocate for a particular (nonmotorized) user group, now’s your chance. Without public support, we risk losing these opportunities for a very long time.
At Ft. Belvoir, we propose a route along existing, marked trails through the Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge. The Army keeps open to the public the western half of these trails—the part closest to the main facilities. The eastern half follows jeep roads through the Wildlife Refuge along the Potomac. It is not open to the public, despite the fact that it is very remote, as remote as anywhere in Fairfax County. Its main Army use is occasional bow-hunting by soldiers during their leisure time. The Army’s proposed route would be far less appealing—along busy Route 1. The Army estimates it will take $6 million to build, but refuses to spend any money on it. In contrast, the Wildlife Refuge route already exists; volunteers could open it with a little time and very little money.
The State of Virginia requires Madeira School to make major improvements in its water treatment facilities. In granting the needed permits, Fairfax County should insist the school fulfil its obligations under the Countywide Trails Plan. To fill the gap between Great Falls Park and Scotts Run Nature Preserve, the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail needs to cross the school’s property. It needs to start at Difficult Run (eastern end of Great Falls Park) and exit at the school’s southeast corner (at Georgetown Pike near Spring Hill Road). There are at least two possible scenic routes, the ideal route being along the Potomac, turning inland (south) along the eastern boundary to Georgetown Pike. Our supervisors are already receiving letters of opposition (the usual NIMBY arguments). We point to Oakton’s Girl Scout camp on the Cross County Trail, where the girls helped build the trail, and consider it a good neighbor.
Please send letters, e-mails or faxes with the following message (verbatim or in your own words):
I support a scenic, wooded route for the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail through Fairfax County.
At Ft. Belvoir, it should follow the remote and scenic route through the Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge, close to the river and Pohick Creek—and NOT parallel the busy Route 1. This scenic route is far from the sensitive areas on the site. The Ft. Belvoir trails already open to the public are closer to those sites and have posed no security risks to date. Its costs are insignificant, since the trails already exist and can be opened with volunteer labor. Ft. Belvoir’s cost estimate for its proposed alternative route along Route 1 is $6 million, for which there is no funding.
At Madeira School, the trail should be routed to allow countywide connectivity. This can be done while staying well away from school facilities, as has been done successfully at the Girl Scout's Camp Crowell on the Cross County Trail. The ideal Madeira route proceeds from Great Falls National Park down Difficult Run, onto the Madeira School property to follow the Potomac shoreline downriver. The trail then needs to turn inland along the Madeira School property’s eastern boundary to emerge on Georgetown Pike. This is a crucial point—the trail cannot terminate at the river since it would dead-end there. The trail must reach Georgetown Pike near Spring Hill Road, the only egress allowing a future connection to Scotts Run Nature Preserve.
Once we complete these two spectacularly scenic segments, the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Fairfax County will be a treasure for generations to come.
Please contact the following:
FOR BELVOIR
Supervisor Gerry Hyland, Mt. Vernon
mtvernon@co.fairfax.va.us Tel: 703 780 7518; Fax 703 780-1491
2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306
Chairman Gerry Connolly
chairman@co.fairfax.va.us Tel: 703 324 2321; Fax: 703 324-3955
12000 Gov. Ctr Pkwy, Suite 530; Fairfax, VA 22035
Congressman Jim Moran
jim.moran@mail.house.gov Tel: 202 225 4376; Fax: 202-225-0017
222 N. Fairfax St, Suite 201; Alexandria, VA 22314
Senator Jim Webb
For e-mail see: http://webb.senate.gov/contact
Tel: 202 224 4024; Fax: 202-228-6363
144 Russell Senate Office Bldg; Wash. DC 20510
Senator John Warner
For e-mail see http://warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm
Tel: 202 224 2023; Fax: 202-224-6295
225 Russell Senate Office Bldg; Wash, DC 20510
FOR MADEIRA
Supervisor John Foust, Dranesville
dranesville@co.fairfax.va.us Tel 703 356 0551; Fax 703 821-4275
1437 Balls Hill Rd, McLean VA 22101
Chairman Gerry Connolly
chairman@co.fairfax.va.us Tel: 703 324 2321; Fax: 703 324-3955
12000 Gov. Ctr Pkwy, Suite 530; Fairfax, VA 22035
Congressman Frank Wolf
frank.wolf@mail.house.gov Tel: 202 225 5136; Fax: 202-225-0437
13873 Park Center Rd, #130; Herndon, VA 20171.
25 April 2008 Fairfax Trails and Streams E-newsletter http://www.FairfaxTrails.org/
HIGHLIGHTS
Meeting This Monday (Apr.28) 7:30 pm
Successful Litter Cleanup: Pimmit/Scotts/Dead Run on 29 March
Pimmit Trail Work Near Westmoreland, Old Dominion, Leven Preserve
CCT Reroutes south of Dulles Toll Road
CCT Reroutes south of Great Falls Park
Potomac Heritage Trail Work at Scotts Run Nature Pres.
www.fairfaxTrails.org is back online
Other Pimmit Run News
Trail news from Loudoun County
Potomac Heritage Trailfest June 28
John Taggart Memorial May 9, 9:30 AM
DETAILS
Meeting This Monday (Apr.28) 7:30 pm
Ed Pickens will discuss recent and planned trail projects (some of which is summarized below). Pimmit Run, Cross County, Potomac Heritage and more. We’ll discuss agendas for our monthly meetings over the next year—please bring your ideas!
Successful Litter Cleanups: Pimmit/Scotts/Dead Run
-At Pimmit Run: Fairfax Trails & Streams cleaned up 7 sites, amounting to 70% of Pimmit Run. Potomac Appalachian Trail Club also cleaned up litter at mouth of Pimmit Run on April 6.
-At Scotts Run: FTAS: 495/Tysons Mall to Swinks Mill Road; Scotts Run Nature Preserve by Langley High School (March 26th). About 80% of Scotts Run cleaned up.
-At Dead Run: FTAS: Upper part from Old Dom to downstream of Churchill Road. About 40% of Run
Pimmit Trail Work Near Westmoreland, Old Dominion, Leven Preserve
1. Eagle Scout project completed on 26 March; 7 trail improvements between Kent Gardens and Great Falls Street.
2. Two damaged fords between Old Dominion and Brookhaven have been repaired
3. New eagle scout project approved by FCPA for link trail into Marie Levan Preserve, water bars in the Preserve, and 3 other trail improvements on Pimmit Run Trail. Work to be done in May 2008.
CCT Reroutes south of Dulles Toll Road
Extensive side-hilling was completed on April 12, to relocate this very wet stretch of trail to higher ground, the base of the slope on the edge of the flood plain.
CCT Reroutes south of Great Falls Park
1. Brian Jac Lane Project: Extensive trail improvements by the bikers of MORE on April 16. The trail is much drier now.
2. South of Route 7: Extensive trail improvements by MORE have made the trail much drier.
3. Georgetown Pike to National Park Boundary Reroute: FCPA has agreed to reroute. Project assigned to 2 eagle scout candidates; the route was flagged this month and is expected to be completed June/July 2008
Potomac Heritage Trail Work at Scotts Run Nature Pres.
Two Waterbar Projects were approved by FCPA recently, to be completed by Boy Scouts June/July 2008.
www.fairfaxTrails.org is back online
The website went down briefly a few weeks ago, but is now back online.
Other Pimmit Run News
1. 20 inch water main break flooded mid portion of Pimmit Run with chlorinated water on 2/3 April that resulted in extensive fish kill between below Great Falls Street down to Brookhaven Road. Fish kill found and reported by FTAS volunteers wading Run as part of cleanup work.
2. Burke Spring Branch Spring House Restoration: Project essentially completed and ceremony planned for 17 May, afternoon of McLean Day.
Trail news from Loudoun County
--- At Goose Creek in Lansdowne, Potomac Heritage Trail bridges:
-1st Bridge: Scout identified for project. Site visit completed; Work to be done July/Aug 08
-2nd Bridge: Potential scout tentatively identified from Great Falls Methodist Church Troop. Planned for Sept/Oct 08
-3rd/4th Bridges: no scouts identified for either yet, but hope to soon.
--- New trail around Beaverdam Reservoir (due south of Leesburg in Waxpool) A circumnavigating trail is now complete! Glenn Gillis (of Sierra Club and Potomac Heritage Trail Assn) led the first hike around the reservoir (about 7 miles) in March. This beautiful trail, deep in the woods and entirely on public land, is not signed yet and is hard to access. It’s close to the shoreline in most places. Stay tuned...
Potomac Heritage Trailfest Sat. June 28
Hikes and celebrations are planned along the trail (Great Falls Park and up the Potomac into Loudoun County)—stay tuned for details.
John Taggart Memorial May 9, 9:30 AM(?)
John Taggart Memorial is planned for 9 May, probably 9:30 AM. Bob Jordan will let everyone know after he gets back from the Phillipines.
31 January 2008 Fairfax Trails and Streams E-newsletter http://www.fairfaxtrails.org/
Fairfax Trails & Stream is holding a volunteer trail work effort on
their section of the Cross County Trail on 9 February. Fairfax Trails &
Streams maintains for the county the natural surface section of the
Cross County Trail from Route 7 to the Dulles Access Road. The trail from Route 7
to Wynhurst Drive has become badly eroded. Volunteers are needed at 9 AM on Feb 9 at Route 7
and Carpers Farm Way - across Route 7 from Colvin Run Mill at the light
at Route 7 and Colvin Run Road. Bring gloves, shovels/rakes and
wheelbarrows if you have them. We will be moving stone dust and stone
chips to eliminate the muddy spots in this section of the trail.
24 January 2008 Fairfax Trails and Streams E-newsletter http://www.fairfaxtrails.org/
HIGHLIGHTS
FTAS meets Jan. 28 7:30 pm (McLean Govt Center)
7th Annual FCPA Trails Caucus Feb. 11 7:30 pm
FTAS meets March 24 7:30 pm
Spring Litter Cleanup March 29 9-noon (if rain, 3/30)
FTAS meets Jan. 28 7:30 pm
Hear the latest on Cross County Trail, Pimmit Run Trail, and Potomac Heritage Trail.
- New scout projects are underway on each trail
- Updates on trail meetings with Dranesville's new Supervisor, John Foust, and Chairman Connolly
- New Pimmit Run Trail brochure available McLean Govt. Center, 1437 Balls Hill Rd, McLean.
7th Annual FCPA Trails Caucus Feb. 11 7:30 pm
A number of trail volunteer leaders will speak. FCPA's Jenny Pate will discuss the next phase of CCT improvements. This meeting serves as FTAS's February meeting. Details at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/7thtrailcaucus.htm
Spring Litter Cleanup March 29 9-noon
Its not too early to think Spring! Join us to help clean up Pimmit Run. If rain (see www.fairfaxTrails.org), we'll do the cleanup on March 30.
Excerpt from January 10 Press Release
Trail Enthusiasts to Gather For Seventh Annual Caucus
The Seventh Annual Trail Caucus is scheduled for Monday, February 11, 2008 and will once again bring together trail enthusiasts from Fairfax County and the region to discuss recent accomplishments, specific projects and challenges ahead. The Fairfax County Park Authority offers residents unique trail experiences, along hundreds of miles of trail and is pleased to sponsor this caucus scheduled at 7:30 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria.
“We have put together an interesting program that covers a wide range of important topics,” stated Park Authority Trail Coordinator Jenny Pate. "The Trail Caucus serves as an opportunity for all of us involved in trails to take a moment and celebrate our successes before we move forward towards the next endeavor.”
The program will feature an introduction to natural surface trail construction presented by an experienced professional trail builder. Also on the program are a presentation on the Park Authority’s Great Parks, Great Communities planning initiative, volunteer recognition, a discussion of recent accomplishments by local trail groups, information about the recently completed Park Authority trail mapping project, and an update on Park Authority trail projects.
The program will be held in the auditorium at the Horticultural Center and refreshments will be available prior to the program. For more information call Jenny Pate at 703-324-8726.
Green Spring Gardens is located at 4603 Green Spring Road. From the Beltway take Exit 54B (Braddock Road, East, Rte 620)). Travel approximately three miles (4th stoplight) crossing Little River Turnpike. Pass Pinecrest Shopping Center and Professional Complex on your right. Stay in the right hand lane and turn right onto Witch Hazel Road. Witch Hazel Road is the entrance to Green Spring Gardens.
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