Small but vocal turnout for recommendations; Dahlgren trail suggested for elimination.

Date published: 10/31/2006

By RUSTY DENNEN

Area residents have had plenty of recommendations about what the state should include in its latest version of the Virginia Outdoors Plan, due out next spring.

At a sparsely attended information session on the Department of Conservation and Recreation plan yesterday in Spotsylvania County, it was suggested that one item be taken out—the planned Dahlgren Heritage Railroad Trail in King George County.

That project has been controversial, pitting adjoining landowners concerned about the potential for crime and trespassing, against those who want expanded hiking and biking opportunities.

The Rev. Ben Jones, pastor of Little Ark Baptist Church in Owens, said that while he’s not opposed to rails-to-trails projects per se, the Dahlgren trail route cuts through the church’s cemetery.

That the trail would disturb a black cemetery, he said is a cause for concern.

Robert Munson, a DCR representative on hand yesterday at the George Washington Regional Commission conference room, agreed, and said the state is aware of the cemetery issue and that a detour of the trail at that point would be a reasonable recommendation.

The 15.7 multiuse trail would run along the abandoned Dahlgren Railroad line and could connect to the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and the nearby Caledon Natural Area.

John C. Headley, chairman of the Republican Party of King George who opposes the project, submitted a four-page statement detailing reasons why the whole trail idea should be abandoned.

“There are a number of concerns that are not being heard,” he said. “King George does not want this.”

Munson noted that rails-to-trails projects generally have been strongly supported across Virginia, though landowners affected do have concerns.

Trails for hiking, walking and cycling are popular with Virginians, he said, citing the 2006 Virginia Outdoors Survey.

That survey of 3,000 households found that those activities were second only to access to state waters.

As for water access, the plan recommends 49 access points in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Fredericksburg-area residents, according to DCR, “cite a scarcity of boat launches and minimal opportunities for bank fishing and swimming.”

Among specific recommendations:

Additional boating and fishing access at Lake Anna.

Additional public access along the Potomac, Rappahannock, North Anna, Matta, Po, Ni and Mattaponi rivers.

The development of water trails along the Rappahannock and Potomac. Friends of the Rappahannock is finishing up work on a water trail above Fredericksburg. That’s a guide for paddlers with historical and ecological points of interest along the river.

Recommendations from yesterday’s public meetings will be used to finish the final Virginia Outdoors Plan, which will be released next spring.

Key elements in the Fredericksburg-area plan include extending and connecting bike and pedestrian trails as well as extending state Scenic River status for the Rappahannock from Fredericksburg downriver through King George.

Updated every five years, the document is intended to be a planning guide for localities.

To reach RUSTY DENNEN: 540/374-5431 rdennen@freelancestar.com

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Date published: 10/31/2006