Letter to the Editor: Two local projects named Regional Conservation Priorities for 2011

By: Deborah Westbrooke

Open Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge

Topping the list is the opening of Featherstone Wildlife Refuge to the public.  This regional and national resource has been in public hands for 40 years, but has never been open for everyday citizens to enjoy.  Recent special tours have increased public awareness of this resource and generated renewed interest in opening it to general public access.  Opening Featherstone to public access can provide a key linkage between existing parks and refuges along the banks of the Potomac as well as national trail networks, such as the Potomac Heritage Trail and the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. 

The movement to open the Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge has arrived at the brink of success, and close public-private collaboration will be required to reach the final goal.  The Prince William Conservation Alliance has led this movement, building support by conducting guided tours, providing information through their website and  hosting community meetings.  These efforts have generated significant community interest and attracted the attention of public officials, including Congressman Gerald Connolly. 

Prince William County, particularly Supervisor Frank Principi, has also supported access to the refuge, possibly through use of the county-owned Virginia Railway Express station and dedicated parking spaces at the station.  This is a key piece of the puzzle, as the preliminary findings of the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) emphasize the need for this kind of infrastructure before public access can be allowed.  More importantly, the preliminary Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the refuge that indicates that public access for passive wildlife-dependent uses such as wildlife photography, hiking on developed trails, and fishing in designated areas will not have an adverse effect on wildlife values.  In order for public access to be realized, however, the final plan of the USFWS must recommend the public access option, without reservation. 

Come back on Monday to read Part Two: Finish the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.