Future of Dove’s Landing Relies on BOCS Approval of Conservation Easement

Community Report, October 7, 2022; read online here. You make our work possible! Donate here  Future of Dove's Landing Relies on BOCS approval of Conservation Easement Board of County Supervisor (BOCS) meeting Tuesday, October 11 | 7:30 pm Share your views and help ensure Dove's Landing is protected now and into the future: bocs@pwcgov.org or speak during the Oct 11 BOCS meeting. >> view updated master plan According to the plan a conservation easement, "... is not part of the Resolution approving the Master Plan. The Board would need to direct staff to pursue this option as separate action." Public access to Lake Jackson could be eliminated if the Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) reject a requested conservation easement for Dove’s Landing. In the 2019 Prince William County Unmet Needs Rating for Recreational Facility survey, 76% of those surveyed named waterfront park access as a top priority. Waterfront park access ranked No. 2 in a study that offered more than 30 recreational options. However, lack of a conservation easement opens the door to change. Some local residents oppose the Dove’s Landing Master Plan that will enhance public access to the natural area and Lake Jackson waterfront, even though these are publicly entitled. Conservation easement supporters overwhelmingly spoke out at two public Master Plan meetings, on the need to protect the area. >>read more here  All historical sites that are eligible come in under historic easements to ensure they are protected for future generations. We need to value our natural areas as much as our historical ones. As development progresses en masse, we know conservation in perpetuity is our best defense. When compared to surrounding localities with green space, Prince William County is behind. Federal government, regional government, everyone but the county has protected large lots of green spaces. Dove’s Landing is an opportunity for the county to show they’re committed to protecting environmental assets.  The master plan of the 235-acre site is slated for discussion at the October 11th (BOCS) meeting. Dove’s Landing provides unblemished woods and waterfront access for passive recreational use. It also encompasses Cedar Run and the Occoquan River. The Dove’s Landing portion of the Occoquan River is not just a wildlife habitat and water resource. It also flows into the Occoquan Reservoir that provides drinking water to nearly 800,000 residents in Northern Virginia.  Our priority is to ensure Dove's Landing natural area parkland is permanently protected with a conservation easement that protects water quality and preserves untouched open spaces. The county spent $1 million to expand Dove’s Landing Park, and to repair the Lake Jackson Dam. This is public land, and the public deserves to use it.  We, along with our partners in conservation, ask the public to come out, voice support for a conservation easement, and mandate Dove’s Landing be left wild and beautiful. Those not able to attend the BOCS meeting can email the county directly at bocs@pwcgov.org.