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Vienna council urges Dominion Energy to curb clear‑cutting on W&OD Trail
Summary
The Vienna Town Council unanimously approved a resolution asking Dominion Energy to stop wide clear‑cutting along the W&OD Trail, adopt selective pruning and a taller vegetation policy, submit site plans for impacts, and replant affected areas with native species and pollinator‑friendly mixes.
The Vienna Town Council on March 24 approved a resolution urging Dominion Energy to halt plans to "clear cut most of the trees" along the W&OD Trail and to adopt a formal, written policy of selective pruning and broader vegetation-height limits.
Mayor Linda J. Colbert read the resolution aloud, including the council's request that Dominion "end its plan to clear cut most of the trees on the 33 miles of the W&OD Trail" and that the utility "adopt a formal and written policy of selective pruning of only the trees that pose a direct impact on the transmission lines." The resolution also asks Dominion to submit site plans showing the full scope of proposed clearing and to replant disturbed areas with native species designed to support pollinators.
Why it matters: the W&OD Trail is a 45-mile public corridor used by nearly 3 million people annually, the resolution notes, and council members said recent cutting through Vienna and neighboring sections has alarmed residents and trail users. Council member Ramakas, a regular trail user, said the action responds to visible loss of tree canopy and seeks to coordinate replanting and review of proposed work.
Council members framed the resolution as one of many coordinated local efforts: Council member Anderson urged regional collaboration and noted prior work with neighboring jurisdictions to increase leverage when challenging utility practices. Council member Springsteen said he supported the text and called attention to media coverage and ongoing conversations with Nova Parks.
The resolution directs Dominion Energy to provide a list of acceptable native trees and shrubs for review, to commit to replanting where cutting is necessary for grid reliability, and to submit a site plan that includes clearing limits, grading, and a tree inventory. The council approved the resolution by roll call.
What happens next: the resolution is a formal local statement of position that the town will use in communications with Dominion Energy and Nova Parks; council members said they will continue meetings with the utility and adjacent jurisdictions and expect follow-up on replanting commitments.
