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Board backs letter supporting transfer of Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail to state park stewardship
Summary
The board approved a motion to send a letter of support for the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail to be added to the state (or federal) park network, with advocates stressing preservation and against sale to private owners.
The King George County Board of Supervisors voted to send a letter of support endorsing transfer of the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail to state- or federal-level stewardship.
A representative of the trail explained that the current owner is selling the corridor and said state-park stewardship—such as extension of Caledon State Park or inclusion in the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail—offers the best chance to preserve the 16-mile corridor in perpetuity and to bring professional maintenance resources to the site. "To keep it in perpetuity is to have our state park take it over," the trail advocate said, arguing that volunteers alone cannot be expected to shoulder long-term stewardship.
Board members discussed concerns about whether a state-owned trail would have sufficient funds for active maintenance and whether volunteers could continue to play a role. The board ultimately moved and approved a letter of support for state or federal transfer; the chair announced the motion carried.
