2015 Corridor Analysis Of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Northern

0 http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?nid=299

Acknowledgements

The Regional Commission (NVRC) thanks the following individuals for their contributions to this report: • Donald Briggs, Superintendent,Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, National Park Service; • Ursula Lemanski, Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, National Park Service; • Mark Novak, Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services; • Debbie Andrews of Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation; and • Members of the Association. The report is an NVRC staff product, supported with funds provided through a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service National Capital Region (Task Agreement P14AC01704). Any assessments, conclusions, or recommendations contained in this report represent the results of the NVRC staff’s technical investigation and do not represent policy positions of the Northern Virginia Regional Commission unless so stated in an adopted resolution of said Commission. The views expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the jurisdictions, the National Park Service, or any of its sub agencies. Report prepared by: Corey Miles, Senior Environmental Planner Northern Virginia Regional Commission Debbie Spiliotopoulos, Senior Environmental Planner Northern Virginia Regional Commission

Figure 1 Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Corridor

1 http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?nid=299 The Northern Virginia Regional Commission 2015 Commissioners Listed by Jurisdiction (as of December 2015) Commissioners are appointed by and from the governing bodies of NVRC’s member localities on a population-based representation formula. Terms are normally for three years, and representatives may be reappointed. Officers are elected each June for the upcoming year beginning July 1. For more information go to www.novaregion.org. Officers of the Commission Hon. Penelope A. "Penny" Gross, Chairman Hon. Lisa C. Merkel, Vice Chairman Hon. Redella S. "Del" Pepper, Treasurer G. Mark Gibb (staff, non-voting), Executive Director Commission Members County of Arlington County of Prince William City of Manassas Park Hon. John Vihstadt Hon. Peter Candland Hon. Frank Jones Hon. Libby Garvey Hon. Martin E. Nohe Town of Dumfries Hon. Frank J. Principi County of Fairfax Hon. Gerald M. Foreman II City of Alexandria Hon. Sharon Bulova Town of Herndon Hon. John C. Cook Hon. Redella S. "Del" Pepper Hon. Penelope A. "Penny" Gross Hon. Paul C. Smedberg Hon. Lisa C. Merkel Hon. Pat Herrity City of Fairfax Town of Leesburg Hon. Catherine M. Hudgins Hon. Jeffrey C. McKay Hon. Scott Silverthorne Hon. David S. Butler Hon. Kathy Smith City of Falls Church Town of Purcellville County of Loudoun Hon. David Tarter Hon. Kwasi Fraser Hon. Phyllis Randall City of Manassas Town of Vienna Hon. Tony Buffington Hon. Harry J. Parrish II Hon. Laurie A. DiRocco

2 http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?nid=299 Contents

Acknowledgements ...... 1 Existing Parks and Amenities: Existing Easements ...... 18 The Northern Virginia Regional Commission ...... 2 Table 5 Loudoun Parks and Easements ...... 18 About this Report ...... 2 Table 6 Loudoun Trail Completion Projects ...... 21 2015 Report Methodology ...... 2 Potomac Heritage Trail in Northern Fairfax County ...... 24 Using the Interactive Map of the Corridor ...... 2 Figure 5 Map of Trail in Northern Fairfax County ...... 24 Caveats ...... 7 Table 8 Trail Completion Project for Northern Fairfax ...... 27 Potomac Heritage Trail Background ...... 7 The Trail in Arlington County and City of Alexandria ...... 28 Trail Management in Northern Virginia ...... 8 Figure 6 Map of Arlington and Alexandria ...... 29 Land Managers in Northern Virginia ...... 8 Potomac Heritage Trail in Southern Fairfax County ...... 35 Features of the Trail Corridor in Northern Virginia ...... 9 Southern Fairfax Features ...... 35 Table 1 Trail Progress and Populations Served ...... 10 Figure 7 Map of Southern Fairfax County from Alexandria to Prince William Border ...... 36 Amenities Along the Northern Virginia Trail Corridor ...... 10 Table 8 Southern Prince William Parks and Amenities ...... 37 Table 2: Local Park Amenities ...... 11 Table 9 Southern Fairfax Trail Completion Proje ...... cts ...... 39 Events on the Potomac Heritage Trail ...... 11 The Trail in Prince William County ...... 41 Annual PHNST Events ...... 11 Figure 8 Prince William County from Fairfax Border ...... 42 Event Sponsors ...... 12 Figure 9 Corridor to Stafford County Line ...... 43 Accessibility ...... 12 Table 10 Prince William Corridor Trails and Amenities ...... 44 Table 3 Trail Parking ...... 12 Table 11 Prince William County Gap Completion Projects .. 48 The Trail References in Local Plans ...... 13 Appendix A Economic and Public Health Trail Benefits ...... 51 Table 4 References in Local Plans ...... 13 Appendix B Trail Funding Opportunities ...... 53 The Potomac Heritage Trail in Loudoun County ...... 15 Appendix C Memorandum of Understanding ...... 62 Figure 3 Map of Loudoun from West Virginia Border ...... 16 Figure 4 Map of Loudoun to Fairfax County Line ...... 17

3 http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?nid=299 About this Report

The 2015 Corridor Analysis of the Potomac Heritage National amenities. This corridor analysis supports the new feature with Scenic Trail in Northern Virginia offers a regional summary of an overview of the Trail network, benefits of multiuse trails, current and planned segments, amenities along the trail and funding opportunities for completing trail gaps. Please note network, and projects that improve and eliminate specific gaps that the information used in this report represents a snapshot of within the larger framework of the Trail network in Northern conditions and status of the Trail network in Northern Virginia: Virginia. circumstances, costs and specific alignments are subject to change. For 2015, the maps are interactive and public, providing information on features, trail completion projects, and current in Northern Virginia--the connections, benefits and gaps. The 2015 Report Methodology report provides funding opportunities and timelines. Descriptions of the corridor and trail segments geographically by  Each section Identifies existing routes, parks and County from Loudoun County in the North to Prince William amenities, and provides information on some trail County in the South. Trail projects are identified by local projects jurisdictions and with input from National Park Service. Unlike  Some trail projects include cost estimates for completion the 2012 report, this corridor analysis is comprised of text and an interactive online map, so that the user can better  Spurs/continuous hiking/paddling opportunities understand existing trail elements in context with trail gaps that  The report suggests funding sources that can be used to require alternatives or completion. The PHNST Interactive map eliminate gaps in the trail network is located at http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?nid=299.  Route marking needs are identified, as well as existing and potential interpretive features Using the Interactive Map of the Corridor  Online component: this report offers a paper version of the online maps with all relevant information provided The core effort of the 2015 corridor analysis produced a public for both trip development and assessment of online, interactive map found at opportunities to close gaps. http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?nid=299 . The online tool offers users the ability to zoom in and out and offers Developed for land managers and interested members of the specific, detailed parks and corridor gaps information also public to understand the scope of the Potomac Heritage Trail summarized in the corridor analysis report. Park resource

2 http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?nid=299 features provide size, trails, amenities, land manager, and new data become available. connections for each park. Black points represent trail completion projects and offer details on project scope, planning The Trail network in southern Fairfax County is currently in a status, and trail connections. This graphical online component state of development, subject to changes based upon plans has two connected purposes for land managers and other users: and commitments by various land managers. 1) existing segments offer the ability to plan routes and regions to promote; and 2) trail completion projects offer information Funding information found in Appendix B was developed in and a visual immediacy for completing trail segments. November 2015. Congress has since passed and the Presdient has enacted a new transportation bill to replace MAP 21. This Caveats bill, referred to as the "Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act" (FAST Act), will have a number of elements different than This report reflects the efforts of NVRC staff and spatial and those posted. For more information, go to https:// project information is a snapshot of the corridor in 2015 and www.fhwa.dot.gov/fastact/. subject to change. Online information will be updated as

Potomac Heritage Trail Background

The is an iconic symbol of the diverse history and The Potomac Heritage Trail corridor includes numerous natural environment of the United States and the Potomac jurisdictions between the mouth of the Potomac River in Heritage Trail celebrates this by connecting communities to Virginia and Maryland and the Allegheny Highlands in western natural areas, scenic vistas, historic landmarks, and Potomac Pennsylvania. To date, 862 miles of existing and planned trails River public access points. The Trail also advances the goals of have been recognized as segments of the Trail network; various the Virginia Outdoors Plan segments are managed by a variety of agencies and http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational-planning/vop. organizations. The National Park Service is responsible for administration of the federal interest in the Trail network, Congress authorized the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in 1983, under the Act of 1968 fulfilling roles that include coordination between and among (Public Law 90-543, creating an opportunity to connect trail agencies and partner organizations; planning; interpretation; users to the history, culture and natural beauty of the executing agreements for management of Trail segments; Potomac River corridor.

7 http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?nid=299 administration of the official Trail marker; and assistance to federal, state, regional, and local ownership. In October 2014, other government agencies, landowners, interest groups, and the aforementioned land managers, the National Park Service, individuals. and NVRC signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize coordination, completion, and promotion of Trail segments in Various government and private entities own and manage lands Northern Virginia (Appendix C). for national trails. Management responsibilities often include inventorying of resources and mapping, planning and Primary Contacts in Northern Virginia development of trail segments or sites, compliance, provision of • Carrie Sanders, City of Alexandria Transportation and appropriate public access, site interpretation, trail Environmental Services maintenance, route marking, resource preservation and • Elizabeth Cronauer, Fairfax County Park Authority protection, view-shed protection, and management of visitor • Adam Lind, Fairfax County Department of Transportation use. And volunteers certainly play substantial roles. • William Ference, Town of Leesburg Department of Parks and Recreation • Mark Novak, Loudoun County Department of Parks, Trail Management in Northern Virginia Recreation, and Community Service The Trail network in Northern Virginia is a braided network • Kirstyn Jovanovich, Town of Occoquan embracing portions of four counties, two cities and two towns, • Debbie Andrews, Prince William County Park Authority and involves coordination of fourteen separate land managers • Dan Iglhaut, Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority representing • Debbie Spiliotopoulos, Northern Virginia Regional Commission • Karen Lambey, • Jess Lowry, • Daffney Pitchford, Potomac River Complex National Wildlife Refuge • Zach Reichold, Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area, Bureau of Land Management • Brent O’Neill, George Washington Memorial Parkway • George Liffert, Prince William Forest Park • Donald Briggs, Superintendent, Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, National Park Service

Figure 2 Northern Virginia Region 8 http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?nid=299 Features of the Trail Corridor in Northern Virginia

The Potomac River is an iconic symbol of the diverse history and natural environment of the United States and the Potomac Heritage Trail celebrates this by connecting communities to natural areas, scenic vistas, historic landmarks, and Potomac River public access points. The Almost one quarter of the entire Trail also advances the goals of the Virginia Outdoors Plan population of Virginia lives within five http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational-planning/vop. miles of the Trail.

Trail Benefits to the Growing Population Resident Population served by the of Northern Virginia 2,325,903 trail network The Trail corridor in Northern Virginia is a combination of natural footpaths and hard surface sidewalks or roads. The Acres of open space and parkland population of the Northern Virginia region was 2,325,903, up 14,000 linked by trail network 3.1 percent from the 2010 U.S. Census, representing comprising approximately 28.4 percent of Virginia’s total population. Northern Virginia continues to grow at a rate of 116 Miles of trail existing or planned ~3 percent per year. To put this in perspective, almost one quarter of the entire population of Virginia lives within five miles of the trail. Local parks enhanced by trail 54 network To promote the use of the trail and appreciation of points of interest along the trail, the local jurisdictions have invested in the following amenities. The distance from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia to the Stafford/Prince William County boundary encompassing the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is estimated to be 116 miles when preferred alignments are complete. Table 1 summarizes the trail progress, the parks, and the population served.

9 http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?nid=299 Table 1 Trail Progress and Populations Served Miles of Trail Miles of Trail Complete Miles of Trail Planned Jurisdiction Complete (2011) (2015) or in Progress (2015) Residential Population

Loudoun 0.78 12.71 4.34 361,708

Fairfax 25.27 47.49 13.50 1,118,884

Prince William 0.28 25.86 11.73 437,636

Arlington 8.94 8.94 0 229,302

Alexandria 4.38 5.86 0 155,230

Total Miles 39.65 100.86 29.57 NOVA = 2,302,760 VA = 8,326,289 Amenities Along the Northern Virginia Trail Corridor Parks along the trail corridor in Northern Virginia range from can follow history, enjoy connections to longer cycling, hiking, urban parks with multi-use trails to quiet footpaths that trace or paddling routes, or enjoy their local outdoors. Table 1 offers the steps of Native Americans and Civil War soldiers. Trail users a list of amenities available along the trail in each jurisdiction.

10 http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?nid=299 Table 2: Local Park Amenities

Jurisdiction Trailhead # of Parks Restrooms Potable Water Trail Linkages Cultural or Historic Sites Natural Area Canoe Kayak Launch Scenic View Picnic Area Parking Camping Interpretive Panels PHNST Route Marked Visitor Center Major PHNST

Loudoun 3 2 6 5 9 4 7 7 8 1 5 5 9

Fairfax 9 6 11 9 11 6 11 8 11 0 9 1 4 15

Prince 5 4 7 8 4 3 4 4 7 2 7 5 3 2 11 William

Arlington 10 10 10 10 5 4 11 9 11 0 8 4 3 2 17 /Alexandria

Total 27 22 34 32 29 17 33 28 37 3 29 14 7 8 52

Events on the Potomac Heritage Trail From small hikes to ultra-marathons, there are events to suit a variety of interests held every year along the Potomac Heritage Trail. Annual PHNST Events • Jan. 1: First Day Hike (Leesylvania State Park) – Two mile, New Year’s Day hike • April: The North Face Endurance Challenge (Algonkian Regional Park) – Two day, 50-kilometer race with varying terrain. Race starts in Sterling and goes through • November: Potomac Heritage Trail 50 km (Woodley Park) – Starting and ending in DC, this event goes along the Virginia side of the Potomac River

11 http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?nid=299 Event Sponsors Several organizations hold regular events on the PHNST. Check their websites for the latest information on upcoming events. • Potomac Heritage Trail Association: http://www.potomactrail.org/ • Prince William Trails & Stream Coalition: http://www.pwtsc.org/ • Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings: http://www.sierrapotomac.org/ • Virginia Happy Trails Running Club: http://www.vhtrc.org/ Accessibility In addition to making significant investments in the user transit access. The following Metro and VRE stations offer experience of the trail, local jurisdictions have made trail access, in addition to many local bus stops. significant progress administering accessibility to trails and

Table 3 Trail Parking Parking Lots with Jurisdiction Access to the Trail

Loudoun 7

Fairfax 21

Prince William 9

Arlington and Alexandria 9

Total 49

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The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail References in Local Plans Table 4 References in Local Plans Jurisdiction Plan

Loudoun Amended 2013: Section 10. The County will seek to complete its portion of the Potomac Heritage Trail through public and private efforts as proactively coordinated with County resources. Section 3: The County designates priority trails to include: Potomac Heritage Trail The County will seek through public purchase, proffer, density transfer, donation or open-space easement, the preservation of greenways and the development of trails. Priorities for acquisition and/or development are: Potomac Heritage Trail https://www.loudoun.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/974 Fairfax countywide trails plan adopted October 2014 Fairfax http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/plandev/downloads/trail-development-strategy-plan.pdf

Prince William County Trails Plan Adopted 2008 Prince William https://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/planning/Documents/TBC_Trails_Plan_2008CP.pdf Arlington Arlington County Public Spaces Master Plan, currently under review, last adopted 2005.p. 49: http://projects.arlingtonva.us/plans-studies/comprehensive-plan/public-spaces-master-plan/ “The Federal government also contributes significantly to the preservation of public spaces within Arlington County, primarily along the Potomac River. The two largest federal public spaces are the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and the Arlington National Cemetery. Several sites within George Washington Memorial Parkway which were acquired in the 1930’s that are located within Arlington County include sections of the Mount Vernon Trail, the Marine Corps War Memorial, Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary, and sections of the Potomac Heritage Trail.”

13 http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?nid=299 Jurisdiction Plan 2002 Open Space Master Plan (part of the Citywide Master Plan) p.6: Alexandria http://www.alexandriava.gov/uploadedfiles/recreation/info/OpenSpacePlan.pdf

Alexandria strategic master plan for recreation parks: https://www.alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/recreation/info/StrategicMasterPlan.pdf

Alexandria also references the Potomac Heritage Trail for the city’s project page for the Mount Vernon Trail at East Abingdon improvements https://www.alexandriava.gov/dpi/info/default.aspx?id=85470

In a previous citywide bikeway map, Alexandria mentioned the Potomac Heritage Trail on the cover side (below), but on the latest edition it is not included: https://www.alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/localmotion/info/Alexandriacvrside20130107(1).pdf

14 http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?nid=299 The Potomac Heritage Trail in Loudoun County and the City of Leesburg

As The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail traverses National Historic Park to Leesburg. Obstacles within this southeastward from Harper’s Ferry West Virginia, it enters portion involve routing the trail through the Broad Run Loudoun County on the Virginia side of the Potomac near Farms and Potomac Farms subdivisions. With this goal in White’s Ferry. Fifteen miles of the trail corridor was mind, the following priorities have been identified to dedicated in 2006 as a linear park in Loudoun County, from facilitate the construction of the PHNST in Loudoun County. Keep Loudoun Beautiful Park on Goose Creek, to Seneca Loudoun County, though containing fewer completed Rocks on the Fairfax County line. The trail corridor in segments than many Northern Virginia jurisdictions, has Loudoun County can be characterized in two distinct actively addressed gaps and priorities through regular geographic areas - the corridor southeast of the Town of meetings of a multiagency group of committed county staff, Leesburg and the corridor northwest of Leesburg. citizen representatives, volunteers, the National Park In the County east of Leesburg, significant portions of the Service, and the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. As trail have been established on mostly public parklands and a result, this section provides more detail than other significant progress has been made to secure easements and sections in the report. proffers from the remaining private landowners. In the Loudoun remains the fastest growing county in Virginia, western part of the County, the trail corridor consists increasing from 142,712 in the 2000 to 312,311 in 2010. In entirely of private lands along the Potomac River (73 private the past five years, Loudoun County has added ~50,000 parcels have been identified in the corridor) resulting in residents, the largest number of any jurisdiction in the more gaps that are contingent upon securing easements. state. Since 2000, Loudoun has averaged almost 14,000 However, it is important that plans be developed, and an residents per year. Though the rate has slowed somewhat, alignment agreed upon in the western corridor to ensure Loudoun’s increased population increases demand for that the corridor is preserved for future construction of the outdoor recreation and trails, as well as increased for PHNST. transit and walkability. According to the last Virginia Construction of the trail in eastern Loudoun represents an Outdoors Plan survey, 82 percent of respondents indicated excellent opportunity to extend the PHNST from Great Falls walking for pleasure.

15 http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?nid=299 Figure 3 Map of Loudoun from West Virginia Border to Town of Leesburg

16 http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?nid=299 Figure 4 Map of Loudoun from Town of Leesburg to Fairfax County Line

17 http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?nid=299 Existing Parks and Amenities: Existing Easements To promote the use of the trail and appreciation of points of interest along the trail, Loudoun County, the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, and the National Park Service have invested in the following amenities. The information can also be viewed spatially at the following link with more detail on specific trail and park information and amenities https://cmiles.cartodb.com/viz/7d15552c-b93c-11e5-bcc7-0ef24382571b/map.

Table 5 Loudoun Parks and Easements

Land Feature Manager Description Link Restrooms Potable Water Trail Linkages Sites Historic or Cultural Area Natural Launch Canoe/Kayak Scenic View Picnic Area Parking (off street) Camping Interpretive Panels Marked PHNST Route Center Visitor Major PHNST Trailhead Size (acres)

Algonkian NVRPA Large regional park with a golf https://www.nvrpa.org 838 Regional course and mini golf course, a /park/algonkian/ Park boat launch, fishing, and picnic shelters. Also the location of Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Volcano Island, a waterpark complex.

Ball’s Buff NVRPA Location of the Civil War Battle of http://www.nvrpa.org/ 223 Battlefield Ball’s Buff and one of the smallest park/ball_s_bluff Regional National Cemeteries in the Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Park country. Offers free battlefield tours through the woodland trails.

Bles Park Loudoun Park with sports fields and a https://www.loudoun.g 124 County playground, as well as scenic ov/Facilities/Facility/D Parks and wetlands. etails/Bles-Park-22 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Recreatio n

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Land Feature Manager Description Link PHNST Route Marked PHNST Route Center Visitor Major PHNST Trailhead Restrooms Potable Water Trail Linkages Sites Historic or Cultural Area Natural Launch Canoe/Kayak Scenic View Picnic Area Parking (off street) Camping Interpretive Panels Size (acres)

Edward's Town of Thirty-two acre community park http://www.leesburgva 32 Landing Leesburg with picnic shelter and tables. .gov/government/depa Park Parks and rtments/parks- Y Y Y Recreatio recreation/town- n parks#EdwardsLanding

Elizabeth Loudoun Location of the historic Elizabeth https://www.loudoun.g 100 Mills County Mills canal lock system and ov/Facilities/Facility/D Riverfront Parks and Kephart Bridge Landing, where you etails/Elizabeth-Mills- Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Park Recreatio can canoe or fish in the Potomac Riverfront-Park-31 n River.

Horsepen Countrysid The Countryside community in http://www.countrysid 370 Run e Loudoun County was completed in e- Preserve Homeown 1991. Horsepen Run is 370 acres of va.com/indeY.php?opti ers undeveloped land that was on=com_content&task= Associatio donated by the developer of the view&id=36&Itemid=66 n Countryside community. Now Y Y Y Y Y Horsepen Run is a protected wetland preserve that has several different trails with the main trail leading to the Potomac River.

Keep Loudoun Riverfront park with canoe access, https://www.loudoun.g 3.4 Loudoun County fishing, and picnic areas. Home to ov/Facilities/Facility/D Beautiful Parks and the Historic Goose Creek truss etails/34 Y Y Y Y Y Park Recreatio bridge and Goose Creek, a n designated State Scenic River.

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Land Feature Manager Description Link PHNST Route Marked PHNST Route Center Visitor Major PHNST Trailhead Restrooms Potable Water Trail Linkages Sites Historic or Cultural Area Natural Launch Canoe/Kayak Scenic View Picnic Area Parking (off street) Camping Interpretive Panels Size (acres)

Red Rock NVRPA Panoramic views of the Potomac, http://www.nvrpa.org/ 67 Wilderness several Civil War era buildings and park/red_rock_widerne

Overlook six nature trails make up this ss_overlook Y Y Y regional park.

White’s NVRPA Park opened in 2014 on the banks http://www.nvrpa.org/ 295 Ford of the Potomac River just north of park/whites_ford/cont Regional Leesburg. Features a canoe and ent/home Park kayak launch, trails and scenic nature. Was the location where Y Y Y Y the Confederate Army crossed into Maryland on their way to the Battle of Antietam during the Civil War.

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Table 6 Loudoun Trail Completion Projects Location Length Managed By Needs (as of Oct. 2015) Issue/Comments Connection to Cost Estimate to complete Amenities (ft) other continuous the project and Long Term hiking or paddling Funding Strategy opportunities

Horse Pen Run 90 LCDPRCS Engineering SOW Fair weather crossing Algonkian Park Signage needed Bridge Crossing completed 2010; April several hundred yards up at Countryside 2011 cost estimate over Sugarland Run will $95,110. Project close the gap. requires a realignment and coordination with the Countryside HOA. It may be better to offer a fairweather crossing and provide another crossing upstream. An existing bridge exists upstream.

Askegren LCDPRCS No crossing, a trail This project, in Canoe/kayak Trail building materials, Easement continuation. Project conjunction with Moran resting spot. Trail wayfinding for trail and on requires 12/4/14- Smith and Youngs cliff will development river for landing spot. Landowner made be completed when Moran needed contact with PRCS- may Smith is available for be interested in future; complete alignment. 12/17/14 -PRCS to maintain contact with landowner- target date 2016- 9/25/15- follow up needed

Moran-Smith LCDPRCS Moran Smith is awaiting Trail building materials, Easement EPA signoff for access. wayfinding for when trail is Development of trail is in built. combination with Askregen

Youngs Cliff Road Trail along Broad Run High priority. This project Broad Run, under Design costs, trail costs, and under Route 7 connects to Sanitation Rt 7 to Tollhouse potential purchase of land connecting to Tollhouse. authority easement. trailhead. Farther to connect Youngs Cliff and upstream to Sanitation easement. Pacific Blvd facilities.

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Location Length Managed By Needs (as of Oct. 2015) Issue/Comments Connection to Cost Estimate to complete Amenities (ft) other continuous the project and Long Term hiking or paddling Funding Strategy opportunities

Sanitation Loudoun LCPS to contact re high priority Loudoun Water to Authority Trans easement, crossing for Criminal Justice Easement connection will offer academy. Water longer-term access for Broad improvement. Run, Potomac, and farther north to Pacific Blvd and W&OD.

Broad Run Bridge 220+ LCDPRCS Connecting Bles Park to Medium priority, proffered Connect Broad parking, launch at Bles Park Broad Run Farms. to park by developer. Fair Run to Potomac Loudoun County weather crossing with and W&OD trail performing cost concrete stepping-stones estimate. Bridge may possible, bridge cost was not be necessary if CJA estimated as $2.75-5 easement approved M…Pacific Blvd. offers a crossing farther upstream.

NOVA Criminal LCDPRCS meeting between LCPR In process. Trail building trail building and materials, wayfinding Justice Academy and owner on easement required wayfinding Easement 9/26/13

Goose Creek LCDPRCS High Priority: Redesign Look for grant funding, Cost estimate $200,000. Parking, picnic, fire ring, Bridge at Keep or rehabilitate Keep federal match Cost estimate for bridge, boat launch. Loudoun Loudoun beautiful opportunities- Feature as looking at structural/ Beautiful Park bridge over Goose highlighted project in permitting costs associated. Creek. See corridor analysis. Look for private support, transportation present to park board… enhancement application for background. VDOT comment: federal grant 10 years ago, lost funds. Line item for 6-year plan. No longer a project/state/fed involvement.

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Location Length Managed By Needs (as of Oct. 2015) Issue/Comments Connection to Cost Estimate to complete Amenities (ft) other continuous the project and Long Term hiking or paddling Funding Strategy opportunities

Elizabeth Mills LCDPRCS High Priority: Requires Estimate from tectonics ~100,000 for Techtonics Riverfront Park two bridge crossings. for prefabricated bridges …approximate. Need better Trail Bridges at Need to avoid use of that can be carried in and costs for permitting, helical Lansdowne Lansdowne Golf Course built onsite without heavy supports, structural eng. bridges; execute task equipment. Potential RTF grant? Private agreement NPS- support? LCDPRCS to obtain cost estimates-Jones to pursue bridge costs

Horse Pen Run 90 LCDPRCS Engineering SOW Fair weather crossing Algonkian Park Signage needed Bridge Crossing completed 2010; April several hundred yards up at Countryside 2011 cost estimate over Sugarland Run will $95,110. Project close the gap. requires a realignment and coordination with the Countryside HOA. It may be better to offer a fair-weather crossing and provide another crossing upstream. An existing bridge exists upstream.

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Potomac Heritage Trail in Northern Fairfax County

Seneca Regional Park, Fairfax County Park Authority’s Riverbend Park, and Great Falls National Park preserve the historic, forested landscape found along the Potomac. Most of Fairfax County’s portion of the Potomac Heritage Trail makes use of stream valley parks. The trail connects with the W&OD regional trail and the Fairfax Cross County Trail. The information can also be viewed spatially at the following link with more detail on specific trail and park information and amenities https://cmiles.cartodb.com/viz/7d15552c-b93c- 11e5-bcc7-0ef24382571b/map. Figure 5 Map of Trail in Northern Fairfax County

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Land Feature Manager Description Link PHNST Route Marked PHNST Route Center Visitor Major PHNST Trailhead Restrooms Potable Water Trail Linkages Sites Historic or Cultural Area Natural Launch Canoe/Kayak Scenic View Picnic Area Parking (off street) Camping Interpretive Panels Size (acres)

Great Falls NPS Contains the Great Falls waterfall http://www.nps.gov/gr Grea Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y National and Mather Gorge. Along with fa/index.htm t Park beautiful views, Great Falls Park Falls hosts many activities including, Nati boating, climbing, fishing, and onal hiking. Connection to CCT. Park

Riverbend Fairfax More than 10 miles of trails on http://www.fairfaYcou River Y Y Y Y Y Y Park County more than 400 acres. Includes nty.gov/parks/riverben bend Park visitor center, barbeque pits, d-park/ Park Authority small boat access, boat rentals, and fishing.

Scotts Run Fairfax One of only a few nature preserves http://www.fairfaYcou Scot Y Y Nature County in Fairfax County. Includes eight nty.gov/parks/scottsru ts Preserve Park hiking trails. n/ Run Authority Natu re Pres erve

Seneca NVRPA Location of the channel that http://www.nvrpa.org/ Sene Y Y Y Falls Park serves as the remains of George park/seneca/content/h ca Washington’s Patowmack Canal. ome Falls Many trails to explore. Park

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Land Feature Manager Description Link PHNST Route Marked PHNST Route Center Visitor Major PHNST Trailhead Restrooms Potable Water Trail Linkages Sites Historic or Cultural Area Natural Launch Canoe/Kayak Scenic View Picnic Area Parking (off street) Camping Interpretive Panels Size (acres)

Turkey Run NPS (as Park featuring the Potomac Gorge http://www.nps.gov/g Turk Y Y Y Y Y Y Park part of ecosystem and Claude Moore wmp/planyourvisit/turk ey the Colonial Farm, a living history eyrun.htm Run George museum that depicts the life on a Park Washingto Virginia farm, circa 1771. Picnic n tables, restrooms, and water Memorial fountains. Parkway)

Fort Hunt NPS (as Spanish American War-era http://www.nps.gov/g Fort Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y National part of batteries and grassy picnic areas wmp/planyourvisit/fort Hunt Park the once part of Mt. Vernon now used hunt.htm Nati George for picnicking, jogging, softball & onal Washingto more. Parking , restrooms Park n Memorial Parkway)

Fort Marcy NPS (as Built by the early United States http://www.nps.gov/g Fort Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Park part of Army Corps of Engineers, Fort wmp/planyourvisit/fort Marc the Marcy Park features some of the marcy.htm y George best-preserved examples of Park Washingto landscapes of the Civil War, n including earthwork walls, Memorial trenches, rifle pits, and parade Parkway) ground.

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Table 8 Trail Completion Project for Northern Fairfax Location Length Managed By Description (ft)

Scott's Run See NVRC/FFX County feasibility study for a trail facility along Georgetown Pike; note Madeira School Nature Preserve Fairfax ~ 12,000 proffered easement along Georgetown Pike corridor. Need to identify any facility on Georgetown Pike. to Great Falls County Park

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Potomac Heritage Trail in Arlington County and City of Alexandria

The trail in Arlington County and Alexandria follows the Windy Run Park Trail, Mount Vernon Trail, Four Mile Run Mount Vernon trail and George Washington Memorial Trail, W&OD Trail, and Custis Trail. Parkway. The terrain is quite hilly until the trail passes the Prominent Heritage and Cultural Resources also abound in fall line near Key Bridge. From Key Bridge to Mount Vernon, this region such as Fort Marcey, Old Town Alexandria, Jones the trail aligns with the Potomac as part of the Mount Point Lighthouse, and elements of the George Washington Vernon Trail. The trail, located across the Potomac from Memorial Parkway. Washington DC, offers views of the river and monuments. Urban multi-use, mostly paved. Many opportunities for Trail improvement opportunities from Fort Marcey to Jones continuous cycling, jogging, hiking or paddling on spur trails. Point This trail segment is very popular with cyclists. Even though This section of the trail is complete with no major gaps; the trail crosses an urban area, some parts are quiet paths however, there are route marking and graphic identity through wooded areas. A new connection is the Potomac needs and opportunities to improve the trail experience Yard Park and trail. This new multi-use trail from Potomac through Old Town Alexandria. Yard to Braddock Road Metro station was developed as part of the new Potomac Yard Park. The trail provides a useful Identify the Mount Vernon trail as being a part of the PHNST connection between the new residences and shops opening network through graphic identity markings and interpretive in Potomac Yard and Old Town. signs at various key access points and trailheads. Several Metrorail stations are located within close proximity Since the area is popular with cyclists, there are to the trail. The most convenient stations are Rosslyn (near opportunities to enhance this experience with mile markers, the north end of the trail) Arlington Cemetery, Reagan bike racks or bike share stations. National Airport, Potomac Yard and Braddock Road. Connections to other local and regional trail and bikeway There are several trail linkages in this section that provide systems should be actively sought in order to provide additional hiking or cycling opportunities. The trails are; alternatives to automobile access to this portion of the trail. Pimmit Run Trail in Fort Marcy, Chain Bridge to C&O Canal Closely monitor the Old Town Waterfront Redevelopment and Capital Crescent Trail, Gulf Branch Trail spur will take process to ensure that a pedestrian safe and continuous you to Gulf Branch Nature Center, Donaldson Run Trail, alignment of the trail is maintained during and after construction.

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There is another opportunity to create a connection to speckled meadows and vast wetlands bursting with life. Huntley Meadows Park which is a rich, natural and historical Huntley Meadows is well known as a prime birding spot, with wetland of over 1,500 acres. It harbors a nationally over 200 species identified in the park. significant historic house, majestic forests, wildflower-

Figure 6 Map of Trial in Arlington County and City of Alexandria

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Table 7 Arlington and Alexandria Parks and Amenities

Land Feature Manager Description Link Restrooms Potable Water Trail Linkages Sites Historic or Cultural Area Natural Launch Canoe/Kayak Scenic View Picnic Area Parking (off street) Camping Interpretive Panels Marked PHNST Route Center Visitor Major PHNST Trailhead Size (acres)

Potomac NVRPA Woodland, trails, educational http://www.nvrpa.org/ 67 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Overlook gardens, a small picnic area park/potomac_overlook Regional and a Nature Center. Park

Arlington NPS (as Contains United States Marine http://www.nps.gov/c 27.5 Y Y Y Y Memorial part of the Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima ultural_landscapes/snp Bridge and George Memorial) Statue honoring U.S. /600288.html Avenue, Washington marines in World War II, Arlington Memorial depicting the iconic scene from Ridge Park Parkway) Iwo Jima from 1945 and Netherlands Carillon.

Arlington Departmen Arlington National Cemetery http://www.arlingtonc 624 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y National t of the and Arboretum is the final emetery.mil/ Cemetery Army resting place for more than 400,000 active duty service members, veterans and their families. Welcome Center with maps, information services (to include grave locations), kiosks for accessing ANC Explorer, a bookstore, restrooms and water fountains, exhibit’s and

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Land Feature Manager Description Link PHNST Route Marked PHNST Route Center Visitor Major PHNST Trailhead Restrooms Potable Water Trail Linkages Sites Historic or Cultural Area Natural Launch Canoe/Kayak Scenic View Picnic Area Parking (off street) Camping Interpretive Panels Size (acres) displays that tell the story of Arlington National Cemetery and its significance to the nation. Connection to Custis Trail Daingerfield NPS (as Water, restrooms, food, 106 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Island part of the parking. Bike and boat rentals George Washington Memorial Parkway) Fort C.F. Arlington 19-acre park with The Hendry https://parks.arlington 19 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Smith Park County House, a restored 20th century va.us/locations/fort-cf- Parks and mansion, preserve. smith-park/ Recreation Fort Hunt NPS (as Spanish American War-era http://www.nps.gov/g Y Y Y Y Y National Park part of the batteries and grassy picnic wmp/planyourvisit/fort George areas once part of Mt. Vernon hunt.htm Washington now used for picnicking, Memorial jogging, softball & more. Parkway) Parking , restrooms

Founders Alexandria Waterfront park in Old Town, https://www.aleYandri 4.5 Y Park Dept. of near the shops and restaurants ava.gov/recreation/inf Parks of King Street, the Alexandria o/default.aspY?id=1228 Marina and the Torpedo 6#Founders Factory. Multi-use trail,

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Land Feature Manager Description Link PHNST Route Marked PHNST Route Center Visitor Major PHNST Trailhead Restrooms Potable Water Trail Linkages Sites Historic or Cultural Area Natural Launch Canoe/Kayak Scenic View Picnic Area Parking (off street) Camping Interpretive Panels Size (acres) volleyball, picnic. No parking or restrooms

Gravelly NPS (as Waterfront park known for its Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Point part of the up-close views of planes taking http://www.nps.gov/g George off & landing at Reagan wmp/indeY.htm Washington Airport. Parking, water access, Memorial major trailhead for PHNST. Parkway)

Jones Point NPS (as Site of an 1800s lighthouse, http://www.nps.gov/g Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Park part of the original D.C. Boundary Stone, wmp/planyourvisit/jon George interpretive trail, 2 espoint.htm Washington playgrounds & sports fields. Memorial Parking, restrooms, water, Parkway) playground, water access, canoe launch.

Oronoco Bay Alexandria 5-acre waterfront park with https://www.aleYandri 5 Y Y Park Dept. of scenic views. Event space, ava.gov/recreation/inf Parks parking, picnic areas, and o/default.aspY?id=1229 multi-use trails Oronoco Park 0 has many festivals and is often rented for events.

Potomac Alexandria Linear park that has opened in https://www.aleYandri 24 Y Y Y Y Y Y Yards Soccer Dept. of phases since 2011. ADA ava.gov/recreation/inf Fields Parks accessible picnic tables and pathways, special events area

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Land Feature Manager Description Link PHNST Route Marked PHNST Route Center Visitor Major PHNST Trailhead Restrooms Potable Water Trail Linkages Sites Historic or Cultural Area Natural Launch Canoe/Kayak Scenic View Picnic Area Parking (off street) Camping Interpretive Panels Size (acres) with outdoor stage, athletic o/default.aspY?id=1229 fields, basketball courts, tennis 0 courts, volleyball courts, picnic area, interactive fountain. The City of Alexandria has built a new multi-use trail from Potomac Yard to Braddock. New Potomac Yard Metro Station planned to open in 2017

Roaches Run NPS (as This is a popular spot for http://www.dgif.virgin Y Y Waterfowl part of the observing wintering waterfowl. ia.gov/vbwt/site.asp?tr Sanctuary George During summer, osprey, green ail=1&loop=CGF&site=C Washington heron, red-winged blackbird, GF03 Memorial and mallard are common. In Parkway) addition, summer vegetation along the lakeshore is alive with dragonflies and damselflies. Also part of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Birding and Wildlife Trail. Theodore NPS (as Wild 91-acre tract purchased http://www.nps.gov/th 91 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Roosevelt part of the and named for Roosevelt in is/planyourvisit/trails.h Island Park George 1932. Two-mile loop that tm (island is Washington includes a half-mile boardwalk accessed Memorial section. Parking, restrooms, from Parkway) water, hiking, water access. Virginia but

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Land Feature Manager Description Link PHNST Route Marked PHNST Route Center Visitor Major PHNST Trailhead Restrooms Potable Water Trail Linkages Sites Historic or Cultural Area Natural Launch Canoe/Kayak Scenic View Picnic Area Parking (off street) Camping Interpretive Panels Size (acres) is actually located in DC) Waterfront Alexandria 1.37 with boat docking, open https://www.aleYandri Y Park Dept. of lawn space, riverfront seating, ava.gov/recreation/inf Parks and walking trails o/default.aspY?id=1228 6#Founders Windy Run Arlington Small open space park with https://parks.arlington 14 Y Y Y Y Park County limited parking, a stream and va.us/locations/windy- Parks and nature paths. PHNST is marked run-park/ Recreation in the park. Fort Bennett Arlington 11-acre city park & green space https://parks.arlington 11 Y Y Y Park and County with a nature trail & a historic va.us/locations/fort- Palisades Parks and covered springhouse. bennett-park-palisades- Trail Recreation trail/

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Potomac Heritage Trail in Southern Fairfax County

Southern Fairfax Features From Jones Point South to Fort Belvoir, the PHNST follows as well. The Route 1 Corridor Improvement project that is the Mount Vernon trail and George Washington Memorial being led by Fairfax County may provide continuous bike and Parkway. Some segments are part of pre-existing Mount pedestrian paths along the corridor as a paved multi-use Vernon Trail. Bus services are widely available along this trail that is adjacent to the roadway to provide access to route. There are a number of prominent historical and the transit services along the Richmond Highway Corridor. cultural resources in this section including Mount Vernon These plans increase the potential for an alignment between Estate, Grist Mill Park and Distillery, Woodlawn Plantation, the Woodlawn area and Fort Belvoir and Pohick Bay Regional the former Lorton prison, and Gunston Hall. The trail in this Park. It is possible that certain sections will be set back section is a connection between large tracts of undeveloped slightly from the road with a vegetated buffer of about 30 land in the Mason Neck peninsula. Table 15 lists all the feet and provide the trail user with a quieter off road parks and amenities in this area. The information can also experience. These plans are subject to amendments so it is be viewed spatially at the following link with more detail on important to stay informed of the progress of this plan and specific trail and park information and amenities its potential impacts to the trail. The link to the plan is https://cmiles.cartodb.com/viz/7d15552c-b93c-11e5-bcc7- here: 0ef24382571b/map. http://www.fairfaYcounty.gov/dpz/comprehensiveplan/are a4/mtvernon-richmondhighway.pdf There are several important road improvement projects taking place or planned to take place in this area of the trail

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Figure 7 Map of Southern Fairfax County from Alexandria to Prince William Border

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Table 8 Southern Prince William Parks and Amenities

Land Feature Manager Description Link PHNST Route Marked PHNST Route Center Visitor Major PHNST Trailhead Restrooms Potable Water Trail Linkages Sites Historic or Cultural Area Natural Launch Canoe/Kayak Scenic View Picnic Area Parking (off street) Camping Interpretive Panels Size (acres)

Laurel Hill Fairfax Laurel Hill Park, which was once http://www.fairfaYc 3,200 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Park County the property of the Lorton Prison ounty.gov/parks/laur Park and is quite historical as the prison elhill/ Authority was established around 1910. Whether you are visiting the playground area, ball fields or their disc golf, the trails take you all around this historical landmark and you can browse around some of the original structures. Other than being well known for previously being the Lorton Prison in the early 1900’s, this park is also well known for their 10 mile walking/hiking trail

Mason Neck Virginia 1,814-acre park on the Pohick Bay http://www.dcr.virgi Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y State Park Departme Peninsula, which includes the nia.gov/state- nt of Mason Neck National Wildlife parks/mason- Conservati Refuge. In addition to having a neck.shtml#general_i on and small boat launch, guided canoe nformation Recreatio trips, picnic areas, and a n playground, Mason Neck is known as one of the best places to spot bald eagles.

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Land Feature Manager Description Link PHNST Route Marked PHNST Route Center Visitor Major PHNST Trailhead Restrooms Potable Water Trail Linkages Sites Historic or Cultural Area Natural Launch Canoe/Kayak Scenic View Picnic Area Parking (off street) Camping Interpretive Panels Size (acres)

Occoquan NVRPA 400 of recreational space along https://www.nvrpa.o Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Regional the Occoquan River, featuring rg/park/occoquan Park water trails and linkages between the PHNST and the Fairfax Cross- County Trail. Also includes boat tours, sports fields, and food services.

Pohick Bay NVRPA Home of the Gunston Hall http://www.nvrpa.or 1,002 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Regional Museum, as well as scenic views, g/park/pohick_bay Park one of the largest outdoor freeform pools on the east coast, an amphitheater, and a golf course. The park also includes lodging, a small boat launch, and boat rentals.

Elizabeth USFWS The first national wildlife refuge http://www.fws.gov 2,227 Y Y Y Y Y Y Hartwell established specifically for the /refuge/Mason_Neck Mason protection of the bald eagle. / Neck National Wildlife Refuge

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Table 9 Southern Fairfax Trail Completion Projects Location Length Land Manager Description Steps to Eliminate Gaps Funding

Woodlawn to Grist Mill 7,500 Fairfax County Along Mount Vernon Complete multi-use trail facility These improvements may Park DOT/VDOT; Mount Memorial Highway. Ensure along Mount Vernon Memorial take place as part of Route Vernon Ladies continued connections Highway between Grist Mill Park 1 corridor improvement Association with planned/existing trail - Woodlawn Historic District improvements. (includes GW Distillery & Grist Mill & Route 1/Richmond Highway). Includes bridge over Dogue Creek; see FHWA study (2004); see FHWA Mulligan Road/Route 1 plan. April 2011 study estimates project cost $1.36 million for completing work.

Woodlawn Stables, PHTA citizens group Execute agreement between Noman Cole Trail to identified Mt Vernon PHTA and US Army. Cook Inlet Trail Highway and crosswalk along Route 1 near Baptist Church Property for trail access to planned army museum

Along Route 1 Fort 20,000 U.S. Army Clarify intersections, Construct pedestrian & bicycle Belvoir Garrison Fort pedestrian and trail trail facilities alongside U.S. Belvoir alignments as fence design Army Garrison Fort Belvoir. OR progresses. Ensure provide access to trails in Fort opportunities for safe Belvoir/Accotink NWR on a bicycle / pedestrian periodic basis. Negotiations access. with the Army on the alignment, fence location, and access are currently in progress. NCPC is working with Army.

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Location Length Land Manager Description Steps to Eliminate Gaps Funding

Old Colchestor to NVRPA, FCDOT, Spur: connection between Mason Neck VDOT, US Army planned trails within and proposed PHNST segment in USAG Fort Belvoir. Use funds obligated through NPS-NVRPA Task Agreement to conduct feasibility study. Possible water crossing.

Lorton Road and Route 1, FC DOT / FCPA / Approval from VDOT for Complete pedestrian and bicycle CSY/VRE and I-95 VDOT access below I-95 overpass, trail facilities between existing Trail approval form CSY for access segment at w. entrance to Noman below/across rail line. Cole Pollution Control facility (on Route 1) - trailhead at entrance to Could be separate facilities for foot, bicycle and/or equestrian use (At ORP trailhead near Rte. 123, bicycle route uses roadway and pedestrian route uses footbridge into Town of Occoquan.)

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The Trail in Prince William County

The 2010 Census reports that Prince William County is the Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Veteran's Park (Maps 17 and third most populous jurisdiction in Virginia. The current 18). estimated population of Prince William County is 428,329 (as Trail Amenities: Prince William County parks information can of June 30, 2015), which represents growth of 6.25% since be viewed spatially at the following link with more detail on April 1, 2010. Prince William County is projected to grow to specific trail and park information and amenities 561,953 persons by 2030 according to the Metropolitan https://cmiles.cartodb.com/viz/7d15552c-b93c-11e5-bcc7- Washington Council of Governments. 0ef24382571b/map. Demand for recreation in this rapidly growing county is high. For example, in 2012, 535,729 people visited Leesylvania State Park. Leesylvania is the third most visited Virginia State 215,686 1990 population (actual) Park, preceded by First Landing (1.5 million) and New River Trail (1 million). Of the five most visited Virginia State Parks, 280,813 2000 population (actual) Leesylvania is the only one without a substantial overnight campground facility or cabins, and it services primarily local 402,002 April 1, 2010 population (actual) visitors from Prince William and surrounding counties instead of out of state/town patrons. 428,329 June 30, 2015 population (estimate) The County has been actively working towards developing connections between an extensive network of trails, 494,534 2020 population (forecast) including the PHNST. A complicated process of negotiating, easements with private landowners, proffers from 561,953 developers, land acquisitions, memorandums of 2030 population (forecast) understanding with agencies along the trail, funding and Sources: 1990, 2000, April 1, 2010 figures: U.S. Department of Commerce, volunteer hours will continue to be necessary to get the entire trail connected and operational. Leadership comes Bureau of the Census; June 30, 2015 estimate: Prince William Co.; from Prince William County Parks and Recreation, Board of 2020-30 forecasts: Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Supervisors, and committed residents and trail advocates. Once completed, the planned Alignment would connect Locust Shade Park, Prince William Forest National Park,

Leesylvania State Park, Metz Wetland Mitigation Bank, Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge, the Occoquan

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Figure 8 Corridor in Prince William County from Fairfax Border to Leesylvania State Park

42 http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?nid=299 Figure 9 Corridor from Leesylvania State Park to Stafford County Line

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Table 10 Prince William Corridor Trails and Amenities

Feature Description Link PHNST Route Marked PHNST Route Center Visitor Major PHNST Trailhead Restrooms Potable Water Trail Linkages Sites Historic or Cultural Area Natural Launch Canoe/Kayak Scenic View Picnic Area Parking (off street) Camping Interpretive Panels Size (acres) Land Manager

Julie J. Metz Prince William The Metz Wetlands Bank is a nt/pt/publicw 227 Y Y Y Y Y Y Neabsco County ±227 acre parcel of land that orks/hp/Pages Creek Department of will be preserved in perpetuity /Metz- Wetlands Public Works by a recorded conservation Wetlands.aspY Preserve Historic easement, containing over 217 Preservation acres of created and preserved Division wetlands, 10 acres of upland buffers and almost 2 miles of nature trails.

Leesylvania Virginia A nationally registered Historic http://www.d 543 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y State Park Department of Landmark, Leesylvania has a cr.virginia.gov Conservation fishing pier, several beaches /state- and Recreation along the Potomac, picnic parks/leesylva areas, boat rentals and nia.shtml#gen launching areas, and camping. eral_informati on

Locust Prince William Scenic park with a golf driving http://www.p Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Shade Park County Parks range, mini golf course, batting wcgov.org/gov and Recreation cages and an 8-acre lake. Also, ernment/dept the home of the 400 seat Jean /park/locustsh C. Smith Amphitheater. ade/Pages/def ault.aspY

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Feature Description Link PHNST Route Marked PHNST Route Center Visitor Major PHNST Trailhead Restrooms Potable Water Trail Linkages Sites Historic or Cultural Area Natural Launch Canoe/Kayak Scenic View Picnic Area Parking (off street) Camping Interpretive Panels Land Manager Size (acres)

National United States Features exhibits, which http://www.u 135 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Museum of Marine Corps highlight significant moments smcmuseum.c the Marine in Marine History. om/indeY.asp Corps

Occoquan US Fish and Down the Occoquan River from http://www.f 642 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Bay National Wildlife Occoquan Regional Park. A ws.gov/refuge Wildlife Service large protected area made up /Occoquan_Ba Refuge of grasslands and marshes that y/visit/plan_y serve as refuge for migratory our_visit.html birds. Serves as an outdoor classroom for those interested in the native habitat of the region.

Prince NPS Adjacent to Marine Corps Base 16,084 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y William Quantico, Prince William Forest Forest Park park is the largest protected area in the region and the largest example of the Eastern Piedmont forest. The park includes nearly 40 miles of hiking trails and a variety of camping options.

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Feature Description Link PHNST Route Marked PHNST Route Center Visitor Major PHNST Trailhead Restrooms Potable Water Trail Linkages Sites Historic or Cultural Area Natural Launch Canoe/Kayak Scenic View Picnic Area Parking (off street) Camping Interpretive Panels Land Manager Size (acres)

Rippon Prince William A community park containing a https://www. Y Y Y Y Landing Park County Parks playground and sand volleyball pwcgov.org/go and Recreation court. vernment/dep t/publicworks/ hp/Pages/Ripp on-Lodge.aspY

Veterans Prince William Facilities to host a range of http://www.p Memorial County Parks activities, including a skate wcgov.org/gov Park and Recreation park, sports fields, a ernment/dept community center, outdoor /park/vetspar pool, picnic tables. There is k/Pages/defau also a duck pond in the park. lt.aspY

Featherston USFWS Public access to Featherstone http://www.f Y Y e National National Wildlife Refuge is ws.gov/refuge Wildlife limited due to the railroad, /Featherstone Refuge though recently a non- /about.html motorized boat landing was constructed for public use.

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Feature Description Link PHNST Route Marked PHNST Route Center Visitor Major PHNST Trailhead Restrooms Potable Water Trail Linkages Sites Historic or Cultural Area Natural Launch Canoe/Kayak Scenic View Picnic Area Parking (off street) Camping Interpretive Panels Land Manager Size (acres)

Quantico US Department Quantico National Cemetery is http://www.c 16,084 Y Y National of Veteran's a national cemetery in em.va.gov/ce Cemetery Affairs Triangle, Virginia for veterans ms/nchp/quan who served in the United tico.asp States Armed Forces. Adjacent to and originally part of Marine Corps Base Quantico, it was established as a national cemetery.

Rippon Prince William Rippon Lodge is one of the https://www. Y Y Y Y Lodge County oldest known homes in Prince pwcgov.org/go Historic Site Department of William County. Built circa vernment/dep Public Works 1747. t/publicworks/ Historic hp/Pages/Ripp Preservation on-Lodge.aspY Division

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Table 11 Prince William County Gap Completion Projects Location Length Land Manager Description Steps to Eliminate Gaps Funding Notes

Woodbridge VRE 200' VDOT ROW 200' long gap in sidewalk No action identified. VDOT is VDOT VDOT is responsible for Phase 1 and 2 Sidewalk Gap along Express Dr. adjacent responsible for Phase 1 and 2 widening of Route 1. Currently phase 2 to Woodbridge VRE Station widening of Route 1. Currently is underfunded by 100 million. Phase 2 is underfunded by $100 million

Within Belmont 1 mile PWC Parks Multi-Purpose Trail along Construction complete but NA - Construction Per proffer, easement will be Bay Community and waterfront in Belmont easement needs to be granted to Complete transferred when we have a logical Recreation / Bay. BOCS per proffer. connection to north and south and have developer "security plan".

Belmont Bay 40 Belmont Bay 40' gap between Belmont Place burden upon developer Developer should May be difficult to address if developer Community to (feet) LLC. Bay trail and Occoquan upon the completion of items D fund construction gets off bond. Occoquan Bay Refuge boundary. and F (and possibly C). per proffer NWR

Occoquan 1 US Fish and Multi-Purpose Trail to be 1. US Fish & Wildlife is waiting to PHNST CIP Account This segment includes sections of trail in Wildlife Refuge Wildlife developed through hear back official confirmation - Park Proffers the refuge on both the east and west Service Occoquan Refuge. from Ecological Services that side of Transitional Housing there are no bat impacts. 2. Once confirmation is received a binder of the project will be sent to the Regional Offices by Daffny Pitchford to move forward with the approvals.

Veterans 0.54 VDOT ROW 4' wide sidewalk along Construction won't be completed NA - Complete Design is completed for the crosswalk. Memorial Park to Featherstone Rd. until there is approval from Parks will submit plans for a VDOT Featherstone Featherstone NWR Permit. NWR

Heritage Harbor 0.17 Heritage 900' of trail to be 3. Design of crosswalk in process PHNST CIP Account PWC did preliminary wetlands Trail Easement Harbor HOA constructed to connect to be completed by: end of - Park Proffers- delineation in 12/14. No wetlands Featherstone Rd. to December 2015 for $36,775. found. Parks has proposal for crosswalk Featherstone Refuge. Design has been completed and is - awaiting funding. under review at VDOT. Design is completed for the crosswalk, applying for VDOT Permit 4. Build once Featherstone begins construction and funding is

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Location Length Land Manager Description Steps to Eliminate Gaps Funding Notes secured. 5. HOA has replaced their fence separating the trail from homeowners.

Featherstone 1.08 US Fish and Multi-Purpose Trail to be 1. All agreements have been PHNST CIP Account Refuge/ FLAP Wildlife developed through signed. Parks staff meet with - Park Proffers- Service Featherstone Refuge VDOT staff in December, to go $585,000 FLAP over the process for the project, Grant; $120,000 as they are administering the County match and FLAP Grant. 2. Pacuilli and Developer Simmons has until 5/1/2016 to contribution. have permitted plans completed.

Rippon VRE 0.05 VRE/ Trail to utilize VRE 1. Get authorization from Proffered Overpass & Ramp Riverside Park pedestrian overpass over VRE/CSY to utilize pedestrian LLC RR tracks. Ramp up to overpass - COMPLETE. train landing to be 2. Developer to build ramp up to constructed by Rippon train landing - Parks staff meeting Center developer per with Richard Kieler on 1/8/16 on proffers site to discuss Scope of Work and schedule.

Highams Parcel 0.08 Higham / 400' of trail to be 1. Title Attorney- County to go to PHNST CIP Account Without this parcel, the route of the Cannon Trust consturcted. court to appoint Ms. Hingham’s - Park Proffers trail will have to change dramatically. legal authority to grant This could likely be Trail in Transitional Housing and OBNWR conveyance of easement. done with west would not be logical. 2. Construct trail - awaiting volunteers. acquisition of easement or parcel.

Neabsco Creek PWC Parks 3000' long boardwalk 1. PO for $173,000 issued to New estimate for Boardwalk 2,650 and connecting Rippon Landing Lardner Klein to develop plans to the Neabsco Recreation to Julie J Metz Wetlands 90% and add 200ft of additional Boardwalk is Bank over Neabsco Creek boardwalk and an overlook. $4,731,000. near confluence with 2. FEMA/Flood Study/Wetland $3,000,000 in Potomac Permit application needs to be proffers to go to done and the Horton Parcel BOCS on 9/8/15 to easement has been signed by the fund most of the Rippons Landing HOA . short fall, and was Wetland/waters permit approved on application was submitted to 9/8/15. County has Virginia Marine Resources $1,611,306.20 set Commission; Phase 2 is close to

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Location Length Land Manager Description Steps to Eliminate Gaps Funding Notes 65% completed, this is the aside for the additional boardwalk and overlook Boardwalk. that was requested; geo technical work for phase 2 is scheduled for early January; Phase 2 design must be updated before applying for Flood Permit and to complete the Floodplain impact permit application. Overall design is at 90%

Powells Landing 0 PWC Parks & 120' long gap between 1. Design and engineering of None identified Row Stub Recreation existing sidewalk and asphalt stub - no action at this existing trail. VDOT time. requests a hard surface 2. Construction of hard surface stub when connecting to stub - no action at this time. ROW sidewalks

Transitional 0.06 PWC BOCS 320' multipurpose trail to 1. Acquire easement over land - PHNST CIP Account Not logical to build this segment until Housing be constructed through complete. - Park Proffers trail in OBNWR is complete. Transitional Housing 2. Construct trail - awaiting property. development of trail in Occoquan Refuge.

Woodbridge VRE 200' VDOT ROW 200' long gap in sidewalk No action identified. VDOT is VDOT VDOT is responsible for Phase 1 and 2 Sidewalk Gap along Express Dr. adjacent responsible for Phase 1 and 2 widening of Route 1. Currently phase 2 to Woodbridge VRE Station widening of Route 1. Currently is underfunded by 100 million. Phase 2 is underfunded by $100 million

Within Belmont 1 mile PWC Parks Multi-Purpose Trail along Construction complete but NA - Construction Per proffer, easement will be Bay Community and waterfront in Belmont easement needs to be granted to Complete transferred when we have a logical Recreation / Bay. BOCS per proffer. connection to north and south and have developer "security plan".

Belmont Bay 40 Belmont Bay 40' gap between Belmont Place burden upon developer Developer should May be difficult to address if developer Community to (feet) LLC. Bay trail and Occoquan upon the completion of items D fund construction gets off bond. Occoquan Bay Refuge boundary. and F (and possibly C). per proffer NWR

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Appendix A Economic and Public Health Trail Benefits

Trail projects should be viewed as investments and creation, influencing corporate location decisions, productive community assets. The costs of land acquisition boosting spending at local businesses and increasing for trails and trail construction and maintenance are property values. It can provide public health benefits minimal when compared to the economic return on the and reduce medical costs by encouraging exercise, and money invested by the creation of a trails network. a multi-use trail network can protect the environment. A trails network can also provide low or no-cost Beyond stormwater and other environmental benefits recreational opportunities and transportation options to provided by parks and green space, trails offer a significant the public. The economic benefits of trails have been economic benefit (from the Virginia Outdoors Plan): documented by economic impact studies conducted • In 2009, the Trust for Public land determined that nationwide. properties located near parks increase in value by A National Association of Homebuilders study found that $100/ft2. trails are the second most important community amenity • In Virginia, $8 billion/year is spent on recreation. that potential homeowners cite when choosing a new • Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation community. Trails were cited by 57 percent of prospective (DCR) estimates that the state park systems generate buyers in a 2004 survey by the association, ahead of public between $9.7 billion in income and 320,000 jobs in parks and outdoor pools. Additionally, the study found that 2010. “trail availability” outranked 16 other options including • Eight million park users in Virginia generate more than security, ball fields, golf courses, parks and access to $189 million in economic activity for the state. shopping or business centers. Those homebuyer preferences • Every dollar of general funds spent on parks yields ~$11 translate into increased property values and enhanced tax in economic activity. revenue for communities that incorporate trails into • Every $1 million spent on trail infrastructure creates 11 planning. In a study on the impact of trails on adjacent jobs, providing significant local tax revenue, from property values in Indianapolis, researchers found that the lodging and food purchases. overall impact of trails on adjacent property values was • A multi-use trail system offers tangible economic, social estimated at more than $140 million dollars. and environmental benefits to communities, beyond recreation and alternative transportation. A multi-use Trails boost spending at local businesses. Communities trails network can positively influence economic and along trails benefit from the influx of visitors going to community development by stimulating business restaurants and other retail establishments. On longer

51 http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?nid=299 trails, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and outdoor outfitters Prevention (CDC) 2013 calculations for Virginia indicate that benefit. Tourism and outdoor recreation-related revenues almost 30% of residents consider themselves obese or from trails come in several forms. Trails create overweight, a risk factor for chronic disease. The CDC opportunities in construction and maintenance, rentals reports that access to parks and open space, and community (such as shuttle buses and guided tours), historic design that allows residents to walk or bike to near-by preservation, restaurants and lodging. In Virginia, outdoor destinations offers an effective way to increase physical recreation generates approximately $13.6 billion in activity and reduce obesity in both adults and youth. consumer spending. Community leaders and planners are Medical research shows that walking can improve health. using trails as important parts of overall strategies for The University of Kansas’ Alzheimer’s disease Center economic revitalization and building and strengthening local indicates that walkable cities/areas have positive businesses. implications for cognitive health. The study tracked 25 On the Virginia Creeper Trail, a 34-mile trail in people with mild Alzheimer’s disease and 39 older adults southwestern Virginia, visitors spend approximately $2.5 with cognitive impairment. The study found that those who million annually related to their recreation visits. Of this lived in areas of where there was not an easily accessible amount, non-local visitors spend about $1.2 million directly connection or established trail network, and where fewer into the local economies. turns are required to navigate the streets, performed worse on baseline cognitive tests and were more likely to see The Convention and Visitors Bureau in Morgantown, West declines in attention and verbal memory. Conversely, those Virginia, credits the 45-mile Mon River Trail for revitalizing who lived in place with higher connectivity, with more an entire district of the city, with a reported $200 million in paths, trails and streets linked to each address, performed private investment as a direct result of the trail. better on initial cognitive tests and saw fewer declines in Trails increase tax revenues in the communities in which attention and verbal memory. they are located, often paying for their own maintenance. Trails provide low or no-cost recreation to families. Data For example, a study of Maryland’s Northern Central Rail gathered between 2006 and 2011 by Virginia Outdoors Plan Trail found that the state received $303,000/year in trail (VOP); found that the most popular activities were “walking related tax income while paying $192,000/year in for pleasure” (82% of participating households), “visiting maintenance. historic sites” (63.5%), “visiting parks” (50.6%) and “visiting PUBLIC HEALTH BENEFITS natural areas” (50.3%). The VOP also finds that in the next five years, the two Since the 1970s, overweight and obesity rates have risen highest needs for outdoor recreation will be access to dramatically in the United States as physical activity rates recreational waters and facilities for trail-related activities. have declined. The Center for Disease Control and The VOP further states that the number of facilities is often

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not as important as their proximity to local populations. A strong, well-maintained trails network provides localities Many VOP survey responders reported that they are not with a positive economic impact. Closing of gaps within the willing to travel more than 10 to 15 minutes to access these Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail would address the facilities. demand for activities such as hiking, biking and equine uses, and would reduce the barriers that inhibit physical activity, such as cost and lack of proximity to facilities.

Appendix B Trail Funding Opportunities Transportation-Based Funding Moving agency is required to submit invoices to receive funds). The following programs that could be used to support trail Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century projects: The bulk of this information pertaining to funding in this Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) report was developed in November 2015. Since then, Replaces earlier Transportation TE: delivered by congress has enacted a new transportation bill to replace transportation management areas (TMAs), $9.4 million for MAP 21. This bill, referred to as the Fixing America’s 2014. Activities include: 1) construction, planning, and Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), will have a number design of on road and off road non-motorized trail facilities. of elements different from those posted. For information as 2) Construction, planning and design of infrastructure it develops, go to https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/fastact/. The related projects that will provide safe routes for non-drivers following information summary offers some guidance on MAP to access daily needs. 3) Conversion and use of abandoned 21 programs that may or may not translate into FAST Act railroad facilities. Construction of turnouts, overlooks and programs. viewing areas to promote the scenic and historic character The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP 21), of local roads. includes funds for trail construction and improvements. • In Virginia, the application deadline is November 1. Many programs are managed by state agencies, and in • Grants range from $50,000 to $1,000,000. Virginia, the Commonwealth Transportation Board is • 80/20 match reimbursement program responsible for selecting many projects for funding. In • Eligible for States, localities, regional planning addition, total funds are allocated to metropolitan areas, districts?, transit, natural resource, public land Northern Virginia being one of them. Most grant programs agencies, school districts require a 20 percent match and operate on a reimbursable • 80/20 match basis (i.e., after a project is approved, the organization or

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• http://www.virginiadot.org/business/prenhancegrants. • Eligible for adult supervised school groups or clubs, asp local governments, community nonprofits. • http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1003520/QuickStart-

Mini-grant-Application-Form Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Recreational Trails Program STRS are included in above grant. The purpose of this Managed in Virginia by the Department of Conservation and program is to improve the safety and availability of bicycle Recreation (VDCR), the program is very competitive and and pedestrian facilities to primary and middle school based on guidance from the Virginia Recreational Trails students (K-8). As with the Recreational Trails Program, Advisory Committee. Only available to shovel ready state coordinators are responsible for program management; construction projects with permitting/design complete. 30 as of late 2010, though, Virginia lacks a program trainer. percent motorized trails, 30 percent non-motorized, and 40 • Deadlines for applications are usually in early/late fall. percent for multiple number of compatible recreational • Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000. purposes or innovated corridor sharing (multiuse trails). • Eligible for school divisions, municipal governments, Funds are provided on a reimbursable basis, may not be non-profits used for planning, and may be used for maintenance and • 80/20 match restoration of existing trails, development or rehabilitation • http://www.virginiadot.org/programs/srsm_srts_activit of trailside and trailhead facilities and linkages, acquisition ies_and_programs_plan_app_for_non- of necessary easements, associated administrative costs, infrastructure_grantsactivities_and_programs_plan_non- new trails, and educational programs. infrastructure_act.asp http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational_planning/trailfnd .shtml Map 21 SRTS Mini-grants • Grant deadline in early August. • Project size ranges from $100,000 to $250,000. Funds are direct to schools >$5,000. Only applies to within 2 • Eligible for non-profit organizations, city governments, miles of K-8 schools. Quick Start Mini-grants are $1,000 county governments, or other government entities grants for schools that are interested in funding a small (or • 80/20 match large) Safe Routes to School Activity. These grants are easy • http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational_planning/trai to apply for and are a great way to start up a Safe Routes lfnd.shtml program. Activities need to occur within 90 days from award. Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program (CMAQ) • Semiannual cycles: August – October, February – April As with its predecessor legislation, the MAP-21 provides • $1,000 to <$5,000 funding to areas in nonattainment or maintenance for

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ozone, carbon monoxide, and/or particulate matter. In • Purchase of diesel retrofits or conduct of related addition, those State that have no nonattainment or outreach activities. maintenance areas still receive a minimum apportionment • Facilities serving electric or natural gas-fueled vehicles of CMAQ funding for either air quality projects or other (except where this conflicts with prohibition on rest elements of flexible spending. area commercialization) are explicitly eligible. • Some expanded authority to use funds for transit Funds may be used for transportation projects likely to operations. contribute to the attainment or maintenance of a national • Workforce development, training, and education ambient air quality standard, with a high level of activities are also an eligible use of CMAQ funds. effectiveness in reducing air pollution, and that will be • http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/map21/factsheets/cmaq.cf included in the Metropolitan Planning Organization's (MPO's) m current transportation plan and transportation improvement program (TIP) or the current state transportation Transportation, Community and System Preservation improvement program (STIP) in areas without an MPO. Program (TCSP) Some specific eligible activities are described below: Administered by FHWA, TCSP provides grant funding for strategies that promote improved planning and coordination • Establishment or operation of a traffic monitoring, among transportation, community and system preservation management, and control facility, (including advanced plans. Program funds support improving the efficiency of the truck stop electrification) systems, if it contributes to U.S. transportation system, reducing the environmental attainment of an air quality standard. impacts of transportation and ensuring access to jobs, • Projects that improve traffic flow, including projects to services, and centers of trade. 2012 Virginia awards: improve signalization, construct HOV lanes, improve $800,000 Walk to Downtown Vienna Initiative, TCSP funds intersections, add turning lanes, improve transportation will improve local pedestrian safety by constructing systems management and operations that mitigate sidewalks on side streets in downtown Vienna and improve congestion and improve air quality, and implement ITS access from neighborhoods to local stores and merchants. and other CMAQ-eligible projects, including projects to $1,620,341 to Luray Main Street Bridge for Rehabilitation improve incident and emergency response or improve and Repair for the 78-year-old Main Street Bridge in Luray. mobility, such as real-time traffic, transit, and multimodal traveler information. • January deadline • Purchase of integrated, interoperable emergency • States, metropolitan planning organizations, local communications equipment. governments and tribal governments are eligible • Projects that shift traffic demand to nonpeak hours or • http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/discretionary/2012tcsp.cfm other transportation modes, increase vehicle occupancy • Not clear if still a funded program. rates, or otherwise reduce demand.

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Featherstone Lane, Trail construction in Prince William Forest Park and Featherstone NWR, Traffic Study near Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) Manassas Battlefield). Fund to improve transportation facilities that provide access • November deadline to, are adjacent to, or are located within Federal lands. The • $250,000-750,000 preferred funding Access Program supplements State and local resources for • State and local agencies eligible public roads, transit systems, and other transportation • Requires coordination with federal land managers facilities, with an emphasis on high-use recreation sites and • 80/20 match economic generators. • http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/flap/ Transportation planning, research, engineering, preventive • http://www.efl.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/fed-lands- maintenance, rehabilitation, restoration, construction, and virginia.aspY reconstruction of Federal Lands located on or adjacent to, National Scenic Byways Program or that: provide access to a Federal land (adjacent vehicular parking areas; acquisition of necessary scenic easements A discretionary grant program, eligible uses include projects and scenic or historic sites; provisions for pedestrians and that improve bicycle and pedestrian safety along the byway bicycles; environmental mitigation in or adjacent to Federal corridor for designated FHWA “national scenic byways.” land to improve public safety and reduce vehicle-caused Applications for national byway status are submitted to wildlife mortality while maintaining habitat connectivity; state departments of transportation and then forwarded to construction and reconstruction of roadside rest areas, FHWA in a competitive process. Virginia hosts five byways: including sanitary and water facilities); Operation and , Colonial Parkway, George Washington maintenance of transit facilities. The Access Program is Memorial Parkway, Journey through Hallowed Ground funded by contract authority from the Highway Trust Fund. Byway, and Skyline Drive. Most of the jurisdictions in Funds are subject to the overall Federal-aid obligation Northern Virginia host scenic byways. February deadline limitation. Funds will be allocated among the States using a • $25,000-1,020,000 new statutory formula based on road mileage, number of • States, metropolitan planning organizations, local bridges, land area, and visitation. $250,000,000 provided governments and tribal government eligible annually through MAP-21. Projects must be on the state • Virginia awarded transportation improvement list, and bicycle pedestrian • http://www.byways.org/learn/program.html activities compete with road and bridge work. Twelve projects received funding in 2013-2014 in Virginia, including two in Arlington (bikeshare and complete street conversion on Army Navy Drive), Fairfax (Old Dominion Drive/Great Falls Park), four in Prince William County (Roadway repair,

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Other Virginia Grant Opportunities campgrounds, boating facilities, etc. Certain kinds of support facilities, such as restrooms, may also be eligible. Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) For either project type, to be eligible, the project sponsor This 50/50 matching grant program is administered by state must possess sufficient legal title and control of the agencies in cooperation with the National Park Service. property to be assisted to ensure that it can be managed Program funds are intended for the acquisition and and maintained for outdoor recreation in perpetuity and development of outdoor recreation areas; trails are one otherwise remain compliant with Section 6(f)(3) of the priority of this program. LWCF Act. • June deadline • July Deadline • 50/50 matching grant • 50/50 match • cities, towns, counties, Native American Tribes, • $250,000-500,000 regional park authorities and state agencies eligible • State and local government agencies and federally • 2014 maximum grant request amount $500,000, recognized Indian tribes eligible minimum $300,000 Total of 6 grants awarded • http://home.nps.gov/news/release.htm?id=1606 • http://www.nps.gov/lwcf/ Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program • http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational_planning/lwc (RTCA) ffaq.shtml#1 Though not a source of funding, RTCA is a technical Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program assistance arm of the National Park Service dedicated to The National Park Service (NPS) State and Local Assistance helping local groups and communities preserve and develop Division has set aside $3 million of the FY 2014 open space, trails and greenways. RTCA is an important appropriations for Land and Water Conservation Fund resource center for many trail builders in urban, rural and (LWCF) State Assistance grants for a new nationally suburban areas. RTCA supplies a staff person with extensive competitive grant program called the Outdoor Recreation experience in community-based conservation to work with a Legacy Partnership Program (ORLPP). Develop public land local group on a project. for outdoor recreation purposes located within or serving • August 1 deadline jurisdictions with a population of 50,000 or more and • Open to state or local agencies, tribes, nonprofit consisting of densely settled territory. Acquisition, organizations, or citizen groups. development or both of lands and facilities that will provide • http://www.nps.gov/orgs/rtca/apply.htm outdoor recreation opportunities to the public. Examples of • http://www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs/rtca/indeY.htm eligible development projects includes sport and other playing fields, parks and picnic areas, water-based recreation facilities, such as pools and spray parks, trails,

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American Hiking Society National Trails Fund • State, local federal, nonprofits, educational institutions eligible. Grants for hiking trails, projects must be completed in one year. • see http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/abpp/ • December deadline Preserve America • $500-1500 Preserve America is a 50/50 grant program that will match • Open to nonprofits non-federal funds. Administered by the NPS and focusing on • http://www.americanhiking.org/national-trails- education and heritage tourism, grants are awarded only to fund/national-trails-fund-guidelines-3/ designated Preserve America communities and state historic preservation offices (SHPOs). Trails are a common recipient Historic Preservation Funding Sources of Preserve America grants. American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) • Deadline Managed by the NPS primarily for conservation purposes, see • 50/50 match http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/abpp/ for current • Not currently funded guidelines. Site identification, documentation, planning, • States, localities, NTHP, certified local governments and interpretation. The American Battlefield Protection (most in NOVA) eligible Program announces the awarding of 21 grants totaling • http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/hpg/PreserveAmerica $1.358 million to assist in the preservation and protection of / America's significant battlefield lands. The funds will support a variety of projects at battle sites in 14 states. In Save America’s Treasures 2014 $60,000 awarded for Balls Bluff in Loudoun County. Save America's Treasures grants only preserve properties This project will prepare a boundary expansion amendment and sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places of the current 76 acre National Historic Landmark at the that are of national significance or designated as a National Ball's Bluff Battlefield and National Cemetery to include Historic Landmark. Focus on protecting nationally significant approximately 2,900 acres. historic properties and museum collections. • Deadline January 14, 2016 • Not currently funded • Eligible activities include site identification, and • 50/50 match documentation, planning and consensus building, and • http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/treasures/ interpretation • Match not required but recommended • No minimum, maximum $117,000 average $32,000

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Other Funding and Assistance Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Water Trail Program A program of the USDA Forest Service, UCF "provides technical, financial, research and educational services to Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Water trails Network (CBGN) local government, nonprofit organizations, community financial assistance awards assist projects at designated groups, educational institutions, and tribal governments." Gateways. The awards require a 1:1 match with eligible Trails and greenways are a key part of the program. non-federal agencies. The awards assist designated Gateways in implementing high-quality public access, http://www.fs.fed.us/ucf/program.html stewardship and interpretive and educational projects that Public Works and Economic Development Program (PWED) advance Network goals: Financial assistance awards are predicated on the availability of Congressional One of a few investment programs administered by the appropriations. Public water access site development Economic Development Administration of the US projects that advance the development of designated Department of Commerce, PWED is meant to provide Gateways water trails, the Captain John Smith Chesapeake funding for "construction or rehabilitation of essential public National Historic Trail, and/or the Star-Spangled Banner infrastructure and facilities" that, among other things, can National Historic Trail are the current funding focus. Grants help to "redevelop Brownfield sites and provide eco- from $10,000 to 250,000 industrial development." http://www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/Grant%20Process.Y • November to January deadline ml • 50/50 match • Nonprofit, state and local government Brownfield Funding Sources

• http://www.baygateways.net/grants.cfm Brownfield funding remediates areas contaminated from Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) years of industrial use. Trails can benefit from federal and state funding sources available to remediate brownfield Providing annual grants on a formula basis to local environmental pollution. The Environmental Protection governments and states for a wide range of community Agency offers funding and financing information for planning initiatives, CDBG monies have been used for trails brownfield properties. and trail construction. CDBG projects must be used for http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/grant_info/indeY.htm. activities that benefit low- and moderate-income persons, Many Trails have taken advantage of brownfield funding, prevent or eliminate slums or blight, and address community including Rhode Island's Woonsquatucket River Greenway development needs having a particular urgency. Project http://www.wrwc.org/greenway.php. Parks list http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/ from trust for public land: programs/ http://www.tpl.org/tier3_cd.cfm?content_item_id=1345&fo lder_id=945.

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Wetlands Restoration Funding Sources marketing efforts undertaken by partnerships constituted by three or more local and regional tourism destinations, National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program marketing organizations, museums, state and local This program offers a matching grant program designed to attractions, businesses, chambers of commerce, and assist states in the "acquisition, restoration, management or economic development organizations. enhancement of coastal wetlands." States bordering the • Two tiers for funding: tier 1: Up to $5,000, maximum Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico or Great Lakes are eligible. award of $5,000 with a 1:1 match required; tier $5,001 Although trails cannot be the primary beneficiary of these to $25, a 2:1 match required (two dollars from partners funds, the program has been used to work on trail matched by one dollar from VTC). infrastructure. http://www.fws.gov/coastal/CoastalGrants/ • Applications are due by January 5. However, in order to Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership be considered for funding, applicants must submit a Offers a source of private money for wetlands restoration, letter of intent prior to August 30. http://cwrp.org/ • www.vatc.org Natural Resources Conservation Service Other programs: • The US Department of Agriculture offers technical and • Virginia Community Capital financial assistance programs to restore and protect http://www.vacommunitycapital.org natural resources and wildlife. • Virginia Office of Community Capacity Building Non- http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ Profit Funding Search Request • U.S. EPA list of federal funding sources for watershed http://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/CommunityCapacityBuild protection. http://cfpub.epa.gov/fedfund/list.cfm ing/PDFs/FundingRequestForm.pdf • USDA Rural Information Center Guide to Funding sources • Virginia Small Business Financing Authority http://www.nal.usda.gov/ric/ricpubs/funding/fundguid http://www.dba.state.va.us/financing_business.shtml e.htm • Virginia Enterprise Zone www.dhcd.virginia.gov/EZones • Center for Community Development, Inc. http://www.ccdi-va.net Virginia Tourism Corporation VTC Marketing Leverage Program and the Cooperative Advertising Fund Program is designed to stimulate the creation of tourism marketing initiatives throughout the Commonwealth. The program supports only those

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Private Resources Rails to Trails Clearinghouse Healthy Youth anti-obesity grants http://www.railstotrails.org/ourwork/trailbuilding/toolboY /indeY.html These grants include funding for trail planning. http://www.healthyyouthva.org/funding.asp American Trails Clearinghouse • August Deadline, Resources for planning and construction, news items: • Smaller grants up to $60K. • http://www.americantrails.org/resources/funding/inde Y.htmlNational Geographic Conservation Trust Grants National Park Foundation • http://www.nationalgeographic.com/research/grant/rg Http://www.nps.gov/partnerships/NPF_grants_and_prgs.ht 2.html m

• Grants up to $10,000

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Appendix C Memorandum of Understanding

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