Volunteers clean up Occoquan River

For years the Prince William Trails and Streams Coalition has volunteered its efforts in building multi-use trails in the county.

By the end of 2009, the coalition had built more than seven additional miles of trails on Prince William County Park Authority property and helped establish more than two miles of public accessible trails through key partnerships with other landowner.

On Saturday, the coalition took on one of its most challenging projects — to help clean up a 14-mile stretch of the Occoquan River, which serves as a drinking water source for many residents in western Fairfax and eastern Prince William County, from below Lake Jackson Dam to the Lake Ridge Marina.

About 20 members with kayaks and canoes took to the water below the dam and began the massive cleanup of the waterway.

The coalition was working in the cleanup with the Park Authority, the Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District and The Friends of Occoquan and several bordering homowners associations.

A major goal of the coalition is to build a canoe/kayak launch area at the site below Lake Jackson Dam, providing for a nine-mile paddling trip to the Bull Run Marina as well as a 14-mile paddling experience to either Lake Ridge Marina or Fountainhead Marina.

Mike DePue, planner with the Park Authority, said there is no definite time schedule for developing the launch area but that the site is owned by Prince William County and securing the right-of-way would not be a problem.

“Many canoeists and kayakers have wanted such a launching site since there is none this far up the Occoquan River,” he said.

Eric Vannortwick of Dale City, a long-time kayaker, agreed.

“I dislike all types of trash … and I’m here today to help cleanup the river,” he said.

Kevin Ringham of Bristow said he joined the coalition because of its interest to promote a county-wide system of trails, connecting parks with communities and stream recreation.

“I borrowed a kayak so I could participate today,” he said.
Brian Sneed of Dumfries said he often canoes on the Occoquan.

“I see and pick up a lot of debris along the way. I’m glad to see such a massive cleanup drive going on and I’d certainly like to see a launch site up at Lake Jackson,” he said.

After dropping of their trash at various collection points along the river, a canoe/’kayak trailer and passenger van was provided to shuttle them and their equipment back to Lake Jackson. Rescue boats from Lake Jackson VFD and Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Fire Department were on hand in case of any emergency.

The local cleanup was part of the annual Alice Ferguson Foundation 22nd Potomac River Watershed Clean-up Day.

Litter take out site were Riverview Estates, Occoquan and Canon bluff Home Owners Associations, Bull Run Marina, Fountainhead Marina, and Lake Ridge Marina.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.