It only took a few months in office for Woodbridge Supervisor Frank J. Principi to hear about his constituents’ desire to open Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge.
Nearly four years later, it has become a reality thanks to hard work from Principi, U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-11th, and a host of community partners.
On Saturday, representatives from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service unveiled the 325 acres of pristine riverfront property to the public, which stretches from the outskirts of Veterans Park south to Neabsco Creek.
The refuge is open to just boaters at this point but an imminent agreement between CSX, VRE and Prince William County will allow access for hikers and commuters in the very near future, said Principi. Boaters can only access the trail at the southernmost point of Farm Creek, which leads out into Occoquan Bay.
“This piece of property is a wonderful jewel for Prince William County and Northern Virginia in general,” Connolly told a crowd gathered near the VRE Rippon station Saturday.
Featuring a host of wildlife -- including bald eagles, fox and deer -- the property had been closed to the public since 1970.
In April, Connolly wrote to the Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar, suggesting that Featherstone be opened to the public.
Connolly cited Mason Neck State Park and Occoquan Bay Wildlife Refuge as examples of the compatibility of wildlife protection and public access. Now that the refuge is open, he believes residents will take even greater pride in its health and welfare.
“This is a great victory for the people of Prince William and for those who love the environment,” Connolly said.
Principi said the opening of the refuge was a true collaboration. The developer for the recently approved mixed use development near the Rippon VRE station has proffered to build steps and handrails leading down from the train platform for commuters to safely access a future trail head.
Prince William Trails & Blueways Council member and long-time Woodbridge resident Lynda Silverstrand said she appreciates Connolly’s efforts to open the refuge.
“It’s pretty cool to have some place so close to home and be brand new to people,” Silverstrand said.
Karen Jones, a member of the Potomac Heritage Trails Association, made the trip from Loudoun County for the ceremony and expects she will be back again once the refuge is open.
“We go hiking everywhere,” Jones laughed.
Staff writer Kipp Hanley can be reached at 703-530-3904.
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