Help Save the Last Remaining Forested Land in Fairfax City
Photo: Proposed site of the George Snyder Bike Trail, Tom Blackburn
On March 11, the City Council of Fairfax City will discuss the proposed George Snyder Trail Project, which will transform a natural path that follows existing terrain through an urban forest along the southern side of Accotink Creek into a paved wasteland. The Council’s March 11 work session will include a presentation by staff. It’s VERY IMPORTANT that the Council also hear from Fairfax City residents and the surrounding community interested in preserving natural habitat for birds and other wildlife.
The proposed project will result in the loss of 600 mature trees, with the greatest damagefrom changes in grade. Only a third of the project would follow the existing grade. Two thirds of the project would be on boardwalks or bridges; raise the grade on as much as 11 feet of fill dirt; or excavate to level out the trail by as much as 7 feet below grade. Creating a slope between the portion of the trail on fill with the lower terrain would involve adding more fill to an area up to 50 feet wide. Excavation of an area up to 50 feet wide would be required to create a slope between the excavated pathway and the existing grade. Detailed information on the project is available in our analysis here.
Please email comments in opposition to the members of the Fairfax City Council, listed below. Please submit your comments any time between now and March 10, to make sure they get in the record. Reference the George Snyder Trail Project, and the March 11 City Council Work Session.
