PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY — (Press release)Â Manassas National Battlefield Park is preparing for a prescribed fire between March 26 and April 5, 2019.
These dates may be extended depending upon weather conditions. The planned fire will be in the Deep Cut area of the battlefield, encompassing approximately 40 acres of open fields and brush.
This will be the park’s second prescribed fire, following a successful inaugural burn in April 2018 on approximately 45 acres to the east of the Brawner Farm. The goals of this year’s burn are to restore historic battlefield viewsheds, maintain wildlife habitat and control woody and invasive species.
“We’re using prescribed fire to continue our efforts to return a significant segment of the battlefield back to its Civil War-era appearance and to make room for native grasses,” Manassas National Battlefield Park Superintendent Brandon Bies said. “Safety is our top priority, and we will only conduct the prescribed fire if conditions are appropriate.”
Many factors must be in place to conduct a prescribed fire and ensure public and firefighter safety. The timing of the prescribed fire is dependent on wind, temperature and relative humidity. Firefighters will create buffers and firebreaks to contain the fire. National Park Service staff will monitor air quality and smoke impacts, including visibility on nearby roads. Following the active burn, wildland firefighters will patrol the area to ensure the fire is completely out.
Temporary Closures Planned: During the prescribed fire, public areas and trails between the Brawner Farm Interpretive Center and the Deep Cut area will be closed for up to two days. Additional roads, trails and areas may need to be closed temporarily if smoke conditions reduce visibility.
Recent Stories
Join Uriah Kiser, founder and publisher of Potomac Local News, as he sits down with Dayna-Marie Miles, the newest member of the Manassas City School Board.
In this engaging episode, Dayna-Marie shares her journey to the school board, her priorities for education in Manassas City, and her vision for fostering open communication between the board and the community.
Prince William County’s plans for an indoor sports complex in Woodbridge face a significant shift following this week’s decision by the Board of County Supervisors to allocate $250,000 for a consultant to determine the best use for the site. The 21.85-acre property near I-95 and the state’s most enormous commuter lot, the Horner Road lot, had been the centerpiece of a proposal to build a large indoor recreation facility to attract travel teams and host major events like graduations.
The property, once proposed as the location for a large indoor sports and recreation facility, is now part of a broader development plan. County officials aim to aggregate the land with four adjacent parcels, totaling nearly 50 acres of county- and state-owned land, including existing commuter parking lots. The mission is to transform the area into a community hub that harmonizes living, working, and leisure spaces while generating jobs and tax revenue.
Known colloquially as Prince William Landing, the area was previously considered as a potential site for a new Washington Commanders football stadium alongside another location near Potomac Mills mall. Both sites were discussed as part of efforts to keep the team in Northern Virginia after its lease on FedEx Field expires in 2027. However, those plans did not materialize.
According to county documents, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, along with the Finance Department and Office of Procurement Services, is leading the effort to attract a strategic real estate partner. The process will follow the Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act of 2002 (PPEA) to identify a development partner capable of delivering a project that strengthens the county’s sense of place and meets diverse community needs.
Three amendments are one step closer to being enshrined in the Virginia Constitution after passing the Senate on Tuesday. These amendments address abortion rights, marriage equality, and the restoration of voting rights for formerly incarcerated felons.
The resolutions on abortion and voting rights passed along party lines, while the marriage equality resolution received bipartisan support with a 24-15 vote. Democrats currently hold a 21-19 majority in the Senate for the four-year terms through December 2027.
Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin cannot veto constitutional amendments. The process requires these amendments to be approved twice over two years, with a legislative election in between. If approved again, the proposed amendments will appear on the 2026 ballot for voters’ consideration.
Germanna Community College (GCC) hosted a ribbon cutting at its new Stafford expansion today, January 23, 2025. The event marked the opening of two buildings in Stafford: the Barbara J. Fried Building at 10 Center Street and the Kevin L. Dillard Health Sciences Building at 25 Center Street.
GCC was established in 1970 as part of Virginia’s Community College System and has locations in Culpeper, Locust Grove, Fredericksburg, and Stafford. The school’s website says over 13,000 students are enrolled.
The new expansion added 74,000 square feet to the campus with a $20 million investment. GCC plans to double enrollment in allied health services, like nursing. They will also expand their cybersecurity, IT, general education, and dual enrollment programs.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
