NVCT is a regional nonprofit founded in 1994 to safeguard the region’s wildlife and natural landscapes. According to the nonprofit’s website, it has protected more than 9,000 acres of land across the region in both urban and rural areas.
Doves Landing is a 308-acre park with access to the Occoquan River. 95% of the land is forested and the area around the river are considered a crucial wetland habitat. The county acquired the land in the 1990s, but remained vacant until the Board of County Supervisors made it a park in 2013.
In 2022, the Board adopted a new master plan for the park and replaced the 2013 master plan. The updated plan now accounts for the additional 73 acres acquired by the county in 2020.
“With the ongoing development pressures and increased population growth occurring in Prince William County, preserving lands for passive recreation and environmental protection are even more important for the health and wellbeing of the county’s residents,” the master plan document states. “Having 500 acres of essentially undisturbed waterfront forest that is available for hiking, biking, fishing and paddling, creates a respite for residents to enjoy the outdoors.”
Doves Landing currently has around 3 miles of trails and 1 mile of shoreline access to the Occoquan River.
“The need to preserve our natural and cultural resources for future generations to enjoy freely from development pressure is stronger than ever and we are grateful for partners like NVCT who make the conservation easement process easy for jurisdictions like ours,” Seth Hendler-Voss, director of the county’s Department of Parks and Recreation, said. “We are proud to serve a community and board of elected officials who prioritize our unique environment.”
Many local residents and groups including the Prince William Conservation Alliance have been advocating for Doves Landing’s conservation since its inception, the county press release stated.
“Local residents spoke loudly and clearly about their desire to see this special place conserved for its natural beauty, and we are committed to working with the dedicated county parks staff to fulfill that promise,” Alan Rowsome, executive director of NVCT, said.
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