Fairfax County says it’s making steady progress toward its long-term goal of saving Lake Accotink from disappearing completely, but some residents worry the drawn-out timeline will make it harder — and more expensive — to preserve what’s left.
Years of sediment buildup from Accotink Creek have steadily shrunk the lake from 110 acres to about 49 acres. While the county has dredged the lake in the past — most recently in 1985 and 2008 — sediment continues to accumulate at a rate of 23,000 cubic yards per year.
After a proposal to let the lake turn into wetlands drew widespread objections, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors directed staff in January 2024 to study long-term solutions for preserving the lake, including options to manage sediment buildup and keep a viable water body.
Last July, the county partnered with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to assess sediment levels and potential preservation strategies, with the study expected to be completed by 2027. But some residents argue that continued studies are delaying much-needed action while the lake keeps shrinking.
“Initially, the study was expected to take 12 months, but we are now in the second year of a hidden process without any progress made,” Martin Shepherd, a Fairfax resident and member of Friends of Lake Accotink, said in an email to FFXnow. “A year-long delay has resulted in additional silt accumulation, complicating future dredging efforts.”
Officials, however, say they delayed the study’s launch to incorporate feedback from a community survey conducted last fall.
“Staff have been moving as quickly as possible but found it important to include community feedback in the feasibility study scope of work,” Sharon North, a spokesperson for the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES), told FFXnow.
Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw also defended the study’s timeline, arguing that while sedimentation remains a concern, the lake isn’t in immediate danger of disappearing.
“Stream gauges have been installed, a sedimentation study is underway, and the dam assessment is partially complete,” he told FFXnow. “While the lake continues to slowly collect sediment, it is not at risk of filling in before we gather the information, analysis, and broad community engagement needed to develop a truly long-term and sustainable plan to save Lake Accotink.”
Survey shows strong support for preservation, varied concerns
While frustration lingers over the study’s pace, the county survey conducted last year showed overwhelming support for preserving the lake based on more than 1,500 responses.
Nearly 90% of respondents said they had visited Lake Accotink in the past year, with 44% saying they visit at least 10 times annually. Many described it as a vital recreational and environmental resource, frequently used for walking, biking and bird-watching. As sediment piles up, though, concerns are growing about its shrinking size and potential disappearance if action isn’t taken.
A majority of respondents said maintaining as much open water as possible should be the top priority, rather than allowing the lake to transition into wetlands. But residents also emphasized the need for a balanced, long-term approach that considers environmental sustainability, costs and potential disruptions from dredging and construction.
Some residents want stronger sediment management efforts upstream to reduce the need for continuous dredging, while others worry about the impact of restoration work, including truck traffic from hauling away sediment and temporary park closures.
Cost also remains a major concern, with many respondents urging the county to invest in preventative measures, rather than continuing the cycle of expensive dredging every few decades.
Next steps
As the Lake Accotink Preservation Feasibility Study moves forward, Fairfax County has outlined a multi-year timeline for research, planning and public engagement efforts.
Looking at the feasibility of maintaining a 20 to 40-acre lake that’s 4 to 8 feet deep, the preservation study itself will initially run through mid-2026, with updates expected at the end of 2026 and 2027. Meanwhile, the sedimentation study will continue through the end of 2027 to track how much material is flowing into the lake and evaluate potential sediment control measures.
A dam assessment study, focused on evaluating structural integrity, maintenance needs, and potential repairs, began in fall 2024 and is expected to conclude by mid-2025. The assessment was prolonged by the discovery of a “large amount of debris” that needed to be removed so the lake’s water level could be lowered and the dam properly inspected.
Public engagement will continue through 2027, with opportunities for residents to weigh in through:
- Community meetings to provide updates and gather feedback, though no dates have been announced yet.
- Online engagement tools, including a multilingual public portal for updates and public comments.
- Surveys and direct outreach to ensure a range of perspectives are considered.
- Stakeholder discussions with environmental groups, park users, and local homeowners.
Once the feasibility study is complete, the county will move forward with dredge design and permitting, selecting a preferred approach based on environmental impact, cost-effectiveness and public input.
“Lake Accotink is a cherished community asset, and we want to ensure residents stay informed and involved,” North said.
