tree | FFXnow - Part 4

Published October 18, 2024 at 8:15AM

Trees line Colvin Run Road in Great Falls (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

While the environment is generally a priority for Fairfax County, issues related to trees and invasive plants appear likely to take a backseat to other concerns when local elected officials lobby their state counterparts in the General Assembly next year.

At its legislative committee meeting on Tuesday (Oct. 15), the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors reviewed a number of proposals for promoting tree conservation and addressing invasive species from the Fairfax County Tree Commission and Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC).

Countywide

Fairfax County awaits clarity from state on new Chesapeake Bay protection rules for developers

By Scott McCaffrey

Published October 9, 2024 at 3:45PM

The Potomac River in Great Falls Park in November 2022 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County has updated its Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance to reinforce requirements for developers along the Potomac River and its tributaries to protect older trees and guard against rising sea levels.

However, even as they voted unanimously yesterday (Tuesday) to amend regulations related to the ordinance, Fairfax County supervisors expressed some frustration with a lack of clarity in the guidance handed down by Virginia’s State Water Control Board (SWCB).

Countywide

Fairfax County bumps back tree-planting season due to warming climate

By Angela Woolsey

Published September 16, 2024 at 2:30PM | Updated September 17, 2024 at 12:10AM

A tree seedling encased in wire (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Bad news for anyone who has already gotten roots in the ground: Fairfax County’s window for planting trees has shifted back following a record-hot summer.

Forest Conservation (FCON) staff in the county’s Department of Land Development Services (LDS) updated its policy this spring to designate Oct. 1 through May 31 as the recommended time frame for planting trees, pushing back the previous start date of Sept. 1 and extending it through the winter.

News

Woods at Fairfax Station church added to national forest network

By Melanie Pincus

Published August 13, 2024 at 1:30PM

The Sanctuary Forest around St. Peter's in the Woods Episcopal Church in Fairfax Station has been designated as an official Community Forest by the Old Growth Forest Network (via Google Maps)

A forest in Fairfax Station is set to receive some laurels.

The five-acre St. Peter’s in the Woods Episcopal Church Sanctuary Forest (5911 Fairview Woods Drive) will be designated as a community forest by the Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN) on Sept. 14.

News

Vienna will require developers to preserve trees, starting this summer

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 6, 2024 at 1:30PM

A yard sign advocates for saving Vienna's trees (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Going forward, developers in the Town of Vienna will be required to save trees, not just replace them.

After years of study and discussion, the Vienna Town Council voted on April 29 to adopt a new tree conservation ordinance and create an advocacy committee in a bid to preserve and expand the town’s declining canopy.

News

Tysons Forest task force recommends steps for preserving 65 acres of woods

By Angela Woolsey

Published April 26, 2024 at 10:30AM

Volunteers assembled at Tysons Forest for an Earth Day nature walk and litter cleanup (via Fairfax County Department of Cable and Consumer Services)

The continued development of Tysons doesn’t have to come at the expense of its remaining natural green space, argues a recent report on ways to preserve 65 acres of forest in the urban center.

A community task force has recommended two dozen actions that could help preserve and even enhance wooded areas collectively known as Tysons Forest, including tree plantings and clean-up efforts. Dated March 24, the report was formally accepted by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on April 16.

News

Funding for new tree plantings approved by Vienna Town Council

By Angela Woolsey

Published March 12, 2024 at 1:30PM

Entrance to the East Creek Trail in Vienna (via Google Maps)

The Town of Vienna will take a critical step this coming Arbor Day toward replenishing its tree canopy, thanks to the late councilmember Maud Robinson.

During its March 4 meeting, the current Vienna Town Council gave staff the go-ahead to spend $50,000 from the Robinson Trust on a planting project that will add 145 trees along local streets and the East Creek Trail.

News

Vienna seeks faster timeline for developers to provide tree coverage

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 7, 2024 at 11:00AM

Trees line Park Street near the Church Street intersection in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Future developers in Vienna may have half as much time to cultivate tree shade on their properties.

The Virginia State Senate recently passed legislation that would enable Vienna to adopt 10-year tree canopy requirements in place of the current 20-year time frame, getting the town a step closer to accomplishing one of its top priorities for the past couple of years.

News

Fairfax City sticks with plan for George Snyder Trail after debating alternatives

By Angela Woolsey

Published January 26, 2024 at 9:30AM

Fairfax City's George Snyder Trail currently ends on the east side of Fair Woods Parkway (via Google Maps)

Fairfax City will complete the George Snyder Trail as planned after all.

In response to some community concerns, the Fairfax City Council discussed changing the pedestrian and bicycle project’s scope or even canceling it altogether during its meeting on Tuesday (Jan. 23). But council members failed to agree on any of the proposed alternatives, allowing the city to stay the course by default.

News

Fairfax City to decide fate of George Snyder Trail this month amid environmental impact questions

By Acacia James

Published January 11, 2024 at 3:30PM

Fairfax City is debating whether to extend the George Snyder Trail through a wooded area along Accotink Creek (via Fairfax City)

The Fairfax City Council will vote on the future of a much-debated trail planned in the heart of the city later this month.

During a meeting on Tuesday (Jan. 9), the city’s transportation director, Wendy Sanford, presented the council with options for proceeding with the George Snyder Trail project, which will complete a 2-mile trail along the southern side of Accotink Creek between Chain Bridge Road (Route 123) and Fairfax Blvd (Route 50).