Hello and welcome to the Loudoun Trails Alliance website.
In working within Loudoun County
we have been told more than once by conservation experts that in order to save
land for recreational use a trails plan is paramount. Some years ago in Fairfax
County a trails plan was put in place and is still in use today. The trails
project was key to mapping then existing trails and exposing required links to
connect then current and future trails.
Currently in
Loudoun County there is no trails plan. Land is being developed without thought
of needed recreational trails. It is important to work with Loudoun County to
map out current trails and earmark land for future trails and connectors.
Building has slowed for the time being but it won't last. Once the economy turns
around and developers are once again building new neighborhoods on old farms the
access to trails will be in question. If we can work with developers and County
officials to create easements in neighborhoods or trails on proffered lands we
have a chance of keeping trails open and
accessible.
We can work
together to be one voice for requesting easements in new developments to connect
trails, for maintaining and growing a trails network in Loudoun County, for more
access to vacant parkland, against unnecessary power lines, and other important
issues impacting open space.
Notes
from the ELCR meeting on 6/3 at
Blandy:
According
the US Department of the Interior, farmland, field and open space are being lost
to development at the rate of 250 acres per hour. Broad,
deep group support is needed to conserve properties. Reach across boundaries,
overcome biases to foster that support. Virginia is one of only four states that offer
land conservation easements and of the four, Virginia’s are the best, the most
generous. Many landowners do
not understand how the easements work and therefore the
financial benefits they offer. The
whole property need not go into an easement. A 25-foot swath for trails can be
placed in a conservation
easement.
If your group supports the idea of natural surface multi-use trails in
Loudoun County for recreational use, Loudoun Trails Alliance would like to place
a link to your group on the LTA website. Please send a weblink to your website
so that we can make sure we represent you correctly.
LTA also has a yahoo group where you can post your group events and
happenings in the area.
Please consider coming together with walkers, cyclists, hikers and
equestrians to make the trails plan a reality.
Sincerely,
Yvonne Wheaton
Loudoun Trails Alliance
