Supervisors May and Nohe are taking a strong leadership position on Silver Lake and I commend them for it! Although the opportunity to have Bull Run Conservancy take over stewardship and add an additional 270 acres to Silver Lake for public use was lost, there are still valuable long terms assets to perserving the Park. As we all know, Supervisors come and go with each election, but the fate of Silver Lake can be preserved for generations to come through a simple deed restriction prior to handing over the property to the Park Authority.
Why is a deed restriction important? Too many times, Parks meant for valuable passive recreation, like fishing, hiking, birding, and picnicking have been threatened by outside entities wanting to turn them into active recreation, often times the plans include cutting down trees and altering landscapes. In 25 years, 50 years and so on, beautiful sanctuaries like Silver Lake will be a rare commodity. We have already experienced how much a community can change from the pressures of development. Silver Lake, with appropriate deed restrictions, will remain a Park that will offer swimming, fishing, camping, hiking, nature education, and horse back riding for generations to come.
In June 23rd, at 2:00 p.m., the Board will turn over control to the Park Authority, I hope this Board finally decides to take a strong stand for conservation, it’s about time in Prince William County.
Please link to the Prince William Conservation Alliance read this “hot of the press” press release.
I urge you to visit www.savesilverlake.org to send your thoughts to the Board, you can also easily invite friends and family to join in this important conservation effort for all PWC citizens.
