Proposed Detour for Planned W&OD Closure for Tree Cutting.
Northern Virginia’s beloved Washington & Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) has long been a vital thread weaving together our region’s parks, neighborhoods, and communities. A 45-mile greenway stretching from Arlington to Purcellville, the W&OD is more than just a place to bike, walk, or run—it’s a vibrant corridor of natural beauty, urban connectivity, and shared history. It’s where many of us fell in love with cycling, taught our kids to ride, or simply found a peaceful escape from busy lives.
But now, this cherished green corridor is under threat and we need all trail users to sign Washington Area Bicyclist Association’s petition to halt drastic plans to clear cut trees.
Earlier this year, Dominion Energy abruptly began clear-cutting vegetation along several miles of the trail—eliminating the trees, shrubs, and undergrowth that provide shade, absorb stormwater, and form vital habitat for wildlife. While Dominion temporarily paused the destruction in April amid growing public outcry, they now plan to resume their aggressive cutting—still without a restoration plan or a renewed agreement with NOVA Parks, which has responsibly managed the trail for decades.
FABB is joining the WABA and our regional partners in calling on Dominion Energy to immediately halt its clear-cutting, return to the table with NOVA Parks, and reinstate the longstanding policy of selective pruning that preserved both safety and the trail’s natural beauty for over 20 years.
We understand that safety matters—but safety doesn’t have to come at the cost of a forested, welcoming trail that’s used by nearly 3 million people a year. The W&OD isn’t just a utility corridor. It’s a community treasure. We need to protect its character for the next 50 years and beyond.
Let’s show Dominion Energy—and our elected leaders—that the W&OD is worth protecting.
Sign WABA’s petition today and speak up for a better, greener trail.
A trail without trees isn’t just uglier—it’s hotter, less resilient, more flood-prone, and less safe. If you’ve ever found joy, inspiration, or comfort on the W&OD, now’s the time to act. Let’s make sure future generations can enjoy the same leafy, shaded trail we’ve all come to love.
