Patti Goettler of Woodford walks along the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail at its 2006 dedication. FILE/DAVE ELLIS/THE FREE LANCE-STAR Visit the Photo Place

K.G. trail group holding fundraiser HIKING FOR A CAUSE

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Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail update, fundraiser Sunday

By COREY BYERS

Date published: 3/29/2008

King George County's rails-to-trails organizers are hosting hikes for humans and an obstacle course for dogs tomorrow to raise money for the project.

But the group still has a few obstacles of its own to overcome to accomplish its goal of turning the controversial trail into a public park.

The first is to work out an agreement with Little Ark Baptist Church. A portion of the privately-owned trail property runs near the church's cemetery.

Dave Jones, president of Friends of the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail, said the group has been in talks with the church but he could not discuss details publicly. He's waiting until an agreement is finished before addressing the Board of Supervisors.

The Rev. Ben Jones of Little Ark Baptist Church said the two sides are working to find a solution that will be "mutually beneficial to both parties."

The Heritage Trail group wants supervisors to add the trail to the county's comprehensive plan, which they hope would lead to its becoming a state trail.

"Certainly nobody's more ready to do this than we are," Jones said.

Some hurdles have been cleared. The trail has been cleared of old railroad ties, and safety concerns over the trail's proximity to the Northern Virginia Gun Club have been resolved.

Gun Club President Chip King said a bypass route behind a ridge on club property provides hikers safe passage away from a rifle range. King said the club temporarily closes the rifle range when the main trail route is used for special events, such as the one tomorrow.

In the past, county residents opposing the trail said they feared it would bring crime, litter and sprawl to the county. King said the gun club's main concern is safety.

"Basically our guide going in was we're not going to do anything that would get someone hurt," he said.

Remaining challenges include dealing with concerns about vandalism and fundraising.

When it comes to raising money, Jones said he's taking it one event at a time. While the trail has been noted in a state outdoors plan, the lack of county recognition is a problem for proponents.

"We've applied for a few grants, some are contingent on local government or how long you've been in business," Jones said. "We're looking for grants all the time. There are slim pickings for organizations like us."

Former county Planning Commissioner Joe Williams owns the abandoned rail property. It is overseen by former state legislator David Brickley.

Jones said the Friends have taken on day-to-day maintenance responsibilities for the trail, which opened in 2006.

Trail use is by permit only. Jones said between 300 and 400 permits have been issued.

Proceeds from tomorrow's event will also benefit the King George County Animal Rescue League.

Corey Byers: 540/735-1976
Email: cbyers@freelancestar.com

THE EVENT Tomorrow's Trails-N-Tails event to benefit the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail and the King George Animal Rescue League will kick off at the trail head along State Route 605. There is a $20 tax-deductible contribution for families or individual participants. THE SCHEDULE 11:30 a.m.--Guests check-in, games and food available Noon--Bus leaves for an 8-mile hike; dog obstacle course opens for practice 12:30 p.m.--Bus leaves for 5-mile hike 1 p.m.--Bus leaves for 2-mile hike 2 p.m.--Entertainment at trail's stage area 3 p.m.--Superlatives contest starts at trail's stage area 3:30 p.m.--Obstacle course contest begins 4:30 p.m.--Closing ceremony ON THE NET For more info, friends drht.org

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Date published: 3/29/2008