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Hike raises upward of $2,000 for trail proponents and K.G. animal rescue league Date published: 3/31/2008
Dogs dominated a privately owned trail in King George County yesterday afternoon after their masters made donations to two separate local groups.
The Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail, which stretches 15.7 miles through the county, was open for eight-, five- and two-mile fundraising hikes. Paula Van Alstine, a volunteer with Friends of the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail, estimated the event brought in between $1,500 and $2,000. Proceeds will go to both the trail group and the King George Animal Rescue League. Approximately 200 people visited, most accompanied by their four-legged friends. County resident Billie Perrine said she's in favor of the rails-to-trails project--which has been controversial in the past--and also came out to support the rescue league. Perrine brought her bearded collie, Lily, whose fur was matted with trail mulch at the end of the route. "She had to sniff all along the way," Perrine said after a two-mile stroll. "She's very big on sniffing." Roxie, a golden retriever and Tasha, a German shepherd, also led their owner and county resident, Annie Cardwell down the wooded corridor. Cardwell did the talking for them, saying her pets had the opportunity to mingle. "It seemed like a fun way to spend the afternoon," Cardwell said. "They're good groups to sponsor and [we wanted] to see the trail which we've heard all about." Stephanie Gardner, secretary for the King George Animal Rescue League, hoped the first Trails-N-Tails hike might help recruit new volunteers and general support. She said another similar event could take place in the fall. While the league does not have a shelter facility for dogs and cats, animals are placed in foster care then adopted out to permanent homes. "We're two completely different organizations but we have similar goals," Gardner said of the fundraiser. Gardner said the trail was a "good place for animals to get together and play" since there are no dog parks in the county. Yesterday's event also featured doggie games, an obstacle course and old track maintenance cars which traveled on a remaining stretch of rail. Trail proponents, who handle daily maintenance, plan to install a restored caboose and box car on the property in May. They would eventually like to see the trail go public and have raised money during the last two years to clear the property. While the trail is noted in a state outdoor recreation plan, supporters say a lack Former county Planning Commissioner Joe Williams owns the property. It is overseen by former state legislator David Brickley. Dog groomer and part-time dachshund breeder Lori Banker escorted three of her six dachshunds along the trail--S'more, Baloo and Abigail. As the county resident fed her little-legged brood from a portable water dish, Banker was pretty sure they could've handled the five-miler, even though they took a shorter walk. "There guys come with energy-ready batteries." Corey Byers: 540/735-1976
AUTiger posts that the organizers need some money from loval gov't. Actually, that's not quite correct. This trail won't cost KG county a single dime. It will actually bring money INTO the county. The state already budgets for these trails. So adopting this into the state park system results in tax money coming back into KG... not an expenditure of money by KG. If you want a good example - the RTT in Charles County recently got the county over $1M.
The event was a lot of fun. The dogs were having a great time, and the walkers, well, not much more fun than hiking through the beautiful countryside with friends and pets! The railroad clubs train cars were a hit with everyone as they rode up and down the rails. First cars on those tracks in a long time! For those who want to get out to the trail more often, see the DRHT web site (friedsdrht.org) to get a free permit. See you on the trail!
A lot of folks support the trail; the trail organizers need some money from the local govt. There are a small percentage of whiners in the community, but as always, that small % have the loudest voices.
When is King George going to wake up and realize the trail is great asset to the county. Look at the pictures. The public enjoying the outdoors. What a novel idea in King George.
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