New agreement reached on W&OD Trail vegetation maintenance

By Gene Powell, staff writer

Powerlines stretch over a section of the W&OD Trail, winding through Reston. NOVA Parks and Dominion Energy's agreement reflects a committment to environmental stewardship while keeping the W&OD Trail safe for all. Photo by Benjamin Burgess

A new agreement has been reached between NOVA Parks and Dominion Energy Virginia governing vegetation management and tree trimming along the Washington & Old Dominion Regional Park.

“The new agreement formalizes practices that support current reliability, safety, and environmental stewardship standards while strengthening coordination between the organizations, local governments, and trail users,” Dominion said in a Feb. 3 news release.

“This MOU (memorandum of understanding) reflects a shared commitment between NOVA Parks and Dominion Energy to protect both the health of our community and the natural resources that define this region,” said NOVA Parks Executive Director Justin Wilson. “…The MOU prioritizes thoughtful pruning to preserve the park’s character while also investing in long-term habitat restoration, including invasive species management, native plantings, and the introduction of pollinators. Together, we can help ensure the W&OD Park, and its 45-mile trail, remains a vibrant and valued community resource for generations to come.”

Joe Woomer, Dominion Energy’s senior vice president of electric transmission, said in the release that “by working together, we are balancing the safety and reliability of the grid with the long-term stewardship of this cherished resource. That’s a win-win for our customers and communities.”

The agreement replaces a 25-year-old MOU between the energy company and NOVA Parks that had been discarded. Park and local government officials objected in November 2024 when Dominion began what they described as “clear cutting” under its transmission lines in the Dunn Loring area of the trail. Work was halted temporarily, and Dominion and NOVA Parks developed an interim plan that allowed trimming and limited replanting—primarily between Dunn Loring and Vienna—to resume.

Under the new MOU, Dominion will provide 30 days’ advance notice to NOVA Parks, neighboring jurisdiction officials, and nearby residents before undertaking transmission projects or major maintenance work. Notices will be sent by mail and posted on signage along the trail, the company said.

The agreement promotes pruning of existing trees as the initial step, with tree removal undertaken only when necessary, according to the release. It also encourages the planting of low-growing native trees and pollinators, along with enhanced invasive species management, to support the park’s long-term ecological and aesthetic value.

The Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Railroad Regional Park features a paved trail running 45 miles between Shirlington and Purcellville, passing through Arlington, Falls Church, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Sterling, Leesburg, and Purcellville. More than 2 million people use the trail each year.