Letter To the Editor

Conservation Opportunity

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I was disappointed in the article ["Plan to Preserve Va. Farm Falls Short in Final Stages," Metro, Dec. 2] on efforts by the Prince William Conservation Alliance and its executive director, Kim Hosen, to protect Merrimac Farms from development. In particular, I am troubled by the article's implication that Ms. Hosen acted in an unethical manner.

Merrimac Farms is currently under the McDowell Trust, managed by Wachovia Bank. The bank has a fiduciary responsibility to manage the trust in the best interest of its beneficiaries, which is why Wachovia, not Ms. Hosen, sought to remove the property from what was only temporary protection from development. Ms. Hosen simply acted to find a way to turn this situation into a gain for Prince William County's natural heritage.

I have worked with Ms. Hosen on conservation issues and environmental education programs in Prince William for nearly a decade. She has worked tirelessly to raise environmental awareness, promote conservation of natural habitat and provide environmental education opportunities for thousands of students. I have never known her to perform in anything other than an honest, open and forthright manner.

Merrimac Farms is a remarkable property, with more than 100 acres of forested wetlands, approximately 200 acres of upland forest and substantial frontage along Cedar Run. This stream is classified by the state as having impaired water quality, and it is a headwater for the Occoquan Reservoir. By developing this property, we miss the opportunity to preserve a significant piece of natural habitat and to help protect Cedar Run from further impairment.

Board of County Supervisors Chairman Sean T. Connaughton (R) and other local leaders should be encouraging efforts to protect the county's rapidly disappearing natural habitat.

Compared with other suburban jurisdictions, Prince William government has shown little foresight in protecting natural areas for future generations.

Soon, no opportunities will be left.

Cliff Fairweather

Manager,

Rust Nature Sanctuary

Audubon Naturalist Society

Leesburg