Government and Nonprofits Partner To Share Costs of Merrimac Farm
By Kristen Mack
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, February 7, 2008; VA25
Merrimac Farm, the long fought-over 300-acre Prince William property, will be permanently conserved for public hunting and fishing.
The site, which features wetlands, hardwood forest and upland meadows, has been added to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries' statewide wildlife preserves. It is expected to open in April.
Marine Col. Dean N. McDowell, a well-known conservationist, turned Merrimac Farm near Quantico Marine Corps Base into a popular hunting preserve where sportsmen could shoot quail and pheasant. It closed after his death in 2002 and became a potential target of developers during the county's boom years.
Conservationists have tried to protect the space and were able to finalize the agreement late last month with the partnership of state, federal, local nonprofit groups and private individuals, including the VDGIF, the Prince William Conservation Alliance and the Marine Corps. The three organizations combined efforts and purchased the property from the McDowell family for $2.8 million.
It is the first acquisition of its kind in Virginia, say those involved, and expands the department's statewide network to 37 areas. A formal dedication is planned to coincide with the peak of wild bluebells on the property, one of the largest single patches in Northern Virginia.
"Our family is committed to conservation," said Gail McDowell, the colonel's widow. "We are delighted that the property will be protected and available to the public."
Wildlife habitat for such species as bobwhite, quail, various songbirds, waterfowl, deer, fox, rabbits, frogs and salamanders will be preserved. The wetlands along Cedar Run, which flows into Occoquan River, also will be protected and will enhance the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay.
Merrimac Farm will be used primarily for wildlife-related recreation, including special managed hunts, fishing, wildlife viewing areas and environmental education programs. There will be some restrictions. Horseback and bicycle riding, use of all-terrain vehicles, dog walking and jogging will be prohibited.
Jerry Sims, wildlife regional manager for the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, said there is a high demand for hunting among Northern Virginians. "We get up in the big cities and we have a lot of wildlife enthusiasts," Sims said. "This is so close to the metropolitan area, and this will serve as a demonstration area. This is an opportunity for people to go out an enjoy the solitude of wildlife."
Kim Hosen, executive director of the Prince William Conservation Alliance, said she views the purchase of Merrimac Farm as part of the group's efforts to preserve green space that is open to the public.
"This provides people with a place to go with their families, explore the outdoors and get a little balance from the hectic pace of Northern Virginia."
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