The Bles Park special exception passed unanimously on January 18 with only minor conditions for approval. Despite this outcome, we are committed to continue to work on this to stay engaged and effect positive changes for wildlife and habitat. We want to thank all of our supporters who raised their voices for wildlife.

The conditions for approval included:

-An updated endangered and threatened species review must be completed before a site plan is completed. If any endangered or threatened species would be impacted, and if alternate routes are not feasible, then a boardwalk shall not be constructed.

-The gravel path for the kayak launch site shall only be widened on the east side (away from the wetlands), and shall be limited to provide for safe passage and the regulatory minimum required width.

-The recreation fields shall not be lighted.

-The recreation fields shall be a natural surface.

These conditions for approval do not satisfy our concerns regarding impacts to the wetlands from the proposed boardwalk and vehicular traffic to the kayak launch, nor do they satisfy our concerns about the significant increase in impervious surfaces in the floodplain. However, the boardwalk amenity is not currently funded, and it will have to come back before the board for funding approval before it can proceed.

There was discussion by supervisors to keep the pollinator meadow beside the pond in its current state rather than turning it into an unprogrammed lawn area. We are seeking additional information on this topic as it was not included as a condition of approval.

We will continue to post updates about Bles Park, and we encourage people to join us on Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy's monthly bird walks on the third Sunday of the month.