The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors is considering a proposal that will damage and destroy wildlife habitat and natural areas at Bles Park in Ashburn. Numerous shy and uncommon bird species, dragonflies, pollinators, aquatic mammals and native plants rely upon the unique habitat at Bles Park that is found nowhere else in Loudoun County!

The proposal includes constructing a boardwalk through the most secluded part of the marsh where sensitive species go to hide and breed, likely causing them to abandon the park.  It also includes converting a gravel path into a road for cars right alongside sensitive wetlands where people now walk to enjoy nature, paving over a stormwater pond frequented by wildlife and clearing trees and pollinator habitat to build tennis and pickleball courts, parking spaces, skateboard areas, and a turf/lawn area. 

On January 18th the Board of Supervisors could give the green light for this 30x increase in paved and impervious surfaces and 5X increase in structures within the floodplain at Bles Park that will drive away wildlife with noise, traffic and habitat disturbance in addition to creating safety risks for hikers, runners and walkers. 

There are alternative solutions to locate appropriate amenities and additions nearby outside of the floodplain and away from sensitive habitat areas, so as to safeguard wildlife, biodiversity and environmental community benefits in Bles Park.

Please SIGN THIS PETITION urging the Board of Supervisors to protect Bles Park wildlife and say NO to the current proposal.