Last month, we asked you to write your senator in support of HB2306, which would have created a 1,200-acre state park at Oak Hill in Loudoun County. After the House unanimously supported it, the fate of this park has hung in the balance. The Senate unfortunately killed the bill, leaving the fate of this opportunity in the hands of the governor, who this week included it in his budget amendments. While we hoped to soon celebrate this win for public access, we are concerned the General Assembly will reject the Governor's budget amendments. So, we need your support pushing this over the finish line by writing and calling your legislators today! 

As a state park, Oak Hill would enhance Virginians' access to fresh air and nature and trails across more than 1,200 acres of fields, forest, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and Little River frontage, and the well-preserved home of James Monroe, the last founding father to serve as president. Its location along U.S. Route 15, just minutes south of Leesburg, a short drive from millions of residents in Northern Virginia, and close to Dulles Airport make it an important new resource for Virginians and visitors to our state.

Over $46 million is already committed from various sources for the acquisition and stewardship of Oak Hill. In other words, the acquisition and start-up costs for Oak Hill State Park are already largely covered (and will be fully covered by the time the state takes ownership). This is a remarkable example of a strong public private partnership to conserve land, expand public access to land, water and our nation's history — and a bargain for Virginia. 

Please use this letter to ask your legislator to support the establishment of Oak Hill State Park.