Save Government Center Forest

For many years, I and other members of the Fair Oaks community in Fairfax, VA have enjoyed the serenity of the Fairfax Government Center forest. There are walking trails with ample wildlife.

Recently, a portion of the forest was cut down. I called Fairfax County Government Center's Public Information Office to inquire about what was happening, but I could not get in touch with anyone. I left messages that went un-returned. As soon as the construction started and the forest was cut down, there was an immediate drop in the birds singing. The landscape changed completely. The trees no longer provided a sound and light barrier against the busy Government Center Parkway. While there is still some forest left, the atmosphere and the environment have been changed and whoever is in charge of this project has ruined one of the very few peaceful areas in the Fair Oaks neighborhood.

Today, as I was driving home, I noticed that project board explaining what was going to be built in place of all of the trees that were cut down. Apparently, there are going to be more residences. I don't know who authorized this, but as a resident of the Fair Oaks neighborhood, I am not happy. In fact, I am extremely upset. There are already so many apartments and houses in this neighborhood and very few trails and parks. I want to gather enough signatures to petition Fairfax County to stop its project and re-purpose the land they destroyed as a park and replant the trees they cut down.