September 22, 2025

The final, signed NEPA documents have been posted. 

August 28, 2025:

The participation period has now ended. The BLM will no longer take public comments. 

July 28, 2025:

BLM seeks input on Meadowood proposed sensory nature trail

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – The Bureau of Land Management seeks public comment on a draft environmental analysis for a proposed sensory nature trail at Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area in Lorton, Virginia. The trail is designed to improve public land access for all users, especially individuals with autism, sensory processing disorders, and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

“Public feedback is essential to making this trail as meaningful and accessible as possible,” said Nick Weber, field manager at the Lower Potomac Field Station. “It is the first of its kind within the BLM, so we want the design to reflect the needs and voices of the community, ensuring this space is welcoming and enriching for all who visit.”

The BLM is proposing to develop a 1-mile accessible trail featuring up to six activity stations, bench seating, and trailhead kiosk. A potential connector trail also may be developed to join the sensory nature trail to Meadowood’s extensive trail system. A designated parking area and access road would be constructed if the trail is authorized.

The proposal reflects feedback received during a May 3, 2025, field-based workshop with representatives from the local autism community, partners, and the public who discussed potential trail alignments and sensory activity stations with BLM staff. The BLM held a virtual meeting on May 29, 2025, for those unable to attend in person.

The BLM will accept public comments until August 27, 2025. Feedback will help inform the final design and location of the trail. The draft environmental analysis and information about the proposed trail are available by clicking on  "Documents" on the left side of the webpage. The BLM encourages residents, advocacy groups, stakeholders, and interested parties to submit comments:

Online: Click on the green "Participate Now" link on the left side of the webpage.

Mail: Bureau of Land Management - Northeastern States District, Lower Potomac Field Station, 10406 Gunston Road, Lorton, Virginia 22079 

The 804-acre Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, geocaching, birdwatching, and environmental education programs. The area features 13.4 miles of hiking trails, 7 miles of equestrian trails, 6.6 miles of mountain biking trails, two fishing ponds, and a full-service equestrian facility—providing something for everyone to enjoy on public lands.