Lots of ticks out at the reservoir and surrounding areas. Including these Lone Star ticks, the one pictured below was picked up on the trails near the dam. Make sure you wear appropriate protection and check for ticks after you leave the park.
This past fall and winter the trails had a lot of use and there was a lot of rain making for some very messy trails. The good news is the trails have dried up nicely and are in good shape. The entire trail is passable from the dam to Reservoir road and the trail markings have been updated. There are a good amount of ticks out, so be prepared.
A paddleboarder has been reported missing. Hopefully they are found safe. Please everyone be safe out on the water, always wear a PFD/Lifejacket for when the unexpected happens.
The paddle boarder has been found. A very unfortunate incident. Our thoughts are with the family.
It’s official, the reservoir is back open on Friday!
The reservoir will re-open this Friday!
Loudoun Water:
https://www.loudounwater.org/beaverdam-reservoir
NOVA Parks has the same announcement on their site as well:
With NOVA Parks operating in a very limited capacity, the opening of the reservoir water access is targeted to be late May or early June. Stay tuned for updates!
Just in from our friends at Loudoun Water:
Beaverdam Reservoir Water Access to Re-Open
Loudoun Water and NOVA Parks are pleased to announce that recreational activities on Beaverdam Reservoir will be allowed in May 2020. Public access will be located at the Mount Hope Road entrance. The exact date will be determined soon. Once open, Beaverdam Reservoir is typically open from dawn to dusk daily. Hours can vary based on the season. Please note parking may be limited.
Beaverdam Reservoir is first and foremost a source of public drinking water. Loudoun Water has partnered with NOVA Parks to manage recreational activities and public access. To ensure users can safely enjoy the reservoir, refer to the NOVA Parks website for a full list of rules and regulations: https://www.novaparks.com/parks/beaverdam-reservoir/about.
Meanwhile, Loudoun Water and NOVA Parks are moving forward with the sustainable, innovative design of the future “Beaverdam Reservoir Park.” Efforts on the new park are well-underway with construction estimated to begin in 2021.
Beaverdam Reservoir Timeline:
Spring of 2020 (exact date TBD): Reservoir Water Access re-opened to the public
Spring of 2021: Estimated to begin Beaverdam Reservoir Park construction
Spring of 2022: Estimated Beaverdam Reservoir Park construction completion
According to TheBurn and other news sources, Sheetz is looking at placing a gas station at the site of the old Tillett Auction Barn. This is concerning due to its proximity to the reservoir.
Looks like all hopes for water access in the summer of 2019 have been dashed. Even with lots of (short) rain storms, the water level is not rising enough for Loudoun Water and NOVA Parks to open things up. We will get an update in September.
Beaverdam is not yet open for water access. The natural filling process is underway. Loudoun water does not yet have a date for when recreational access to the water will be restored. They are expecting to get a date within the next month. I will post the date as soon as I get it.
On March 26th the Loudoun County Planning Commission approved NoVA Parks and Loudoun Waters Plan for the Beaverdam Park. There was a large crowd and the meeting ran past 10pm. Concerns over boathouse location and county liability brought a good amount of discussion. Due to zoning, the boat house’s location is approx 600 feet from the water. A solution of dollies/carts was given and the commission approved the project with a vote of 8 to 1.
