Prince William has evolved since the continent of Africa smushed into North America, and created the land that is now Prince William County.  Dinosaurs tromped through Manassas 100 million years ago – and a few have been elected to office since then. 

Migrants settled down here 10-15,000 years ago, then newcomers led by John Smith sailed up the Potomac River past Choppawamsic and the Occoquan in 1608. 

The first industrial site in Northern Virginia was the Neabsco Iron Works. After we converted our forests into charcoal and firewood, we created such massive erosion that we killed the port of Dumfries.

Since then, farming has faded, suburbia has grown, and we’ve converted much of the county into a deer’s dream habitat.  Now, with all levels of government maxxed out financially, the idea that we’ll keep growing – just like we did since Shirley Highway was built – is under review. 

How will our fields, forests, and streams look in 20 more years – and what sort of “nature” will be nearby in our neighborhoods?

When: Monday, Dec. 7, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Manassas City Hall, 9027 Center St., Manassas

The Manassas City Council is holding a special work session to discuss opportunities to open Lake Manassas to the public.

Government staff and the Virginia Dept. of Game & Inland Fisheries have been working on a proposal to open Lake Manassas for public fishing, boating (no gas engines) and the quiet enjoyment of the scenic landscape.

The City of Manassas has two options. Under the first scenario, public access to Lake Manassas would be unrestricted, open without registration or fees (except your fishing license). 

This open-access approach is successful at other Virginia reservoirs, including the Occoquan Reservoir in Prince William, Beaverdam Creek Reservoir in Loudoun, the Abel and Smith Reservoirs in Stafford, Mountain Run and Lake Pelham Reservoirs in Culpeper.