Nearly a year after Dominion Energy was asked to halt its removal of trees along the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail, the energy company has come to an agreement with NOVA Parks.
Dominion and NOVA Parks — which manages operations of the 45-mile trail — published a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The new agreement “formalizes practices that support current reliability, safety and environmental stewardship standards while strengthening coordination between the organizations, local governments, and trail users,” according to a news release.
Background
Community members and local officials raised concerns in late 2024 and early 2025 about Dominion cutting down trees along the trail. As part of a project to replace electrical lines in the Vienna section of the trail, Dominion removed several trees and vegetation. The work took place in a 4-mile stretch between Vienna and Dunn Loring.
At the time, Dominion argued that the work was important to “protect the safety and reliability of the power grid.”
But officials — including former NOVA Parks executive director Paul Gilbert — said they were surprised by the scope of the work. Gilbert told The Washington Post that a notice Dominion sent to customers only mentioned removal of “some shrubs and trees.”
In March 2025, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and Arlington each passed resolutions asking Dominion to pause its tree cutting work.
New Agreement
The new agreement aims to balance Dominion’s needs to manage vegetation without removing too much of the park’s greenery. It was the result of six months of collaboration.
“This MOU reflects a shared commitment between NOVA Parks and Dominion Energy to protect both the health of our community and the natural resources that define this region,” said current NOVA Parks executive director Justin Wilson. “Through Dominion Energy’s partnership, the MOU prioritizes thoughtful pruning to preserve the park’s character while also investing in long-term habitat restoration, including invasive species management, native plantings, and introduction of pollinators.”
The MOU strengthens communication protocols to “enhance transparency and provide more advance notice of vegetation management.” Dominion must provide 30 days’ notice to NOVA Parks, local jurisdictions, and residents about nearby transmission projects and major maintenance.
The agreement promotes pruning of trees “when feasible,” but says that “tree removal may be necessary in some areas.” It also promotes the planting of low-growing native trees and enhances invasive species management.
“By working together, we are balancing the safety and reliability of the grid with the long-term stewardship of this cherished resource. That’s a win-win for our customers and communities,” said Joe Woomer, Dominion Energy’s senior vice president of electric transmission.
Feature image of W&OD Trail by Christin Boggs Peyper
