Burke Lake Dam Project to Impact Park Users

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF), the state agency responsible for maintaining Lake Burke, will begin required work on the dam in September in order to meet new state standards. Work is expected to last several months.

The Fairfax County Park Authority reports VDGIF is currently notifying neighbors regarding the impacts and effects of the rehabilitation project. "The Park Authority is working closely with VDGIF to assess its impact on park activities and to ensure that wherever possible, public access continues," said Judy Pederson, Park Authority (FCPA) Public Information officer, in a press release.

At this time, the Park Authority and VDGIF report:

• Public access across the dam will be prohibited.
• There will be closure of some trails in proximity to the dam. However, trails used by schools for cross-country races will not be impacted by the construction. Teams will also be able to use alternative routes for practice.
• Construction of the wall and other improvements will require a drawdown of the water in the lake of 4.5’ for the three to four month duration of the project.
• FCPA boating opportunities will cease during the trail closure and lake draw down. The VDGIF boat ramp will not be usable.
• Events and shelter rentals will be accommodated through alternative routes and facilities.
• Construction vehicles will access the dam from Laketree Drive for the duration of the project.
• Project updates and information as available will be posted in park kiosks and on the Park Authority website.

Repairs are required to bring the dam into compliance with Virginia's Dam Safety Regulations, according to VDGIF. "The primary modification to dam will be an enlarged emergency spillway and installation of a short vinyl wall along the top of the dam to ensure the dam is not overtopped during extreme storm events," reports the agency on its website.

Lake Burke is owned by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, while the surrounding park land comprising Burke Lake Park is owned by the Fairfax County Park Authority.