Pacemaker Fishing Forum

Lake Manassas Controversy Continues....

Long a favorite fishing spot for many Northern Virginia residents, Lake Manassas was closed to the public 10 years ago. During this time, many efforts to reopen the lake for fishing have been denied by the Manassas City Council, citing the necessity of maintaining the integrity of the water supply and the expense of facilities for opening the lake to the public.

In the past year both of these arguments have been negated by a number of events. The developer of the Saranac community on Lake Manassas wants to donate land for a public access point. The Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries has committed $100,000 to build a boat ramp, parking lot and finger pier. They would also contribute an operations stipend to offset costs for a concession stand, as well as monitor the lake and manage any concessionaire.

These proffers have not swayed the council however, who question whether city residents should incur expenses that would benefit only non-residents. What the council members have not addressed is that fact that over 6,000 residents of their city have purchased fishing licenses during the past 12 months, as well as over 16,000 residents of Prince William County. It is also safe to say that anglers using the lake would bring in dollars to the community that are not currently available. Motels, restaurants, gas stations, convenience stores and tackle shops would see a great increase in business, which benefits the residents of Manassas.

The property deed for the Saranac community allows access to the lake, but the city council has consistently denied such access. The developer would prefer to work in partnership with the council to get the lake open, but after being stonewalled at every turn, has filed a lawsuit to gain their legal rights. This means that the City of Manassas will have to spend considerably more money to defend the lawsuit than it would cost to accept the offers and open the lake to the public. Any expense to the city could be retrieved by charging a fee to boaters and anglers for use of the lake.

All of these points will be discussed once again at the council meeting to be held on Monday evening, September 13th at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at Manassas City Hall, 9027 Center Street, Manassas, Va. All interested parties should make plans to attend this important meeting and make your views known.