Park Authority

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
703-324-8700 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
Jai Cole
Executive Director

Department Resources

Related Resources

Permits and Research

Organized Activities in Natural Areas on Parkland

The use of natural areas is restricted to limit impacts to the parks.  The Park Authority reserves the right to deny any requested activities that are prohibited under the Park Regulations.  Permission also may be denied if the request conflicts with park management goals. More information

Organized activities in natural areas require special permission, regardless of group size.  Groups of 25 persons or more on trails require special permission. 

Activities include, but are not limited to:
  • Scientific research
  • Scientific monitoring
  • Habitat enhancement (i.e. Nest Boxes)
  • Educational programs or classes
  • Orienteering
  • Geocaching
  • Search and rescue training
  • Athletic events or fitness training
  • Weddings
  • Any use after dark (i.e. stargazing or wildlife surveys)

Activities prohibited on parkland

Certain activities are prohibited on parkland and will not be approved. Most prohibited activities are violations of the law that could result in fines and other penalties. Such activities include but are not limited to:

  • Hunting or trapping
  • Gathering or wild foods or plants
  • Metal detecting
  • Gold panning
  • Cutting firewood
  • Paint ball (note that paint ball guns, pellet and BB guns are prohibited on park land by county ordinance)
  • Archery
  • Disturbance of vegetation or animals
  • Removal of vegetation, animals or natural materials
  • Digging of any kind
  • Release or planting of any organism (animals, plants, etc.) in a park
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