News Release

Chinn Ridge landscape rehabilitated to wartime appearance

Date: September 12, 2022
Contact: Park Ranger Jim Bailey, 703-361-1339 x1203

MANASSAS, VA — The National Park Service has contracted JR Landworks of Marshall, Virginia to restore 19.5 acres of battlefield land along Chinn Ridge and Sudley Road (Virginia State Route 234) to its historic wartime appearance. This landscape featured prominently during the July 1861 battle of First Manassas and was also the location of some of the heaviest fighting during the battle of Second Manassas in August 1862. This project will help visitors better understand the importance of both the fighting on Chinn Ridge and the land between Chinn Ridge and Henry Hill. Restoration work is currently most noticeable along route 234.

In addition to the historical benefits of battlefield rehabilitation, long term improvements to the environment include increasing habitat for grassland species, ground nesting birds, and native plants. A minimum 100 foot riparian buffer will remain in place along Chinn Branch to protect water quality and avoid the disturbance of native vegetation along the stream bank. This project is in compliance with the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Federal Water Pollution Act and Water Quality Act, floodplain management, protection of wetlands, and all other applicable laws and policies that protect the environment.

Intermittent closures of the 2nd Manassas Trail in the Chinn Ridge area of the park will occur while this work is completed.
 

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Manassas National Battlefield Park is one of 423 national parks cared for by the National Park Service. The 5,200-acre park preserves, protects and interprets the nationally significant history of the battles of First Manassas and Second Manassas, in addition to topics of natural heritage, the Civil War, and African American history. Located in Virginia, the park features over 43 miles of hiking and equestrian trails.