Requesting the Department of Conservation and Recreation to study the feasibility of establishing a state park in Washington County at the Mendota Trail and Abrams Falls located within the Holston River Watershed. Report.
SJ31 is a joint resolution requesting the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to study the feasibility of establishing a new state park in Washington County at the Mendota Trail and Abrams Falls, within the Holston River Watershed. The resolution lays out the rationale for the study, citing the Commonwealth’s interest in conservation, tourism, outdoor recreation, and economic development, and highlighting the Mendota Trail’s status as a restored rails-to-trails corridor and the area’s scenic and ecological significance.
The study would require DCR to consult with local citizens, local governments, and regional organizations, with other state agencies providing assistance upon request. DCR must complete its meetings by November 30, 2026, and submit an executive summary and report of findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by the first day of the 2027 Regular Session for publication and posting on the General Assembly website.
The resolution does not change existing law or create a state park directly; instead, it directs DCR to evaluate whether a park should be established and to report back with recommendations. Its practical impact is to initiate a formal state review of land, recreation, tourism, and conservation possibilities in Washington County, potentially influencing future appropriations, land management decisions, and park designation legislation if the study supports the idea.
The available context suggests generally favorable sentiment toward the proposal. The resolution’s findings emphasize broad public benefits such as tourism, recreation access, economic development, and conservation, and the bill advanced in Rules by voice vote before being continued to the next session. That procedural outcome indicates at least no visible opposition strong enough to block the study request at this stage.
There is little direct evidence of controversy in the available record, but the main point of potential contention is whether the Commonwealth should pursue a new state park designation in this location and whether the benefits justify the administrative effort and any future costs. The resolution anticipates input from local citizens, local governments, and regional organizations, suggesting that local land-use priorities, conservation concerns, tourism expectations, and possible resource commitments could be the areas where differing views emerge.