Event sign-up is free, and available at occoq.org/drpt.th. During registration, attendees may submit questions and ideas in advance. There will also be a moderated chat available during the livestream. DRPT is accepting public comment on the study through Nov. 17: drpt.virginia.gov/transit/springfield-to-quantico.

If you are planning to use firewood this fall or winter, for home heating or a campfire, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) encourages you to take steps to protect Virginia’s forest ecology and your wallet.

Ahead of the holiday season, the National Park Service (NPS) has planted a new National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse in President’s Park. The new tree, a 27-foot white fir (Abies Concolor) from Middleburg, Pa. was donated by Hill View Christmas Tree Farm, and will be the first white fir to serve as the National Christmas Tree.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the federal-state Chesapeake Bay Program announced Oct. 12 they've received $2.4 million+ in grants for projects to protect and restore Virginia’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The 14 grants announced today will generate $2,115,402 in matching contributions for a total conservation impact of $4.5 million+.

New weekend hours go into effect Oct. 30 for the Prince William County Landfill on Dumfries Road. The landfill will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday – Friday.

Customers who have unpaid water and sewer bills with Prince William County Service Authority, Fairfax Water and Loudoun Water are reminded to establish payment plans immediately to avoid service disconnections and late fees.

To protect and restore native plants and promote healthy and diverse forests, the National Park Service (NPS) proposes to reduce overabundant deer populations in several national parks in DC and Maryland.

A new curbside yard waste collection program begins Oct. 1 in Prince William County. Yard waste will be collected separately from trash and recycling. Yard waste must be placed in biodegradable paper bags or containers labeled “Yard Waste”. Do not use plastic bags for yard waste collection.