Falls Church man identified in Lake Anna State Park drowning

News to know valley graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has identified the man who drowned at Lake Anna State Park on Thursday.

Ahmad Fawad Sataryaar, 37, of Falls Church, was found unresponsive in about 10 feet of water by visitors at the state park.

Officials said park rangers and bystanders entered the water, located him, and immediately began CPR.

Personnel from Spotsylvania Fire and Rescue responded and continued lifesaving efforts, but Sataryaar was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the DCR, the beach at Lake Anna State Park has since reopened.

The incident remains under investigation.

No additional information has been released.

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Stars & guitars return to Sky Meadow State Park

A popular local event returns to Sky Meadows State Park with music, food, and stargazing.

The annual Stars & Guitars concert will take place Saturday, May 2, from 4 to 11 p.m. on the back lawn of the historic Mount Bleak House.

The event will feature live music headlined by nationally recognized mandolin and guitar artist Jack Dunlap.

Dunlap is known for blending bluegrass, jazz, swing, and blues.

Attendees can also enjoy food vendors, kids’ activities, and educational exhibits hosted by park rangers.

Set in Virginia’s Piedmont and Crooked Run Valley, the park’s dark skies make it ideal for stargazing.

Details, including performance times, are available on the Virginia State Parks website.

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Shenandoah National Park updates Miller Head fire

photo credit Scott Bradley Hesson with permission

Firefighters from the National Park Service, Virginia Department of Forestry, US Forest Service, and a Fire Department from Colorado have continued clean up operations from a fire that started on Friday, September 8th.

The two and half acre fire at Miller Head appears to have been naturally started and is fully contained.

Crews will continue to monitor the fire perimeter throughout the weekend.

You can help protect the park by completely distinguishing all fires, never building a fire in back country, and reporting any fires or smoke to park rangers.

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SNP reminds visitors to leash their dogs or face a possible fine

Shenandoah National Park (SNP) reminds potential visitors to put their dogs on a leash or face a fine.

A couple panicking on the Blue Ridge Parkway had to be treated for lacerations after their dog aggravated a black bear which led to several attacks by the bear.

The couple and the dog were able to get to safety before the incident became life threatening.

The bear appeared to be young weighing approximately 200 pounds.

Park Rangers had to shut down several areas and trails while searching for the bear which may have to be euthanized.

The park is a natural sanctuary for bear and other wildlife as it provides their natural forested habitat.

As visitation to the park is expected to increase over the next few weeks it is important to put your dogs on a leash or face a possible $50 fine.

No charges have been filed in this incident at this time.

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