Governor Youngkin announced $14.4 million investment in land conservation projects across Virginia

Richmond, Virginia – Governor Glenn Youngkin has unveiled a major initiative to enhance land conservation efforts across Virginia, announcing $14.4 million in funding through the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF). This funding will support 28 projects across the state, collectively conserving 11,220 acres of land. These projects aim to bolster farmland preservation, forest conservation, historical site protection, and the development of public parks and open spaces.

Investing in Virginia’s Natural and Historical Resources

“We take pride in sharing the rich beauty of Virginia’s natural resources and historical places and remain committed to increasing public access so more Virginians can enjoy them,” said Governor Youngkin. “Our parks, open spaces, and other vital outdoor recreation assets drive tourism and economic growth, and they provide residents a place to connect with nature.”

The grants will support a variety of projects, from protecting working farmland and timberland to acquiring land for public parks and preserving Virginia’s historical and ecological landmarks.

Enhancing Public Access and Ecological Preservation

The Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources, Travis Voyles, emphasized the significance of these investments: “By making significant investments that not only protect natural resources but also our historic resources, we are able to ensure that Virginians can benefit from visiting these special places.”

Director of the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Matthew Wells, highlighted the environmental benefits, stating, “Virginians will benefit from the improved water quality of our rivers, creeks, and karst landscapes resulting from these strategically targeted land conservation projects.”

Notable Conservation Projects Funded

Below are the projects funded by this initiative:

1. Monacan Indian Nation’s Acquisition on Bear Mountain (Amherst County)

   • Funding: $285,367
   • This project involves acquiring 100.4 forested acres on Bear Mountain, which has been the home of the Monacan people for over 10,000 years. This land will be preserved for its Outstanding Forest Conservation Value and historical significance.

2. Lake Caledon State Park Expansion (King George County)

   • Funding: $500,000
   • The acquisition of 468 acres will expand Caledon State Park by nearly 20%, enhancing recreational opportunities and preserving critical forested areas.

3. Working Forests Between Battlefields (Dinwiddie County)

   • Funding: $775,000
   • This conservation easement protects 797.8 acres of timberlands, ensuring rural connectivity between three Civil War battlefields.

4. South Quay Sandhills (Suffolk)

   • Funding: $1,300,000
   • A project to conserve 1,900 acres of forest, wetlands, and streams within Virginia’s natural area preserve system, leveraging an additional $5.6 million in federal funding.

5. Pleasure House Point (Virginia Beach)

   • Funding: $100,000
   • The acquisition of 0.57 acres expands the conserved area along Lynnhaven Bay, preserving vital shorelines and wetlands.

6. Shooting Creek Forestland (Patrick County)

   • Funding: $286,875
   • Conservation easement protecting 674.68 acres of mountainous forestland, home to endangered species like the Roanoke Logperch.

7. Funk Tract at Cedar Creek Battlefield (Warren County)

   • Funding: $415,274
   • This project conserves 45.56 acres within the Core Area of the Cedar Creek Battlefield, enhancing public access and preserving open spaces.

8. Hazelwood Farm Conservation Easement (Caroline County)

   • Funding: $440,750
   • The Conservation Fund will place a conservation easement on 339 acres of active farmland along the Rappahannock River. The project will be part of the Army Compatible Use Buffers program and will protect prime farmland and ecological resources.

9. Chesapeake Open Spaces and Parks Acquisition (City of Chesapeake)

   • Funding: $800,000
   • The City of Chesapeake will acquire 96 acres along the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River to protect wetlands and provide public waterfront access and recreational opportunities.

10. Tank Hill Conservation Easement (Dinwiddie County)

    • Funding: $810,000
    • This conservation easement will protect 1,491.54 acres of working forestland, including riparian lands that support the endangered Roanoke Logperch fish species.

11. Seven Pines at Broad Water Creek Easement (Henrico County)

    • Funding: $271,750
    • The Capital Region Land Conservancy will place a conservation easement on 23.99 acres that includes a rare plant habitat and historical battlefield land. The area will eventually be transferred to the Richmond Battlefields Association for use as a public park.

12. Robinson-Baker’s Creek Acquisition (King and Queen County)

    • Funding: $255,000
    • This acquisition will protect 513.32 acres of ecologically significant coastal and waterfront areas while providing recreational opportunities for underserved communities.

13. Beaver Dam Legacy Conservation Easement (Loudoun County)

    • Funding: $125,000
    • A conservation easement will protect 138.32 acres of farmland along Beaverdam Creek, ensuring agricultural viability and preserving historical structures eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

14. Oak Hill Preservation Project (Loudoun County)

    • Funding: $2,000,000
    • This project protects 86 acres of James Monroe’s Oak Hill, a National Historic Landmark, and creates opportunities for public historical interpretation and recreation.

15. Panamint Farm Conservation Easement (Louisa County)

    • Funding: $389,700
    • The project will preserve 533 acres of active farmland and forestland, including frontage on several local creeks.

16. Jatt Farm Conservation Easement (Mecklenburg County)

    • Funding: $480,715
    • This project protects 353.56 acres of farmland that produces cattle, hay, and timber. Over half the land is categorized as Prime Soils.

17. Ellett Escarpment Natural Area Preserve – Supplemental Funding (Montgomery County)

    • Funding: $165,254
    • Additional funding will secure 34.38 acres for a natural area preserve, protecting endangered cave-adapted species.

18. Ellett Escarpment – Eastern Divide North (Montgomery County)

    • Funding: $800,000
    • The acquisition of 36 acres will protect critical karst landscapes and provide habitats for rare and imperiled species.

19. Ellett Escarpment – Eastern Divide South (Montgomery County)

    • Funding: $975,219
    • This project secures 84 acres to preserve karst ecosystems, endangered species habitats, and mature calcareous forests.

20. Jackson at Wilderness Battlefield Easement (Orange County)

    • Funding: $162,406
    • The conservation easement will protect 36.17 acres of land within the core area of the Wilderness Battlefield, preserving its historical significance.

21. Greg and Kyli Waddle Property Conservation Easement (Smyth County)

    • Funding: $914,017
    • The conservation easement will protect 850 acres of farmland with karst geology, supporting rare bird species and ecological diversity.

22. Southampton 900 Conservation Easement (Southampton County)

    • Funding: $340,000
    • This project protects 900 acres of working forestland with significant wetlands and frontage on the Blackwater River.

23. William Long Farm Easement (Stafford County)

    • Funding: $254,000
    • The easement will protect 69.25 acres with wildlife biodiversity and ecological resilience corridors.

24. Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve Expansion (Stafford County)

    • Funding: $153,500
    • The acquisition of 262 acres will expand public access to hiking trails and protect key conservation areas.

25. Patawomeck Tribe Land Grant (Stafford County)

    • Funding: $390,932
    • This project involves acquiring 14.24 acres along the Rappahannock River for public access and tribal use.

26. Hancock North Landing Open Space (Virginia Beach)

    • Funding: $650,000
    • This project will add 28 acres to Munden Point Park, offering recreational opportunities and scenic river views.

27. Richard Rolen Property Conservation Easement (Washington County)

    • Funding: $354,875
    • The easement protects 697 acres of forestland along the North Fork Holston River, supporting sustainable forestry practices.

28. Huff Rock Conservation Easement (Wise County)

    • Funding: $45,000
    • Supplemental funding will conserve 647 acres on Powell Mountain, including rare geological formations and ecological habitats.

Strengthening Virginia’s Agriculture and Forestry Sectors

Governor Youngkin emphasized the importance of supporting the state’s agricultural and forestry industries, which are vital to Virginia’s economy: “Supporting Virginians so they can continue to work their farmlands and forests helps our key agriculture and forestry sectors continue to thrive.”

Several grants directly support these sectors, including:

• Jatt Farm in Mecklenburg County ($480,715): Protecting 353.56 acres of farmland producing cattle, hay, and timber.
• Greg and Kyli Waddle Property in Smyth County ($914,017): Conserving 850 acres of working farmland and karst geology near the Holston River.
• Panamint Farm in Louisa County ($389,700): Protecting 533 acres of active farmland and forestland.

Promoting Equity and Community Recreation

The projects also aim to provide underserved communities with access to recreational opportunities. For example, the Robinson-Baker’s Creek Acquisition in King and Queen County ($255,000) will protect 513 acres of waterfront land, offering activities such as fishing, swimming, and wildlife watching.

The Patawomeck Tribe Land Grant in Stafford County ($390,932) will create a public access trail and boat launch along the Rappahannock River, fostering a deeper connection to cultural heritage and the natural environment.

Future Impacts of Land Conservation

The Virginia Land Conservation Foundation, under Governor Youngkin’s leadership, continues to prioritize projects that deliver long-term benefits to residents, wildlife, and the environment. The foundation’s efforts align with statewide goals to combat environmental challenges, enhance community access to green spaces, and preserve Virginia’s rich cultural heritage.

VLCF board members, appointed by the governor and legislative bodies, work closely with the Department of Conservation and Recreation to ensure effective implementation of conservation strategies.

By investing in these conservation efforts, Virginia is taking meaningful steps to protect its natural beauty, ensure sustainable agriculture and forestry practices, and enhance the quality of life for its residents for generations to come.