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By DAVID CHUSE
Rappahannock News Contributing Writer
A number of bills now under consideration by the Virginia General Assembly may well affect the undeveloped open space and scenic vistas considered by many to be the basis of Rappahannock’s economy — agriculture, forest, tourism, and housing for new converts to the advantages of the rural lifestyle found in the county. In addition, a local conservation group has generated a legislative proposal to make state utilities more responsible to citizens affected by bids for new powerline construction.
At least three bills now pending in Richmond could have strong impact on land use practices in Rappahannock and surrounding areas.
House Bill 630 would expand the state’s conservation easement program, by authorizing non-profit, charitable organizations to accept the easements, in addition to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, which is currently set up to do so. Depending on possible amendments now under discussion, this measure could possibly encourage a more widespread and creative use of conservation easements. There are currently about 3000 acres under easement in Rappahannock.
Conservation easements are a way for landowners to voluntarily protect, in perpetuity, the existing nature of the property. By voluntarily relinquishing certain ownership rights, such as subdivision, timber sales, or whatever may be specified, an easement for preservation of wildlife, open space, forests, clean water, and scenic and recreational values may be attached to
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