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Virginia’s countryside,” said PEC Chairman Christopher Miller. “We thank those landowners who are committed to saving these rural, open spaces from urban sprawl, land speculation and increasing pollution. We urge others to join in this vital cause.”
Miller explained that Virginia experiences a loss of more than 50,000 acres of farmland and open spaces each year to growth and urban sprawl. He noted that this has devastating consequences not only for the state’s agricultural economy, but also for important cultural and historic resources that encourage tourism, and vital watersheds that provide drinking water and nurture the Chesapeake Bay. All of the 135,000 acres protected in PEC’s service area are in the watershed of the Bay.
“Tb those of us who love this land, all easements — large and small — are welcome additions to preserving the character of the Virginia Piedmont” Miller said. “Each easement parcel is significant in its own way, adding pieceby-piece to the growing total of open space.” Miller pointed out that conservation easements protect rural landscapes and historic values while enabling people to retain ownership and use of the property.
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