Settlement will Help Preserve Special Land
CHARLESTON, WV — The West Virginia Land Trust (WVLT) has been awarded $400,000 to fund a Riparian Preservation Project. These funds will be used to identify and preserve lands with high conservation values in the Coal, Elk and Gauley watersheds. WVLT will work with local watershed associations, governmental agencies and various preservation groups within these watersheds to identify properties that will further local and regional conservation goals. Through a collaborative effort with West Virginia College of Law’s Land Use and Sustainable Development Clinic, a comprehensive outreach campaign will take place on the local level to promote land conservation and educate property owners on the value and opportunities that exist through voluntary conservation easements. WVLT will work with its strategic partners to build the capacity within these rural communities to protect riparian areas crucial to the preservation of their ground and surface water. This settlement will have a significant impact on the communities in the Coal, Elk and Gauley River watersheds.
“This settlement will allow our organization to do what we do best; protect West Virginia’s special places. Using our experience, knowledge and practical approach, the West Virginia Land Trust will work to maximize the impact of this tremendous opportunity and preserve as much land as possible,” said Chap Donovan, Board President. “These watersheds comprise about 16 percent of the state’s land area. It’s a very big opportunity” Donovan continued.
The funds for the Riparian Preservation Project are the result of a court settlement entered August 8, 2011, between environmental groups and Alpha Natural Resources subsidiaries.
The WVLT has a rich history of protecting special places in West Virginia. Whether it’s a family farm, land with old forest growth or a precious piece of property full of priceless memories, the WVLT, through voluntary conservation easements, protects and preserves it forever. A conservation easement is a voluntary contract between a landowner and a land trust (or other qualified agency) in which the owner places permanent restrictions on the future uses of some or all of their property to protect scenic, wildlife, or agricultural resources. The property owner dictates the details of the agreement to assure that their vision for the property is maintained. It is then the responsibility of the land trust to maintain, monitor, and if necessary defend the easement.
Founded in 1995, The West Virginia Land Trust (WVLT), through education, outreach, and voluntary conservation easements, works to help West Virginians protect their special places, forever. Unfortunately, there are many more special places left unprotected and open to unwanted development. Protecting farmlands, forests, urban green spaces, watersheds and other natural areas takes imagination, commitment, knowledge and a collaborative approach. With natural areas vanishing at a rate of 8 square miles each day, the time to act is now! If you would like to learn more about how to protect your property, become a member, volunteer, or need more information on the West Virginia Land Trust please visit www.wvlandtrust.org, call 866.982.5863 or email wvlt@te-associates.com.
