Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Summer 2023 Piedmont View
Summer 2023 Piedmont View
A M E M B E R S H I P N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E P I E D M O N T E N V I R O N M E N TA L CO U N C I L SUMMER 2023
IN THIS ISSUE
Virginia’s Land Preservation
Tax Credit hits a milestone
2
By Cindy Sabato, Communications Advisor
PEC’s 2023-2028
PAGE
Strategic Plan
I
n 1999, Senators Emmett W. Hanger, Jr. and joint effort coming out of the Commission on
Creigh Deeds co-sponsored legislation that the Future of Virginia’s Environment,” Hanger
led to the unanimous and bipartisan passage said. “None of us imagined that it would be as
of the Virginia Land Conservation Incentives big as it would be.”
Act of 1999. That act ultimately led to Virginia’s PEC President Chris Miller recalls, “We’d
Land Preservation Tax Credit (LPTC), a program just defeated Disney’s America, and on the
that provides landowners with tax credits heels of that, the [then-Speaker of the House
in exchange for voluntarily limiting future Thomas] Moss Commission on the Future of Senator Emmett Hanger at the Virginia Land
Virginia’s Environment found that water quality Conservation and Greenways conference,
development on their land and, in the process,
announcing the conservation of 1 million
conserving important natural, cultural, scenic and sprawl were top concerns among Virgin-
acres under Virginia’s Land Preservation Tax
and historic resources. ians. The Commission set about imagining a Credit project. Photo by Hugh Kenny
In late April, at the Virginia Land Con- market-based plan for localities that wanted
servation and Greenways conference in to protect their lands and waters through
Harrisonburg, Senator Hanger proudly conservation.” reation data, roughly 175,000 acres had been
announced the permanent protection of over A tax credit for voluntary land protection permanently protected by conservation ease-
3 What’s New at the 1 million acres of land as a direct result of the was part of that, and PEC was a leader every ments in Virginia. In the 22 years since, more
PAGE
Community Farm? LPTC. “The land preservation tax credit was a step along the way, Miller said. Tim Lindstrom, than seven times that amount, totaling more
PEC’s staff attorney at the time and a national than 1,275,000 acres, have been conserved
expert on conservation easements and land statewide, making Virginia a national leader in
use policy, was tapped to draft the original private land conservation (see maps on page 7).
language that led to the legislation, he said. More than five times larger than the
Today, the LPTC has become the single- Shenandoah National Park, the 1 million acres
largest factor in Virginia’s land conservation protected through this nationally acclaimed
success, dramatically increasing the pace and program benefit all Virginians by providing
scale of conservation in the Commonwealth. In clean air and safe drinking water, increasing
the 35 years prior to its passage, according to access to nature, and supporting job-creating
Virginia Department of Conservation and Rec- industries such as agriculture and forestry. In
addition, the resulting land protection is critical
to meeting an array of public policy objectives
Land Trust of Virginia easement donor Kathy ranging from farmland protection and climate
Wilt at her 12-acre farm in Loudoun County resilience to meeting the goals of the Chesa-
with her Holstein steer, Chase. peake Bay restoration effort.
Photo by Natalie Burns, Land Trust of Virginia
Continued on page 7
7 Upcoming
PAGE
Events
T
he Virginia Clean Economy Act of 2020 mandates that Dominion Energy deliver 100%
of its energy from renewable sources by 2045. Unfortunately, the proliferation of high-
energy-use data centers is moving the goalpost and making Virginia’s clean energy
goals much more difficult to meet. Understanding the importance of addressing the
climate challenges before us, and the impact that choices about energy have on the lands and
waters of the region, PEC has created a new Senior Energy and Climate Policy Analyst position.
Ashish Kapoor has joined the PEC staff to fill this important new role, and we sat down with
him recently to learn more about how and why the transformation of our energy system is so
important.
Ashish Kapoor, PEC’s new senior energy and
Support PEC climate policy analyst. Photo by Hugh Kenny
Make a donation Q: Why is a focus on energy so important for Q: What experiences are you bringing to
or get in touch with PEC at: jump headfirst into solar energy consulting.
PEC and for Virginia at this point in time? this new role, and what is exciting to you Working as a national sales consultant for a
Post Office Box 460 We are in unprecedented times. In light about it? large residential solar company gave me the
Warrenton, VA 20188
of climate change, it’s never been more I am a lawyer and consultant by train- chance to talk with folks all across the country
540.347.2334
pec@pecva.org important to get a handle on how all the ing and, like many others, reevaluated my with intention. I got a very good feel for the
big-picture factors interact with one another: priorities during Covid. I grew up in western anxieties people have around energy costs
Or visit:
www.pecva.org the climate, community, energy creation, Pennsylvania, hiking and camping across the and climate, as well as the varying state and
and the transmission to get that energy to its Appalachian trail, and now, as the father of local factors that can encourage buy-in.
Thank you for helping users, whether they be homes, businesses or, two young daughters in Virginia, I felt more I come to PEC as a practical environ-
to protect the Piedmont! increasingly, data centers. How we meet these and more that I wanted to do everything I mental advocate and a strong believer that
challenges, while also protecting our land and could to contribute to a better energy and building solar on built structures, like parking
natural resources for future generations, will climate future for them. My wife and I started lots, rooftops, brownfields, and landfills, can
ultimately be our legacy. a business aimed at providing non-toxic help protect our farmland and resources while
products for young children, and I decided to
Continued on page 4
www.pecva.org
The Piedmont View
Our Mission
Protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont,
while building stronger, more sustainable communities.
2 www.pecva.org
Summer 2023
Teddy Pitsiokos joined the PEC staff in late 2022 as our new community farm coordinator. Over the past
12 years, he has worked on several farms in North Carolina and Virginia, and most recently managed the
Allegheny Mountain Institute’s educational farm campus in Highland County, Va.
A
t first glance, the Community is the volunteer community. Farming donated roughly
Farm at Roundabout Mead- practices, crop lists, and staff members 100,000 pounds
ows looks like many other have changed since this place first took of fruits, vegeta-
small vegetable farms this root five years ago, but the community bles, and herbs to
time of year: early greens protected by focus of the Community Farm at Loudoun Hunger
row cover, onions and garlic starting Roundabout Meadows has not. Relief, which then
to bulb, peas climbing trellis netting, Our work at the farm may be driven shares it more
and dandelions beginning to fade. The by our three staff members, but it’s pow- broadly with their
sound of traffic and the sight of airplanes ered by volunteers who come to learn many food distri-
Teddy Pitsiokos demonstrates tomato plant pruning to a tour
overhead remind me that I’m not in and to give back. Field trips abound, and bution partners.
group at the Community Farm. Photo by Cindy Sabato
Highland County anymore. But what the curiosity of school children regularly Our goal for 2023
called me from the mountains to this brightens the field even more than our is 50,000 pounds
place is something not entirely visible at barn red dahlias. Graduating seniors of diverse vegetables, with a focus on speed the process of cycling nutrients
first glance. from Loudoun County schools have popular crops like potatoes, onions, and and making the soil more fertile, we
Planted, literally and not acciden- found the farm an exciting way to volun- tomatoes. rotate our grazing hens throughout the
tally, at the edge of rural and suburban teer for their capstone projects. Sports For PEC, the Community Farm is an farm.
Loudoun County, this farm plays many teams, scouts, churches, and families important door to our community. On This year we also invested in a new
important roles. It’s one facet of the come from Loudoun and surrounding these grounds once slated to become a tractor implement to reduce compac-
larger Gilberts Corner property PEC counties to lend hands to a harvest that strip mall, we are fighting food insecurity tion and improve overall soil structure in
acquired many years ago with the help feeds the hungry. And this year, thanks in Loudoun County while also giving our growing areas. Extensive soil testing
of many community members, to dem- to a grant from the Chichester Dupont urban- and suburban-based residents allows us to take a targeted approach
onstrate the value of conservation and Foundation, three interns will join us to the chance to experience the sensation
to fertility amendments, reducing the
open space — for creating public access learn about sustainable agriculture and of soil between their fingers and learn
chance of nitrogen runoff while main-
to trails and historic sites, producing community engagement while contrib- the joys of sustaining life through farm-
taining the optimal growing conditions
local food to meet the needs of food- uting to food production. ing.
for our vegetables.
insecure communities, and showcasing
I often joke that good farmers are
agricultural best management practices With a Mission to Feed And Farming for the Future
for water quality and soil health. And, always thinking at least six months into
Before starting to work for Another crucial part of our mis- the future. Farming is so entwined in our
while even people who’ve never grown nonprofit farms, I cut my teeth on mar- sion, and one that goes hand-in-hand
their own food know that farming starts human condition, so chock full of his-
ket-style vegetable farms throughout with successful farming, is building soil
in the soil, what makes this farm particu- tory, that one could easily spend seven
the southeast, even running my own health, and sharing what we learn with
larly meaningful to me is its particular lifetimes doing it and still not learn
small farm business for five years. Along Piedmont farmers.
blend of grounded, traditional work with everything. Like everyone at PEC, I am
the way, I worked with incredibly pro- In the context of a working vegeta-
forward-thinking goals in conservation, ductive farmers, whose systems, tools, ble farm, building soil is accomplished energized by opportunities to learn how
sustainable development, and commu- and downright grit taught me how to through environmental practices and to better serve my community. The main
nity engagement. be an efficient grower of many delicious organic amendments. We rotate crop thing I’m looking forward to this season
foods. The feats of farmers across the families around the farm to reduce pest is to teach what I know and learn what
Rooted in Community world serve as a constant inspiration to and disease pressure and the need for I can about how we can work together
Having worked on nonprofit, me and a reminder of what’s possible organic pesticides and fungicides. By to make sure the Virginia Piedmont
educational farms for the past four years, through dedicated hard work. planting cover crops, we fix nitrogen and continues to be a shining example of a
I can see that the heartbeat of this farm Since 2019, the Community Farm has add organic matter to the soil. And to beautiful, healthy place to live.
Community volunteers help sort and pack produce for donation to Loudoun
Hunger Relief. Photo by Sophia Chapin
Pop Quiz
QUESTION
ANSWER
Community Farm at
Photo by Cindy Sabato
dairy, meat and more, by way of local
s
farms, orchards, farmers markets, wineries, breweries, restaurants, and
Roundabout Meadow
retailers. The guides also provide a travel map of some of the locations
patrons can visit, a fruit and vegetable availability calendar, a fact sheet
explaining various common food labels, and a handful of local farm
Road features.
w through Oc tober • 3990 Howser’s Branch
No The Northern Piedmont, Loudoun County, and Charlottesville Area guides
-
m at Roundabout Mead
2019, the Community Far have been mailed to over 310,000 households. Community members
Since its first season in to area food pa ntr ies .
ha s do na ted ove r 100,000 pounds of produce can download all three guides at: pecva.org/buylocal, or search online at
ows assistance of
en possible without the buylocalpiedmont.org. Clarke County farms and farmers markets can be
This would not have be nt, harvest, sor t and
lunteers, who help us pla found in the Shenandoah Valley Buy Fresh Buy Local guide, produced by the
our incredible team of vo udoun Hunger Relief.
r fre sh, he althy pro du ce, herbs, and eggs to Lo Virginia Cooperative Extension, at buyfreshbuylocal.org/shenvalley.
delive armvolunteer
rn more at: pecva.org/f
All ages are welcome! Lea
3
The Piedmont View
moving us toward a carbon-free energy energy would require 300 acres of land
future. of utility-scale solar — and a lot more
land, or batteries, taking into account
Q: Virginia’s Clean Economy Act requires the intermittent nature of solar energy.
that Dominion produce 100% of its Northern Virginia has hundreds of data
energy from renewable sources by centers with countless more being
2045. What are the challenges to hitting planned, so that’s a tremendous amount
that goal? of new electricity demand. Dominion’s
Dominion’s latest Integrated IRP makes clear that the plan is to fill in
Resource Plan (IRP), which is a required the demand gaps with more gas and
periodic assessment of future electric coal, further harming local air and water
Ashish Kapoor (2nd from left) recently joined other PEC staff members and
needs and what action is required to quality and pulling Virginia in the wrong Dominion Energy representatives at a utility scale solar facility in Remington.
meet those needs, shows a massive direction on greenhouse gas emissions. Photo by Hugh Kenny
increase in anticipated energy demand At the same time, we also need
— on the level of two to three times to remain thoughtfully vigilant about
what it is now. That is almost wholly helping localities plan and site a grow- future in Virginia. as expressed in the IRP will ultimately
attributable to data centers and, to a ing number of utility-scale solar facilities move us in the right direction before we
much lesser extent, electric vehicles. to help power data centers and support Q: This is a tough field with a lot of get to a place where the damage can’t be
Whereas electric demand is decreasing Virginia’s clean energy future. We must challenges, viewpoints, and nuance. undone.
nationally, and would be in Virginia too, What gives you hope? Every day is a reminder how these
ensure that impacts to our most sensitive
Virginia’s increasing concentration of natural, cultural and historic resources We need to appreciate the wins. big issues connect with our day to day.
high-energy-usage data centers is pulling are avoided and that proper mitigation is Through community engagement, we Seeing my older daughter play soc-
us in the opposite direction and rapidly implemented. were able to stop the variance that cer, with the Blue Ridge mountains as
eating away at the renewable energy would have allowed data centers to run the backdrop and massive 500 kilovolt
gains we all have fought so hard for. Q: What are some of the first items on 4,000+ polluting diesel generators more transmission lines in the immediate
your plate as you dive into this new often, in violation of local air quality per- foreground, is a reminder that all of these
Q: What is it going to take to get there? position? mits. Only by working together can we energy issues affect not only the global
In order for Virginia to get to 100% For the first several months, I am successfully push against challenges to climate, but also the places where our feet
renewable energy, getting a handle on attending conferences on data centers, air quality, water resources, and land use, touch the ground. I believe that people
data center load growth is paramount. We organizing a solar-on-the-farm workshop and guide Virginia into a clear and more are increasingly waking up to that reality
need a comprehensive and independent for later this year, working on the Solarize sustainable future. and pushing for institutional change while
study of the effects of data centers on Piedmont campaign, engaging with the As challenging as the problems are, also making positive personal choices
our climate goals, energy system, water Virginia Conservation Network and the the potential solutions are just as exciting. around energy — like being more energy
resources, and air quality, and how these DEQ taskforce as part of HB 206, and There are possibilities for battery stor- efficient, installing rooftop solar, choosing
combined will affect our local communi- advocating for various distributed solar age, microgrids, electric transportation, electric vehicles — that will cumulatively
ties and Virginia ratepayers. solutions. The intersection of conserva- agrivoltaics that combine solar energy make a difference.
On the energy generation side, tion, natural resources, energy supply and farm use, distributed clean genera-
the trajectory of increase in demand is and demand, and climate change puts tion, and the like. It will take a multitude of
simply not sustainable. On average, one PEC in position to advocate for mean- potential solutions, and I’m hopeful that Ashish Kapoor can be reached at
data center using 30 megawatts (MW) of ingful solutions toward a clean energy the stark realities of the energy situation akapoor@pecva.org.
Sav
It’s a great time to Farm-to-Table Dinner e th
Date e
GO SOLAR! and Virtual Auction !
When September 16
July 5 - August 31
Where 7443 Oakwood Drive, Warrenton, VA 20186
Our annual Solarize Piedmont
Learn more at pecva.org/oakwood
campaign is coming soon! If
you’ve been curious about
getting a solar system for your Save Sept. 16 for PEC’s annual farm-to-table dinner & virtual auction at historic
home, farm or business, but Oakwood Farm, where Mrs. Caroline Collomb will host us for cocktails, a farm-
haven’t priced it out, Solarize to-table dinner, and dancing to DJ Domingo — all with and the most spectacular
Piedmont is a great way to get a free assessment views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
and installation with pre-vetted installers who offer
reduced pricing that’s been negotiated in advance. Funds raised at this special event will support PEC’s work in its four focus areas,
as outlined in the new strategic plan for 2023 – 2028: conserving and restoring the
Solarize Piedmont, offered in partnership with the Piedmont’s lands and waters; creating stronger, more sustainable communities;
Local energy Alliance Program (LEAP) is available shaping and advancing Virginia’s clean energy future; and setting an example
to anyone who lives or has property in one of the through land ownership.
following jurisdictions: Albemarle, Clarke, Culpeper,
Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange Paddle raise and virtual
and Rappahannock counties, and the City of auction: As always, there
Charlottesville. will be a live paddle raise
during the event, and our
From saving money on electric bills and reducing air online auction will be open
pollution to combating climate change or becoming for bidding from Sept. 8 – 17.
more energy self-reliant… there are many great reasons
to go solar!
Learn more and sign up at: pecva.org/solarize Oakwood Farm, Warrenton, VA.
Photo by Hugh Kenny
4 www.pecva.org
Summer 2023
On the Ground
June. PEC is concerned about this project’s potential
Albemarle & for significant negative impacts on the Stevensburg
area because of high erodible soils at the site and its
Madison
Charlottesville proximity to the previously approved 1,000+-acre A committee of residents and county officials has
Greenwood Solar project, which could compound been reviewing Madison County’s Comprehensive
PEC continues to be the voice for conservation such negative impacts as erosion and flooding. Plan since last November. Public meetings will be
and smart planning in Albemarle County and is
held this fall to share the committee’s early draft for
working to advance these principles through all
input, and then the final draft will be presented to
aspects of the Albemarle Comprehensive Plan
Update. Along with the Sierra Club and Virginia Fauquier the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors
in October or November for approval. PEC will con-
League of Women Voters, we co-facilitated a
forum on key issues to gather community input At its April public hearing, the Planning Commission tinue to be engaged in the process and will promote
that we shared with the County’s Comprehensive determined that two utility-scale solar applications, the public input opportunities once scheduled.
Plan Update team. We are also raising awareness in Midland and Bristersburg, were noncompliant with
the Comprehensive Plan. Appeals filed by both appli- A twice-proposed, twice-delayed utility-scale
of the public benefits and ecological and eco-
cants will be taken up by the Board of Supervisors. solar facility for 90+ acres behind Yoder’s
nomic values of the rural areas with community
The developers can only submit Special Excep- Country Market on Rte. 29 is back before County
groups and County leaders.
tion applications for the projects to proceed if the decision-makers and is headed for a public hearing
The City of Charlottesville has a new draft Board grants their appeals. Details about how these in early July. At presstime, the proposal contained
Zoning Code that will be clearer and easier projects will address potential impacts to soils, water some still-unanswered questions, including how
to understand. The proposed ordinance resources, and historic resources will be determined at the facility would connect to Rappahannock Electric
authorizes more mixed-use development in that stage. Cooperative’s nearby substation, whether the
walkable areas and more density throughout project would require new power lines and poles,
the City. Public hearings and eventual approval Data center applications have either been submit- and where that infrastructure would be located. PEC
are anticipated this summer. Learn more at ted or are anticipated in Remington, Catlett, Vint will continue to review this project as the details
cvilleplanstogether.com. Hill and Warrenton. Currently, the zoning ordinance
emerge.
only permits data centers with any new power lines
Albemarle County’s new, 1,190-acre, mostly placed underground. A data center developer has
wooded Biscuit Run Park is expected to open proposed a zoning text amendment that would allow
this fall in the county’s development area and data center proposals within Business Park zoning Orange
near where many people live, work and shop. to utilize overhead power lines. PEC opposes this
PEC is pursuing multi-use paths through the park proposal and continues to partner with community Despite overwhelming community opposition,
connecting the Southwood Community and Fifth groups to raise awareness about the potential impacts the Board of Supervisors approved the Wilderness
Street Station. of pending data center proposals, associated energy Crossing development proposal in April. Most
infrastructure, and data center development overall. alarming was a last-minute change that removed
the cap on square-footage of data center/distribu-
tion center space, adding even more uncertainty
Clarke to an already ill-defined and highly speculative
In May, PEC’s Clarke County Land Conserva-
Greene development. In effort to stop the project, members
tion Fund hosted an educational program for In April, PEC staff participated in the Greene of the Wilderness Battlefield Coalition have filed
county residents at Long Branch Historic House County ‘Nature for Everyone’ Earth Day event, suit against Orange County,citing violations of state
and Farm. Fritz Reuter, owner of Virginica, LLC, where visitors learned about native and invasive law and local ordinance. PEC staff has been deeply
reviewed biodiversity basics, such as the factors plants, reptiles, bees, and land management and involved in challenging Wilderness Crossing since its
contributing to its decline and practical advice on conservation programs available in the area. inception and has developed extensive knowledge
how landowners can encourage a deep-rooted of the rezoning and its impacts. While not a plaintiff,
rewilding of their land. PEC, working closely with Preserve Rural Greene, we are actively engaged and supporting this legal
opposed three overly intensive tourist lodging challenge.
In February at the Blandy Experimental Farm, projects proposed in the County’s rural areas. In
PEC President Chris Miller and our conservation response to community concerns, the Board of Super- In early June, PEC transferred the two parcels
and land use staff highlighted various oppor- visors recently asked County planning staff to review it purchased in Gordonsville as a gift to the Town
tunities and challenges PEC is tackling in our the tourist lodging section of the zoning ordinance to expand the footprint of Verling Park. PEC worked
nine-county region. and recommend changes to support public health, with the Town and the Virginia Outdoors Founda-
safety, and welfare while supporting property rights tion to place a deed of dedication to open space on
and tourism. the parcels to secure them for public use into the
Culpeper future.
5
The Piedmont View
Photo by Gertraud Hechl Margrete Stevens (front), owner and steward of Bonny Brook Farm in Catlett, Virginia
along with her husband Mike, leads neighbors to Cedar Run for the PEC Julian Scheer
Fauquier Land Conservation Fund’s 20th Annual Bluebell Walk. From the steps of their
The successful bidders from PEC’s 50th Anniversary Celebration & Auction enjoy their historic farmhouse, visitors walked through farm fields where restoration is in progress
Carriage Ride & Dinner at Old Denton. For details on our 2023 Farm-to-Table Dinner and in the forms of invasive species removal, native tree and shrub planting along the
Virtual Auction, see page 4 or visit pecva.org/oakwood. streambank, forest health assessment, and meadow management for grassland birds and
pollinators. Over the past 20 years, the Bluebell Walk has become a cherished yearly cue
that spring has arrived. However, this event was more than a simple walk through nature
— it was a visible demonstration of how incremental, small efforts in our own backyards
Volunteer Tree Planting Events can lead to positive environmental outcomes.
Owl Banding
volunteers turned out
at several tree plantings
to help improve water
quality in Clarke, Orange, PEC’s habitat team
Culpeper, Fauquier, and of October Greenfield
Rappahannock Counties. and Linnea Stewart
Shown here are a few banded six barn owl
of the 28 volunteers nestlings at Valley
who helped plant 223 View Farm in Fauquier
native trees and shrubs County in April. The
along a Potato Run nest box was installed
tributary at J Team in the silo in 2020 and
Dairy in Orange County, has been occupied
where we partnered by nesting barn owls
with the Alliance for every year since! The
Photo by George Hansbrough
the Chesapeake Bay owl in the photo was
Photo by Hugh Kenny
and Maola Milk. These about 35-40 days old.
planting projects will During the gentle banding process, we also measure its weight and wing length. Each
play a valuable role in enhancing water quality, protecting streambanks, and providing bird gets a metal band with a unique 9-digit number, so if that bird is ever captured
wildlife habitat throughout the Rappahannock and Potomac watersheds. again, we can learn about its dispersal and movements, as well as its lifespan.
PEC and the Coalition for Smarter Growth hosted a workshop for local community PEC staff members joined more than 100 other members of the Choose Clean Water
leaders, government staff and stakeholders of Fauquier, Culpeper and Rappahannock Coalition on Capitol Hill in March to urge support for the restoration of the rivers and
counties. Here, Hillsboro Mayor Roger Vance, of Loudoun County, shares his town’s streams that feed the Chesapeake Bay. Here, Maggi Blomstrom and Sophia Chapin
successes in building consensus and implementing walkability and traffic calming (3rd and 4th from right) are among coalition members who visited the office of U.S.
projects. Thanks to the PATH Foundation for its support of the workshop and our Representative Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) to discuss efforts to improve local water
Piedmont walkable communities initiative. quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/pecva Find us on Instagram @piedmontenviron Get email alerts at pecva.org/signup
6 www.pecva.org
Summer 2023
Important in Virginia’s conservation protected 57 acres in the historic Catawba 20,000 - 30,000
30,000 - 50,000
success is that Virginia is one of only five Valley in Roanoke County and adjacent 50,000 +
0 20 40
states that makes its land preservation tax to the Appalachian Trail, said, “the land Miles
credits transferable, which Miller said was tax credit allowed us to keep the farm in
a move that came out of many conver- the family and in farming. It has allowed
sations about how to help landowners us, as older farmers, to rest easy that we
and small family farmers whose taxable can meet our financial obligations.” Betty
income wasn’t high enough to benefit added that as development pressures
from the tax credits. increase in their mountain valley, they are
“There were a lot of families that able to “maintain an active farming opera-
wanted to conserve their land, but tion, preserve views for Appalachian Trail
couldn’t afford the transactional costs of visitors, and upgrade fencing and other
donating an easement and did not have farm infrastructure.”
Land Protected by
enough income to take full advantage of Kathy Wilt remembers well growing
the new tax credit,” Miller said. Again, PEC up on her grandparents’ 12-acre farm in Conservation Easements as of 2022
first worked with the General Assembly to Loudoun County, milking cows, feeding Total Conserved Land in Acres
0 - 100
enact the Open Space Lands Preservation farm animals and tending to the garden. 100 - 1,000
1,000 - 5,000
Trust Fund, administered by the Virginia “This donation of easement was a very 5,000 - 10,000
Outdoors Foundation, to help cover the emotional decision, and it’s satisfying that 10,000 - 20,000
20,000 - 30,000
costs affiliated with doing an easement. the land will be kept in open space for 30,000 - 50,000
50,000 +
We also successfully advocated to make perpetuity. Due to its location within the 0 20 40
Miles
conservation an option for those who Village of Taylorstown and the zoning,
couldn’t use the tax credit, by enabling there was potential for high density devel-
the gifting or sale of tax credits. opment, so donating the easement is
By allowing landowners with a wide peace of mind that this will not happen,”
range of economic circumstances to Wilt said.
benefit from these tax incentives, the “We wanted to do something for
Land Preservation Tax Credit has acceler- the greater good and it’s always been
ated the rate of conservation dramatically important to us to protect nature. The tax Map created by PEC for presentation purposes only.
Data source: Virginia Department of Conservation
and vastly expanded the map of con- credits helped us pay for the land, and it
and Recreation. Although efforts have been made
to verify data, accuracy is not guaranteed.
3/31/2023 | WARRENTON | JWR
served land across the Commonwealth,” was the best investment we could have
said Ellen Shepard, executive director of ever made,” said Lynn Cameron, who pro- advocate for the Land Preservation Tax contributed positively to the quality of
Virginia’s United Land Trusts. Ultimately, tected 168 acres adjacent to Shenandoah Credit within the General Assembly and life we enjoy in the Commonwealth,” said
tens of thousands of acres are perma- National Park through the LPTC. state government. “The LPTC remains a Hanger. “The work we did over 20 years
nently protected in Virginia each year In its decades of work promoting top priority in PEC’s state policy work and ago in the Commission on the Future
at a fraction of the cost it would take for land conservation, PEC recognized early is the backbone of our on-the-ground of Virginia’s Environment is an excellent
the Commonwealth to acquire the land on the need for improved incentives for conservation work,” Miller said. example of bipartisan efforts that will
needed to meet its conservation and land conservation to help offset the loss “I count myself fortunate for the continue to pay off great dividends to
water quality goals. of economic value from easement dona- opportunities I have had over the years to future generations of Virginians in both
Clyde Evely, who with his wife Betty, tion. Today, PEC continues to be a primary be involved in numerous areas that have tax incentives and land preservation.”
Events
Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative
M E R LL When Friday, July 27 @ 7–9 pm
M FA
SU & Where Ivy Creek Natural Area, 1780 Earlysville Road, Charlottesville
As part of the Rivanna Master Naturalists’ continuing education lecture series, PEC
staff will share information about local land conservation efforts and land manage-
Event details subject to change. Please check pecva.org/events for the latest information. ment for grassland birds. The educational event is free and open to the public.
Where Park at Mt. Zion Historic Park: 40309 John Mosby Highway, Aldie Where Park at Mt. Zion Historic Park, 40309 John Mosby Highway, Aldie
PEC Wildlife Habitat Restoration Coordinator October Greenfield will lead us on a Join PEC Tree Planting and Stewardship Coordinator Linnea Stewart and Gilberts
beginner-friendly bird walk at our Roundabout Meadows pastures and meadows Corner Farm and Land Manager Dana Melby for an afternoon walk along the Old
in Aldie. The walk will cover approximately 1.3 miles through rolling pastures and Carolina Road Trail and through the meadow while learning about wildflowers and
across a small creek, so wear appropriate footwear and clothing for longer grass PEC’s approach to restoring the meadow. Registration is required at pecva.org/events.
and uneven terrain. Registration is required at pecva.org/events.
7
Dear Friends,
S ince the start of 2023, PEC has been introducing
our 2023-2028 Strategic Plan to audiences across
the Piedmont and beyond. It’s a forward-looking
plan that builds on the solid foundation of 50 years of
community planning, conservation policy advocacy and
the return on investment for local producers through
local farm markets and Buy Fresh Buy Local, about land
conservation and planting forested stream buffers to
improve water quality, and about supporting local
affordable housing initiatives. Scenic highways and
thousands of projects to conserve and restore our lands byways took us along the Route 50 traffic calming
and waters. It is filled with hope for a better future and corridor, passing cyclists along the way, and up the
built on informed and involved communities. PEC values long, winding, unpaved section of Carr Lane to where
a thoughtful and holistic approach to addressing the it joins Route 17 in the Crooked Run Valley. The views
complex issues facing our lands and our communities. of Ashby Gap, protected by Sky Meadow State Park, the
Being both idealistic and pragmatic, our staff and Board Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Piedmont
PEC President Chris Miller with his mother, Suzanne
consider the best data and research, look for unintended Memorial Overlook and anchoring tens of thousands
Miller, at the Piedmont Memorial Overlook on
consequences, and pursue creative solutions, always of acres of farms and forests protected by conservation
Mother’s Day. Photo by Chris Miller
guided by our commitment to a sustainable future for easements, were stunning.
the Virginia Piedmont. At PEC’s Piedmont Memorial Overlook, we ate rural roads and byways, all surrounded by farms, forest
On Mother’s Day, I took my mom on a tour of the a picnic lunch in the sun, culminating with fresh and open spaces that provide all of us with water, food,
communities and lands that are part of the larger regional strawberries from Wegmeyer farm at Gilberts Corner, land recreation, and solace. We need to find a way to balance
effort. Our drive started in southern Fairfax County, where PEC leases out to enable innovative local production. We the need for clean energy powering a growing economy
I was raised and where my mom still lives in Hollin Hills, a chatted with hikers from all over, enjoying the present, with the equally important access to the natural world.
National Register of Historic Places historic district of post- connecting with land, air, sounds and smells of nature. Only by embracing the complexity of both and working
modernist homes built on a wood lot from a neighboring Later, as we walked through the wildflower meadows, we hard to make the best decisions possible, can we move
farm. The Washington Beltway led us to Interstate 66 had the thrill of Indigo Buntings hunting from the Honey toward that balance.
westward through Fairfax County and into Prince William Locusts. I hope you will read our Strategic Plan and invest in
and Loudoun counties, some of the fastest-growing On the way home, sedated and content, Mom said, our work to implement each of its elements. Now, more
urban and suburban areas of the U.S. Along the way, “thank you for sharing such a wonderful place. It gives than ever before, your support and collaboration are
we wound through the hardened corridor of data me hope knowing that so many have worked so hard for critical to accelerating conservation, building inclusive
centers, distribution warehouses, transmission lines, and something so beautiful that can be shared now and in and livable communities, and enabling a cleaner and
sprawling commercial and residential developments that generations to come.” more sustainable economy.
characterize much of Northern Virginia. As we returned to the fast-paced realities of
And, come join us in enjoying
As we journeyed further west, through Thoroughfare Northern Virginia, all the challenges of the future lay
special places that are
Gap in the Rural Crescent of Prince Willam County, then before us. Traffic was heavy. Data center construction,
protected forever!
the Bull Run Mountain Preserve, and on into rural Fauquier new housing development, and expanded highways
County, the transformation to a landscape of forests, appeared all around us. And the air was hazy from the Sincerely,
pastures and small villages and towns was striking. The smoke of wildfires in Canada, increasingly triggered by a
Photo by Matt Ha
next three hours allowed me to give Mom an overview of changing climate.
PEC’s work with communities on a wide range of projects. At PEC, we know there can be a way forward that
We talked about regenerative agriculture, improving includes varying scales of communities, connected trails, Chris Miller, President
Pop Quiz
QUESTION
INSIDE
Our 2023-2028 Strategic Plan leads PEC into the next 50 years, a new farm coordinator brings big ideas to the
Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows, PEC staff out and about in the region, upcoming events, and more