Virginia Permanently Protects 424,000 Acres of Land in Four Years

Virginia has permanently preserved more than 424,000 acres of land since 2006, surpassing Virginia Gov. Timothy Kaine’s goal of 400,000 acres conserved during his term.

The 424,000 acres of land were conserved so they could be protected from development and used by Virginia residents and visitors for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, hiking and birding.

“Virginians expect to be able to explore and enjoy those lands purchased with public funds,” Governor Kaine said. “We have been mindful of the fact that we are stewards of their lands and resources.”

The land will be used to create five state forests, three state parks, three wildlife management areas and 13 natural area preserves.

Some of the protected parcels of land include:

• 5,340 acres of land added to Dragon Run State Forest in King and Queen County. This is now the third-largest state forest in Virginia. Dragon Run flows to the Piankatank River and eventually the Chesapeake Bay, and provides habitat for 90 species of birds and 55 species of fish.
• Moore’s Creek State Forest, a 2,353-acre area in Rockbridge County that is habitat for deer and black bears.
• Biscuit Run, a 1,200-acre area that was slated to be the largest planned residential development in its county until the project was halted by the economic downturn. The property will now become a state park.