Eight Conservation Groups Collaborate to Produce “Rural Landowner Manual: A Resource Guide for the Northern Piedmont”

A first-of-its-kind collaboration to navigate rural life in the northern Piedmont.

MIDDLEBURG, VA — Eight area conservation groups — Citizens for Fauquier County, Goose Creek Association, Land Trust of Virginia, Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition, OCH Conservation Fund, PFH Conservation Fund, Piedmont Environmental Council, and Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area Association — are pleased to announce the release of their joint production, “Rural Landowner Manual: A Resource Guide for the Northern Piedmont.” The publication includes a list of experts, programs, and opportunities to assist landowners, as well as advice for how to navigate the complexities of rural property stewardship.

The effort, led by PFH Conservation Fund Chair Dulany Morison, was conceived over the past year, with the goal to create an attractive and long-standing handbook outlining how to participate and advocate for rural culture in this part of the Commonwealth.

“As more and more people continue to move to the northern Piedmont area, I feel it is increasingly important to provide a user-friendly resource that would ease the learning curve of land stewardship and help residents understand the available opportunities to enhance their property,” said Morison.

Dedication to conservation and preservation in Loudoun and Fauquier counties has had widespread support since the 1950s and has led to one of the highest density areas for conservation easements and other protected lands in the United States. Over the last 20 years, the threat of incompatible development has exploded, and these organizations have accordingly increased their collaboration, understanding the power of partnerships in preserving an irreplaceable landscape.

“Partnerships are invaluable in the effort to protect our beautiful countryside, and I felt it was imperative that we produce this publication with equal participation from the leading conservation organizations in the area,” said Morison. “In addition to expanding our distribution capability, having engaged feedback from these eight experienced organizations ensured a high caliber product and we are confident it will make an impact in unifying our rural community and saving our landscape for future generations.”

The publication will be unveiled to the public on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Middleburg Community Center (300 West Washington Street, Middleburg, VA 20118) featuring a round table discussion with the sponsors, moderated by Robert Bonnie, U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation. The “Rural Landowner Manual” release event is free to attend with advance RSVP at Eventbrite. A beer and wine reception will follow the program.

Photo courtesy of the Land Trust of Virginia.

Posted on: November 21, 2023