RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced the purchase of more than a thousand acres for preservation as part of Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve in Stafford, Virginia. The $14.2 million deal finalized this week adds 1,100 acres to the 1,770 acres already purchased in the first phase of the preservation effort, resulting in the permanent protection of 2,870 acres of highly significant coastal habitat. Funding for the purchase of the second parcel of land was provided by the Commonwealth in the form of grants and low-interest loans. The purchase results from a partnership between the Stafford County Board of Supervisors and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
“Virginians strongly support conserving significant natural and historic lands,” said Governor Kaine. “This purchase brings us 1,100 acres closer to my goal of preserving 400,000 acres statewide by 2010, while also improving water quality.”
To date, more than 340,000 acres statewide have been preserved.
“I am pleased that Stafford’s citizens are now collective owners of almost 3,000 acres of a local treasure,” said Chairman of the Stafford Board of Supervisors George Schwartz. “The preservation of this tract will allow us to continue enjoying all that Crow’s Nest has to offer, including rare wildlife and plants.”
This purchase will preserve 138 species of migratory birds, bald eagles, 750 acres of wetlands and 2,200 acres of hardwood forests. In addition, many historically significant events occurred in the area, including Pocahontas’s kidnapping and Civil War occupation by the Union Army.
The peninsula will be used for recreation, including bird watching, canoeing and hiking. Eventually, Crow’s Nest will serve as an educational hub for the area’s natural resources and history.
“We have been negotiating to save Crow’s Nest for years because we were committed to preserving this priceless and environmentally sensitive area for visitors today and generations to come,” said Supervisor Paul Milde of the Aquia District, which includes Crow’s Nest. “Our hard work will pay dividends to our citizens and visitors, and hopefully, will be an inspiration to other groups who seek to preserve natural and historic treasures.”
For several years, citizens groups, county, state and federal officials have worked together to negotiate with Stafford Lakes Limited Partnership to purchase the land. Phase One of the purchase was completed in December 2007 for $19 million. Crow’s Nest is Virginia’s 54th natural area preserve.
“Acquisition of Crow’s Nest Phase Two is a critical step in ensuring the protection of the original 1,770 acres purchased in 2007,” said Joseph H. Maroon, DCR director. “This tract is also an important property in its own right, with 73 acres of wetlands, more than 1,000 acres of upland forest and nearly six miles of streams.”
Virginia natural area preserves provide access to the public for activities such as hiking, wildlife observation and canoeing. DCR staff has begun planning limited access improvements such as parking areas, trails and a canoe launch. Staff is also looking at scheduling weekends this fall when the preserve will be open to the public. However, Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve will remain closed on a regular basis until funding for staffing is in place and access improvements have been made.
Today’s announcement comes as Governor Kaine continues to move his “Renew Virginia” initiative. Renew Virginia is focused on promoting renewable energy, creating green jobs, and encouraging preservation of the environment.
For more information on Renew Virginia, visit www.governor.virginia.gov.