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Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Finalizes Acceptance of 280-Acre Land for New Park Development

Virginia‘s Department of Conservation and Recreation has recently finalized the acceptance of a 280-acre parcel of land managed by the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship (BRCES).

According to a report, the preserve in Loudoun County will form the foundation of a new state park in Virginia.

BRCES is a non-profit entity that offers educational and recreational programs. The group has been managing the preserve owned by the Robert and Dee Leggett Foundation for over 22 years. The organization will continue to manage the property for the state.

In 2016, the state agency acquired 604 acres. Two years later, Loudoun County provided funding for the second parcel, which BRCES then gave to Old Dominion Land Conservancy, a land trust in the area, in the hopes of it being donated to the government. The 280-acre parcel was accepted yesterday.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will continue to create the master plan for Sweet Run, the new park.

“It’s exciting to be able to begin developing long-term plans for this new state park in Loudoun County. As we move forward, we will seek to engage stakeholders in our planning processes as we move those plans toward implementation,” Virginia State Parks Director Dr. Melissa Baker said.

Frank Stovall, acting director of DCR, stated,  “As the property transitions into a new state park, we are grateful that the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship will continue with the conservation and education efforts they have steadfastly participated in for the last 20 years. We thank all the partners involved, including Loudoun County and the Old Dominion Land Conservancy, for ensuring that this special place is preserved for future generations.”

Meanwhile, Caleb A. Kershner, Loudoun County Catoctin district supervisor—the district where the park is situated—stated “Loudoun County is proud to have provided the $2.9 million to purchase the property and donate it to the state to expand the acreage of the future park, which connects to the Appalachian Trail, complements the Harpers Ferry National Historic Park system and preserves western Loudoun. I also want to recognize former Supervisor Geary Higgins for his unceasing commitment to making this park a reality, and Bob and Dee Leggett for generously donating the other 600 acres of the park.”

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Hi, you might find this article from Modern Campground interesting: Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Finalizes Acceptance of 280-Acre Land for New Park Development! This is the link: https://moderncampground.com/usa/virginia/virginia-department-of-conservation-and-recreation-finalizes-acceptance-of-280-acre-land-for-new-park-development/