Land Conservation Committee – Rockbridge Area Conservation Council

The Land Conservation committee (LCC) covers a wide variety of local and regional land use and development issues. Members volunteer to monitor the activities of the Planning Commissions and other governmental bodies that deal with such issues. RACC does not hold land conservation easements but helps those interested in land protection with contacts, information and advice. Current projects include:

Wildlife Habitat Management

Improving wildlife habitat management as well as conservation practices for riparian lands

Arcadia

Implementing the Arcadia Initiative to conserve lands in the southwestern part of Rockbridge County

Irish Creek Rural Historic District

Establishing a potential Rural Historic District in the Irish Creek area

Solar Zoning Regulations

Identifying best planning and zoning regulations for large solar installations to support local planning

Partnerships

Working with the local, regional, and national municipalities and organizations on conservation and trails

Transportation Planning

Coordinating efforts with local governments and the Central Shenandoah Planning District to improve pedestrian and bicycle transportation in the county

The RACC Land Conservation Committee meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 4:30 at the RACC office or by Zoom. RACC members and guests are encouraged to participate. Contact the co-chairs for more information.

Co-chairs:
Chris Wise, jwise@wlu.edu
Lee Merrill, merrill@rockbridge.net

Buffalo Creek Wildlife Corridor

a developing a new conservation project seeking enhanced awareness of and protection for a critical wildlife corridor in between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains.
Download this brochure
VCC and RACC have secured a Special Project Area status for this area and Purgatory Mtn. with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. This designation will help promote the acquisition of conservation easements in the corridor. For more information see https://www.vof.org/2013/07/30/vof-designates-new-special-project-area-in-rockbridge-botetourt/

Rocky Forge Industrial Wind Project, Botetourt County

This project is back in the news with higher towers.
More information at the
Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance Conservation Hub
—- 2016 and older content below ——–
Virginia public comment period ended June 6.
- RACC Comments
More information about the project application can be found at Virginians for Responsible Energy website including
DEQ announcement
review documents for public comments
. . .
RACC Wind Statement April 2016
Apex Energy plans to construct 25 Turbines on the south end of North Mtn just over the Rockbridge County line.
Proposed turbines are 550 ft tall
Will be visible from Rockbridge locales. Visibility Map or Southern Rockbridge
Given the go-ahead by the Botetourt Board of Supervisors

New group forms consisting of citizens from surrounding counties:
See Virginians for Responsible Energy website

Sunnyside Trail

Lexington Comprehensive Plan

RACC participation in development of the plan