The land use planning committee (LUP) covers a wide variety of local and regional land use and development issues. Members volunteer to monitor the activities of the local planning commissions and other governmental bodies that deal with such issues. Rockbridge Conservation does not hold land conservation easements but helps those interested in land protection with contacts, information and advice.
Current and recent projects include:
Implementing the Arcadia Wildlife Corridor Initiative to conserve lands for a wildlife corridor in the southwestern part of Rockbridge County. This initiative has critical impacts for highway safety in an area where there are active wildlife crossings over the interstate 81 lanes.
- 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.
- 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
Coordinating efforts with local governments and the Central Shenandoah Planning District to improve pedestrian and bicycle transportation in the county
Collaborate with the Energy & Climate Committee to provide input to the Rockbridge County Comp Plan update on solar arrays, using best planning and zoning regulations for commercial scale solar installations
Provided input to the City of Lexington’s Green Infrastructure plan.
Working on establishing a potential Rural Historic District in the Irish Creek area
- A developing conservation project seeking enhanced awareness of and protection for a critical wildlife corridor in between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains.
- Download this brochure
- Valley Conservation Council (VCC) and Rockbridge Conservation have secured a Special Project Area status for this area and Purgatory Mtn. with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF). 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/
The LUP committee participated in the development of the current Lexington Comprehensive plan
The committee will be participating in the upcoming development of the Rockbridge County Comprehensive Plan and the upcoming Lexington Comp Plan revisions.
Get Involved
Rockbridge Conservation’s Land Use Planning Committee is seeking community members who are interested in becoming involved with various projects. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact us at info@rockbridgeconservation.org.
We welcome your interest!!
Planning commissions, city councils and the board of supervisors make recommendations and decisions that impact the livability of our communities and the quality of our environment. Get involved in your local government’s decision-making process to help make our communities more livable!
Buena Vista: public meeting list here.
Lexington: public meeting list here.
Rockbridge County: public meeting list and agendas here.