THE NATURE CONSERVANCY’S PLAN TO PRESERVE DRAGON RUN

The Dragon Run is one of the newest aquatic areas identified for conservation by the Nature Conservancy (TNC).

Andrew Lacatell is director of the Chesapeake Rivers Program, located in Tappahannock. This program is designed to protect the Dragon Run, Rappahannock, Mattaponi, and Pamunkey rivers. Its main goal is to protect land in and around these rivers in order to preserve their natural systems and endangered species, through conservation easements or acquisition of property.

Andy was invited to speak at the Friends of the Dragon Run (FODR) business meeting in July to answer questions about how we can support and be involved in this conservation effort. FODR can have a significant role in getting the word out, identifying appropriate land, seeking funds, and becoming a steward for the properties. TNC hopes to purchase significant wetland and buffer areas to protect the Dragon Run Watershed, with a focus on the surrounding timber-rich lands. Although TNC plans to seek grants from several funding sources, our help is needed to obtain matching non-federal funds such as land, conservation easements, or cash.  Landowners can donate land or conservation easements and still continue to have access and some limited use of the property. FODR's advocacy and networking can make a substantial contribution to saving the Dragon Run's ecology. FODR can have a continuing role as a steward of the land. In the next six months, TNC will focus on obtaining easements along the Dragon Run, contacting land owners and networking to develop allies and friends.

Andy Lacatell envisions FODR as one of the stewards and gatekeepers of the Dragon Run Watershed.