|
Protecting More Acreage in
the
The year 2005 brought about significant changes for the future of FODR, and of the Dragon Run Watershed! The successful application to the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) for a $194,000 grant to purchase the Revere and Bulman Tracts near the Big Island preserve in King and Queen County made possible the purchase of the combined 165.45 acres of land from The Nature Conservancy. Now what do we do? Let’s explore the requirements we must meet before title may be transferred to FODR. We would be remiss to not recognize the tremendous positive impact in natural area conservation that The Nature Conservancy has made over the past few years in the Dragon Run Watershed. We also acknowledge the significant individual efforts of Andy Lacatell, Director of TNC’s Chesapeake Rivers Program, for his vision and leadership.Andy has worked very closely with our president, Tom Gregory, and others, to coordinate his organization’s needs and goals with ours. Andy has known for several years that FODR wanted very much to acquire this property, and he has worked toward making that dream become reality. As we move closer toward the acquisition, Andy will continue to guide and assist us in meeting the rather challenging requirements. Tom Gregory and I attended a meeting in Richmond on January 24th to learn of these requirements, and to enlist Andy’s help in meeting them. The conditions we must meet before receiving the funds from the VLCF are that we provide: 1. A survey plat in digital form. 2. A Phase I Environmental Survey of both tracts, confirming no significant environmental problems on the properties. 3. Evidence of clear title to both tracts. 4. A current appraisal of the properties by a certified appraiser. 5. A copy of the recorded deed for each in VLCF approved format. 6. A completed, perpetual conservation easement for both tracts held by a public entity. (Virginia Outdoors Foundation, in our case) 7. Complete documentation of all eligible expenditures, with VLCF approval of each prior to reimbursement. 8. Progress reports three times each year prior to the award of grant funds, with the first report due four months after the execution of the grant agreement. Only after the above requirements are met will we receive the grant money. Once that occurs, we will be able to combine the grant funds with some of the proceeds from our own fund drive to make the purchase from The Nature Conservancy. We are discovering that the costs to accomplish the tasks listed above may well be more than initially anticipated, making the generosity of our membership even more critical to the success of this endeavor. The absolutely terrific support from our membership during the fund drive has ensured that we have the financial resources to meet the purchase requirements. Any remaining funds, plus any received between now and closing will be used to accomplish property stewardship and additional projects. For example, a trail system around the tracts is envisioned. Stay tuned for follow-up reports on our progress, and for the opportunity to become involved in the "polishing" of another jewel in the Dragon Run Watershed. Davis Rhodes |
News