Heated debates over housing projects, solar farms, data centers and other developments are raging in boardrooms and town halls across Virginia. While localities face major decisions between what to build and where, other groups are working to preserve Virginia land from ever being considered for development.
According to its own mission statement, the Piedmont Environmental Council is focused on preserving the region’s natural integrity and resources for public benefit as well as ensuring historic, scenic and environmental sustainability. The primary tool the Warrenton-based nonprofit organization wields to carry out its mission is conservation easements, a voluntary agreement between a landowner and land conservation organization designed to protect any agricultural or historical resources, scenic open space, or wildlife habitat that may exist on a property.
Last year, the council placed 6,315 acres of land into conservation easements spanning the nine counties within its service area. This figure brings the total number …