50th easement donated to river conservation unit
Source: The Winchester Star
September 04, 2007
Winchester — The Potomac Conservancy has reached a milestone in its mission to protect the health, beauty, and enjoyment of the Potomac River and its tributaries after its 50th easement was donated Friday.
The 134-acre easement, held jointly by Potomac Conservancy and the Cacapon and Lost Rivers Land Trust, was donated by Robert Poole, whose property is near Largent, in Morgan County, W.Va.
Potomac Conservancy and the Cacapon and Lost Rivers Land Trust envision this property — less than half a mile from the western edge of Cacapon State Park — to be a keystone for future conservation in the area.
Kelly Watkinson, director of Headwaters Conservation for Potomac Conservancy, said, "Bob Poole decided that the highest and best use of his land was to keep it forested and undeveloped, in turn protecting important wildlife habitat. His love of nature and desire to protect this land for future generations lead him to this agreement with us and we applaud him for making such a strong statement."
Poole requested that the conservation agreement permanently protect the forest, wildlife, and water resources on the property.
Conserving the forest is considered to be particularly important because of the presence of sensitive karst topography on the property.
Groundwater systems of karst regions are extremely vulnerable to contamination. The wooded property includes a large spring and nearly a mile of frontage on two small streams. No subdivisions will be allowed on the property, which contains one existing cabin.
Nancy Ailes, director of the trust, said, "Mr. Poole has set the stage for protecting additional land in an area he loves, Conners Hollow. Because of his strong feelings for land conservation and his good communication skills, neighboring landowners have stepped forward to protect their land as well. Protecting adjacent parcels creates better habitat for game and non-game species and gets us one step closer in protecting watershed ecological function."
Potomac Conservancy and Cacapon and Lost Rivers Land Trust are longstanding partners in West Virginia conservation efforts.
According to Hedrick Belin, president of the Conservancy, "Our partnership with the Cacapon and Lost Rivers Land Trust is one that is based on a shared vision for protecting this unique part of West Virginia."
Landowners interested in donating a conservation easement in the Cacapon and Lost Rivers watershed can contact Nancy Ailes at 304-856-1010. For conservation inquiries in other parts of West Virginia or the Shenandoah Valley, call Kelly Watkinson at 540-667-3606.
