The Virginia Department of Forestry announced its first working conservation easement in Albemarle County on Monday.
The easement protects 149 acres of forest along Rocky Creek from development. The easement combines two tax parcels into one, and limits development on the property in the future.
The property is owned by Albert and Ann Albano, who said they entered the easement to ensure they could preserve their own piece of “unmolested” forest land.
According to the forestry department, the Albanos’ parcel is 97 percent forested. The conservation easement means the land is not only protected from development, but also has access to resources to make sure the forest stays healthy. According to the department, an easement means landowners continue to own and use their land, but the Department of Forestry supplies the parcel with environmental services and expertise.
The Albanos’ property includes tributaries of Rocky Creek and nearly a mile of waterfront on Rocky Creek itself. The easement will help ensure the streams, which ultimately empty into the South Fork Rivanna River, stay healthy as well.
According to the department, nearly two-thirds of privately owned forest land in the state is under a conservation easement.
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