Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 21, 1990                   TAG: 9003212443
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: CHARLES STEBBINS SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: N                                LENGTH: Medium

CRAIG COUNTY OKS PLANS FOR TWO RURAL RECREATIONAL AREAS

Both were unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors and the county Planning Commission after joint hearings.

One of the projects is for a youth adventure area that will be operated by Marine Col. Eugene Nervo. It is planned on 470 acres on Virginia 611 near Virginia 615 about seven miles east of New Castle. The land is now owned by Richard R. and Clara M. Givens.

Nervo, who is scheduled to retire from the Marine Corps May 1, had previously sought to create his project in the Eagle Rock area of Botetourt County but could not get the necessary approval from governing officials there.

The second project would create a recreational area on Virginia 617 near Virginia 611 about nine miles from New Castle. It is to be developed on 700 acres by Charles C. and Marilyn R. Barnes, who now own the land.

Both petitions were approved largely on the grounds that they would create activities compatible with Craig County's rural atmosphere, according to supervisors and members of the Planning Commission.

Craig County officials and many of the residents have said they want the present rural atmosphere of the county preserved and that any industry allowed should be in accord with that.

Several of the 50 people attending the meeting expressed concern about possible noise and trespassing by campers.

Both Nervo and Barnes said they did not expect trouble.

Nervo described his project as a youth adventure camp for young people ages 12 through 17.

The principal activity, he said, would be backpacking on trails on the camp property and in the adjoining Jefferson National Forest.

Along with the backpacking, he said, would be a series of short classes to teach the young people about nature, care of the environment, safety and other outdoor subjects.

The young people would be given a weeklong program, mostly on the trail. Nervo said the young people would be broken into groups of no more than 16 with three trained counselors for each group.

Sometimes, Nervo said, the camp will provide programs for the young people's family and also for various groups of older people.

The other recreational area to be operated by Barnes will cater to all ages.

It will be a resort to be operated on what is known as the Cove Branch Farm. Activities will include hunting, fishing, camping, horseback riding, bicycling, nature trails and a recreation hall.

It will have conventional camping, primitive camping and cottages.

However, Barnes said the facility will not be a conventional campground but instead "will be a quiet place."

Barnes said the camp will be designed to promote recreation without damaging the quality of life in Craig.