Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, February 6, 1995 TAG: 9502070001
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CATHRYN MCCUE
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Thanks to several landowners in Bath and Rockbridge counties, 1,500 acres of scenic, rural land in those two counties will remain open and undeveloped.
In Bath County, Edward and Rita Walters put a conservation easement on their 446 acres along the Cowpasture River. The land is adjacent to a national wilderness area in the George Washington National Forest, and the river has been recommended for state and federal scenic designation.
"It means a lot to us, and we wanted it to stay intact and not be developed," Rita Walters said. They still own the property, but the easement, a legally binding deed given to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, contains numerous restrictions, which any future owners of the land must follow.
It can only be divided once, only one more single-family home can be built with only small outbuildings or farm buildings. The Walterses, or future owners, can cut timber, but only in an environmentally sound way.
The foundation also received an easement for 1,003 acres in Rockbridge County from the McLaughlin and Stronach families. The property is located on Jump Mountain, bordering the state-owned Little Mountain and Goshen wildlife management areas.
The easement prohibits the subdivision of the parcel, bars motor vehicles and road construction, and allows only the construction of minor structures that will not disturb its pristine character. It also allows some logging.
Sherry Butrick, Charlottesville-based representative of the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, said three more easements in Augusta County are being finalized. For more information, call her at (804) 293-3423.
Recognizing eco-teachers
Nominations are being accepted for environmental educators of grades K-12 in Roanoke, Franklin and Henry counties. The Blue Ridge Soil and Water Conservation District will accept nominations through March 1.
Any full-time teacher in a public or private school who emphasizes conservation education as a regular part of instruction is eligible. Local and state winners in the K-6 and 7-12 categories receive certificates. Regional and national winners receive cash awards and other prizes.
For more information and entry forms, contact the conservation district at 711 State Street, Rocky Mount, Va. 24151, or call 483-5269.
Explore events
Virginia's Explore Park is offering numerous classes this month, each of which has a limited enrollment and a fee. The classes include: Natural Dyeing on Feb. 11; Winter Hike on Feb. 11; Appalachian Instrument Making on Feb. 25; and Open Hearth Cooking on Feb. 25.
For times and registration fee information, call 427-1800.
by CNB