NNLC Annual Meeting Celebrates Successes

On March 15, the King Conservation and Visitors Center at Menokin was packed by a standing-room only crowd who gathered to review the year’s achievements and to hear the featured speaker, W. Tayloe Murphy, at the NNLC annual meeting.  

Mary Louisa Pollard, president of the NNLC, welcomed the gathering and introduced Sarah Dillard Pope, executive director of the Menokin Foundation.  Pope gave a brief history of the property and described the resent conservation easement on the property.  The purchase of a conservation easement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has allowed the Foundation to establish a $1.3 million endowment which will cover operating costs and support both further historic preservation and natural resource conservation.

Pollard then gave a summary of the achievements of the NNLC over the past year.  The organization has applied for several grants, including a successful submission to the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund.  Representatives of the NNLC have met with local government officials to discuss land preservation agreements in the context of local comprehensive plans.  The NNLC is also seeking to assist in the preservation of Shiloh School, where Jessie Ball Dupont once taught. A strategic mapping program has been undertaken by Philip Reed, part-time consultant for the NNLC, and examples of the maps generated were posted around the meeting room.  Pollard pointed out that the Northern Neck is one of the few places in the US where those looking into the night sky can see the Milk Way.

Future plans for NNLC activities in 2006 include local ‘Farm Country Gatherings’ throughout the region, to bring together local landowners interested in learning more about the conservation easement process.  In addition, two seminars will be held for landowners and for members of the legal and accounting professions to offer in depth education on easement issues.  

Pollard announced the location of the popular annual ‘Boots and Barbeque’ festival which will be held at Juggs Farm on the Sabine Hall Plantation on September 10.  

 

Hon. W. Tayloe Murphy, Jr.

The meeting concluded with an address by W. Tayloe Murphy, former Secretary of the Virginia Department of Natural Resources.   Murphy outlined some of the successes achieved by Virginia in conservation issues, but also warned his audience of threats to future progress. While Virginia specifically mandates protection of the environment in its Constitution, the legislature has never demonstrated great commitment to the concept, Murphy claimed.   However, with the passing of the bond issues in 2002, Virginia reaffirmed its commitment to providing open spaces and protecting the Commonwealth’s great natural Beauty.  The Virginia Land Conservation Foundation makes provision for the funding of easements and acquisitions and the development of an easement program has allowed for the most productive use of public funds in this area.

Former Secretary Murphy is hopeful that the Commonwealth will continue to fund conservation projects with more financial commitment.  Non-profit groups such as the Northern Neck Land Conservancy are making a significant difference in the conservation of lands within the five county area: King George, Westmoreland, Richmond, Northumberland and Lancaster.   

 
Northern Neck Land Conservancy, Inc. | PO Box 3 | Kilmarnock, Virginia 22482
804.462.0979
nnlc@kaballero.com
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