The Northern Neck Land Conservancy (NNLC) Board of Directors and Advisory Board met at the home of president, Mary Louisa Pollard. A soup and sandwich lunch provided a welcome and celebratory break in the predicted "wintry mix."

Kathryn Gregory, secretary and chair of the land conservation committee, reported that her committee has been busy. One of its members, George Freeman, described progress with several land owners moving toward easements on their properties, adding approximately 900 acres to that already protected in the Northern Neck. NNLC, as a new land trust, is able to co-hold easements with Virginia Outdoor Foundation, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and Northern Neck Audubon Society, among others.

Judy McBride, chair for historic preservation activity, announced advances made in identifying Century Farms.

Bob Fox, treasurer, stated that 382 families and individuals had joined NNLC in 2005, now in its second year of operation.

Special grant proposals are in process to assist with educational projects related to Chesapeake Bay restoration, attorney and accountant seminars on land conservation, and other informational strategies for the general public, according to Jane Towner, vice president.

Additionally, a new fund has been established to assist landowners with expenses, when needed, such as appraisal costs, fees for accountants' consultation regarding tax credits and attorney fees for legal recording.

Mary Louisa Pollard reported that four new members have been added to the Advisory Board:
Henry Bashore, John Cardwell, David Evans, and David Flemer. The group was honored to be joined by Alan M. Voorhees, Honorary Board member. W. Taylor Murphy, Jr., also Honorary Board member, was unable to attend.

The meeting adjourned to visit two new potential easements in Lancaster County. For further information on land conservation agreements, Century Farm designation, historic preservation, educational seminars, or joining NNLC, please phone the NNLC office, (804) 435-2814 or use Contact link.