Virginia has added a 2,211-acre conservation area at Buffalo Mountain in Floyd and Carroll counties.
The property features mature forests and nearly 14 miles of native trout streams. Not only are its streams located at the headwaters of the Dan River, a source of drinking water, but the area also serves as an important buffer surrounding the Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve.
The acquisition of this new Virginia conservation area brings the total acreage of DCR-owned land at Buffalo Mountain to 4,332 acres.
Governor Abigail Spanberger said the new conservation area will ensure the long-term protection of a popular hiking summit view. And while the area is not yet open to the public, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) said they will be developing a management plan to expand public access to the area.
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“Virginians can look forward to expanded outdoor recreation opportunities in the New River region thanks to the collaborations between two key natural resource agencies: the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Department of Forestry, as well as the state and federal levels of government,” said Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources David Bulova.”
“We look forward to offering low-impact recreational experiences for the public while protecting the precious resources that make the local landmark of Buffalo Mountain so special, said DCR Director Nikki Rovner.”
The Virginia Department of Forestry made it possible for the project to utilize a $9.5 million federal Forest Legacy Grant. Rovner also expressed gratitude to The Conservation Fund, which acquired the property from the Lawson Company, for making it possible to double the acreage of public lands at Buffalo Mountain.
“It is with deep gratitude that we see this land — in our family for more than 100 years — transferred to the state of Virginia,” said Jack Lawson. “Conservation and land stewardship are core family values, and knowing that this unique piece of land will be protected and preserved for public enjoyment for generations to come brings us a profound sense of fulfillment.”
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