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Crow's Nest: Doable?

Revving up the Save Crow's Nest charge

Date published: 5/26/2006

Crow's Nest: Doable?

T HE CONTINUING SAGA of Crow's Nest threatens the Maury School Continuing Issue longevity record. For those new to the story, Crow's Nest is a 4,000-acre peninsula between Accokeek and Potomac creeks in Stafford County. It contains one of the last unfragmented old-growth hardwood forests in the mid-Atlantic region.

A true ecosystem, Crow's Nest is home to diverse natural species, many of which are endangered or in troubling decline. Bald eagles, great blue herons, scarlet tanagers, wood ducks, short-nose sturgeons, and river bullrushes all live in and around Crow's Nest. Sharp ravines protect ferns and other rare plants, along with critters like salamanders, tiny frogs, and lizards. Also, in addition to its old oaks and hickories, the peninsula has 1,300 acres of blissfully undisturbed wetlands.

All of which is why citizens would like to see Crow's Nest saved from development. Alas, a deal to buy the land from owner K&M Properties has been elusive: For years, each time a citizens group has amassed funds to buy the property, the price has shot up.

Now, commendably, the Stafford Board of Supervisors has put some money on the table: $30.5 million, to be exact, which is more than the land's appraised value. Predictably, K&M's attorney says it's worth twice that. We agree: Crow's Nest is priceless. But plunk 698 homes on the property, as K&M wants to do, and the Eden loses its intrinsic value, to become the Land Formerly Known as Crow's Nest. Another cell block of suburbia.

Citizens and officials at all levels of government are committed to saving Crow's Nest, by any (legal) means necessary. Which is why K&M should release its death grip, take the money, and run. Dealing now is in everyone's best interests.

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Date published: 5/26/2006