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Kaine makes first visit to see Crow's Nest
Gov. Kaine visits environmentally sensitive Crow's Nest peninsula in eastern Stafford County to celebrate its preservation
Date published: 5/2/2008
BY KAFIA HOSH
Gov. Tim Kaine visited the Crow's Nest peninsula for the first time yesterday to celebrate Stafford County's purchase of the environmentally-sensitive forest.
State and local officials and environmental groups gathered in the backyard of a private home that overlooks the peninsula's marshes.
After years of trying to protect Crow's Nest from development, Stafford officials recently bought a portion of the peninsula from its owner, K&M Properties of McLean.
One of Kaine's goals is to increase land conservation in the commonwealth. He hopes to protect 400,000 acres by the end of 2010.
As Virginia grows and land costs increase "resources are in danger unless we take dramatic steps," Kaine said.
"Some of those critical acres are right here on this peninsula."
The Crow's Nest peninsula, between Potomac and Accokeek creeks, is a unique blend of wetlands and hardwood forest. It is home to dozens of rare plant and animal species.
The county purchased 1,770 acres for $19 million, and has a two-year option to purchase another 1,100 acres for about $16 million.
The first parcel is the most environmentally sensitive. Preserving it protects the spawning nursery for 49 different specifies of fish and seven species of mussels, according to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation in Richmond.
"The protection of phase one is now a reality," said Joseph Maroon, director of the DCR.
Aquia Supervisor Paul Milde, who leads preservation group SaveCrowsNest .com, said protecting the peninsula was a top priority for the Board of Supervisors.
"It was too important of an issue not to get involved in," he said. "This momentous achievement will outlive us."
Stafford is buying the 1,770-acre tract with a $9.5 million grant from the DCR and a $9.5 million low-interest loan from the state Department of Environmental Quality.
The county has two years to secure about $16 million for the remaining 1,100 acres.
State officials say buying the the second parcel should be the next priority.
"While we celebrate today, let's think about going forward," said Sen. Richard Stuart, R-Westmoreland County.
But in the wake of state budget cuts, some wonder if the county will receive any more aid.
Funding for the second half could come from land conservation spending recently approved by the General Assembly, or from private philanthropists, accor- ding to Kaine.
"A lot of different people will be involved," he said in a later interview.
The purchase still drew ire from some local preservation groups. Another group called Save Crow's Nest issued a press release that said the forest "will not be 'saved' until the entire peninsula is protected."
Other groups were optimistic.
"My motto has always been 'a good company or a good project can always be financed,'" said Patrick Coady, a board member of the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust.
The DCR designated Crow's Nest as a natural area preserve, which is the highest form of land protection the commonwealth can offer.
The peninsula could eventually include hiking trails, wildlife observation and other passive recreation.
Kafia Hosh: 540/735-1977
Email: khosh@freelancestar.com
Date published: 5/2/2008
Most recent reader comments:
If its a Commonwealth Natural Preserve - why am I paying for it?
(posted by
WeimCity
, May 2, 2008 10:50 pm)
If Kaine degrees its a State Natural Preserve - where is the Commonwealth's money to acquire it from Stafford County? I wish someone would realize that Stafford residents and businesses have been shouldered with paying for that parcel of land. I wish Stafford would have placed it up for a referremdum vote to determine if we wanted to buy it. Still thinks it is a stinky issue
You know the park rangers and such really do not want you on the property... Maybe if the county would give them equal zoning development rights (or more) on another piece of property, then the county wouldn't have spent a nickel on it and wold have been donated. Either way...people should begin reading about Nikita Kruschev, and what direction he saw US going in....
he almost looks like he's doing something
(posted by
mikester
, May 2, 2008 9:48 am)
Kaine trying to get some face time in the news acting like he's doing something for Crows nest. That's been a long time coming to get to this point
Ridiculous
(posted by
Justice1
, May 2, 2008 9:15 am)
This patting themselves on the back for robbing the taxpayers of their hard earned gas money to purchase a piece of property which will never provide one second of pleasure for almost everyone in the state. Those who want to protect it should buy it. I would happily give money to a private org to preserve it. Using tax dollars to do it should be criminal.
Reporter missed the point
(posted by
SCN
, May 2, 2008 8:21 am)
Why is the media ignoring the most important point of the press release? Crow's Nest has not been "saved." Development plans are moving forward for over a thousand acres on Crow's Nest. Read the press release and learn the full story at http://www.savecrowsnest.org
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