Crow's Nest moves ahead

STAFFORD — Stafford officials are optimistic that they will be able to meet the Commonwealth of Virginia's challenge to obtain funds for the purchase of Phase II of the Crow's Nest peninsula.

“The purchase of Phase I of Crow's Nest took teamwork, and we will call upon our many partners.once again to help us preserve this unique tract of land for our future generations,” said Chairman of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors George Schwartz, who represents the Falmouth District. “Crow's Nest has so much to offer visitors, whether it's learning about the unique natural resources at the site or the role it played in Stafford's history as well as its links to our nation's heritage.”

Secretary of Natural Resources Preston Bryant recently informed the county of the Commonwealth's willingness to reserve $4 million until July 2009 for that purchase, which consists of approximately 1,200 acres of Crow's Nest. The first phase of Crow's Nest was purchased in April 2008 by the Stafford board of supervisors and Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and consisted of approximately 1,720 acres for $19 million. The agreement provided an option for the county to purchase approximately 1,200 additional acres for $16.2 million by December 1, 2009.

The Commonwealth’s commitment of the $4 million for the second phase has one stipulation: Stafford must demonstrate good progress on securing the remaining $12 million by July 2009. Otherwise, the Commonwealth will have to re-evaluate the money because it is part of the $30 million in bond proceeds that is contained in the state's current biennial budget for land conservation, and it is Gov. Timothy Kaine's goal to have all of the bond proceeds expended toward the Commonwealth's highest land conservation priorities by December 31, 2009.

“I am thrilled at Gov. Kaine's willingness to assist Stafford,” said Stafford Supervisor Paul Milde, who represents the Aquia District, in which Crow's Nest lies. “Perseverance and patience from many of our local, regional, state and federal partners helped us with the purchase of Phase I. We have been meeting with all of our partners to obtain support for Phase II and we are optimistic that we can raise those funds.”

The future use of the Crow's Nest property will be consistent with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation's Natural Area Preserve System and will include public access for self-guided nature trails, wildlife observation posts, canoe launches, fishing and other similar passive activities.

— Press release