OWNED LAND ACTIVITIES REPORT February 2012 BULL RUN MOUNTAINS NATURAL AREA PRESERVE A tremendous number of projects are underway on the Preserve. Currently VOF is working with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI), the American Chestnut Foundation, the Division of Natural Heritage, and the Bull Run Mountains Conservancy to conduct a study of American Chestnut seed survival on the mountain. SCBI has identified 184 locations to plant 9-13 seeds in both open and closed canopy conditions. This 2.5 year study will employ 40-50 volunteers to monitor the progress of the approximately 2000 seeds. VOF and Natural Heritage are currently reviewing the study design to prevent any conflicts with the Preserve Management Plan. The study is scheduled to begin in early spring 2012. The Piedmont Environmental Council has re-invigorated its Bull Run Fund, which was created in 1999 to fund land acquisitions on the Mountain. In December, the Bull Run Fund Advisory Committee, which includes VOF, voted to expand the fund by-laws to include stewardship related expenses. With VOF assistance, the Bull Run Fund has identified a small lot for acquisition which is adjacent to the southern portion of the Preserve and contains a marginal building lot on steep slopes above Catlett s Branch. PEC has also said that they are working on transferring ownership of the Whitener Tract, which is a small lot embedded in the southern portion of the Preserve, to VOF. Over the past year, VOF has concentrated on the stewardship of the White Rocks area that VOF is contracted to manage for public access. This area is the primary destination of most visitors to the Preserve and the area has suffered from too much foot traffic, littering, and occasionally, graffiti. Signs have been installed directing visitors to the appropriate overlooks and away from the network of opportunistic trails that we are hoping will revegetate this upcoming growing season. To aid the revegetation, Brian Laposay has installed hundreds of feet of temporary fencing to keep visitors out of the most fragile areas. In conjunction with the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and other volunteers, some of the worst trail problems have been addressed over the last six months. Trees have been removed and water bars have been installed. The perennially wet areas have been dramatically improved. Health and safety of our ever increasing number of visitors is a high priority and VOF has been working with Fauquier County and Prince William County Emergency Responders to better familiarize them with the Preserve and develop strategies to make their job easier should they be called into action. Multiple meetings have taken place, resulting in practical improvements. The records accessed by 911 operators have been updated so that the operators can better direct responders. Maps of the Preserve and contact information for both VOF and BRMC staff have been placed in special EMS kits at the trailheads to help emergency responders to orient themselves and get staff assistance. The main trailhead has been posted with emergency contact information and instructions for the general public. A port-a-john has also been installed near the trailhead. Page 1 of 5
Signs that direct visitors to the overlook and explain the rules of visiting that area. Temporary fencing that directs visitors to a limited number of overlook sites and keeps them off the fragile, revegetating areas. Large tree removal. Page 2 of 5
Water bar installation. The new water bars are stone which is attractive and permanent. Water management: the lower portions of public trails are frequently inundated. Brian Laposay has made great improvements in directing the flows off the trails. These pictures show the volume of water moving through the areas where Brian has cleaned out and improved the drainage. This blue painted graffiti, and many others, were successfully removed at the overlook. Page 3 of 5
The November trail work day included 20+ volunteers who cleaned up many bags of trash from the overlook area. Emergency information is located at the trailhead for both visitors and emergency responders. BLUE BALL We have received a Forest Stewardship Plan developed by the VA Department of Forestry for our Blue Ball Mountain property in Clarke County. This property is entirely steep slopes very difficult, if not impossible, vehicular access. For these reasons, this property is not suited for commercial timbering. It does provide some opportunities for VOF to manage the land for wildlife habitat, particularly for the nongame species that are often not considered in habitat development. Page 4 of 5
HOUSE MOUNTAIN The House Mountain Management Committee has its next meeting on February 15 th. The attendees include representatives from the Rockbridge Area Conservation Council, Washington & Lee University, Virginia Military Institute, and neighboring land owners. On this meeting s agenda will be discussion of the Forest Stewardship Plan developed by the VA Department of Forestry. This plan identifies 100 acres that are suitable for commercial harvest. It is recommended that a preliminary thinning be done this year or next in order to improve the stand for the primary harvest in approximately 10 years time. The balance of the forested acreage is better suited to be managed for wildlife habitat. ACQUISITIONS Bull Run Project Fauquier County One of VOF s highest conservation priorities in the Bull Run Mountains Project is acquisition of inholdings and parcels adjacent to the 2,500 acre Bull Run Mountains State Natural Area Preserve. Now that the long standing lawsuit has settled regarding the boundary issues related to the Eli Hall Estate land and white cliffs, VOF can turn its attention to other parcels. VOF has mapped and identified high priority parcels within or adjacent to the preserve that would be of interest for acquisition. Several of these high priority parcels are subject to delinquent taxes and other title issues. VOF staff is working with counsel to investigate the potential for acquisition and solutions for these parcels which, if acquired, would become part of the Preserve. SALE PARCELS Appraisals are complete on all three parcels. The staff is working on sale methods and requirements for the Bull Run and White House Creek lots. Sadly, the market is not good at present and none of the parcels are high enough value to hold much interest with realtors. The Colony property has been offered to neighbors for the required 6 month time period. Bull Run Mountain Estates (Helms Gift) Location: Prince William County Description: 2 heavily wooded lots on steep slopes on east side of Ridge Road in Bull Run Mt. Estates,. Acquired: 1982 - Terms of gift require that proceeds further conservation work in Bull Run Mts. Proceeds: Dedicate to Bull Run Fund. Bull Run Project - 2,500 acres located in Fauquier, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties. White House Creek Estate (Coll/Ingram Gift) Location: Lancaster County Description:.52 acres corner lot, mostly wooded with frontage on upper reach of Millenbeck Prong. Marsh views but not deep enough water for boat access. Acquired: 2008 - Terms of Gift: Unrestricted. Deed authorizes sale, exchange, or disposition. Donor anticipated sale of lot to benefit VOF. Proceeds: Dedicate to Kohl s Island Project by Board Resolution 4/2011-40 acres located in Northumberland County. Colony Tract (Galbraith Sisters) Location: Pulaski County Description: 21.49 acres by deed, partly wooded with several open areas of former pasture, family cemetery, electric transmission line crosses property. Acquired: 2002 - Terms of Gift: Property must be offered to adjacent landowners for a period of 6 months and if sold shall be subject to a VOF easement preventing residential use Scenario #1. If not sold to a neighbor in 6 months property may be offered to public and subject to a VOF easement permitting only one house not visible from New River trail Scenario #2. Proceeds: Dedicate to House Mountain Project by Board Resolution 4/2011-876 acres located in Rockbridge County. Page 5 of 5