Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Virginia’s working farms and forests, battlefields and other historic sites, natural areas, parks and rivers are critical to its economy, culture and quality of life. In 1999, the assembly and governor established the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) to fund protection of these resources. The interactive map below depicts VLCF-grant projects funded since 2000.
| Name: | Blackwater Conservation Acquisition (FY21 Round 1) |
|---|---|
| Category: | Open Spaces and Parks |
| Grant Round: | FY21 Round 1 |
| Acres: | 203 |
| Locality: | City of Franklin |
| Management Agency: | City of Franklin |
| Owner: | Local |
| ConserveVirginia: | Natural Habitat & Ecosystem Diversity, Floodplains & Flooding Resilience, Scenic Preservation, Water Quality Improvement |
| Amount Awarded: | $375,000.00 |
| Applicant: | City of Franklin |
| Latitude: | 36.701002 |
| Longitude: | -76.933484 |
| Description: | The City of Franklin, in partnership with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF), received two VLCF grants (FY2021 - $375,000; FY2021 Round II - $168,500) to acquire 203 acres of prime river frontage on the state scenic Blackwater River to create a trailhead on the Blue Water Trail that terminates at the River Park in downtown Franklin. It contains old growth hardwood bottomlands and contains forestlands that rank high and very high in Forest Conservation Value. The tract sits at the intersection of two Natural Heritage sites, the Blackwater River Main Stem Conservation site, and the Antioch Swamp Stream Conservation unit, as well as within the TNC Chowan Sandridge/Blackwater River Terrestrial Portfolio. This site supports several rare species and significant natural communities including anadromous fish and colonial water birds (Audubon). The City of Franklin was also awarded federal funding for the purchase of this tract to create a new public park with access to the Blackwater River. |
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