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: | Gent Branch – Elk Conservation Area |
|---|---|
| Category: | Open Spaces and Parks |
| Grant Round: | FY23 |
| Acres: | 179.00 |
| Locality: | Buchanan County |
| Management Agency: | The Nature Conservancy |
| Owner: | Private |
| ConserveVirginia: | Natural Habitat & Ecosystem Diversity, Protected Landscapes Resilience |
| Amount Awarded: | $71,937.00 |
| Applicant: | The Nature Conservancy |
| Latitude: | 37.194193 |
| Longitude: | -82.135129 |
| Description: | The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is seeking $71,937 from the VLCF to accomplish the fee simple purchase of approximately 179 acres in the Leemaster Community of Buchanan County. This project is supported by many partners including the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), the Southwest Virginia Sportsmen, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) – both at the national and local chapter levels. Securing this property, located about one mile from the 2012-2014 DWR elk release site, will provide protection for important elk habitat and provide public access for elk viewing and elk hunting. The land also provides habitat for a variety of other wildlife species, offers wildlife-related recreational opportunities, and features remarkable scenic vistas. This property is recognized by TNC and the Commonwealth of Virginia as an important area for biodiversity and climate resilience and in addition, will serve to support the local, growing ecotourism industry. |
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