Powhatan County, VA – As a champion of conservation causes in Powhatan County, Terry Adcock took the ultimate step in protecting her own property, Oakdale Farm and Equestrian Center, with a conservation easement co-held by Capital Region Land Conservancy (“CRLC”) and the Monacan Soil & Water Conservation District (“MSCWD”). Adcock, who has owned Oakdale for nearly 30 years, caringly restored much of its century-old residence and outbuildings. She also installed agricultural best management practices through programs offered by the MSWCD. As such, it is appropriate that Oakdale becomes the first co-held easement between CRLC and MSWCD after entering a memorandum of understanding earlier this year.
The Oakdale conservation easement protects 129.5 acres along Cartersville Road (Route 684) near Trenholm. Specifically, it preserves scenic rural views enjoyed by the traveling public by prohibiting new structures over 400 square feet within 500 feet of the road. The existing dwelling and equestrian buildings and any future structures must be located within a designated “building envelope.” The easement also protects 113 acres of prime farmland and soils of statewide importance.
The property is within the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Natural Heritage Data Explorer’s (NHDE) ConserveVirginia 3.0 map as a highest priority land for protection in the Water Quality Improvement category as a Healthy Waters Conservation Opportunity Area. It contains streams ranked as “outstanding” or “healthy” based on macroinvertebrate communities and in stream habitat data and contributes to the Conservation Site referred to by NHDE as the “Unnamed Tributary Deep Creek Stream Conservation Site.”
In addition, the property contains approximately 70 acres of forest cover that is ranked as either “high,” “very high” or “outstanding” in the Forest Conservation Values Model developed by the Virginia Department of Forestry. It is located within the designated buffer for the Central Piedmont Wildlife Biodiversity Resilience Corridor and is eligible for inclusion in the Trenholm Agricultural and Forestal District.
“I’ve witnessed so much change in Powhatan since visiting the area as a child and subsequently making it my home and equestrian business,” said Terry Adcock, Oakdale owner as well as Chair of the Powhatan County Agricultural and Forestal District Advisory Committee and on the board of directors for the Powhatan County Farm Bureau. “I am proud to have contributed to preserving the rural character of the county and sustaining a horse farm that provides an invaluable service to the greater community. I feel assured that Oakdale will never become another subdivision.”
“With the need for more permanent land conservation in Goochland and Powhatan Counties, we’re pleased to have this partnership with CRLC in co-holding conservation easements that promise added protection for our natural resources,” said Jonathan Lyle, outgoing Chair of the Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District and newly elected member of the Goochland County’s Board of Supervisors and on the board of directors for the Goochland County Farm Bureau.
“Capital Region Land Conservancy has eagerly awaited completing the easement on Oakdale and appreciate Terry’s cooperation as we launch this new partnership with the Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District. Her enthusiasm and the District’s professionalism add tremendous value to our easement work in Powhatan and Goochland,” said CRLC Executive Director Parker C. Agelasto.
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About Capital Region Land Conservancy (CRLC): Incorporated in March 2005 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, CRLC seeks to conserve and protect the natural and historic land and water resources of Virginia’s Capital Region for the benefit of current and future generations. Visit www.capitalregionland.org to learn more about CRLC’s land conservation programs.
Parker C. Agelasto
Capital Region Land Conservancy
Executive Director
parker@capitalregionland.org
202-302-015
About Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District (MSWCD): Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District encompasses Powhatan and Goochland County. Monacan SWCD assists landowners, land managers, and citizens in conserving our soil and water resources. The District appreciates the financial support from the Commonwealth of Virginia, Goochland County, Powhatan County, and other sources to conduct local conservation efforts.
For more information: Contact Keith Burgess, Executive Director
keith.burgess@vaswcd.org