Governor Spanberger Announces Creation of New Virginia State Conservation Area at Buffalo Mountain

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Spanberger today announced the creation of a new Virginia State Conservation Area at Buffalo Mountain through the acquisition of 2,211 acres in Floyd and Carroll counties. Building upon the existing Natural Area Preserve, the new conservation area will ensure the long-term protection of a popular hiking summit view and nearly 14 miles of native trout streams.

"Virginia is home to some of America's most treasured natural areas, and it is our responsibility to make sure they are protected for generations to come," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "I am grateful to Senators Warner and Kaine, Congressman Griffith, and the work of The Conservation Fund to help us protect more than 2,000 acres at the foot of Buffalo Mountain. I know this land will continue to be cherished and enjoyed by Virginians, now with new confidence that comes from the Commonwealth's protection."

The new conservation area is a joint effort with The Conservation Fund - a national nonprofit dedicated to protecting land and water resources while advancing economic development. Through the Virginia Department of Forestry, the project utilizes a $9.5 million federal Forest Legacy Grant. The expansion brings the total acreage of DCR-owned land at Buffalo Mountain to 4,332 acres.

A conservation priority for many decades, the property serves as an important buffer surrounding the Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve, which is managed by the Virginia Natural Heritage Program at DCR to protect the outstanding natural heritage resources there. The site, which features extensive mature forests including a Southern Appalachian Rich Cove Forest, is now a state conservation area under management of DCR. The agency will develop a management plan and expand public access to the state conservation area.

"We're excited to announce this new public land acquisition at Buffalo Mountain just days after celebrating National Public Lands Month in September," said Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources David Bulova. "Virginians can look forward to expanded outdoor recreation opportunities in the New River region thanks to the collaborations between two key natural resource agencies: the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Department of Forestry, as well as the state and federal levels of government."

"We're grateful for the partnership with The Conservation Fund that has made it possible to double the acreage of public lands at Buffalo Mountain," said DCR Director Nikki Rovner. "We look forward to offering low-impact recreational experiences for the public while protecting the precious resources that make the local landmark of Buffalo Mountain so special."

"After decades in private ownership, bringing a conservation win like this across the line to preserve an iconic Virginia landscape is a singular victory for the Commonwealth," said Mid-Atlantic Vice President at The Conservation Fund Heather Richards. "The payoff to the ongoing partnership between The Conservation Fund and DCR is a mountain landscape that will stay wild - and public - forever."

The state conservation area is in a rural, scenic region a couple of miles away from the Blue Ridge Parkway and less than 50 miles away from the rapidly growing Blacksburg area. Protecting the land from development will benefit water quality, as its streams are located at the headwaters of the New River, which provides drinking water to more than 675,000 people in Virginia and West Virginia. The land includes creeks and streams that support wild, resilient populations of eastern brook trout and brown trout.

The Forest Legacy Program is funded via the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which was permanently funded with the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act and signed into law in 2020. Established in 1965, LWCF reinvests a small percentage of offshore energy revenues - not taxpayer dollars - in conservation and recreation access projects that support critical natural resources, wild habitats, historic sites, and working lands.

LWCF funding is allocated annually by the U.S. Congress. Virginia's Congressional delegation representing Buffalo Mountain includes U.S. Senator Mark Warner, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, and U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith.

"Buffalo Mountain is one of Southwest Virginia's most cherished natural landmarks, and I'm thrilled to see more than 2,200 additional acres protected for generations to come," said U.S. Senator Mark Warner. "This expansion will help protect critical wildlife, preserve the headwaters of the New River to ensure that local communities have access to clean drinking water, and create new opportunities for Virginians and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors. I'm proud to have championed the Great American Outdoors Act that makes this federal funding possible, and I'm grateful to all our federal and state partners for their work to conserve the Commonwealth's greatest treasures."

"Virginia's natural resources are some of our greatest treasures and critical to our economy. I'm glad that more than 2,000 acres at Buffalo Mountain in Floyd and Carroll Counties will now be protected, ensuring that the local ecosystems can continue to thrive and preserving the area for outdoor recreation," said U.S. Senator Tim Kaine. "I was proud to help secure funding through the federal Forest Legacy Program to make this possible. I will continue working with The Conservation Fund and state partners to conserve our lands for generations to come."

"Conservation and recreation areas help local economies, promote public access and preserve the natural resource heritage of Virginia's Ninth District," said Congressman Morgan Griffith. "I am excited to celebrate news that a new state conservation area at Buffalo Mountain will support these activities in our region. Whether as a local visitor or somebody from out of town, we will all continue to marvel at and appreciate Buffalo Mountain for its iconic landscape."

The Conservation Fund acquired the property from the Lawson Company, a family-run corporation whose careful stewardship over generations has maintained its unique natural features.

"It is with deep gratitude that we see this land - in our family for more than 100 years - transferred to the state of Virginia," said Jack Lawson, speaking on behalf of the Lawson family. "Conservation and land stewardship are core family values, and knowing that this unique piece of land will be protected and preserved for public enjoyment for generations to come brings us a profound sense of fulfillment."

During an earlier phase of the project, The Conservation Fund also assisted in expanding the existing natural area preserve by 975 acres, bringing the total acreage of the dedicated preserve to 2,121 acres. Funding sources included the Virginia General Assembly, the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation and the Forest Legacy Program.

About 15,000 people visit the preserve annually, drawn to the views of the surrounding landscape on the rounded summit.

About DCR

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is the state's lead natural resource conservation agency. DCR provides access for outdoor recreation, strengthens communities' flood resilience, and protects what Virginians care about: clean water, parks, natural habitat and open space. For more information, please visit www.dcr.virginia.gov.

About The Conservation Fund

The Conservation Fund protects the land that sustains us all. We are in the business of conservation, creating innovative solutions that drive nature-based action in all 50 states for climate protection, vibrant communities and sustainable economies. We apply effective strategies, efficient financing approaches, and enduring government, community and private partnerships to protect millions of acres of America's natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas and working forests and farms. To learn more, visit www.conservationfund.org.