Protected Park
Appalachian National Scenic Trail – Morgan’s Mill, VA
When time was of the essence, we supported the National Park Service (NPS) in acquiring a 128-acre parcel of land along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) in Virginia.
Project Details:
Project Years: 2022 – 2024
Parcel Size: 128.26 acres
Project Years: $566,652
Park Trust Role: Due diligence, buy and hold
Project Years: Treasure Forever Fund
Overview
Complex land deals often take months or even years. When NPS could not meet the owners’ timeline to purchase the property directly, we stepped up. To ensure that this vital parcel would stay pristine, we purchased the property using our Treasure Forever Revolving Fund. We stewarded the property until May 2024, when NPS could purchase it from us and take ownership. Funds received from the sale were then returned to the Treasure Forever Fund, allowing us to invest in more projects.
Why This Place Matters
NPS ownership of the 128 acres ensures that hikers will continue to enjoy spectacular views as they traverse the trail.
This addition to the AT also increased the wild and undeveloped buffer to the trail, protecting important wildlife habitat with acreage that is considered highly resilient to climate change. For that reason, the Land Trust of Virginia had identified it as one of its highest priority parcels for protection under its Blue Ridge Conservation Initiative. In addition, the Commonwealth of Virginia considers it “very high” in ecological value and “very high to outstanding” in forest conservation value.
Significance of the Acquisition:
- Eliminates the possibility of development close to and within view of the AT.
- Adds additional green space along the AT to continue providing hikers with a wild, undeveloped woodland experience.
- Incorporation into the AT adds and permanently protects climate change-resilient land.
