Northern Virginia Conservation Trust:
An Answer to Open Space Needs and
Infill Development
The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT) is a non-profit lnd
trust
that preserves green space and protects it from development. It can buy
land, options and protective easements in Arlington. Those concerned
about
making sure that their property is not subdivided in the future can
use the
Trust to attach a conservation easement to all or part of their
deeds. This
protects the property and provides tax benefits. It can also be a
tool to help a neighborhood resist infill development.
In addition, the Trust can assist Arlington County with land
acquisitions and can work with developers and realtors in Arlington
to structure land deals to maximize open space. This year the County
Manager has proposed that Arlington contribute $75,000 for purchases
and
legal support. This will help to preserve open space, using the
County's
approved Open Space Master Plan as a guide.
In some cases the Trust
may be able to move more quickly than the County to take advantage of
opportunities to purchase options on properties that the County has
targeted
for later purchase. In other cases the NVCT could buffer or improve
access
to existing public open space, particularly along stream corridors.
Conservation easements could also have a role in maintaining the open
space in cluster development.
With funds from Fairfax County the NVCT has protected 93 acres of
land in Northern Virginia from development by either outright
purchases or by leveraging federal and state tax deductions and
credits. NVCT has over 1400 members and other supporters, a volunteer
Board of Directors and a paid Executive Director.
NVCT has information about the benefits of conservation
easements and will come to your civic association to explain its
program. You can contact the NVCT at 4022 Hummer Road, Annandale,
Virginia 22033 or by phone (703) 354-5093 or fax (703) 354-5169. You
can also contact the Arlington Vice President, Michael Nardolilli,
evenings at 703-536-4058 or by email at pavonia@gateway.net.
by Elinor Schwartz, NVCT Arlington Board Member
This page was last revised on: December 28, 2003.
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Arlington County Civic Federation
