4th Annual Better Models Awards

March 16, 2004

VALLEY CONSERVATION COUNCIL HONORS CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT

The Valley Conservation Council (VCC) announced the recipients of its "Better Models" awards and gave several important conservation recognitions at its Annual Awards Presentation held on March 16 at historic Trinity Episcopal Church in Staunton, Virginia.

The "Better Models" awards recognize buildings and projects that protect local character and natural features while providing for economic growth. VCC established the awards program in 2000 to recognize recent development projects that best add to the region's quality of life.

"Our primary conservation work--the protection of farms, forests and open space--doesn't happen in a vacuum," said John Eckman, VCC's Executive Director. "One-third of all land development in the Valley has occurred in the last 15 years. We all know the region will continue to grow and change at this rapid pace. The question is: how can we make development appropriate for the Valley in ways that improve rather than disturb this beautiful area? These Award winners give us shining examples of how economic growth and conservation values can be integrated through thoughtful design. We hope more developers and communities will take these ideas to heart."

The awards are judged by six principles for better development as described in VCC's popular publication, Better Models for Development in the Shenandoah Valley:

1. Conserve Natural and Scenic Assets
2. Maintain a Clear Edge Between Town and Countryside
3. Build Livable Communities
4. Preserve Historic Resources
5. Respect Local Character in New Construction
6. Reduce the Impact of the Car

Valley Conservation Council, based in Staunton, Virginia, is a non-profit citizens' organization and land trust serving 11 counties from Frederick to Botetourt. VCC's mission is to promote land use that sustains the farms, forests, open space, and cultural heritage of the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia. VCC emphasizes the use of private, voluntary approaches for protecting land, such as conservation easements and agricultural and forestal districts, which can help working farmers and others maintain their acreage in the face of development pressures.

In addition to the Better Models awards, VCC also gave several conservation awards recognizing significant land stewardship efforts. All awards are listed below.

Better Models Awards
Luray-Hawksbill Greenway, Town of Luray
for "Outstanding Public Amenity"

The greenway that the Town of Luray has built along Hawksbill Creek is an excellent example of how an attractive and environmentally sound trail can connect and serve the community. When complete, the trail will be 3.8 miles long, nearly the length of the town, and will link the downtown, the high school, the elementary school, the recreational park, athletic fields, the park ‘n ride lot, and the library. Two of the four phases of this project, designed by Roanoke's Whitesell Orrison, Inc., have been have completed.

The finished portion of the greenway serves downtown, and this beautiful linear park provides a wonderful first impression when entering Luray. It offers the chance to view rushing waters, aquatic creatures, and birds in a park setting and winds through an area planted with trees serving as a riparian buffer demonstration site. This project represents numerous Better Models principles, but especially showcases reduce the impact of the car by offering a local alternative to driving; conserve natural and scenic assets by highlighting and protecting riparian areas; and helps build a more livable community for all those who will enjoy it.

Rural Rustic Roads Program, Augusta County
for "Best Transportation Project"

Augusta County's leadership in using the Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT) Rural Rustic Roads program has made this option, which protects adjacent historic and scenic elements, a recognized choice for paving unpaved roads. To designate a road for the program, the county must pass a resolution stipulating the road has a low current (and projected) traffic count. This compromise enables VDOT to pave within the existing right of way rather than expanding to the 40 to 50 feet in width usually required with road improvements. Structures, trees, and side slopes abutting the road are then left undisturbed, directly conserving the surrounding natural and scenic resources. The six pilot projects undertaken in Augusta County cost $405,000 rather than the $3.3 million estimated for standard improvements. This award truly helps Augusta County reduce the impact cars have on the countryside.

Buchanan Revitalization, Town of Buchanan
for "Best Downtown Initiative"

Spearheaded by Community Development Director Harry Gleason, the Town of Buchanan in Botetourt County has made a strong turnaround in recent years. The business district has revived as empty storefronts have been rehabilitated into thriving businesses. The Buchanan Public Library is a hub of the community. Restored restaurants attract new patrons, a boxcar has been transformed into the Buchanan Railcar Inn, and the old movie theater is operating again. The town has done an admirable job of finding new uses for old buildings, renewing both its historic charm and economic vitality.

Creekside Station, Al Graber, Developer
for "Best New Commercial Construction"

Creekside Station in Winchester demonstrates that development on "the strip" can be attractive as well as functional. Interesting architecture, quality materials, ample landscaping, benches, lighting and multiple smaller parking lots add to its appeal. Developer Al Graber teamed with architect David Ganse to produce this upscale shopping center that reflects local vernacular traditions. Mr. Graber also developed the adjoining Creekside Village. Both stand out for the attention given to quality and compatibility through every aspect of siting and design. Creekside Station is not only eye-catching, but creates places the public can enjoy visiting.

Lexington Firehouse, City of Lexington
for "Best New Public Construction"

The new Lexington Firehouse sets a high standard for the design of public buildings. Sited on South Main Street, the choices made in designing the firehouse ease the transition between residential and commercial areas. Its attractive design uses architectural elements featured in other buildings throughout Lexington and the colors and material likewise reflect the high quality of design throughout the city's older sections. The new location not only provides more efficient service for this important government function, but does so in a way that respects the nearby residential areas and improves the character of the commercial strip. Placing the well-planned, visually impressive structure at the edge of the city adds a significant architectural presence into an area that previously lacked such defining elements. While it represents a number of Better Models principles, it highlights the ability of public buildings to respect local character in new construction.

Conservation Awards
Members of the McLaughlin Family from the Jump Mountain area of Rockbridge County were recognized as Valley Conservators.
Through four conservation easement donations, Rosa McLaughlin and her family have permanently protected nearly 1,500 acres on and around Jump Mountain, a natural landmark in northwestern Rockbridge County. The first easement, 1,003 acres on the face of the mountain, was one of the earliest easements in the county and remains one of the most significant examples of private land conservation in the Valley. Subsequently, Mrs. McLaughlin donated an easement on Maxwelton Farm and she and her daughter added two additional parcels to the Jump Mountain assemblage in 2003. The McLaughlin family members have been strong advocates of land protection through easements for many years. Their actions have served as a powerful catalyst for other landowners.

Eddie Bumbaugh and Ernie Reeves, Augusta County, were named "Agricultural/Forestal District Leaders" in recognition of their outstanding land protection efforts in spearheading the formation of the North River Agricultural/Forestal District, which comprises approximately 5,200 acres of land in Augusta County in the Mt. Solon area. When added to existing districts in Staunton and Augusta County, this brings the area total to 15,741 acres protected by agricultural and forestal districts.

Botetourt Community Partnership (BCP), won the "Community Partnership Award" in recognition of their members' outstanding local efforts to protect land and promote conservation practices in Botetourt County. This committed group of citizens is led by co-chairs Genevieve Goss and Donna Henderson. Some highlights from this past year include:

public workshops including Landscape Planning for Black Bear and Wildlife held last March and three seminars on the connection between land and water resource issues held in October
important policy initiatives including support for creating a Mountain Overlay District in the county
selection of Botetourt County to participate in a pilot project with VDOT to integrate land use and transportation planning as the county updates its comprehensive plan
assistance in placing three conservation easements in Botetourt County in 2003, protecting 238 acres
providing input to the county for consideration as it updates its comprehensive plan, particularly support for conservation tools, smart growth, and historic and cultural resource preservation
coordinating with wildlife experts to research how to reduce wildlife deaths by providing ideas for safe crossing under I-81, between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains
encouraging resolutions to study rail and other ways to minimize impacts of I-81 improvements

Special Recognitions
VCC recognized individual conservation easement donors from the following counties: Rockingham (2); Augusta (7); Botetourt (3); and, Rockbridge (2). This land adds to the more than 23,000 acres of land protected by conservation easement in the Valley.

In addition, VCC's long-time associate, Better Models author Sara Hollberg of Staunton was singled out for special recognition for her outstanding contributions to conservation. Hollberg's most recent effort involved writing and managing the publication of the first ever State of the Valley Report. This report, released by VCC in November 2003, provides an in-depth view of the status of farm and forest lands and land use practices, serving as a report card for how the Better Models principles are being implemented throughout the Valley.

	4th Annual Better Models Awards March 16, 2004 VALLEY CONSERVATION COUNCIL HONORS CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT The Valley Conservation Council (VCC) announced the recipients of its "Better Models" awards and gave several important conservation recognitions at its Annual Awards Presentation held on March 16 at historic Trinity Episcopal Church in Staunton, Virginia. The "Better Models" awards recognize buildings and projects that protect local character and natural features while providing for economic growth. VCC established the awards program in 2000 to recognize recent development projects that best add to the region's quality of life. "Our primary conservation work--the protection of farms, forests and open space--doesn't happen in a vacuum," said John Eckman, VCC's Executive Director. "One-third of all land development in the Valley has occurred in the last 15 years. We all know the region will continue to grow and change at this rapid pace. The question is: how can we make development appropriate for the Valley in ways that improve rather than disturb this beautiful area? These Award winners give us shining examples of how economic growth and conservation values can be integrated through thoughtful design. We hope more developers and communities will take these ideas to heart." The awards are judged by six principles for better development as described in VCC's popular publication, Better Models for Development in the Shenandoah Valley: 1. Conserve Natural and Scenic Assets 2. Maintain a Clear Edge Between Town and Countryside 3. Build Livable Communities 4. Preserve Historic Resources 5. Respect Local Character in New Construction 6. Reduce the Impact of the Car Valley Conservation Council, based in Staunton, Virginia, is a non-profit citizens' organization and land trust serving 11 counties from Frederick to Botetourt. VCC's mission is to promote land use that sustains the farms, forests, open space, and cultural heritage of the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia. VCC emphasizes the use of private, voluntary approaches for protecting land, such as conservation easements and agricultural and forestal districts, which can help working farmers and others maintain their acreage in the face of development pressures. In addition to the Better Models awards, VCC also gave several conservation awards recognizing significant land stewardship efforts. All awards are listed below. Better Models Awards Luray-Hawksbill Greenway, Town of Luray for "Outstanding Public Amenity" The greenway that the Town of Luray has built along Hawksbill Creek is an excellent example of how an attractive and environmentally sound trail can connect and serve the community. When complete, the trail will be 3.8 miles long, nearly the length of the town, and will link the downtown, the high school, the elementary school, the recreational park, athletic fields, the park ‘n ride lot, and the library. Two of the four phases of this project, designed by Roanoke's Whitesell Orrison, Inc., have been have completed. The finished portion of the greenway serves downtown, and this beautiful linear park provides a wonderful first impression when entering Luray. It offers the chance to view rushing waters, aquatic creatures, and birds in a park setting and winds through an area planted with trees serving as a riparian buffer demonstration site. This project represents numerous Better Models principles, but especially showcases reduce the impact of the car by offering a local alternative to driving; conserve natural and scenic assets by highlighting and protecting riparian areas; and helps build a more livable community for all those who will enjoy it. Rural Rustic Roads Program, Augusta County for "Best Transportation Project" Augusta County's leadership in using the Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT) Rural Rustic Roads program has made this option, which protects adjacent historic and scenic elements, a recognized choice for paving unpaved roads. To designate a road for the program, the county must pass a resolution stipulating the road has a low current (and projected) traffic count. This compromise enables VDOT to pave within the existing right of way rather than expanding to the 40 to 50 feet in width usually required with road improvements. Structures, trees, and side slopes abutting the road are then left undisturbed, directly conserving the surrounding natural and scenic resources. The six pilot projects undertaken in Augusta County cost $405,000 rather than the $3.3 million estimated for standard improvements. This award truly helps Augusta County reduce the impact cars have on the countryside. Buchanan Revitalization, Town of Buchanan for "Best Downtown Initiative" Spearheaded by Community Development Director Harry Gleason, the Town of Buchanan in Botetourt County has made a strong turnaround in recent years. The business district has revived as empty storefronts have been rehabilitated into thriving businesses. The Buchanan Public Library is a hub of the community. Restored restaurants attract new patrons, a boxcar has been transformed into the Buchanan Railcar Inn, and the old movie theater is operating again. The town has done an admirable job of finding new uses for old buildings, renewing both its historic charm and economic vitality. Creekside Station, Al Graber, Developer for "Best New Commercial Construction" Creekside Station in Winchester demonstrates that development on "the strip" can be attractive as well as functional. Interesting architecture, quality materials, ample landscaping, benches, lighting and multiple smaller parking lots add to its appeal. Developer Al Graber teamed with architect David Ganse to produce this upscale shopping center that reflects local vernacular traditions. Mr. Graber also developed the adjoining Creekside Village. Both stand out for the attention given to quality and compatibility through every aspect of siting and design. Creekside Station is not only eye-catching, but creates places the public can enjoy visiting. Lexington Firehouse, City of Lexington for "Best New Public Construction" The new Lexington Firehouse sets a high standard for the design of public buildings. Sited on South Main Street, the choices made in designing the firehouse ease the transition between residential and commercial areas. Its attractive design uses architectural elements featured in other buildings throughout Lexington and the colors and material likewise reflect the high quality of design throughout the city's older sections. The new location not only provides more efficient service for this important government function, but does so in a way that respects the nearby residential areas and improves the character of the commercial strip. Placing the well-planned, visually impressive structure at the edge of the city adds a significant architectural presence into an area that previously lacked such defining elements. While it represents a number of Better Models principles, it highlights the ability of public buildings to respect local character in new construction. Conservation Awards Members of the McLaughlin Family from the Jump Mountain area of Rockbridge County were recognized as Valley Conservators. Through four conservation easement donations, Rosa McLaughlin and her family have permanently protected nearly 1,500 acres on and around Jump Mountain, a natural landmark in northwestern Rockbridge County. The first easement, 1,003 acres on the face of the mountain, was one of the earliest easements in the county and remains one of the most significant examples of private land conservation in the Valley. Subsequently, Mrs. McLaughlin donated an easement on Maxwelton Farm and she and her daughter added two additional parcels to the Jump Mountain assemblage in 2003. The McLaughlin family members have been strong advocates of land protection through easements for many years. Their actions have served as a powerful catalyst for other landowners. Eddie Bumbaugh and Ernie Reeves, Augusta County, were named "Agricultural/Forestal District Leaders" in recognition of their outstanding land protection efforts in spearheading the formation of the North River Agricultural/Forestal District, which comprises approximately 5,200 acres of land in Augusta County in the Mt. Solon area. When added to existing districts in Staunton and Augusta County, this brings the area total to 15,741 acres protected by agricultural and forestal districts. Botetourt Community Partnership (BCP), won the "Community Partnership Award" in recognition of their members' outstanding local efforts to protect land and promote conservation practices in Botetourt County. This committed group of citizens is led by co-chairs Genevieve Goss and Donna Henderson. Some highlights from this past year include: public workshops including Landscape Planning for Black Bear and Wildlife held last March and three seminars on the connection between land and water resource issues held in October important policy initiatives including support for creating a Mountain Overlay District in the county selection of Botetourt County to participate in a pilot project with VDOT to integrate land use and transportation planning as the county updates its comprehensive plan assistance in placing three conservation easements in Botetourt County in 2003, protecting 238 acres providing input to the county for consideration as it updates its comprehensive plan, particularly support for conservation tools, smart growth, and historic and cultural resource preservation coordinating with wildlife experts to research how to reduce wildlife deaths by providing ideas for safe crossing under I-81, between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains encouraging resolutions to study rail and other ways to minimize impacts of I-81 improvements Special Recognitions VCC recognized individual conservation easement donors from the following counties: Rockingham (2); Augusta (7); Botetourt (3); and, Rockbridge (2). This land adds to the more than 23,000 acres of land protected by conservation easement in the Valley. In addition, VCC's long-time associate, Better Models author Sara Hollberg of Staunton was singled out for special recognition for her outstanding contributions to conservation. Hollberg's most recent effort involved writing and managing the publication of the first ever State of the Valley Report. This report, released by VCC in November 2003, provides an in-depth view of the status of farm and forest lands and land use practices, serving as a report card for how the Better Models principles are being implemented throughout the Valley.	Submit a nomination by 1/20/2006 (MS Word format) 2004 Better Models winner About the Awards Cobble Hill Farm consists of 196 acres permanently conserved on the outskirts of Staunton. Winner, "Best Historic Preservation Project" for 2004.
		Photo Credits Back to top

4th Annual Better Models Awards

Submit a nomination by 1/20/2006 (MS Word format)

Submit a nomination by 1/20/2006
(MS Word format)