Mission and Purpose

Our Mission

Valley Conservation Council promotes land use that sustains the farms, forests, open spaces, and cultural heritage of the Valley of Virginia.

Goals

1. To assist landowners in understanding and implementing voluntary options for protecting farmland, open space, natural areas, and historic sites on their property (eg. conservation easements, ag/forestal districts).
2. To improve public and local government awareness of the need for land use policies that are sensible in terms of economics, the environment, and quality of life.
3. To work cooperatively with the public, governmental bodies, industry and public interest groups to achieve the mission of VCC.
4. To support and conduct studies addressing land use projects and issues.

VCC's work is guided by the concept that to protect the Valley's natural resources we must provide solutions that foster the continued health of the regional economy and quality of life while solving the problems presented by the area's rapid population growth and sprawling suburban-style development patterns. VCC has more than 400 member households in its 11-county service area which includes the headwaters of both the James and Potomac rivers.

Founded in 1990, the Council is dedicated to protecting the Shenandoah Valley region's natural, agricultural, and cultural resources through private action and public planning. To date it has helped private land owners complete dozens of conservation projects using conservation easements and agricultural and forestal districts to protect their land. Over 42,000 acres of private farm and forest land is permanently protected in our region by our partner organization, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, with another 125,000 protected through agricultural and forestal districts. The Council is regularly invited to speak and consult with local governments and civic groups, winning the respect of elected officials, planners, and the business and agricultural communities throughout the Valley.