There are numerous agencies and organizations that protect land. They accept land from a landowner in fee simple title or under a conservation or open-space easement. They can do so to retain or protect the property's natural or open-space values to:
- assure availability for agricultural, forestal, recreational or open-space
use.
- protect natural resources.
- maintain or enhance air or water quality.
- preserve historical, architectural or archaeological aspects of the property.
For an internet mapping tool that shows geographic information about conserved lands in your community and statewide, visit:
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
For information about federal agencies and lands they have preserved, visit:
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
Virginia Department of Forestry
Virginia Department of Historic Resources
Learn more about the groups that protect land by contacting DCR's Office of Land Conservation (OLC). There are many sources of information and assistance, and the OLC will help you find those that best fit your land protection needs. It is our goal to be Virginia's premier statewide, central contact, repository and clearinghouse for land conservation interests in Virginia. The office will connect you with the information and agency, land trust or organization that best addresses your land conservation needs. For assistance, please contact the Office of Land Conservation, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, 203 Governor Street, Suite 302, Richmond, VA 23219, phone (804) 225-2048; email landcon@dcr.virginia.gov. Click on the following links for descriptions of the types of groups involved in the effort.