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Department of Conservation and Recreation
Ownership of the landmark Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County has changed hands and is one step closer to achieving state ownership, fulfilling a goal set out by community advocates and state and local officials in 2013 when the property was headed to the auction block. It has been managed as a Virginia State Park since 2016.
The Natural Bridge, a National Historic Landmark
The Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit organization that works to protect public land, took over the remaining loan balance responsibilities on the site on March 9 and plans to work with the Department of Conservation and Recreation through its acquisition process to transfer the property to the commonwealth of Virginia for permanent stewardship.
Visitors will not notice changes in the day-to-day operation of the site, which was once owned by Thomas Jefferson and hailed as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Natural Bridge State Park will continue to hold stargazing events as an International Dark Sky Park, invite volunteers to help maintain its trails and offer other public programs.
“The Department of Conservation and Recreation is pleased to partner with the Trust for Public Land in this effort to ensure that visitors can continue to experience the wonder of Virginia’s unique Natural Bridge,” said Frank Stovall, acting director of DCR. “Future state ownership of the entire 1,500 acres will allow us to offer a range of outdoor recreational opportunities while protecting ecologically significant habitat at this historic place.”
Ridgeline view from Natural Bridge State Park
TPL took over the property from the Virginia Conservation Legacy Fund, which stepped in when the longtime private owner sought to put it up for auction in 2013. VCLF obtained a Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan through the Department of Environmental Quality to purchase the property and prevent the breakup and further commercial development of the site. The DEQ, and the Virginia Resources Authority, which is the financing entity, approved the transfer of the property and the loan balance to TPL in June 2021.
“Natural Bridge is an iconic and ecologically significant treasure and it’s an honor for the Trust for Public Land to play a role in its protection for current and future generations,” said Lynda Frost, Virginia project manager for TPL. “It fulfills our mission of conserving land for people and connecting everyone to the outdoors.”
A National Historic Landmark, the Natural Bridge is a 215-foot tall limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek that has drawn visitors since the 18th century.
The park’s master plan (PDF), approved on June 24, 2021, calls for making several improvements after the state takes ownership. These include moving Route 11 off of the bridge as recommended by the Virginia Department of Transportation.
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Conservation | Land Conservation | State Parks
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state parks
