Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Virginia’s working farms and forests, battlefields and other historic sites, natural areas, parks and rivers are critical to its economy, culture and quality of life. In 1999, the assembly and governor established the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) to fund protection of these resources. The interactive map below depicts VLCF-grant projects funded since 2000.
| Name: | Preserving Bear Mountain |
|---|---|
| Category: | Forestland Preservation |
| Grant Round: | FY26 |
| Acres: | 339.40 |
| Locality: | Amherst County |
| Management Agency: | Monacan Indian Nation |
| Owner: | Tribe |
| ConserveVirginia: | Agriculture & Forestry, Natural Habitat & Ecosystem Diversity |
| Amount Awarded: | $1,210,000.00 |
| Applicant: | Monacan Indian Nation |
| Latitude: | -79.126155 |
| Longitude: | 37.581536 |
| Description: | The Monacan Indian Nation was awarded a $1,210,000 VLCF grant for the protection of 339 acres in Amherst County. The Monacan Indian Nation is a federally recognized tribe with over 2,600 citizens. Bear Mountain in Amherst County has been the home of the Monacan people for more than 10,000 years. This property contains 339 acres of mixed hardwood forest, more than 1.5 miles of frontage on Falling Rock Creek and its tributaries, and is the site of the original Bear Mountain Settlement forming the core of the Monacan community today. The property contains at least four cemeteries with Monacan burial sites, the remains of historic settlements including chimneys and foundations from several cabins, in addition to numerous artifacts including stone points found over decades by the current landowner. The property contains an “outstanding” Forest Conservation Value hardwood forest and its acquisition would connect the Nation's holdings on Bear Mountain into a contiguous block of nearly 620 acres for consistent management of the natural and cultural resources on the property. |
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