Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 02, 2017
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22 Acres Added to Grayson Glades Natural Area Preserve
In December of 2016, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) acquired a 22-acre parcel that expands the Grayson Glades Natural Area Preserve. The acquisition, funded by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF), increases the preserve to 53 acres.
Land added to the preserve contains the headwaters to a Southern Blue Ridge Mafic Fen, a globally rare wetland type. Its protection is considered pivotal to the survival of the wetland and the unique plant and animal species that rely on it. While Grayson Glades is a relatively small preserve, it hosts 19 rare plant species, more than any other preserve in Virginia's mountain region.
“It’s always a great day when we can announce the protection of rare plant and animal species,” said DCR Director Clyde Cristman. “It makes this success even better when we can say this action came about through interdepartmental cooperation.”
“We are fortunate to have the data, information and staff expertise to identify and protect Virginia’s natural treasures,” said DCR Natural Heritage Director Jason Bulluck. “And we take pride in achievements like these especially when we work with our partner state agencies and supportive landowners to conserve rare species and natural communities for generations to come.”
DGIF and DCR share the goals of conserving, managing and protecting many rare and endangered species in Virginia. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to assist our sister agency in supporting our shared mission to conserve the commonwealth’s biodiversity, and we congratulate DCR on its accomplishment of expanding the Grayson Glades Natural Area Preserve through this important acquisition,” said DGIF Wildlife Resources Bureau Director David K. Whitehurst.
Established in 1989, Virginia’s Natural Area Preserve System protects some of the best examples of unique natural communities and rare plant and animal populations in Virginia and the world.
Most preserves in the system are owned by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, but some are owned by local governments, universities, The Nature Conservancy or private landowners who have dedicated land for Natural Area Preserve designation. State natural area preserves are managed by DCR’s Virginia Natural Heritage Program.
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