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It Takes a Village to Save a Landmark
Once owned by Thomas Jefferson
Surveyed by a young George Washington
Considered for hundreds of years to be one of the natural wonders of the new world

Virginia Historic Landmark and National Historic Landmark
After many months of a grass roots effort to secure a buyer for Virginia's Natural Bridge that would protect the beloved natural landmark, on Feb. 6 the sale of Virginia's Natural Bridge was completed in what was described as an extremely complicated transaction. Click here for the official press release. While it is exciting news that this landmark will one day become a Virginia State Park, today we want to celebrate the diverse people who came together to make this outcome a reality.

The dream to ensure the protection of the bridge in perpetuity came together thanks to the non-profit Virginia Conservation Legacy Fund and its leader Tom Clarke. Puglisi gifted the bridge and 188 acres of the property — valued at $21 million — to the fund. The nonprofit group will pay for the remaining 1,300 acres with a loan from the Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund, from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Resources Authority.
There is a goal for the loan to be paid in 5 years or less and there will be a fundraising campaign to help retire the debt. Any inquiries on how to contribute to the fundraising campaign to pay off the loan should be directed to Tom Clarke, CEO of VCLF at Tom.Clarke@kissito.org. Repayment of the loan will be funded through donations and operations of the Bridge. Upon repayment of the loan, the property and operations will be conveyed to the Department of Conservation and Recreation—managers of the Virginia State Park system.
Joe Elton signs the Conservation Easement as
Sarah Richardson and Suzan Bulbulkaya from DCR's Land Conservation Office look on
If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.