When it comes to policies and decisions that impact communities and quality of life for their residents, the most important voices are those of community residents themselves. And since 1972, The Piedmont Environmental Council has worked hard to be your eyes and ears on the ground and to encourage your voice in protecting the places and natural resources you care about.
Our Region
PEC focuses on nine counties and one city in the northern Piedmont of Virginia: Albemarle, Charlottesville, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock.
We also team with local organizations to promote thriving communities and healthy natural resources in a much larger region, including the Shenandoah Valley, the central Piedmont, and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Corridor. In addition, we are proud to serve as fiscal sponsor of the Coalition for Smarter Growth, an organization that focuses on land use and policy in the greater Washington D.C. area.
Fish Surveys with Virginia DWR
PEC teamed up with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to monitor the health of aquatic communities at two of our habitat restoration sights in Rappahannock County: Bolton Branch and Piney River!
Survey of Virginia Voters Shows Overwhelming Support for Increased, Dedicated Investments in Conservation
A newly-released statewide, bipartisan survey demonstrates that over three-quarters of Virginias support investing $300 million annually to protect Virginia’s natural resources. Read more>>
Week Ahead for September 13, 2021: Several hundred new housing units are on local government agendas this week
After a couple of quiet weeks, this is a big one for future land use issues in the greater Charlottesville area. This newsletter should give you everything you need to join in and get access to the primary sources. There are so many connections between all that’s happening.
AT&T Tower Proposal Threatens Scenic Ridgeline and Violates County Code
At 6 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 14, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on a proposed AT&T monopole tower to be built on the ridgeline of Short Hill Mountain in northwestern Loudoun. The 125-foot monopole would be located at an existing AT&T communications facility in an agricultural zoning district.
The Wilderness Crossing Proposal Explained: StoryMap
A massive 2,602-acre rezoning and development called “Wilderness Crossing” is being proposed in Orange County. If approved, it would be the largest rezoning in county history. Read more>>
Week Ahead for August 30, 2021: Charlottesville PC to review adjustments to draft Future Land Use Map; Albemarle not on track to meet 2030 emission reduction goals
This is another week split across two months, making it hard to gauge what kind of week it will actually be. Two days in August, then three days in September. Labor Day is a week away, but the Albemarle Board of Supervisors keeps us from a restful week with their first meeting of the month on Wednesday. The two meetings related to the Cville Plans Together initiative really push this week towards the busier side of the spectrum.
Hallie Harriman
Hallie Harriman joined PEC’s staff in August 2021 as the Potomac Watershed Field Representative. Her work area encompasses Clarke, Loudoun, and northern Fauquier counties.
Mini Summit Continues Forward Movement; Mobility Social Recognizes One Who Started It
Passionate activists, professionals, and community members came together virtually on August 27 to work to make Charlottesville and Albemarle a better place for walking, biking and active living. Later, many of them (joined by others) enjoyed an outdoor happy hour and mixer. The day culminated with a community service award presentation to Albemarle County’s recently retired Greenways Coordinator, Dan Mahon.
Massive Rezoning Proposed in Orange County
Orange County is considering an enormous, 2,602-acre development and rezoning proposal, called Wilderness Crossing, which would be the largest land rezoning in the county’s history…