I’ve been monitoring the project for several months, as it has slowly made its way through the county application process. Now, the developer is finally holding a community briefing, and I want to make sure the word gets out.
Wilderness Crossing
Information about the proposed Wilderness Crossing residential development at the intersection of Rt. 3 and Rt. 20 in Orange County, next to Wilderness Battlefield.
A Potential Superfund Site?
Last year, we told you about a developer’s proposal for a 2,602-acre development across from Lake of the Woods on Rt. 3 in Orange County and next to Wilderness National Battlefield. With continued investigation, we found some unexpected and truly shocking information about the history of gold mining at the site.
Wilderness Crossing developer proposes reckless path forward
In January, the developer behind Wilderness Crossing submitted a letter to the county regarding unreclaimed mine sites on the 2,602-acre property.
Shocking news about historic gold mining contamination
Last fall, PEC learned some important new information related to the gold mining legacy at the proposed site of the Wilderness Crossing residential development: of the five formally-named gold mines located on the property, none have been closed and cleaned up – a process called “reclamation.”
Wilderness Crossing: New Residential Development or Potential Superfund Site?
In November 2021, PEC learned that of the five formally-named gold mine sites located on the proposed Wilderness Crossing residential development, none of them have been closed and cleaned up – a process called “reclamation.”
Metal mining in Virginia risks public and environmental health
Gold mining historically occurred throughout Virginia in the gold-pyrite belt, including substantial operations across the PEC region in Orange, Culpeper and Fauquier counties. Now, half a century since metals were last mined commercially, the threat has resurfaced.
The Trouble with Wilderness Crossing
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.
The Wilderness Crossing Proposal Explained
The massive 2,602-acre rezoning would be the largest in county history, if approved.
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…