Finally, after a four-year battle to save the Route 613 Waterloo Bridge over the Rappahannock River, success is in sight. The bridge, which connects Fauquier and Culpeper counties, is a treasured historic resource for local residents and visitors to the region. Following its closure, there was a huge citizen response in support of rehabilitating the structure. Thousands of people have taken action. They have signed a petition, written emails, made phone calls, attended meetings, posted on Facebook and put up yard signs, all in support of saving Waterloo Bridge.
Our Work
Safeguarding the landscapes, communities and heritage of the Piedmont by involving citizens in public policy and land conservation. Learn more about our work by browsing the subject areas below and find out how to get involved!
Surprise… Developers Want More Residential at Vint Hill
On December 14, 2017, the Board of Supervisors will vote on an applicant-proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment in Vint Hill that would convert 61.89 acres of “Planned Industrial Development” to “Medium Density Residential.” This change would allow for an additional 497 units (8 units per acre), including the potential for detached single family homes, in place of the planned economic development.
Why True North Data is Worse than Current Zoning
Last week I wrote a post about Public Drinking Water Supply and the Loudoun Transition Area, but this time, I want to drill down into a specific development proposal that would impact water quality: the True North Data center application. This rezoning, just upstream of the Goose Creek reservoir, would place a highly impervious use in the same subwatershed as the public water intake.
Volunteer Opportunities – Charlottesville & Albemarle Greenways Initiative
Interested in volunteering to help make connective greenways a reality in Charlottesville and Albemarle? Here are some ways you can get involved right now.
Public Water Supply Protection & The Loudoun Transition Area
The question facing Loudoun today is this: How much are we willing to increase development in the environmentally sensitive Transition Area? Particularly when we know the result would be a long-term reduction in water quality and increased cost to taxpayers…
Cypherways Uses Hip-Hop to Generate Ideas and Enthusiasm for Greenways
The Piedmont Environmental Council and the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation’s Imagination Foundation teamed up with Cyphertank on November 17 to follow-up a successful kickoff event with an evening of facilitated discussion about trails and greenways — with a beat.
Packed Room for Greenways Project Kickoff Event
The Charlottesville / Albemarle Greenways Project kicked off with a packed event at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center on the evening of Wednesday, November 8, 2017. Approximately 175 people, including many who have been working on this issue for a long time, shared an evening of fellowship and inspiration.
True North Data – Wrong Direction for Loudoun
True North Data is being proposed on an environmentally sensitive site in Loudoun’s Transition Policy Area. At the same time, the Board of Supervisors is asking citizens what they would like for that area’s future as part of a Comprehensive Plan review…. Read more in this email alert from PEC field representative Gem Bingol.
Nov. 9 Key Vote for Waterloo Bridge – Time to Act!
After nearly four years working to save Waterloo Bridge, success is within arm’s reach! On November 9, 2017 at 6:30pm the Fauquier Board of Supervisors will make a decision that will effectively determine the bridge’s fate. This text was taken from an email alert we sent out on November 4, 2017.
Free Flow
PEC has taken on the work of restoring local rivers by removing culverts and low-water crossings that can be roadblocks to stream health. By replacing these barriers on roads and driveways with fish- friendly designs, we are improving habitat and water quality.
Many aquatic species, including Virginia’s state fish, the Eastern brook trout, benefit from these restoration projects. Ideally, we hope these projects will influence government agencies to incorporate fish-friendly designs as they update roads and stream crossings.