Orange County

PEC’s Orange County office supports our land use and land conservation activities in the County. PEC is dedicated to promoting healthy communities and the preservation of Orange’s rural character, environment and historic resources. 

Conservation Outcomes from a Speedy Special Session

Conservation Outcomes from a Speedy Special Session

Well, that was fast! Less than two weeks after gaveling in on Monday, Aug. 2, the Virginia General Assembly concluded its special session on Tuesday, Aug. 10.

New skilled meat cutter training program will help region’s meat processors serve Virginia cattle farmers

New skilled meat cutter training program will help region’s meat processors serve Virginia cattle farmers

A recent study by The Piedmont Environmental Council and American Farmland Trust, spurred by pandemic-related breakdowns in national and local food supply systems, has led to the development of a new meat-cutter training program to be offered by the Rappahannock Center for Education beginning late fall 2021. Using a national training model, the program is intended to help local meat processors expand their operations and increase their capacity to serve the region’s cattle farmers by building a larger pool of available skilled laborers in the field.

On the Ground Updates – June 2021

A series of short updates from around the PEC region – Albemarle & Charlottesville, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange & Rappahannock.

Solarize Piedmont 2021 campaign available in ten different localities

Solarize Piedmont 2021 campaign available in ten different localities

The Solarize Piedmont program is back through June 30 and available to homeowners and business owners in Albemarle, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock counties, and the City of Charlottesville. Solarize Piedmont makes adding solar power, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging stations to homes and businesses easier and more affordable than ever, by leveraging the collective buying power of many to provide a one-stop shop for solar education, vetted installers, and discounted pricing.

President’s Letter – Spring 2021

President’s Letter – Spring 2021

The arrival of Spring 2021 brings with it a special sense of rebirth and reopening as we emerge from the incredible challenges we faced together in 2020. As the weather warms, the spring ephemerals emerge, the amphibians meet in cool pools, and bird migrations begin, we are also hopeful for the return to the places, people and events that confirm our sense of community and shared mission.

On the Ground Updates – March 2020

On the Ground Updates – March 2020

A series of short updates from around the PEC region – Albemarle & Charlottesville, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange & Rappahannock.

Orange Board Denies Special Use Permit for Mid Atlantic Pyrotechnic Arts Guild

During their Dec 15 meeting (view recording) the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted (3-2) to deny the special use permit (SUP 20-10) for Mid Atlantic Pyrotechnic Arts Guild (MAPAG). Jim White made the motion to deny the SUP, based on inconsistencies with the Comprehensive Plan (e.g. rural nature of the A-1 zoning district being intended for use by agricultural operations and residential properties). The motion was seconded by Mark Johnson, who stated that the SUP brings very little to nothing for the residents of Orange County, and has the potential to severely impact residents’ enjoyment of their property.

On the Ground Updates – December 2020

On the Ground Updates – December 2020

A series of short updates from around the PEC region – Albemarle & Charlottesville, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange & Rappahannock.

Piedmont Environmental Council announces staff changes for Charlottesville and Albemarle, Culpeper, Greene and Madison counties

Piedmont Environmental Council announces staff changes for Charlottesville and Albemarle, Culpeper, Greene and Madison counties

Piedmont Environmental Council President Chris Miller is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Hawk as its Land Use Field Representative in Albemarle and Orange counties and of Adam Gillenwater as Senior Policy Manager & Land Use Field Representative in Culpeper, Madison and Green counties. Both began their new positions on October 30 and work out of PEC’s Charlottesville office.