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.
Clean Water
Water flows through all of our land. To keep it plentiful and safe for drinking, swimming and fishing, we need clean air, expansive forests, responsible farms, wooded stream banks, and communities and individuals who make choices to avoid pollution.
![Your Support is Doubled for Giving Tuesday](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/rappahannock_drone_fall_folliage_2021_credit_hugh_kenny--1024x568.jpg)
Your Support is Doubled for Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is a global movement dedicated to giving back to organizations and causes you care about. Today on November 30, your donation will go twice as far thanks to the generosity of a longtime supporter who is offering a dollar-for-dollar match on any gifts we receive up to a total of $25,000! We hope you consider making a special one-time gift, becoming a new PEC member, or renewing your existing membership.
![Rural Crescent Under Threat in Prince William County](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/Manassas-cartoon-1024x715.jpg)
Rural Crescent Under Threat in Prince William County
Learn about three proposals that could change the character of Prince William County forever.
![750+ Trees Planted at Sky Meadows State Park](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/Sky_Meadows_HSI_tree_planting_October_2021_credit_sophia_chapin-07-1024x683.jpg)
750+ Trees Planted at Sky Meadows State Park
In October, volunteers helped plant 3.5 acres of trees to protect the Goose Creek Watershed.
![49th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/potomac_river_loudoun_credit_Hugh_Kenny--1024x574.jpg)
49th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act was passed the same year the Piedmont Environmental Council was founded, in 1972. The landmark law provides a set of broad goals, national minimum standards and processes to move toward improved water quality. Today on its 49th anniversary, we want to reflect on the way much of our conservation work comes back to water.
Video: 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!
![The Wilderness Crossing Proposal Explained](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/wilderness_crosssing_orange_county_credit_hugh_Kenny-3-of-15-1024x487.jpg)
The Wilderness Crossing Proposal Explained
The massive 2,602-acre rezoning would be the largest in county history, if approved.
![New boat launch on the Rappahannock River](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/remington_boat_launch_rector_tract_8.12.21_credit_hugh_kenny-3-of-3-1024x683.jpg)
New boat launch on the Rappahannock River
On August 14, Fauquier County’s second Rappahannock River kayak/canoe launch officially opened at the Rector Tract with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, offering county residents a new public access point to the state-designated scenic river.
![Conservation Outcomes from a Speedy Special Session](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/richmond-capitol-credit-kate-moody_1200x-1024x536.jpg)
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.
![Video: Orvis Giveback Days for Bolton Branch](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/orvis-square-small.jpg)
Video: Orvis Giveback Days for Bolton Branch
In May, The Piedmont Environmental Council teamed up with Orvis to raise money to restore two miles of brook trout stream habitat on Bolton Branch in Rappahannock County.