In late April, at the Virginia Land Conservation and Greenways conference in Harrisonburg, Senator Hanger proudly announced the permanent protection of over 1 million acres of land as a direct result of the LPTC.
Conserving Land
Conservation easements help ensure that the Virginia Piedmont is always characterized by its open spaces, healthy environment, and cultural resources.
![Sen. Emmett W. Hanger, Jr. announces 1 million acres conserved since Virginia’s Land Preservation Tax Credit went into effect, highlights importance of land conservation moving forward](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/vault-lptc-photo-collage-banner-2023-1200x-1024x536.webp)
Sen. Emmett W. Hanger, Jr. announces 1 million acres conserved since Virginia’s Land Preservation Tax Credit went into effect, highlights importance of land conservation moving forward
Virginia’s Land Preservation Tax Credit (LPTC) has led to the permanent protection of over 1 million acres of land in Virginia, Senator Emmett W. Hanger, Jr. announced today in Harrisonburg at the Virginia Land and Greenways Conference sponsored by Virginia’s United Land Trusts.
![2023-2028 Strategic Plan](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/strategic-plan-banner-montage-2-1200x-1024x536.webp)
2023-2028 Strategic Plan
The Piedmont Environmental Council’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan sets a direction for the years ahead.
![2022 Land Conservation Totals](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/easement-benefits-totals-2022-graphic-1200x-1024x580.png)
2022 Land Conservation Totals
Last year, landowners partnered with The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) and other land trusts and conservation agencies to permanently protect 6,651 acres of land in Albemarle, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Orange and Rappahannock counties.
![A Neighborhood Conservation Effort along South River](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/breeden-easement-mini-map-2022-1000x.png)
A Neighborhood Conservation Effort along South River
In Greene County, a community-wide effort to protect land along the South River has been underway for nearly two decades. In 2022, a critical 140-acre multi-generational cattle farm was added to the tapestry of this corridor with a conservation easement generously donated to PEC by Mr. Laymon Breeden, who wanted to protect the farm in part to honor his father.
![Conserving a Piece of Heaven](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/wachtmeister_family_11_15_22_credit_hugh_kenny_03939_1200x-1024x683.jpg)
Conserving a Piece of Heaven
From the wrap-around porch at Hans and Anne Wachtmeister’s Fauquier County home, I feel as if I’m standing atop a mountain looking across heaven. And it’s one of seven Fauquier County properties permanently protected with a conservation easement last year.
![Nine-county land conservation totals 6,651 acres in 2022](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/dr._sam_ahdoot_easement_property_rappahannock_july_2021_credit_hugh_kenny-4-of-4-1024x599.jpg)
Nine-county land conservation totals 6,651 acres in 2022
Last year, landowners partnered with The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) and other land trusts and conservation agencies to permanently protect 6,651 acres of land in Albemarle, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Orange and Rappahannock counties.
![Clarke County Land Conservation Fund](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/Clermont_Farm_Tree_Planting_11.12.22credit_Nick_Ferris-62-1024x684.jpg)
Clarke County Land Conservation Fund
The Clarke Fund works in partnership with numerous organizations and employs a variety of strategies to ensure conservation resources are protected for future generations.
![Eyes on Richmond / Call to Support Farmland Protection](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/Richmond_capitol_header-1024x512.jpg)
Eyes on Richmond / Call to Support Farmland Protection
The Piedmont Environmental Council is tracking a broad array of bills and budget amendments, as well as supporting legislative priorities of partners within the Virginia Conservation Network.
![2022 Highlights](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/southwings_october_loudoun_clarke_credit_hugh_kenny-09787-1-1024x692.jpg)
2022 Highlights
Learn about our efforts to expand conservation and restoration efforts, empower local communities, invest in public access, and connect consumers to local farms in 2022.