Governor Kaine announced that his ambitious goal to conserve 400,000 acres in the Commonwealth was reached at the new Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center near Charlottesville on Friday, January 8th.
Read the official press release of the event here.
This World Heritage site overlooks the recent Biscuit Run property acquired by the Commonwealth for a future state park neat the end of the year. Preserving the view shed from this site was one of the considerations in acquiring the 1,200 acre tract of rolling hills, forest and the stream known as Biscuit Run. Located in Albemarle County, the property is within biking and hiking distance of Charlottesville.
Violinist Boyd Tinsley of the Dave Matthews Band spoke at the event as a representative of the investors in the original Biscuit Run development who sold the property to the Commonwealth in a bargain sale.
State Parks Director Joe Elton and other State Park staff attended the announcement along with members of the Virginia Association for Parks. The VAFP is a statewide non-profit organization that supports State and National parks in Virginia.
From left to right, State Parks District VI Manager Forrest Gladden; Dave Summers State Parks Law Enforcement Manager; State Parks Assistant Director Warren Wahl; and State Parks Director Joe Elton
From left to right, Virginia Association for Parks members Tom Shaw, Herb Distefano and Jo Finch; State Parks Director Joe Elton; Virginia Association for Parks President Johnny Finch