(Reprinted from The Nature Conservancy)
Dominion Energy has donated 847 acres to The Nature Conservancy in West Virginia (TNC) to expand conservation protection along The Allegheny Front. These acres, when added to Dominion’s previous donation of 477 acres that is known as Bear Rocks Preserve, doubles the size of the Bear Rocks/Allegheny Front Preserve Complex, bringing nearly 2,000 acres of West Virginia’s most scenic and ecologically significant habitats into conservation protection.
Protection of this tract of land provides significant conservation value by conserving key areas adjacent to the Monongahela National Forest on Dolly Sods. It also helps ensures habitat connectivity for species migration from valley bottom to mountain top.
“Dominion Energy’s donation will have a huge impact on conservation of this ecologically important landscape,” says Thomas Minney, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in West Virginia. “This landscape is one of the most visited places in West Virginia, and the fourth most visited TNC preserves in America. It is important we continue to work with partners like Dominion to increase protection efforts in this key landscape.”
This landscape plays an outsized role in the recreation industry in West Virginia. Expanding protection along the Allegheny Front adds new potential for public access and recreation opportunities, adding to the overall ecotourism experience.
“We’re thrilled to continue our longstanding collaboration with The Nature Conservancy,” said Ed Baine, President of Dominion Energy Virginia. “This is a great example of how the private sector and conservation community can work together to preserve natural landscapes in the communities we serve.”
In 2021, the Bear Rocks/Allegheny Front Preserve Complex was named the 600th National Natural Landmark in the United States.