Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced $14.4 million for land conservation grants 

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced $14.4 million for land conservation grants on Nov. 27, much of it awarded to locations in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The funds from the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation will go toward 28 projects across the state. Within the 11,200 acres of protected land, about 62% are in the Bay watershed. 

The grants invest in tribal land acquisitions, waterfront access, new public parks, historical lands and habitat for threatened species.

The Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority, for example, received $255,000 to acquire more than 500 acres of coastal and waterfront land along the York River. The project will provide underserved communities with recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, swimming and wildlife watching.

The Monacan Indian Nation will use its grant to acquire about 100 acres of forested land adjacent to the tribe’s Museum and Culture Center in Amherst County.

The Patawomeck Indian Tribe will gain more than 14 acres of land along the Rappahannock River. The tribe intends to create a public access trail and a small boat loading area.

The Conservation Fund received the largest award of $2 million to preserve 86 acres of the 5th President James Monroe’s Oak Hill estate, which is a National Historic Landmark in Loudon County. The land will be open to the public for historical interpretation, walking, hiking and wildlife watching.