Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
New River Trail State Park is now 1,681 acres after receiving another donation from Dixon Lumber Company, Inc. The 6-acre tract, wedged between New River Trail and Chestnut Creek, is located north of the park’s office in Cliffview.
Dixon Lumber owned hundreds of acres surrounding the park and made its first donation several years ago, totaling nearly 30 acres. Then in 2012, members of the Dixon family learned this 6-acre tract was being sold at auction. They recognized an opportunity to provide continued support to New River Trail, and they purchased the property with the long-term goal of donating it to the park.
“Owners of Dixon Lumber and members of the Dixon family are proud of their partnership with the Commonwealth and the Department of Conservation and Recreation in preserving the natural beauty and environment of Southwest Virginia,” said President Susie Dixon Garner.
For the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), ownership eliminates private vehicle use on the trail and the risk of possible development on the property. More importantly, ownership means DCR can help protect this vulnerable area, almost entirely within the floodplain, by allowing for vegetative regrowth and significantly reducing the potential for negative human impacts.
“Thanks to the generosity of Dixon Lumber Company, the addition of this tract to New River Trail State Park improves safety for all trail users,” said Charlie Marston, real property specialist at DCR. “It also ensures the natural beauty of this section will be protected forever.”
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State Parks
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