VLCF Funded Projects

Virginia’s working farms and forests, battlefields and other historic sites, natural areas, parks and rivers are critical to its economy, culture and quality of life. In 1999, the assembly and governor established the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) to fund protection of these resources. The interactive map below depicts VLCF-grant projects funded since 2000.

Name:	Difficult Creek Natural Area Preserve - Browne Farm
Category:	Natural Area Preservation
Grant Round:	FY24
Acres:	45.38
Locality:	Halifax County
Management Agency:	Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Owner:	Private
ConserveVirginia:	Natural Habitat & Ecosystem Diversity, Protected Landscapes Resilience
Amount Awarded:	$250,000.00
Applicant:	Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Latitude:	36.764562
Longitude:	-78.725549
Description:	DCR-DNH received VLCF funding to support acquisition of an easement on 45 acres in Halifax County, adjoining Difficult Creek Natural Area Preserve. The tract is almost entirely forested with mature upland hardwood forests predominantly comprised of the globally rare Southern Piedmont Hardpan Forest. This easement will enhance DCR's ability to protect natural heritage resources and key visual and ecological buffers along the main public access corridor into the preserve and prevent incompatible development. Located in one of the most significant essential conservation sites in Virginia, the property harbors multiple natural heritage resources including four rare plants and one globally rare natural community. The property falls within two categories of ConserveVirginia and lies within a conservation sites and biodiversity hotspot. The property is also surrounded by the preserve on three sides, and thus represents an important resilience tract to enhance DCR's ability to conduct much needed management and restoration at the preserve with prescribed fire. As such, this property has been a long-standing protection priority for DCR.
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