The
Krebser Fund for Rappahannock County Conservation
by
Fran Moore Krebser, Fall 2004
Rappahannock
County lost a great friend when Dr. Werner Krebser passed
away
16 months ago. As the Rappahannock News said in a tribute
to Werner, "he was many things to many people-family doctor,
neighboring farmer, counselor, friend, county planner, political
philosopher, and opinionated debater in his legendary 'Lunch
Bunch.' "
Werner was also a
conservationist. As he approached his final days, he felt
honored when a group of preservationists proposed the creation
of a conservation fund that would bear his name. He was
excited by the prospect of leaving behind a lasting legacy
of preservation for Rappahannock County.
Now a reality, the
Krebser Fund for Rappahannock County Conservation (KFRCC)
is supported by the Piedmont Foundation, a nonprofit, tax-exempt
organization that promotes land conservation in the region.
A local advisory group, which includes members of the various
environmental organizations active in Rappahannock County,
will guide the fund's endeavors. The members are John Fox
Sullivan, Merrill Strange, Tony Lapham, Alan Dranitzke,
Gary Light, Bob Lander, Alan Zuschlag, Doug Ginsberg, Dick
McNear, and Fran Moore Krebser. Piedmont Foundation representatives
include Sarah Gannon and Doug Larson.
The fund provides
resources for the purchase of significant "at-risk" properties
in Rappahannock County, which in turn can be placed under
conservation easement and resold to a conservation buyer.
The fund is also structured to allow contributions to be
applied toward the purchase of development rights (PDR)
on significant parcels to preserve farming in the county.
Given the current
value of real estate in Rappahannock, the costs associated
with preservation efforts are substantial. Several potential
county properties have already been identified, and the
fund's advisory group is currently considering the merits
of each. We are committed to preserving our visual treasures-mountains,
streams, and open spaces-and more especially, the county's
quality of life.
The Krebser Fund
is now working on an aggressive fund-raising campaign. Our
initial goal is to raise $1,000,000. Plans are in the works
for a kick-off art show and dinner fundraiser to be held
at the Inn at Little Washington in March 2005, with another
event to be held later in the year. This ambitious goal
will enable us to act quickly as conservation opportunities
become available.
The fund invites
anyone interested in joining our effort to contact any of
the members for more information. Any support will help
us ensure that the Rappahannock County Werner loved remains
the beautiful Rappahannock County it is now, well into the
future.
—The
Krebser Fund—
A lasting tribute to a man of wisdom and vision sponsored by
- Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection (RLEP)
- Rappahannock County Conservation Alliance (RCCA)
- Rappahannock Farmers Association (RFA)
- Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC)
|
Preserving Rappahannock County
Rappahannock County is a rich and varied landscape of rolling and mountainous countryside with farms, historic sites, and forested areas. Soils well suited to agriculture and a network of streams and small rivers have made the county one of the most productive farming areas in the Piedmont. The scenic beauty of the county rivals that of any county in Virginia.
Rappahannock County: Gateway to Shenandoah National Park
The western portion of Rappahannock County encompasses part of the ecologically rich eastern flank of the 2000,000-acre Shenandoah National Park. The forested uplands and riparian areas in the remainder of the county comprise high quality natural habitat in the Blue Ridge-Piedmont ecosystem and essential corridors for wildlife migration through the region. The county is also rich in historic treasures worthy of protection.
Upper Rappahannock River Watershed
Rappahannock County encompasses both the main stem and many of the headwater streams of the upper Rappahannock River including the Thornton, Hazel, Jordan, and Hughes Rivers. In addition to providing drinking water for a number of growing downstream communities, this watershed provides Rappahannock residents with clean groundwater and surface water, as well as scenic vistas and unparalleled recreational opportunities.
The Threat to Rappahannock County
The scenic beauty, natural features, and its proximity to the outskirts of the growing Northern Virginia/DC metro area make Rappahannock County a highly desirable place to live. Retirement, vacation, and second home development pressure, in particular, is intense in the county.
Conservation Tradition in Rappahannock County
A history of protective zoning, coupled with long-standing efforts to encourage conservation in Rappahannock County, has yielded positive results. Rappahannock enjoys one of the highest percentages of protected land in Virginia. Currently, more that 14,500 acres of privately owned land—or 11 percent of the total private land area—is protected by conservation easements. But there is much more to do, and another tool is needed to increase the level of protection in the county.
The Krebser Fund for Rappahannock County Conservation (KFRCC)
In order to provide this needed tool, a coalition of local organizations has created a new conservation fund in honor of Dr. Werner Krebser, which will be used to protect selected properties in Rappahannock County through conservation easements. An advisory committee, which includes representation from the Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection (RLEP), the Rappahannock County Conservation Alliance (RCCA), the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC), and the Rappahannock Farmers Association (RFA), will direct fund activities. Acquisitions of land or easements involving monies from the Fund will be limited to Rappahannock County.
Preserving Rappahannock County With a Gift
Gifts will be used to secure options on property, to purchase property and/or easements, and to pay for the legal, due diligence, marketing, and other costs directly associated with transactions. Properties acquired in fee will be protected by conservation easements and resold to conservation buyers or transferred to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) or other public or non-profit organizations. Resale of any property purchased with KFRCC funds must be done on the open market.
Making a Gift to the Fund
The Piedmont Foundation, a 501(c)(3)
not-for-profit organization, manages tax-deductible gifts
to the Krebser Fund for Rappahannock County Conservation.
The Piedmont Foundation is an experienced organization that
oversees seven conservation funds that address conservation
priorities around the region. Contributions may be in the
form of cash, securities, or property. Planned gifts to
the Fund are also welcome and will ensure the long-term
viability of the Fund.
| Dr. Werner Krebser moved to Rappahannock County in 1961 to practice medicine. While a beloved family practitioner, Werner was also and outspoken champion of protecting the scenic beauty and open spaces of Rappahannock County. Dr. Krebser served with distinction on the County Planning Commission for 22 years. In his tenure on the Planning Commission, Rappahannock steered a careful course that has become a model for other communities throughout the Commonwealth. |
For further information about the Krebser Fund for Rappahannock County Conservation, contact:
Doug Larson
c/o Piedmont Environmental Council
12717 Lee Highway
Washington, VA 22747
540-987-9441
dlarson@pecva.org
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