The Nature Conservancy and the Virginia Department of
Conservation and Recreation announce the acquisition of 63.83
acres of important habitat along the Clinch River, dedicated as
part of the Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve. Virginia’s Natural
Area Preserve System now contains 60 Natural Area Preserves,
protecting 50,025 acres, providing important natural area access
for Virginia’s citizens, and securing habitat for 587 exemplary
natural communities and rare plant and animal species. These new
protected areas along the Clinch River also reduce sedimentation
and provide natural pollution barriers, helping to keep streams
and rivers healthy for mussels, fish and for the freshwater we
all need. The acquisition was supported by a U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service Endangered Species Recovery Land Acquisition
Grant, administered by the Virginia Department of Game and
Inland Fisheries, and the Virginia 2002 Park and Natural Areas
Bond. “This property is a priority for The Nature Conservancy
and its partners for reducing