Project Description
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (VDCR) purchased 2 parcels(totaling 136.85 acres) adjacent to the Deep Run Ponds Natural Area Preserve (DRPNAP) in December 2019. DRPNAP, located in Rockingham County, VA, supports one of the largest remaining systems of Shenandoah Valley Sinkhole Ponds in Virginia, unusual and conservation-worthy ecosystems that support an extraordinary assemblage of rare plants and animals. The 906-acre preserve protects eight sinkhole ponds, two of which support the globally rare plant, Virginia Sneezeweed (Helenium virginicum). The acquired acres were added to the existing ~700 acres of DRPNAP and will be protected in perpetuity and managed by VDCR. The new addition provides connectivity between DRPNAP and Shenandoah National Park, and increased habitat for birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and plants. VDCR will also be conducting restoration activities within DRPNAP to improve habitat quality. The restoration project has 3 objectives: (1) restore woodland forest structure across the entire preserve; (2) establish oak-pine woodland on former evergreen nursery plantings; and (3) control invasive species within DRPNAP..
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/deeprun
Restoration Land Ownership
State; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Parties Implementing Restoration
Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation
DOI Project Representatives
Fish and Wildlife Service