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The Essex County Countryside Alliance is a group of concerned landowners and citizens of Essex County and beyond, who are dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the Natural, Scenic and Historical Resources of Essex County, Virginia and the entire Rappahannock River Valley. We believe the choices we make today will affect our land forever. We work to educate and encourage others to consider the long term options and substantial benefits of preserving their land. Farmland lost is farmland lost forever

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Whats New?

  • Eastern Box Turtle: Disappearing Gems of the Forest

    The Eastern box turtle, Terrapene carolina carolina , is probably the most commonly known turtle to anyone raised in the east.  Common as they seem to be, scientists claim that they are declining, and that the turtles we now see are ghost representatives of the species….they are all older adults.  Why they are disappearing and what can you do to help save them?   Landowners of large blocks of forest are in the best position to ensure persistence of the species. But, first, let’s learn a little about the animal.

  • Essex County Countryside Alliance Blog

    This just in...the ECCA has a new blog.  We are adding a bunch of new bloggers to our site that we can all learn from.  Make sure you check back regularly to keep up with what we are doing to help conserve the countryside that makes Essex special.  If you are on Facebook, make sure you become a fan of the ECCA. That way, you will see wall posts when we add new content.  The same goes for Twitter, you can follow us at essexcca. 

     

  • Purchase of Development Rights: Another Option for Conservation Minded Landowners

    Many landowners are familiar with conservation easements, a vehicle for preserving land in perpetuity, but they may not be aware of another option: selling the development rights to their property. As a result of donating a conservation easement on their property, a landowner may realize a federal tax deduction for their charitable contribution, state tax credits (which can be used or sold in Virginia), lower estate taxes and sometimes lower real estate taxes.

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