Bay Power Solutions is proud to support the Living River Trust’s mission to protect and preserve the land and water of the Elizabeth River. The LRT celebrates a huge victory for land conservation in Hampton Roads won this year – over 80 acres of environmentally valuable land was saved from development in Chesapeake.
“Newton Neck,” a largely untouched stretch of waterfront along the Elizabeth River, has been purchased by The Living River Trust and turned over to the City of Chesapeake’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. It is now officially permanently protected land, conserved and dedicated to public use.
Newton Neck is comprised of natural wetlands and woodlands, located in the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River. Originally, the land was zoned for Industrial Purposes and owned by the Vann Family (Southport Land Conservation). However, its importance in Flood Resilience, Carbon Capture, and potential as a Community Park captured the attention of the LRT and fellow locals, who did not wish to see it developed.
Over two-year’s time, a team effort to raise funds and secure the property’s selling price was funded through the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. The Vanns agreed to sell the property for public use by the City of Chesapeake, ensuring the land’s preservation for future generations.
“This is a huge win for conservation and the community,” says the current Chair of the Trust, Mary Ann Saunders.
A dedication was held June 16th, 2022, with representatives present from the General Assembly, Virginia City Council, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, local neighborhood community members, and more.
The past Chair, Rob Robins, who is a current member of the LRT Board and President of Bay Power, expounded on Newton Neck’s future:
“The main goal is to keep the land in its natural state, while also adding a few small features, such as a kayak launch, to encourage public use. We’re all very excited to see it happen.”
To donate to the Living River Trust’s cause, find the link below: