Julian Scheer Fauquier Land Conservation Fund

The Piedmont Environmental Council's Fauquier Fund is dedicated to protecting land with important natural, historic, scenic, and agricultural resources in Fauquier County, Virginia through conservation easements and environmental stewardship support.

Geographic Scope: Fauquier County, Virginia (with particular focus on Cedar Run watershed historically)

Focus Areas:

• Conservation easements for agricultural land
• Farmland preservation
• Water quality protection
• Historic and scenic landscape preservation
• Wildlife habitat
• Stream exclusion fencing and alternative watering systems
• Environmental stewardship on working farmland
• Partnership with Fauquier County Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program

Fund History:

• Evolved from the Julian W.
• Named in memory of Julian W. Scheer, former PEC Board Vice Chairman and dedicated conservationist

Eligibility:

• Landowners in Fauquier County
• Properties with natural, historic, scenic, and/or agricultural resources
• Landowners unable to afford donating conservation easement outright
• Working farmers and agricultural property owners
• Focus on economically viable farm operations

What They Fund:

• Conservation easement assistance: Financial assistance for upfront costs (legal, survey, appraisal)
• Environmental stewardship grants: Support for stream exclusion fencing, alternative watering systems, and agricultural BMPs on working farmland
• Short-term loans: For implementing agricultural best management practices
• Research and pilot projects: For improved environmental management of land and water
• Education: Agricultural and forestry manager education; environmental education for youth and adults
• Government initiatives: Support for government-sponsored environmental programs
• Land/easement transactions: Options, purchases, legal costs, due diligence, marketing

Assistance Types:

• No-interest loans
• Cost-share of expenses
• Grants
• Loans
• Technical support
• Financial reimbursements
• Incentives

Project Criteria (PEC Board-adopted guidelines):

• Funds for upfront easement costs (legal, survey, appraisal) as loans or cost-shares
• Support for environmental stewardship practices on public or private lands
• Research and pilot projects for environmental management
• Education and resources for agricultural/forestry managers
• Environmental education for youth and adults
• Government-sponsored environmental initiatives
• Transaction costs (legal, due diligence, marketing)
• Property options, purchases, or easement purchases

Partners:

• Fauquier County Agricultural Development
• John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District
• USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Virginia Department of Forestry
• Rappahannock-Rapidan Conservation Program
• Federal Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program

Advisory Committee: Composed of Fauquier County residents and conservation partners, many with personal conservation easement experience

Contact:

• Bryn Sonnett, Rappahannock-Rapidan Conservation Program Manager, [email protected]
• Keely Murphy, Conservation Field Representative, Potomac Watershed, [email protected]
• Phone: (540) 347-2334
• Director of Advancement: Nora Seilheimer, [email protected], (434) 977-2033 x7008

Management: Managed by the Piedmont Foundation, a 509(a)(3) supporting organization established to hold and manage funds for PEC

How to Apply

1. Determine your needs: Assess whether you need assistance with:
   • Conservation easement donation costs (legal, survey, appraisal)
   • Environmental stewardship practice implementation (fencing, watering systems)
   • Short-term financing for agricultural BMPs
   • Other land conservation goals
2. Verify location: Property must be in Fauquier County, Virginia
3. Contact PEC:
   • For general inquiries: [email protected] or (540) 347-2334
   • For conservation easement assistance: Bryn Sonnett, [email protected]
   • For environmental stewardship support: Keely Murphy, [email protected]
4. Project proposal: Present your conservation project to the advisory committee
5. Advisory committee review: Committee meets periodically to recommend projects and provide landowner guidance
6. PEC Board approval: All projects require approval by PEC Board of Directors and the Piedmont Foundation
7. Technical support: PEC staff provide information about easement processes and walk landowners through the entire transaction from start to finish
8. Educational workshops: Participate in annual landowner workshops on conservation options, PDR program, BMPs cost-share programs, and other resources

Additional Support

• Annual Farmer/Landowner Information Dinners: Free informational dinners for working farmers and landowners
• Technical Assistance: PEC staff and advisory committee members provide guidance on conservation easements and land protection options
• Educational Workshops: Annual workshops featuring guest speakers from partner organizations

Contact Information

• Bryn Sonnett, Rappahannock-Rapidan Conservation Program Manager, [email protected]
• Keely Murphy, Conservation Field Representative - Potomac Watershed, [email protected]
• Phone: (540) 347-2334
• For donations: Nora Seilheimer, Director of Advancement, [email protected], (434) 977-2033 x7008