AC44 Phase 2: Natural, Historic, Scenic, and Cultural Resources

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

Albemarle County has a variety of natural, historic, scenic, and cultural resources.

Natural resources include the county’s forests, rivers, mountains, wetlands, biodiversity, and mineral resources. These resources are important for water and air quality, biodiversity, agricultural and silvicultural economic development, and climate resilience. Protection of these natural resources requires ongoing conservation efforts and is essential for the health of our community.

Scenic resources include the county's state- and national-designated scenic roads (Virginia Byways, State Scenic Highways, National Scenic Byways), County-designated Entrance Corridors, state- and County-designated scenic streams and rivers, important scenic views, and the dark sky.

Historic and cultural resources include the county’s buildings, structures, landscapes, sites, and districts that have historic, architectural, archaeological, or cultural significance. These historic and cultural resources have intrinsic cultural value, and are valued for their scenic enjoyment from public roadways, recreation, and economic development potential.

The Comp Plan update is an opportunity to explore how the County can better protect its many resources. Supporting and leveraging these resources in a sustainable manner supports climate action, more inclusive histories, and tourism.

Building Upon the Work: Historic Registers & Markers

The county has 94 individual properties listed in the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places (including two World Heritage sites), 45 historical markers (and growing!), and 29 percent of the county’s land area is within its 12 registered historic districts.

Albemarle County has a variety of natural, historic, scenic, and cultural resources.

Natural resources include the county’s forests, rivers, mountains, wetlands, biodiversity, and mineral resources. These resources are important for water and air quality, biodiversity, agricultural and silvicultural economic development, and climate resilience. Protection of these natural resources requires ongoing conservation efforts and is essential for the health of our community.

Scenic resources include the county's state- and national-designated scenic roads (Virginia Byways, State Scenic Highways, National Scenic Byways), County-designated Entrance Corridors, state- and County-designated scenic streams and rivers, important scenic views, and the dark sky.

Historic and cultural resources include the county’s buildings, structures, landscapes, sites, and districts that have historic, architectural, archaeological, or cultural significance. These historic and cultural resources have intrinsic cultural value, and are valued for their scenic enjoyment from public roadways, recreation, and economic development potential.

The Comp Plan update is an opportunity to explore how the County can better protect its many resources. Supporting and leveraging these resources in a sustainable manner supports climate action, more inclusive histories, and tourism.

Building Upon the Work: Historic Registers & Markers

The county has 94 individual properties listed in the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places (including two World Heritage sites), 45 historical markers (and growing!), and 29 percent of the county’s land area is within its 12 registered historic districts.

What questions do you have about Natural, Historic, Scenic, and/or Cultural Resources?

This is a complex topic with lots of implications. What questions do you have?

loader image
Forgot password?
Didn't receive confirmation?
Register Now or Sign in with
Seems like you are already registered, please provide the password. Forgot your password? Create a new one now.
  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    How are you preventing historic building sites from being over expanded and developed? What are the parameters for development of historic landmark properties so developers don’t exploit the county’s generosity?

    L asked about 2 months ago

    Thank you for your question! At this time, County regulations for historic buildings are limited to historic country stores and historic taverns/inns/restaurants. With the Comp Plan update underway, the current Plan's Goals, Objectives, and Strategies will be reviewed and updated, including for historic, cultural, and scenic resources. Community input will be used to help inform the updated Plan recommendations. We have a questionnaire open through March 10, which asks about all Comp Plan topics (historic resources is found on Page 5). In the fall of this year, we anticipate sharing draft updated Goals and Objectives for community members to review and share feedback on. If you have not already, we recommend registering on the AC44 website to receive updates on the latest questionnaires, events, and draft materials. 

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    What are you going to put in the plan for "Protection of theses natural resources..."? Our natural resources are being overwhelmed by invasive species and the impacts of continued population growth. Unless real actions are taken, our natural resources will continue to deteriorate. I would be happy to discuss this if that would help.

    Rod asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your question! The County has a Biodiversity Action Plan that provides direction and guidance for protection of natural resources and native species. Additionally, with the Comp Plan update underway, the current Plan's Goals, Objectives, and Strategies will be reviewed and updated, including for natural resources. Community input will be used to help inform the updated Plan recommendations. We have a questionnaire open through March 10, which asks about all Comp Plan topics (natural resources is on Page 5). In the fall of this year, we anticipate sharing draft updated Goals and Objectives for community members to review and share feedback on. If you have not already, we recommend registering on the AC44 website to receive updates on the latest questionnaires, events, and draft materials. 

Page last updated: 20 Mar 2023, 04:00 PM