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Board approves funding for three PDR easements; one application split and approved 4–1
Summary
Supervisors approved funding for multiple Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) candidates after staff and committee review; one pair of smaller parcels prompted debate about minimum-size policies and was approved 4–1 while a third PDR resolution passed with a supervisor recusal.
The Fauquier County Board of Supervisors voted to approve funding for multiple properties to join the county’s Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program, which buys conservation easements to preserve agricultural land.
County staff told the board the PDR program — established in 2002 — now protects more than 13,000 acres across 155 properties. Staff said the 2025 selection round used an updated scoring rubric that considered parcel size, soil productivity, risk of development, best-management practices, farm transition plans and proximity to historic landmarks and existing easements. The selection review committee evaluated eight applicants; two failed to meet minimum eligibility (one for not meeting the 50-acre minimum and another for zoning restrictions) and six were recommended by the committee.
Supervisors voted to adopt a resolution approving funding for a slate of qualifying applicants listed by staff (motion carried). The board then considered a separate motion to approve funding for two smaller parcels — Woodward Land Holdings LLC and Thomas Wiesman — which prompted the most debate. Some supervisors said the parcels were smaller than the program’s historic norms and had requested to retain the right to subdivide, a factor that in past rounds would have reduced their scores. Supporters on the board noted adjacent development pressures and the parcels’ proximity to existing easements; one supervisor said the owner of the Wiesman parcel had previously been in the county’s agricultural and forestry district and sought a permanent conservation easement.
The motion to approve the Woodward and Wiesman PDR funding passed 4–1. A final PDR resolution for Cedar Run Conservation LLC was moved and approved; Vice Chair noted a personal interest and recused himself from that vote.
Staff said adequate funding is available for the candidates and that the agricultural department will seek matching funds from the Virginia Department of Forestry to offset program costs. The board directed staff to complete the easement agreements and related steps consistent with program rules.
Votes and actions on the PDR agenda were taken during the regular meeting; the board did not change the program’s minimum-size policy at this meeting.
