After years of negotiations, the Stafford Board of Supervisors voted on  Tuesday, December 18, to enter into an agreement to purchase approximately 1,720 acres of the Crow’s Nest peninsula for $19 million with a two-year option to purchase approximately 1,200 additional acres for $16.2 million. All of the $19 million will be provided by the Commonwealth in the form of grants and low-interest loans.

“We have worked extremely hard over the last several years to find some way to preserve this unique piece of land,” said Chairman of the Board Jack Cavalier. “I am thrilled that we can finally move ahead and take the necessary steps to protect Crow’s Nest and start working on projects that will showcase its rich natural resources to visitors.”

“Crow’s Nest is truly one of Stafford’s greatest treasures,” said Supervisor Paul Milde, whose Aquia District includes Crow’s Nest. “Our action today will allow visitors to learn about unique wildlife, rare plants and Stafford’s extraordinary history in this area. I hope that Crow’s Nest will be an enduring element of this Board’s legacy for future generations in Stafford.”  

County officials have been working with state, federal and conservation officials for several years to preserve the environmentally sensitive peninsula. The asking price has varied and has been as high as $65 million at one time. Negotiations recently intensified after the County filed for condemnation of the property on Nov. 17, 2006.

The future use of the Crow’s Nest property will be consistent with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation nature preserves and include public access for self-guided nature trails, wildlife observation posts, canoe launches, fishing and other similar passive activities.

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