A sustained voice for conservation in Page and Warren counties

Local conservation groups, Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley (Alliance) and Scenic 340 Project, are excited to announce a joining of forces to build on and continue Scenic 340’s great track record of land and water conservation in Page and Warren counties.

The Scenic 340 Project formed in 1999 to oppose a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) proposal to widen Route 340 from Front Royal to Luray to four and five lanes endangering scenic viewsheds, Civil War battlefields, productive farmland, community identity and a growing heritage tourism industry. For more than a decade, Scenic 340 members were deeply engaged in the transportation planning process, promoting alternatives guided by Context Sensitive Solutions. VDOT eventually abandoned the plan, opting instead to replace four bridges in need of repair.

Before joining forces with the Alliance this month, Scenic 340 continued to advocate to change road-building policy at the state level, partnered with community members to conserve more than 2,300 acres of forest and farmland, including a critical wildlife travel corridor linking Shenandoah National Park and George Washington National Forest, and enhanced the scenic beauty of the historic Route 340 corridor with Project Redbud, replanting the native trees along the corridor.

“I am proud of all Scenic 340 has accomplished over the years,” says Christine Andreae, founding board member of both the Alliance and Scenic 340. “By joining forces, the Alliance can build on the strong foundation laid by dedicated Scenic 340 volunteers for future conservation successes.”

Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley is a regional conservation group working since its launch in 2018 to ensure the land and water resources and vibrant communities of the Valley are protected for the long haul. With dedicated staff in Augusta, Rockingham and Shenandoah counties, the Alliance follows the local issues unique to each county while also tackling issues that face the region, like safety improvements for Interstate 81.

“We are delighted to welcome Scenic 340 Project to the Alliance,” says Alliance Executive Director Kate Wofford. “We look forward to many years of impactful work protecting the extraordinary forest and farmland, clean streams and rivers and vibrant local communities that make Page and Warren Counties great places to live and work.”

The Alliance’s work in Page and Warren counties will be guided by a Page and Warren Advisory Council made up of with former members of Scenic 340 Project.