AEP preserves land at Smith Mountain Lake

By Angela Hatcher
WSLS10 Reporter/Anchor
Published: April 21, 2008

With its nearly 5,000 acres overlooking the water, Smith Mountain could have been a developer’s dream.  That dream will never come true.  Governor Tim Kaine and AEP Chairman Michael Morris shake on it.

“Governor, this is a signed resolution and letter from me to you saying that that’s exactly what we intend to do from Appalachian Power.“, says Morris as he presents the letter to Governor Kaine.

The land in Pittsylvania and Bedford Counties is now protect by a conservation easement. 

Here’s an easy way to look at conservation easements.  AEP still owns the land.  The company just gives up the right to develop it. If AEP sells the land, the new owner can’t develop it either.

“It will be used the way it is right now forever.“, says Governor Kaine.

That means you and I can continue to use this land for hunting, fishing, camping and hiking.

“Everybody has a place or space they want to preserve for their grandkids or their great grandkids.“, says Governor Kaine.

“Keeping these kind of assets for generations to come is just an unmatchable opportunity to do something good for the community.“, says Morris.

It’s also good for business.  The company gets a 40 percent tax credit on the land’s value.  Morris says the value has yet to be determined.  Governor Kaine has already measured its worth.

“We’d say priceless.“, says Governor Kaine.

Governor Kaine set a statewide goal of placing 400,000 acres under conservation easements during his term in office.  The AEP contribution is the largest to date, bringing the total to nearly 250,000 acres.

Governor Kaine tells us many farmers have placed their land under easements so it can only be used for farming in the future.  If you are a landowner interested in the process, click on the link included with this story.