Chesapeake Rivers Program


Andy Lacatell		Voorhees Nature Preserve, Rappahannock River

Director Andy Lacatell opened the doors of the Chesapeake Rivers landscape office on January 2, 2001.

"The rivers and marshes of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula are remarkably unspoiled," says Lacatell. "Now is the time to focus on protecting them before we lose valuable parts of these resources to development."

The Rappahannock, Mattaponi, and Pamunkey rivers and Dragon Run wind through 2,000 square miles of forests, farms, and American history. Before English settlers arrived in 1607, Native Americans managed the area's natural resources to sustain themselves and the environment. Today, tourists and locals alike appreciate the natural beauty of this region.

Planning for the future's changing landscape is the challenge facing the Chesapeake Rivers Program. Incompatible land uses and shoreline development promise to place tremendous stress on wetland, marsh, and riparian habitats along these Chesapeake Bay tributaries. The Conservancy is focused on preserving the region's diverse wildlife, migratory birds, anadromous fish, invertebrates, and rare plants, while keeping ecological processes intact.

"As director, I'll work with local governments and community groups to garner their support," says Lacatell. "I'll also meet with landowners to explain The Nature Conservancy's mission and how land purchases and conservation easements can work to everyone's benefit."

Conservancy preserves in this landscape project area include Alexander Berger Memorial Sanctuary, Cumberland Marsh Preserve, and Voorhees Nature Preserve.

Chesapeake Rivers Program

530 E. Main St.

Suite 800

Richmond, VA 23219

(804) 644-5800

alacatell@tnc.org