Virginia has experienced rapid development. Growing population and urbanization
have brought about profound changes in the hydrologic regime of local
watersheds. In 1982, Virginia gave local governments rights
to establish Agricultural and Forestal Districts (A&F Districts) of
Statewide Sagnificance. The minimum acreage requirement for A&F Districts
was set at a minimum of 25 acres.
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For example, in Fairfax County, the local program uses tax benefits as
an incentive for owners of agricultural or forestal areas to maintain
those lands in an undeveloped state. Taxes for land located within an
A&F District has been reduced approximately 60 percent. In this County
approximately 80 percent of total area protected through this program
is forested.
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Some companies have been developing environmentally sensitive
residential communities. One of those is the Woodlake residential
community.
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Prior to construction three stages were processed: The Planning Phase,
the Siting Phase and the Construction of Utilities.
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 Planning Phase. Areas with
significant tree cover, wetlands, water courses
were identified. This information was used to establish buffer areas and
open space. More than 20 percent of the development was designated as
buffer or open space.
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Siting Phase. A review of
the detailed site plans identified the location of proposed structures
(houses, driveways, etc.) and existing significant trees. Site plan
approval was required prior to the initiation of construction activities.
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Construction of Utilities.
Contractors were instructed to clear the minimum right-of-way width and
were prohibited from operating their equipment in environmentally sensitive
areas. Sewer and water lines, gas, electric and telephone lines were placed
in the road right-of-way wherever possible. These activities increased the
price ranges for the land. Water quality monitoring at this site has shown
that post-development pollutant loads are relatively low.
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