Tank Creek Preserve
Finding Inspiration at Every Turn
The Tank Creek property is special both ecologically and historically. Located in Stafford County adjacent to the south end of Marine Corps Base Quantico, its nearly 20 acres are entirely forested with mature hardwood trees including American Beech, Northern Red Oak, Chestnut Oak, White Oak, Hickory, American Holly, Tulip Poplar, and American Hornbeam. There is a year-round spring originating on the property which feeds tributaries that lead to Tank Creek at the northern end of the parcel.
The land was originally part of the historic Chelsea estate, owned by General George Mason Cooke (1792-1866). His father, Col John Travers Cooke, was a major supplier of freestone from Aquia Creek during construction of much of the formidable architecture of Washington DC.
A substantial portion of the Chelsea estate was developed around the turn of the 21st century into what is now the Chelsea Manor subdivision. This area is changing quickly and the Tank Creek Preserve property is extremely susceptible to development itself. According to the Development Vulnerability Model, the entire property is classed as either IV or V (most vulnerable).
Just as importantly, this property earns the highest conservation marks and ratings across numerous independent evaluations. It scores a perfect 10 via NVCT's new Strategic Conservation Plan. This rating compared apples to apples resource values for every property in Northern Virgina over ten different categories such as watershed, forest and biodiversity value.
In addition, the entire property ranks in the ConserveVirginia Natural Habitat & Ecosystem Diversity category. Plus, the Widewater Rd. frontage is recognized in the Scenic Preservation category. The property’s ecological prominence is further underscored by the designation of a Very High ecological core according to The Virginia Natural Landscape Assessment, and it is part of the Natural Land Network, providing safe habitat for a wide range of species.
The property holds significant forest conservation value with areas of High, Very High, and Outstanding conservation importance according to VDOF. Finally, portions of the property rank High in the Watershed Impact Model, and there is a County-designated Resource Protection Area surrounding Tank Creek. The science is in and speaks for itself. Places like this are rare and becoming rarer. This property is truly special and once it is protected, it will be a valuable community resource forever.
Everyone needs parks and open spaces.
NVCT anticipates managing the Tank Creek parcel as part of our network of nature preserves which includes several other properties in Stafford. Our intent is to open the preserve to the public several times a year for guided naturalist hikes in partnership with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
In accordance with Land Trust Accreditation Guidelines, we will collaborate with the local community to prepare a management plan within one year of taking title. We will seek funding assistance for amenities and public access improvements consistent with the management vision, and typically implement those improvements over a two-to-three-year timeframe. We intend to manage this preserve as a community resource for everyone to enjoy.
Partners in Protecting
As always, NVCT is collaborating with numerous valued partners within our community to make this project possible. This support ranges from helping with our purchase efforts to planning and managing the long-term stewardship and interpretive programs once the property is protected. We are grateful for their assistance.
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The Friends of Widewater State Park and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation - volunteer stewardship and interpretive programming
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NVCT MOU partner, Stafford County supports the purchase of Tank Creek Preserve as it complies with the open space conservation goals of its Comprehensive Plan
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Marine Corps Base Quantico recognizes the property’s critical role as a protected buffer for the base
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George Washington Regional Commission supports our purchase because of its compliance with its Green Infrastructure Plan.
“We strongly support the conservation of open space and natural resource lands in the Potomac River Corridor under the county’s Comprehensive Plan, as well as the Land Conservation program, and are prepared to actively support NVCT in pursuing this acquisition." – Kathy Baker Assistant Director of Planning and Zoning, Stafford County.
Why You?
It will cost $205,000 to permanently protect the Tank Creek Preserve property. Thanks to existing commitments, more than half of the required funding has already been secured. Now, your urgent help is needed to finish the job! Please donate today.
Why NVCT?
As your local land trust, it is our mission to protect the lands and waters of Northern Virginia for habitat, recreation and healthy communities. We have thirty years of experience serving our communities and have protected more than 9,000 acres thanks to our network of supporters, partners and friends like you.
Why Here?
Everyone needs parks and open spaces and the Tank Creek Preserve property in Stafford County fits the bill. Its well documented conservation value combined with the community’s desire for more public parks and outdoor space make this an ideal project.
Why now?
NVCT is working with a conservation-minded land-owner who purchased this property to protect it decades ago. It is in an area extremely vulnerable to development and now she is looking to hand over this responsibility to a trusted partner. Timing is of the essence…we have until December 31, 2024 to purchase and protect this special place forever. Please donate today and be part of creating something special.
