 
Howard and Mary Gold, long time animal rights activists, finalized their conservation easement with the Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust in December 2007. That agreement established the Gold Wildlife Sanctuary, approximately 9 acres in the valley along Laurel Fork Creek in Meadows of Dan, Virginia. Gold Wildlife Sanctuary lies high on the western slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Providing important forested habitat in its own right, this sanctuary also contributes to the ecological viability of two adjoining conservation areas: The National Park Service’s Blue Ridge Parkway, and the New River—one of fourteen American Heritage Rivers. Dominated by oaks and hickories, there is also a small pine plantation near a beautiful rocky stream and artificial pond. Native rhododendron appears in abundance, and the lower slopes feature a mature stand of mountain laurel. The Gold Wildlife Sanctuary now provides permanent protection for the wild turkey, deer, bats, snakes, beaver and groundhogs who all call this haven their home. Through the generosity of the Golds, recreational and commercial hunting and trapping will always be prohibited here. Although this sanctuary remains privately owned, the Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust has an obligation to perform periodic inspections to ensure that the wildlife habitat remains in good condition and that the terms of the conservation easements are being met. These inspections, and the handling of any destruction or violations, cost heavily in professional staff time, consultants, and travel expenses. In addition the Wildlife Land Trust needs a reserve of funds for the substantial legal fees needed if enforcement of violations involves court action. The Wildlife Land Trust has promised to keep this property as a sanctuary forever -- and that promise will be kept. If you can help with the cost of stewardship for this and the other properties WLT protects, please donate here. |
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