SPRING 2023 31 training during each two-year period following the completion of the core classes, including a required three-credit-hour update class. Loggers can fulfill the required update class August 25 (Castewood, Russell County) or September 21 (Lynchburg). For details and registration information, visit https:// sharplogger.vt.edu/training.html or contact Karen Snape at 540-231-6494. Chestnut Ridge Natural Area Preserve Doubles in Size The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has expanded Chestnut Ridge Natural Area Preserve by purchasing 775 acres of land, bringing the size of this preserve in Giles and Bland counties to 1,596 acres. This natural area preserve near the West Virginia border featuring old-growth forests has doubled in size with funding support from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation’s Forest Community Opportunities for Restoration and Enhancement (CORE) Fund. “With this expansion of Chestnut Ridge Natural Area Preserve, we are protecting core forest habitat for native plants, natural communities and animals in the Central Appalachian region,” said DCR Director Matthew Wells. “This addition also protects a ConserveVirginia land conservation priority, including a scenic corridor and 1.5 miles of riparian forest along Dry Fork, a native trout stream.” Chestnut Ridge Natural Area Preserved is named after the American chestnut, which formerly made up a significant component of this forest. (Photo courtesy for Virginia Dept. of Conservation and Recreation)
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