A natural fit for the park service

It is encouraging to read of efforts under way to preserve Natural Bridge for posterity. The fate of the 215-foot high, awe-inspiring limestone formation rests upon who next holds title to the property.

Broker Jim Woltz reports several nonprofit and conservation-minded groups are planning to raise funds to meet a purchase price that has yet to be disclosed. And Rep. Bob Goodlatte has suggested the bridge might find a home among the nation’s treasured lands; he has asked for a study to determine if Natural Bridge should become part of the National Park Service. He seeks two caveats: It would be done with private funds, and a conservation easement would protect adjoining property.

All good, if not light on addressing continued maintenance and operation — key components. The study must address those tougher long-term issues, recognizing that members of Congress are often enthusiastic about conserving pieces of their district in a park system that collectively they are unwilling to fully support.

Weather Journal

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