In the late 1990’s several land parcels were transferred from the DuPont Corporation to the Conservation Fund. A large portion of what is now DuPont State Forest was included in the transfer, as was Rich Mountain. Rich Mountain is a separate parcel of around 180 acres that is not contiguous with DuPont State Forest, but is very close (see Map). Another 300 acre parcel was sold by the Conservation Fund for development.

For several years the Conservation Fund has held the Rich Mountain property and expressed interest in having the land conserved and sold to a non-profit organization rather than sell to an individual or business.

In January 2007 the Rich Mountain Conservancy was formed by concerned citizens as a non-profit corporation to purchase and manage the property. The IRS has designated the Rich Mountain Conservancy as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

In late December of 2007 the Rich Mountain Conservancy signed a purchase agreement with the Conservation Fund. In order to finalize the purchase, fund-raising began in earnest to raise the $500,000 needed to finalize the purchase.

As of June, 2009, title was transferred to the Rich Mountain Conservancy. The Conservancy financed $80,000 to complete the purchase, so we still need to raise around $80,000 more to reach our goal and qualify for matching funds.

How you can help:

• Make a tax-deductible donation
• Contact us with names of others that might be willing to donate
• Tell others - spread the word!!