By Carolyn Holtzman
Although the sale of Natural Bridge is not yet finalized, local conservationists are optimistic about the future of this scenic national landmark in southern Rockbridge County.
In recent meetings with the Rockbridge Area Conservation Council and the Valley Conservation Council, participants say the buyer supported converting the Natural Bridge property into a state or national park.
“It’s been a really unique partnership between the nonprofit groups, the buyer, the seller, and the government,” VCC Executive Director Faye C. Cooper said. “Everyone has been working cooperatively to make a state park the outcome.”
Cooper said she likes how the buyer has worked with conservation groups in the past and believes this partnership will be successful.
RACC Board Member Chris Wise is also excited about the new buyer, a nonprofit group whose name has not yet been released.
“I can’t reveal who they are, but I think it’s going to be a really good fit,” Wise said.
Rockbridge County Administrator Spencer Suter said the buyer’s name will most likely be revealed at the end of the month.
The bridge, now owned by Angelo Puglisi, was supposed to go on the auction block Nov. 14, but there weren’t enough potential buyers to proceed.
Another plan was to sell the bridge and its surrounding properties, such as the Wax Museum and Foamhenge, as separate pieces.
Wise and other RACC members feared selling the land separately would make conservation of the geology and wildlife impossible.
Natural Bridge is located at the crossing of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains. It was shaped over thousands of years by Mother Nature and stands 20 stories tall.
The geographically diverse land was once owned by Thomas Jefferson.
“Those two things in combination — the history and the ecological values — make it an extraordinary property,” Cooper said.
According to Wise, a single owner has always owned the property. The new buyer will be the first group to own it.
Wise says park status for Natural Bridge would also benefit Rockbridge County’s economy by bringing more attention and resources to the area.
“I think it’s going be great for the county,” Wise said. “The southern part of it has not been doing well economically, so that will be great for them.”
Natural Bridge and its other properties closed on Jan. 2 and it is supposed to remain closed through the end of the month because of the change in ownership.