Henrico board authorizes conservation easement on future Newmarket Park parcel

The Henrico County Board of Supervisors on May 26 authorized the county manager to execute a deed of conservation easement with Broadwater Innovations over a portion of the future Newmarket Heights property, a step county staff said will protect wetlands and streams and support mitigation for planned park and trail work.

Mr. Yarb presented the resolution, noting the county previously placed a conservation easement on Woodland Cemetery earlier this year and that the Newmarket Heights trail (a 3.1‑mile connection described by staff) will traverse the property. The easement is intended to protect key natural features and facilitate mitigation for wetlands and streams related to future projects.

Board members asked no public questions and the resolution passed by voice vote. Staff said the conservation easement is the county’s second and will preserve ecological features on the property while supporting trail and park planning.

What happens next: The county manager will execute the deed of conservation easement with Broadwater Innovations; staff expect the protected areas to remain available for long‑term wetland and stream mitigation as the Newmarket Heights park is developed.—(Provenance: discussion began SEG 700; vote recorded SEG 751.)