Shepherdstown Resident Protects 31 Acres Through Conservation Easement
31 Acres Near Shepherdstown Added To Environmental Conservation Easement
West Virginia Public Broadcasting | Wednesday, February 19, 2025
By Jack Walker
In a significant conservation effort, a Jefferson County resident, Keith Janssen, has entrusted 31 acres of his family land near Shepherdstown to the Land Trust of the Eastern Panhandle. This permanent environmental conservation easement aims to protect natural resources while providing public enjoyment of the land in its natural state. Janssen, inspired by his family's long-standing connection to the property, highlights the importance of preserving the area's ecology and karst geology, which features vital water storage landscapes. As industrial development pressures mount, the Land Trust continues to oversee over 7,600 acres in the region, emphasizing community-driven conservation efforts and the legacy of protecting the environment for future generations.