The Piedmont Environmental Council

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) is a nonprofit organization based in Virginia, United States. Founded in 1972, PEC operates as a 501(c)(3) organization and an accredited land trust. Its mission is to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont while building stronger, more sustainable communities.

History and Operations

PEC was established in response to the environmental challenges faced by the Virginia Piedmont region, located just outside the greater Washington, D.C. metro area. Over the decades, the region has experienced significant development pressures, spurring local residents to collaborate on conservation efforts. Today, PEC's work covers nine counties: Albemarle, Charlottesville, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock.

Mission and Vision

PEC's mission centers on conservation and restoration, with a focus on making the Virginia Piedmont a model for environmental stewardship and sustainable growth. The organization envisions a region characterized by vibrant communities, preserved natural landscapes, clean waterways, and thriving agricultural practices.

Core Values

• Regional Stewardship: PEC values the Virginia Piedmont as home, emphasizing its history, culture, and future.
• Holistic Approach: The organization seeks to address complex environmental issues through thoughtful and data-driven strategies.
• Community Diversity: PEC values the experiences and opinions of the region's diverse communities, striving for inclusive solutions to environmental challenges.
• Collaboration: Long-term partnerships and mutual respect guide PEC's success at local, regional, and national levels.
• Community Engagement: Empowering local communities is crucial to achieving positive outcomes for environmental conservation.

Strategic Focus Areas

PEC's strategic plan outlines four key areas of focus:

1. Conserving and Restoring the Piedmont's Lands and Waters: Protecting natural resources through conservation easements and habitat restoration.
2. Creating Stronger, More Sustainable Communities: Promoting smart growth practices that respect cultural and natural resources.
3. Shaping and Advancing Virginia's Clean Energy Future: Advocating for policies that support renewable energy and mitigate climate change.
4. Setting an Example Through Land Ownership: Demonstrating sustainable land management practices to inspire broader adoption.

Governance and Leadership

PEC is led by President Christopher G. Miller and governed by a board of directors that includes members from diverse backgrounds across the region. Recent additions to the board have enhanced PEC's capacity to address conservation, historic preservation, and community engagement.

Impact and Recognition

Through its efforts, the community has protected over 430,000 acres of land with conservation easements. PEC actively advocates for policies supporting sustainable development and environmental conservation, making it a leading voice in regional environmental issues.