Jane Pratt, Chairperson

The Land Use Committee monitors development on the mountains; prepares maps; conducts research on land use, historic structures, and cultural sites; and makes proposals for the preservation of the mountains. In 2008 the Land Use Committee played an active part of the Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition, a group of 25 organizations focused on the preservation of historic sites and Loudoun's environment. The FBRM was active in urging the Board of Supervisors to reinstate the Mountainside Overlay District and the River and Stream Corridor Overlay District for the sake of protecting the mountains from over-development. The Land Use Committee has also lent its support and participated in meetings to establish the Bear's Den Historic District on the mountains which has now been adopted. All members of FBRM are invited to participate in the work of the Land Use Committee. For more details, contact Jane Pratt at blueridgemountain@earthlink.net.

Tom Pratt, Chairperson

The Celebrations Committee organizes events, educational programs, field trips and lectures; develops membership and outreach opportunities; manages publications; handles public relations; establishes and maintains a web presence; and schedules membership activities including the annual meeting.

Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountains has had an exciting start with solid membership growth and a variety of events, including an old-timers’ round table at Bear’s Den in the late fall, a spring trillium walk, an early summer member picnic, and the first annual meeting in December. In addition, Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountains has hosted a welcoming reception / café conversation for new and prospective members and has begun to extend its reach through participation with other preservation groups and attendance at public events. All members of FBRM are invited to participate in the work of the Celebrations Committee. For more details, contact Tom Pratt at blueridgemountain@earthlink.net.