Our history
Founded in 1968, Citizens for Fauquier County is a non-partisan, non-profit organization representing hundreds of individuals and families active in local conservation efforts.
Fifty years ago, not far from here, a developer looked at Fauquier’s lush, rolling hills and forests and foresaw 10,000 houses. A coalition that became Citizens for Fauquier County rose in opposition to a development that would have changed Fauquier forever. CFFC has been the guardian of Fauquier’s controlled growth and rural agricultural character.
Our founder
Hope Porter grew up in Fauquier County, and eagerly reminisces about riding horses all over its countryside during her childhood. When the massive development at North Wales that would bring 31,000 new residents to the county was proposed on top of the land she loved so much, Porter could not stay silent.
For nearly 30 years, she fought to defend the 4,200 acres at North Wales (claiming victory in the end), and, in the meantime, formed the Mid Fauquier Association (eventually renamed Citizens for Fauquier County) to protect other threatened land around the county.
Our work
We’ve made history, and we’ve saved history, too. Consider how our county might look had CFFC’s volunteers not come forward:
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An 84-foot dam would have risen above Cedar Run, destroying wetlands, disrupting agriculture and inviting development
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A uranium mine would scar our land and threaten the water supply
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The Comprehensive Plan would have made way for three times today’s population
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Traffic would be heavier, highways would be wider and billboards would proliferate
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Light from fast-food signs and strip malls would swallow up the stars
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Taxes would jump to pay for more schools, roads and pubic safety personnel