GRASSROOTS The Treasures of Bedford County That Are Not Buried – Yet Back in 1819, a gentleman named Thomas Beale supposedly buried a multi-million dollar treasure in Bedford County. It has never been found. However, there are other treasures in the county, not only above ground but plain as day to the naked eye. The following questionnaire will test your powers of observation and stewardship. Do you believe where you live is a particularly scenic area? Is the future of farming important to you? Do you think growing fresh vegetables and healthy fruit trees is good for everyone? Do you have enough clean water? Is there a good supply of water remaining where yours came from? Do you think trees, shrubs and flowers are as important as asphalt? Do you enjoy boating, hunting, bicycling, hiking, or riding horses? Do you like to fish and observe wildlife? Does it make you sad to watch old buildings or historic landmarks torn down or simply allowed to fall down? Did you realize that ugly architecture costs just as much to construct as beautiful, well-designed buildings? Are there any open spaces where your children and grandchildren can roam? Did you know that Bedford County will be celebrating two-hundred and fifty years of existence in 2004? Does it matter to you whether your children and grandchildren will have any of Bedford’s treasures to enjoy? If your answer to most of these questions is yes, then clearly you have paid attention to your surroundings and probably cherish your current quality of life. However, just noticing these treasures will not be sufficient to preserve them. The time has arrived for Bedford County residents to document their observations because it is possible that this magnificent county could be completely altered in this generation. A “Pride of Place Project” has been initiated to encourage -- by way of photographs and the written word -- a collection that reflects the concerns of residents and that can be presented for review to the Bedford County Planning Commission. Newcomers and natives are urged to participate. The Comprehensive Plan for the future of Bedford County is now being composed. If you live in an area that contains important natural resources such as water, watersheds, old growth forests, historic communities, landmark structures, wildlife habitats, farmland and beautiful scenery, then you owe it to your community to call attention to these areas by documenting these attributes. It is impossible for the members of the Bedford County Planning Commission to be aware and knowledgeable about all the exceptional places throughout this large county. They want to hear from you about what you consider valuable in our community. Include a simple, Bedford map showing the location of your study. Get as many like-minded neighbors as possible involved in this project. It makes it easier for you and builds support for your effort. To see a “Pride of Place” Booklet visit the Bedford Citizen’s Resource Cart at the Bedford Central Library or go on line to www.bedfordpreservation.org. (Click on “Contact Us,” then click on “Natural Heritage and Pride of Place Project.”) Here’s how to create a “Pride of Place” Booklet: 1) Photograph what you think is important to protect and preserve. Inform the landowners of why you are taking photographs. 2) Write descriptions for the most representative photos, telling what is important in the scene and why it needs protection. Cut out the typed or computer-printed descriptions and lay on the page next to, over, or under the photos. When satisfied with the page arrangement, attach everything (photographs and written portions) to the paper with double-faced scotch tape. Number the pages so that they remain in proper sequence for viewing. On the last page write your name and a phone number for future contact. Include the name of your supervisor and representative on the Planning Commission. 3) Take your pages to a printer who can reproduce them on a color-copier. 4) Add a front and back page made of heavier cardstock. Have the print shop secure all pages with a plastic spiral binder. This makes a booklet that can be easily handled and read. 5) Make enough copies to present to all the Bedford County officials who are involved in the Planning Process and several to keep in your community. Bedford Citizens for Land Preservation (BCLP) will reimburse you for three copies which will be added to the BCLP Resource display at the Bedford Central Library for public viewing. For further information call Annis McCabe, at 586-4697. (If you prefer to do your booklet electronically and have questions, contact James Jones by E-mail at: james@jamesjonesinstruments.com Editor’s Note: Bedford Citizens for Land Preservation (BCLP) is a citizen-based, public foundation with the mission of supporting responsible growth in Bedford County while maintaining its rural quality of life. To review information BCLP has gathered on growth and land use topics, visit the BCLP Resource Cart at the Bedford Central Library or consult BCLP Notebooks at your local branchy. For more information visit BCLP’s web site: www.bedfordpreservation.org or write to BCLP, PO Box 86, Bedford, VA 24523.