
Fones Cliffs and the area mistakenly cleared.
CREDIT CHESAPEAKE CONSERVANCY
Two years ago Richmond County, in Virginia’s Northern Neck, approved a controversial plan to build a large golf-course resort on a pristine cliff-top perched over the Rapphannock River.
Fones Cliffs is a favorite roosting spot for migrating and local bald eagles. It was also once occupied by the Rappahannock tribe more than 400 years ago. Last year, it was sold to five New York investors for $12 million. The 964-acre site is slated for a championship golf course, restaurant and bar and more than 700 houses.
But developers are off to a bad start after illegally clearing over 13 wooded acres. Pamela D’Angelo reports.