ISLE OF WIGHT, Va. (AP) — More than 2,300 acres of forestland along the Blackwater River in Isle of Wight County will be protected from development.

The Virginia Department of Forestry says a conservation easement created by the county will preserve 2,348 acres. The county will continue to own the property and the easement will be jointly held by the Department of Forestry and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

A natural area preserve will be established on about one-third of the property. The Blackwater Sandhills Natural Area Preserve will be the 61st in Virginia.

The Department of Forestry will oversee management of the other two-thirds of the property.