The VCLNA models are being developed as part of a collaborative effort between the Department of Conservation and Recreation Division of Natural Heritage (DCR - DNH), the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program (VA-CZM), the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation, and the Virginia Commonwealth University Center for Environmental Studies to map Green Infrastructure in Virginia.
The VCLNA operates as a tool with which to implement green infrastructure planning. Green infrastructure has been defined as "an interconnected network of waterways, wetlands, woodlands, wildlife habitats, and other natural areas; greenways, parks and other conservation lands; working farms, ranches and forests; and wilderness and other open spaces that support native species, maintain natural ecological processes, sustain air and water resources and contribute to the health and quality of life for America's communities and people" (http://www.asu.edu/caed/proceedings00/EUGSTER/eugster.htm).
Green infrastructure planning involves the coordination of "conservation values and actions in concert with land development and growth management" (Benedict, M., Allen, W., and E. McMahon. 2004. Advancing Strategic Conservation in the Commonwealth of Virginia).
For additional discussions on Green Infrastructure, refer to the following links:
http://www.greeninfrastructure.net/?article=1001
http://www.greeninfrastructure.net/?article=2019
http://www.geoplan.ufl.edu/epa/
http://www.conservationfund.org/?article=2153
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/greenways/gi/gi.html
Green Infrastructure Advisory Workgroup
The Green Infrastructure Advisory Workgroup (GIAW) was formed as part of the Department of Conservation and Recreation Division of Natural Heritage's FY 04 Task 93.06 Green GIS Grant with the DEQ Coastal Management Program. The GIAW was formed to represent Coastal Partner and statewide interests and expertise in the development of the Coastal Zone and statewide Green Infrastructure. The GIAW was composed of a variety of experts selected from Federal, State, Local, Private and Academic sectors. The GIAW functioned as an oversight committee and sub-technical committees were developed for each model developed as part of the VCLNA.
Each meeting including guest speakers presenting on a variety of related topics and updates of the VCLNA modeling process and breakout topic led discussion sessions. Workgroup findings were compiled into a technical report that was submitted to the DEQ Coastal Management Program. Click here for the Green Infrastructure Advisory Workgroup Technical Findings Report.
For information on the Green Infrastructure Advisory Workgroup, please contact Jennifer Ciminelli at jennifer.ciminelli@dcr.virginia.gov or 804-786-3375.
Page last updated 4/06.
