Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 03, 2002
Contact:
Parks, natural area bond would impact Tidewater Virginia
(RICHMOND) - Tidewater would receive 13 projects totaling $28 million if voters pass a $119 million bond initiative on the ballot state-wide Nov. 5. Effects of the 2002 Parks and Natural Areas Bond Act will be felt across the state.
"Passage of the state parks and natural areas bond would improve our quality of life by preserving open spaces and endangered natural areas, and provide safe and clean places for families to enjoy the outdoors," said Department of Conservation and Recreation Director Joseph H. Maroon. "Statewide the bond would provide for the acquisition of land for three new state parks, 10 new natural area preserves and finance repairs and improvements in each of the 34 state parks."
Regionally, passage of the bond would mean the acquisition of land for a new water access park on the Middle Peninsula. The Tidewater region would also see land added to Chippokes Plantation and Kiptopeke State Parks, additions to Natural Area Preserves in Virginia Beach and Surry and Isle of Wight counties. New Natural Area Preserves will be acquired in Isle of Wight and Matthews counties. DCR will only work with willing sellers when negotiating land purchases, Maroon added. Construction projects will also be funded in five nearby state parks.
Last year, seven million visitors to Virginia State Parks contributed approximately $144 million to the state's economy.
"The state parks in this region provide recreational access to the Chesapeake Bay and several of its tributaries," said Maroon. "Water access will also be a key offering of the new Middle Peninsula state park."
Regional acquisitions and construction projects include:
- Middle Peninsula area state park - The Virginia Outdoors Plan states the need
for a new water access state park in Virginia's Middle Peninsula, an area rich
in history and natural beauty. An exact location for the park has not been selected.
If the bond passes, DCR will work with local governments, public and private
landowners in the area to select and purchase suitable parklands. The state
will work only with willing land-sellers.
- Inholdings (lands partially or wholly surrounded by state park lands) or adjacent
properties that would round-out park boundaries and enhance park offerings have
been identified at Chippokes Plantation State Park in Surry County and Kiptopeke
State Park in Northampton County. The state will only acquire lands from willing
land sellers.
- Southern Coastal Plain Depression Ponds - A new natural area is proposed to
protect natural ponds found south of the James River on the Coastal Plain. These
natural wetlands are threatened by drainage and conversion. The ponds of this
proposed natural area preserve provide habitat for numerous rare plant and animal
species. The proposed area is located in Isle of Wight County.
- Middle Peninsula Wetland - A new preserve is proposed to protect natural pond
wetlands threatened by drainage and conversion. The ponds of this proposed natural
area provide habitat for numerous rare plant and animal species. The proposed
area is located in Matthews County.
- Isle of Wight Addition - An addition to the existing Antioch Pines Natural
Area Preserve and Blackwater Ecological Preserve is proposed to protect globally
rare sandy pinelands and pine barrens in southeast Virginia. This addition will
also enable restoration of rare vegetation found in the sandy region.
- Virginia Beach Addition - The bond proposes acquisition of more land for North
Landing River NAP. This would add to and provide buffer for globally rare and
highly threatened marsh and swamp vegetation. These wetlands provide habitat
for numerous rare plant and animal species.
Surry County Addition - An addition to Dendron Swamp Natural Area Preserve is
proposed to protect an old-growth stand of tupelo and bald cypress along the
Blackwater River as well as buffer already protected stands. Some of these trees
along the river are 1,200 years old. They provide excellent habitat for a globally
rare animal.
- False Cape State Park - At the southern end of Virginia Beach, False Cape
State Park would receive $750,000 to build a visitor center and administrative
complex with modern restroom facilities. Such additions will greatly enhance
the park user's visit.
- First Landing State Park - This park on the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia Beach
is the system's most visited. It draws nearly two million visitors a year. Improvements
totaling $2.52 million include campground water and electric hookups, new bathhouses,
improvements to the Chesapeake Bay Center and Amphitheater, and expansion and
renovation of the Trail Center.
York River State Park - This day-use park on the banks of the York River in
James City County would receive $500,000 to make improvements to the Croaker
Landing boat ramp built in 1980. Monies would improve the existing parking lot
and make improvements to the boat dock. Portions of the dock would be re-engineered
to provide easier access from boats to the dock.
- Kiptopeke State Park - Located on the Chesapeake Bay side of Virginia's Eastern
Shore, Kiptopeke is one of the country's most significant bird watching locations.
Bond funds would be used to construct several five-bedroom family lodges ($2,500,000).
An additional $250,000 would go to improving electrical and water service to
the park's existing campground.
- Chippokes Plantation State Park - With bond funds, this state park in Surry
County would receive $4.62 million for renovation of historic structures, water
system replacement, pool concession facility improvements and campground expansion.
With Jamestown's 400th anniversary in 2007, this work must be done before countless
visitors from around the world visit Tidewater Virginia.
For more information about Virginia State Parks or the Parks and Natural Areas Bond, visit <www.dcr.virginia.gov/bond/.>
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