FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 26, 2007
Contact: Jim Meisner Jr., (804) 786-8442, jim.meisner@dcr.virginia.gov or Staci
Martin, (757) 412-2307
Tickets now on sale for First Landing re-enactment April 26
(Virginia Beach) — Tickets are available for the April 26 400th anniversary reenactment at First Landing State Park, where the Jamestown settlers first made landfall in the new world before sailing up river to settle Jamestown on May 12, 1607.
Reenactment performances will include replicas of the ships Discovery, Godspeed and Susan Constant, and a dramatic reenactment of the first landing. The 45 minute performances are scheduled for 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Activities also include exhibits and access to the replica Eastern Woodland and Chesapeake Indian community where Nansemond tribe members will give demonstrations.
Parking is $10 for each performance and admission tickets are $5 per person.
The $10 parking fee includes a shuttle bus from Spring Branch Community Church.
All first landing event visitors must use the shuttle bus system. Credit
card sales can be made by calling 800-933-7275. Cash sales can be made at
the park. Parking and event tickets are available in advance only.
On Friday, April 27, the park will host more than 2,000 local school children
for a special performance of the historic re-enactment and opens to the public
at 1 p.m.
The site’s role in the history of the nation is often overlooked. In 1607, the English settlers stayed four days at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. They erected a cross at their original landing site in honor of Prince Henry of Wales, the son of King James. They then departed for a journey up the James River and established a colony on Jamestown island.
For more information visit www.dcr.virginia.gov. The award-winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jim Meisner, Jr., DCR Public Relations Specialist, (804) 786-8442
jim.meisner@dcr.virgnia.gov or Gaston Rouse, Volunteer Coordinator, (703)
550-0960, vspycc@dcr.virginia.gov
Virginia State Parks seek Youth Conservation Corps members
(RICHMOND) – The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is looking for a few good young women and men to serve the Commonwealth of Virginia.
DCR is accepting applications for two three-week sessions of the Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), scheduled June 24 to July 14 and July 21 to Aug. 11.
“The Youth Conservation Corps is an exciting and challenging opportunity for students 14-17 years of age to serve the Commonwealth,” said DCR Director Joseph H. Maroon. “Service to others is an honorable, character-building pursuit, and the YCC fills needs in our state parks and in the lives of young people.”
YCC participants assist with an assortment of projects in Virginia State Parks, including wildlife and fisheries habitat improvement, trail and campground construction and restoration, timber and shoreline improvement, and landscape beautification, Maroon said.
The YCC is modeled after the federal service program AmeriCorps and the depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps that built the original six Virginia State Parks.
Teams of 10-12 participants will be chosen from current high school students aged 14-17 (participants must be 14 by June 1) who demonstrate an interest in protecting Virginia’s environment.
While no prior experience is necessary, participants will work outside, and the service is physically demanding. A positive attitude, an interest in learning, curiosity about interpreting nature, and the physical ability and desire to work on outdoor projects are also important factors in the selection process.
The 2007 YCC sessions will be held at 18 state parks across the Commonwealth. YCC crew members are provided room, board, tee-shirts and work-related equipment, and receive a $500 stipend at the end of the three weeks.
“The work is outdoors and often physically demanding, but the memories and experiences they take away last forever,” said YCC Coordinator Gaston Rouse.
Adult supervisors at least 21 years old also are needed for the program.
“Supervisors lead and direct all activities of their crew,” Rouse said. “They have the opportunity to make a difference in our state parks and in the lives of the corps members.”
Supervisor applicants undergo a criminal background check before being hired. They receive a $1,500 work stipend and a $350 travel stipend upon completion of the program.
“YCC participants make permanent and important contributions to our parks,” said DCR State Parks Director Joe Elton. “At the same time, they learn valuable life lessons that raise their awareness of environmental stewardship, teach them job skills, discipline and the importance of teamwork, and improve their self-esteem and confidence.”
The YCC application deadline for both students and supervisors is April 13. For more information or an application, contact Rouse at (703) 583-5497, e-mail vspycc@dcr.virginia.gov or visit www.dcr.virginia.gov.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jim Meisner, Jr., DCR Public Relations Specialist, (804) 786-8442,
jim.meisner@dcr.virignia.gov
Virginia State Parks offer two new vacation guides
(RICHMOND) – Planning summer fun in the Old Dominion is made easier with two new guides from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, which manages the award-winning Virginia State Parks.
The new publications highlight Virginia’s yearlong 400th anniversary commemoration and the opportunity to explore the American experience in a Virginia State Park.
“As the nation celebrates the founding of Jamestown, we’re celebrating 400 years of history and nature in state parks across Virginia,” said DCR Director Joseph H. Maroon. “A special section of the 24-page Virginia State Parks Guide profiles unique programs in Virginia State Parks that highlight the Commonwealth’s rich and remarkable history.”
The Virginia State Parks Guide and the Virginia State Parks 2007 Outdoor Adventures Guide and Calendar introduce visitors to exciting outdoor activities and make planning easier for seasonal fun in the Commonwealth.
“These two publications are the first stop in planning a Virginia State Parks vacation,” said DCR State Parks Director Joe Elton. “Our programs, festivals, concerts and activities represent the best Virginia has to offer. From traditional outdoor activities like canoeing, fishing clinics or night hikes, to arts and crafts festivals and bluegrass concerts, visitors will always find something to do in our parks.”
Both guides are available at Virginia Welcome Centers, local visitor centers, Virginia State Parks, or by calling 1-800-933-PARK. Up to the minute, comprehensive Virginia State Parks information is also available at www.dcr.virginia.gov.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 5, 2007
Contact: Gary Waugh, DCR, PR Manager, (804) 786-5045
“Chesapeake Club” water quality campaign hits the airwaves
(Richmond) --- An innovative awareness campaign urging homeowners to do their part to help local rivers and streams that flow into the Chesapeake Bay hits Richmond airwaves today. The “Chesapeake Club” campaign focuses on the connection between individual lawn care and the health of local rivers and streams. It does so using humor and by engaging them through their enjoyment of the Chesapeake lifestyle and its seafood. The campaign is also running in Hampton Roads.
“This campaign takes a humorous look at a serious concern,” said Joseph H. Maroon, director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. “While many people are concerned about local water quality and the Bay, they aren’t aware that their actions – such as how they fertilize their lawn – can have an impact. This campaign helps show that link and offers homeowners one simple way that they can help improve our waters.”
The campaign was developed by the Chesapeake Bay Program and had a successful two-year run in the Washington, D.C. market. As a Bay Program partner, DCR has been involved with Chesapeake Club since its inception. It is coming to Richmond as the result of a partnership with state, federal and local governments. Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico counties and the city of Richmond have signed on as Chesapeake Club partners.
“Making the average person aware that their actions can affect local water quality is a message we have been working to get out there,” said Dick McElfish, Chesterfield County Director of Environmental Engineering. “Chesapeake Club gives us an opportunity to share resources with neighboring localities and others to reach a much larger audience with a coordinated message.”
The Richmond and Hampton Roads campaigns are jointly funded by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program through a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Chesapeake Bay Program Implementation Grant funds. DCR is coordinating the effort.
Television and newspaper advertisements ask homeowners to wait until fall to fertilize their lawns. Local government partners are working with local restaurants and lawn care services to help spread the same message. The club’s website offers additional tips on Bay friendly lawn care while giving useful information on enjoying the area’s rivers, streams and nearby Bay.
Excess nutrients, including those contained in common fertilizer, are the leading cause of water quality problems in local tidal rivers and the Chesapeake Bay, according to Bay Program scientists. Fall is the best time to use lawn fertilizer when grass can better use the nutrients in strengthening their root system for long term growth.
For more information about the Chesapeake Club campaign, including sample ads and a list of local restaurants and lawn care providers supporting the effort, visit. www.chesapeakeclub.org.
(Editor: Please contact Gary Waugh to coordinate quotes from other local partners.)
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 5, 2007
Contacts: Gary Waugh, DCR, PR Manager, (804) 786-5045, Julia Hillegass,
HRPDC, Senior Planner, (757) 420-8300
“Chesapeake Club” water quality campaign hits Hampton Roads airwaves
(Richmond) --- An innovative awareness campaign urging homeowners to do their part to help local rivers and streams that flow into the Chesapeake Bay hits Hampton Roads airwaves today.
The “Chesapeake Club” campaign focuses on the connection between individual lawn care and the health of local rivers and streams. It does so using humor and by engaging the audience through their enjoyment of the Chesapeake lifestyle and its seafood. It is also running in the Richmond area.
“This campaign takes a humorous look at a serious concern,” said Joseph H. Maroon, director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. “While many people are concerned about local water quality and the Bay, they aren’t aware that their actions – such as how they fertilize their lawn – can have an impact. This campaign helps show that link and offers homeowners one simple way that they can help improve our waters.”
The campaign was developed by the Chesapeake Bay Program and had a successful two-year run in the Washington, D.C. market. As a Bay Program partner, DCR has been involved with Chesapeake Club since its inception. It is coming to Hampton Roads as the result of a partnership with state, federal and local governments. HR STORM, a regional environmental education subcommittee with the
Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, is coordinating the campaign’s local outreach components in Hampton Roads. Seventeen localities are participating.
“Making the average person aware that their actions can affect local water quality is a message we have been working to get out there,” said Arthur L. Collins, HRPDC executive director. “Chesapeake Club gives us an opportunity to share resources among neighboring localities and others to reach a much larger audience with a coordinated message.”
The Richmond and Hampton Roads campaigns are jointly funded by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program through a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Chesapeake Bay Program Implementation Grant funds. DCR is coordinating the effort, which enhances the ongoing efforts of HR STORM.
Television and newspaper advertisements ask homeowners to wait until fall to fertilize their lawns. Local government partners are working with local restaurants and lawn care services to help spread the same message. The club’s website offers additional tips on Bay friendly lawn care while giving useful information on enjoying the area’s rivers, streams and nearby Bay.
Excess nutrients, including those contained in common fertilizer, are the leading cause of water quality problems in local tidal rivers and the Chesapeake Bay, according to Bay Program scientists. Fall is the best time to use lawn fertilizer when grass can better use the nutrients in strengthening their root system for long term growth.
For more information about the Chesapeake Club campaign, including sample ads and a list of local restaurants and lawn care providers supporting the effort, visit. www.chesapeakeclub.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Feb. 22, 2007
Contact: Gary Waugh, DCR, PR Manager, (804) 786-5045, gary.waugh@dcr.virginia.gov
$3.5 million in water quality grants available
(Richmond) – Local governments, nonprofit organizations and others are eligible to apply for $3.5 million in Water Quality Improvement Fund grants available to reduce runoff or nonpoint source pollution from developed lands around the state. The grants will range from $25,000 to $200,000. Applicants have until May 15 to submit proposals. A series of six workshops on the grant process and the request for proposals will be held beginning March 5.
“These grants will help fund projects that reduce the leading source of water quality problems – nonpoint source or runoff pollution – from urban, suburban and rural developed lands,” said Joseph H. Maroon, director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. “The grants are part of Virginia’s overall effort to improve local streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.” DCR administers these nonpoint source WQIF grants.
Local governments including cities, counties, towns, as well as soil and water conservation districts, planning district commissions, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and individuals are eligible to apply for these grants. They can learn more about the grant process at one of the following workshops:
Project categories eligible for WQIF grant funding include stormwater management retrofits, low impact development, urban nutrient management planning and implementation, residential septic system replacement and repair, riparian buffer protection programs, and stream restoration.
The deadline for grant application and proposal submittal is May 15, 2007. A complete version of the 2007 WQIF RFP and additional details on the workshops is available on the web, www.dcr.virginia.gov/soil_&_water/wqia.shtml.
Questions regarding this grant program may be directed to the DCR regional office managers or to the WQIA Program Manager, Sarah Capps at sarah.capps@dcr.virginia.gov or 804-225-3785.-30-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: February 13, 2007
Contacts: Gary Waugh, DCR, PR Manager, (804) 786-5045, gary.waugh@dcr.virginia.gov;
Caroline Platt, The Hodges Partnership, (804) 788-1414, cplatt@hodgespart.com
Farm conservation awareness pilot program launched in Virginia’s Valley Region
Radio, print and billboard advertising campaign designed to encourage increased adoption of state’s Cost-Share Program and agricultural best management practices
(RICHMOND, Va.) – In an effort to increase participation in government-funded programs that compensate farmers for adopting water-pollution-reducing practices, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is launching a pilot advertising program that targets farmers in 15 Valley Region counties.
The ultimate goal: improve water quality by reducing nonpoint source pollution. (Nonpoint pollution is generally defined as the runoff from agricultural and urban areas.)
The advertising campaign, including radio, print and billboard ads, begins this week within the six Soil and Water Conservation Districts throughout the Shenandoah Valley. It was developed in response to the dramatic increase in conservation practices called for to meet the state’s Chesapeake Bay restoration goals.
“Many Virginia farmers are conservation leaders, but to meet our water quality goals for the Chesapeake Bay and the rivers that flow into it we need to triple the farm land with conservation practices,” said Joseph H. Maroon, director of DCR. “For that reason we needed to look at new ways to encourage more farmers to put widely accepted best management practices to use. This campaign is designed to improve awareness of the resources that are available – resources that can help farmers more readily adopt the most effective conservation practices.”
In appealing to farmers, the advertising strikes a balance between the pressure farmers feel to produce and their desire to conserve. Most of the ads encourage farmers to either attend a specific event (e.g. a Crop Production Field Day) where conservation practices will be presented or to visit their local Soil and Water Conservation District for information on state- and federal-funded cost-sharing programs.
The advertising campaign, conceived and produced by McFadden Clay Marketing Group of White Stone, Va., grew out of qualitative research commissioned by DCR into farmers’ awareness levels and attitudes toward government-funded cost-share programs. The Valley Region was selected to pilot the advertising campaign given its agricultural variety and comparatively low media costs. The campaign will be evaluated to see how it will best be used in the future.
[Note to media: electronic copies of the ads are available upon request.]
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: Jan. 23, 2007
Contact: Gary Waugh PR Manager, (804) 786-5045, gary.waugh@dcr.virginia.gov
NORFOLK SOUTHERN’S GIFT OF HIGH BRIDGE LINE
COMPLETE
~ To become 34-mile High Bridge Trail State Park ~
RICHMOND – Norfolk Southern’s donation of a 34-mile abandoned rail line in Southside Virginia has been completed. The land transfer brings the rail line running through Nottoway, Cumberland and Prince Edward counties one step closer to becoming High Bridge Trail State Park.
“This donation has been highly anticipated,” said Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources L. Preston Bryant, Jr. “People in Burkeville, Farmville, Rice, Pamplin City and other communities along the line are excited to see this historic and scenic resource protected. Thanks to Norfolk Southern’s donation and Governor Kaine’s support and involvement, it will also serve as a ‘must see’ attraction drawing visitors to the area.”
The High Bridge in Prince Edward County is the centerpiece of the proposed state park. Site of one of the last battles of the Civil War, the bridge is 2,400 feet long and towers 160 feet above the Appomattox River. It is the most prominent of numerous cultural and historic areas connected by the trail.
With the new deed in hand, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, managers of the Virginia State Park system, will begin to erect gates and signs at rail line access points to help control unauthorized use.
“While we are very excited about this donation, there is much work that needs to be done before this rail line becomes High Bridge Trail State Park,” said DCR Director Joseph H. Maroon. “Thanks to the enthusiastic support of the communities along the trail, we have a master plan developed for the trail. But we now need to start the process of turning an abandoned rail line into a safe, well managed state park.”
DCR has received a transportation grant to assist with planning and securing the park property. Development and operational monies, plus staff must be secured before an opening date can be determined.
For more information on the High Bridge Trail State Park project, go to the DCR website at www.dcr.virginia.gov, click on “Recreational Planning,” then “High Bridge Progress Online.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: Nov. 16, 2006
Contact: Jim Meisner, Jr, Public Relations Specialist, (804)
786-8442
(RICHMOND, Va.) – As part of the ongoing effort to improve the experience of visitors, Virginia State Parks will make major renovations to its computerized reservations system this month.
When the reservations center closes Nov. 17, the entire computer system will go off-line as the system is updated. The reservations center reopens Nov. 29 at 9 a.m. The center will be open for limited service Nov. 20–21 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to noon. On those days reservation counselors will be able to update existing reservations or schedule reservations through Nov. 28.
The online reservations system also will be updated. System changes will allow customers to reserve cabins and campgrounds on the website and make next-day reservations, seven days a week.
The Virginia State Parks Reservations Center answers more than 125,000 calls annually and books more than 60,000 reservations. The award-winning state parks are operated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
For more information about Virginia State Parks activities and amenities or to make reservations in one of the more than 1,600 campsites or 200 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 1-800-933-PARK or visit www.dcr.virginia.gov.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: Nov. 13, 2006
Contact: Gary Waugh, PR Manager, (804) 786-5045, (804) 840-3927
cell, gary.waugh@dcr.virginia.gov
Draft outdoor recreation, conservation and open space
plan to be presented at local meetings
Presentation to include local recommendations
(RICHMOND, Va.) – A new draft of the state’s outdoor
recreation, conservation and open space plan, including local
recommendations, will be the focus of two public meetings
held in Chesapeake, Monday, Nov. 27. Planners from the Virginia
Department of Conservation and Recreation will present the
draft Virginia Outdoors Plan at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. meetings
at the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission Office at
723 Woodlake Drive in Chesapeake. These are among more than
40 meetings to be held statewide Oct. through Dec.
The Virginia Outdoors Plan is the state’s official conservation, outdoor recreation and open space guide. All levels of government and the private sector use it in determining and meeting land conservation, outdoor recreation and open space needs. Recommendations in the plan are also used as one of the tools in ranking projects for Virginia Land Conservation Foundation funds.
“The VOP has long been an important tool in meeting Virginians’ outdoor recreational needs,” said DCR Director Joseph H. Maroon. “With Gov. Kaine’s commitment to land conservation, this plan takes on added significance.”
The plan is revised every five years. As part of its revision, DCR staff have updated the outdoor recreation resource inventory, conducted a statewide Virginia Outdoor Survey with assistance from Virginia Commonwealth University and last fall held a series of 40 public input meetings statewide. Among the topics brought up in those meetings were trails and greenway linkages, water trails and scenic waterways, urban greenspace, eco-tourism and nature deficit disorder. Local outdoor recreation and conservation recommendations also surfaced. Recommendations found in the draft plan include:
For Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk,
Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg
and Isle of Wight, James City, Southampton and York counties:
- Implement regional green infrastructure planning for a regional
conservation corridor system to include open space, conservation
land, recreation opportunities and wildlife corridors. Efforts
coordinated by HRPDC.
- Continue implementation, marketing and partnerships for
the Capital-to-Capital Trail along Route 5.
- Incorporate the Captain John Smith Adventures on the James
Trail and the National Park Service’s proposed John
Smith National Historic Trail, should it be authorized, in
local comprehensive plans as a way to further heritage and
ecotourism in the region.
- Continue efforts to protect pine barren communities, seasonal
depression ponds and other significant wetlands.
- Secure conservation protection for large blocks of old-growth
cypress-tupelo swamps, additional habitat for rare reptiles
and amphibians and additional lands along the Northwest and
North Landing Rivers.
- Connect Paradise Creek in Portsmouth with other regional
wildlife corridors and water trails and support Paradise Creek
Nature Park as the vital link in these corridors and trails.
The draft VOP is also available for review on the DCR website.
Go to www.dcr.virginia.gov; click on “Recreation Planning” then
on “Draft 2007 Virginia Outdoors Plan.” Comments
will be accepted through Dec. 15, 2006 and can be sent to
Vop@dcr.virginia.gov.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: Nov. 13, 2006
Contact: Gary Waugh, PR Manager, (804) 786-5045, (804) 840-3927
cell, gary.waugh@dcr.virginia.gov
Draft outdoor recreation, conservation and open space
plan to be presented at local meetings
Presentation to include local recommendations
(RICHMOND, Va.) – A new draft of the state’s outdoor
recreation, conservation and open space plan, including local
recommendations, will be the focus of public meetings held
in Charlottesville, Staunton, Culpeper and Front Royal. Planners
from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
will present the draft Virginia Outdoors Plan at 3 p.m. and
7 p.m. meetings at the Thomas Jefferson Planning District
Commission office in Charlottesville, Tuesday, Nov. 28; the
Central Shenandoah PDC in Staunton, Wednesday, Nov. 29; the
Culpeper County Library, and the Warren County Government
Center Community Room in Front Royal, Thursday, Nov. 30. These
are among more than 40 meetings to be held statewide Oct.
through Dec.
The Virginia Outdoors Plan is the state’s official conservation, outdoor recreation and open space guide. All levels of government and the private sector use it in determining and meeting land conservation, outdoor recreation and open space needs. Recommendations in the plan are also used as one of the tools in ranking projects for Virginia Land Conservation Foundation funds.
“The VOP has long been an important tool in meeting
Virginians’
outdoor recreational needs,” said DCR Director Joseph
H. Maroon. “With Gov. Kaine’s commitment to land
conservation, this plan takes on added significance.”
The plan is revised every five years. As part of its revision,
DCR staff have updated the outdoor recreation resource inventory,
conducted a statewide Virginia Outdoor Survey with assistance
from Virginia Commonwealth University and last fall held a
series of 40 public input meetings statewide. Among the topics
brought up in those meetings were trails and greenway linkages,
water trails and scenic waterways, urban greenspace, eco-tourism
and nature deficit disorder. Local outdoor recreation and
conservation recommendations also surfaced. Recommendations
found in the draft plan include:
For Charlottesville and Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa
and Nelson counties:
- Consider acquisition of land for a state park that will
provide public access to waterways.
- Protect large blocks of native forests and high-quality
stream corridors.
- Develop a trail linking the City of Charlottesville to the
Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Continue development of the Blue Ridge Railway Trail, a
joint project between Nelson and Amherst counties.
For Harrisonburg, Buena Vista, Lexington, Staunton, Waynesboro
and Augusta, Bath, Highland, Rockbridge and Rockingham counties:
- Implement the 2000 Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Management
Plan.
- Complete development of the Great Eastern Trial through
the Alleghany Mountains.
- Designate the historic Valley Road, Route 11, as a Virginia
Scenic Byway. Continue efforts to protect the natural and
scenic resources of Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway and
the George Washington- Jefferson National Forest.
- Support development of equestrian trails in the region including
the Alleghany Highlands Horse Trail, a 45-mile system connecting
trails in George Washington National Forest in Alleghany and
Bath Counties with trails in Douthat State Park.
- Develop a horse-drawn buggy/bikeway along Rt. 42 from Dayton
to Harrisonburg.
- Identify and develop appropriate access to the Recreational
rivers in the region.
- Implement the Central Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Plan and
incorporate recommendations in local plans.
- Implement development of the Jackson River Scenic Trail
as 17-mile greenway and water trail from Alleghany County
to Lake Moomaw and extending into Highland County.
For Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock
counties:
- Consider acquisition of land for a state park along the
Rapidan River in Madison or Orange County.
- Adopt and implement the draft RRPDC 2006 Bicycle and Pedestrian
Plan.
- Expand the Warrenton Branch Greenway in Fauquier County.
- Improve public access to recreational streams in the Rappahannock
and Rapidan river systems.
For Winchester and Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah and
Warren counties:
- Implement the 2004 Walking and Wheeling plan for the Northern
Shenandoah Valley.
- Continue development of the Green Circle in Winchester connecting
Abrams Creek Wetlands Preserve to Apple Blossom Mall and Old
Town Winchester.
- Implement the 2000 Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Management
Plan.
- Develop and protect a corridor for The Great Eastern Trail
through the Northern Shenandoah Region.
- Develop a managed system of water trails providing access
and recreational use areas along the Shenandoah River.
- Designate the historic Valley Road, Route 11, as a Virginia
Scenic Byway.
The Thomas Jefferson PDC is located at 401 East Water Street
in Charlottesville. The Central Shenandoah PDC is located
at 112 McTanly Place in Staunton. The Culpeper Public Library
is at 271 Southgate Shopping Center in Culpeper and the Warren
County Government Center is on 200 North Commerce Ave. in
Front Royal.
The draft VOP is also available for review on the DCR website.
Go to www.dcr.virginia.gov; click on “Recreation Planning” then
on “Draft 2007 Virginia Outdoors Plan.” Comments
will be accepted through Dec. 15, 2006 and can be sent to
Vop@dcr.virginia.gov.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: Nov. 9, 2006
Contact: Gary Waugh PR Manager, (804) 786-5045, cell (804)
840-3927, gary.waugh@dcr.virginia.gov
Draft outdoor recreation, conservation and open space
plan to be presented at local meetings (Roanoke area)
Presentation to include local recommendations
(RICHMOND, Va.) – A new draft of the state’s outdoor recreation, conservation and open space plan, including local recommendations, will be the focus of meetings held in Lynchburg, Roanoke, Radford and Martinsville.
Planners from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will present the draft Virginia Outdoors Plan at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. meetings at the Lynchburg Public Library, Monday, Nov. 27; the Roanoke Valley/Alleghany Planning District Commission office in Roanoke, Tuesday, Nov. 28; the New River Valley PDC office in Radford, Monday, Dec. 4 and the West Piedmont PDC office in Martinsville, Tuesday, Dec. 5. These are among more than 40 meetings to be held statewide Oct. through Dec.
The Virginia Outdoors Plan is the state’s official conservation, outdoor recreation and open space guide. All levels of government and the private sector use it in determining and meeting land conservation, outdoor recreation and open space needs. Recommendations in the plan are also used as one of the tools in ranking projects for Virginia Land Conservation Foundation funds.
“The VOP has long been an important tool in meeting Virginians’ outdoor recreational needs,” said DCR Director Joseph H. Maroon. “With Gov. Kaine’s commitment to land conservation, this plan takes on added significance.”
The plan is revised every five years. As part of its revision, DCR staff have updated the outdoor recreation resource inventory, conducted a statewide Virginia Outdoor Survey with assistance from Virginia Commonwealth University and last fall held a series of 40 public input meetings statewide. Among the topics brought up in those meetings were trails and greenway linkages, water trails and scenic waterways, urban greenspace, eco-tourism and nature deficit disorder. Local outdoor recreation and conservation recommendations also surfaced. Recommendations found in the draft plan include:
For Lynchburg and the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford
and Campbell :
- Complete development of the James River Heritage Trail from
Lynchburg to Richmond.
- Support development of the region’s 2003 Greenway
and Blueways Plan.
- Create a trail connection between the Appomattox Courthouse
National Historical Park and the High Bridge Trail State Park.
- Localities should work to protect scenic views in the Blue
Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail viewsheds.
- Identify and develop additional public water accesses along
recreational rivers throughout the region.
For the cities of Covington,Roanoke and Salem; Alleghany,
Boutetourt, Craig and Roanoke counties:
- Complete development through the Allegheny Mountains of
the Great Eastern Trail proposed to link existing trails from
central Alabama to central New York along the Allegheny Highlands.
- Designate the historic Valley Road, Route 11, as a Virginia
Scenic Byway.
- Develop the 17-mile Jackson River Scenic Trail as a greenway
and water trail from Alleghany County to Lake Moomaw and into
Highland County.
- Develop and upgrade public accesses and boat ramps along
the rivers.
- Continue development of the C&O rails to trails project
in Craig County and provide adequate support facilities.
- Support development of equestrian trails in the region;
including the Alleghany Highlands Horse Trail, a 45-mile system
connecting trails in George Washington National Forest in
Alleghany and Bath Counties with trails in Douthat State Park.
For Radford and Floyd, Giles, Montgomery and Pulaski counties:
- Complete planning for the Rocky Knob multi-use facility,
a cooperative effort between the National Park Service,
Floyd and Patrick counties, and the private sector. Completion
of this facility along the Blue Ridge Parkway will greatly
expand the recreational opportunities available to parkway
users in the region. Protection of the parkway’s viewshed
and appropriate use of adjacent lands is crucial to its
long-term viability.
- Develop a trail to connect New River Trail State Park in
Pulaski with the Huckleberry Trail in Christiansburg.
- Study the recreational and river-access potential of Radford
University’s newly acquired 75-acre RU-West property
on the New River.
- Localities should use their land-use planning and zoning
to protect viewsheds of the Appalachian Trail. In addition
the planned Appalachian National Scenic Trail crossing of
the New River in Bluff City should be constructed.
- Study the New River from Whitethorne to Bluff City in Giles
and Montgomery counties for Virginia Scenic River designation.
For Danville and Martinsville; Franklin, Henry, Patrick and
Pittsylvania counties:
- Develop a plan to provide increased appropriate public access
to Grassy Hills Natural Area Preserve.
- Explore providing recreational opportunities in Patrick
and Henry counties complementary to North Carolina’s
proposed development of a new state park on the Mayo River.
- Increase river and water access with special attention on
Smith Mountain Lake, the Blackwater and Pigg rivers.
- Study the South Mayo River in Patrick and Henry counties
from Route 653 to the North Carolina state line for designation
as a Virginia Scenic River.
- The North Mayo River in Henry County from Route 695 to the
North Carolina state line should also be evaluated for Scenic
River eligibility.
- The Dan River Trail is a canoe trail that currently is developed
and managed as a trail only in the North Carolina section
of the Dan River. This trail should be continued into Virginia
and extended to Staunton River State Park. A series of managed
access and public use areas should be provided to meet the
needs of canoe trail users while protecting riparian property
owners.
- A system of trails/greenways throughout Danville should
be implemented using city-owned utility right-of-ways and
other public and private properties. Components of the Danville
Riverwalk Trail have been completed, and plans to extend the
trail are under development.
- Develop the Trans-Virginia Southern Trail from Cumberland
Gap to the Chesapeake Bay by linking existing and proposed
trails from the Blue Ridge Parkway to Fairy Stone State Park
and Philpott Reservoir along the Smith River Trail to Martinsville.
Portions of the Danville to Winston Railway will connect to
Danville using various existing and planned corridors. From
Danville the trail will follow the abandoned Norfolk, Franklin
and Danville Railroad and the Richmond to Danville Railroad
corridors to link with components of the Tobacco Heritage
Trail.
The Lynchburg Public Library is located at 2315 Memorial Ave. in Lynchburg, the Roanoke Valley/Alleghany PDC office is in Roanoke at 313 Luck Ave., S.W., the New River Valley PDC office is in Radford at 6580 Valley Center Drive and the West Piedmont PDC is located at 1100 Madison Street in Martinsville.
The draft VOP is also available for review on the DCR website. Go to www.dcr.virginia.gov; click on “Recreation Planning” then on “Draft 2007 Virginia Outdoors Plan.” Comments will be accepted through Dec. 15, 2006, and can be sent to Vop@dcr.virginia.gov.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: More recommendations are available in each area listed)
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: Nov. 9, 2006
Contact: Gary Waugh PR Manager, (804) 786-5045, cell (804)
840-3927, gary.waugh@dcr.virginia.gov
Draft outdoor recreation, conservation and open space
plan to be presented at local meetings
Presentation to include local recommendations
(RICHMOND, Va.) – A new draft of the state’s outdoor recreation, conservation and open space plan, including local recommendations, will be the focus of public meetings held in Marion, Duffield and Lebanon.
Planners from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will present the draft Virginia Outdoors Plan at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. meetings at the Mount Rogers Planning District Commission office in Marion, Monday, Nov. 27; the LENOWISCO PDC office in Duffield, Wednesday, Nov. 29 and Thursday, Nov. 30, at the Cumberland Plateau PDC office in Lebanon. These are among more than 40 meetings to be held statewide Oct. through Dec.
The Virginia Outdoors Plan is the state’s official conservation, outdoor recreation and open space guide. All levels of government and the private sector use it in determining and meeting land conservation, outdoor recreation and open space needs. Recommendations in the plan are also used as one of the tools in ranking projects for Virginia Land Conservation Foundation funds.
“The VOP has long been an important tool in meeting Virginians’ outdoor recreational needs,” said DCR Director Joseph H. Maroon. “With Gov. Kaine’s commitment to land conservation, this plan takes on added significance.”
The plan is revised every five years. As part of its revision, DCR staff have updated the outdoor recreation resource inventory, conducted a statewide Virginia Outdoor Survey with assistance from Virginia Commonwealth University and last fall held a series of 40 public input meetings statewide. Among the topics brought up in those meetings were trails and greenway linkages, water trails and scenic waterways, urban greenspace, eco-tourism and nature deficit disorder. Local outdoor recreation and conservation recommendations also surfaced. Recommendations found in the draft plan include:
For Bristol and Galax; Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, Washington
and Wythe counties:
- Provide additional protection to the Appalachian National
Scenic Trail on public and private land. Efforts should be
made to avoid impacts to the trail in planning roads, pipelines,
power lines and other public projects. A permanent safe crossing
of I-77 should be developed in Bland County.
- Develop the Trans-Virginia Southern Trail from Cumberland
Gap to the Chesapeake Bay by linking existing trails including
the Virginia Creeper and Iron Mountain trails and New River
Trail State Park with connecting corridors. Each locality
should identify opportunities to connect their existing trails
to the project. A connector trail needs to be developed that
links Galax with the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- Transfer management of the New River Recreation Area on
the New River at Buck Dam from the U.S. Forest Service to
New River Trail State Park making existing recreational facilities
available to the public.
- Localities should identify access points and other opportunities
along the planned New River Canoe Trail. It is proposed as
a Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia full-service
water trail with access, rest areas, campsites and re-supply
areas. Maps will assist users with trip planning. A portage
is needed around the Fries dam.
- In light of recent development and changing traffic patterns,
the Interstate Bike Route 76 should be studied to determine
if the trail is still located on the best roads.
For Norton and the counties of Lee, Scott and Wise:
- Develop the Trans-Virginia Southern Trail from Cumberland
Gap to the Chesapeake Bay by linking existing trails including
the Wilderness Road and Daniel Boone trails with connecting
corridors. Each locality should identify opportunities to
connect their existing trails to the project.
- Lee and Wise Counties should work with sponsors to identify
potential corridors along their western edges for the Great
Eastern Trail proposed to link existing trails from central
Alabama to central New York along the Allegheny Highlands.
The Southeast Foot Trails Coalition and the Mid- Atlantic
Foot Trail Coalition are undertaking this project, which is
being sponsored by the American Hiking Society.
- The Southern Appalachian Greenway Alliance is developing
plans for a system of trails and greenways that will link
the communities along the Virginia-Tennessee border. Localities
should participate to ensure complementary local trail planning.
- Evaluate the Clinch River in Scott County to determine its
eligibility as a Virginia Scenic River.
- Renovate the Karlan Mansion and add a campground and supporting
facilities to Wilderness Road State Park in Lee County.
For Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell counties:
- Consider Route 611 and Route 80 between Breaks Interstate
Park and John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir, Route 80 between
Breaks Interstate Park and Route 19 in Russell for designation
as Virginia Scenic Byways.
- Evaluate the Russell Fork River in Breaks Interstate Park
for designation as a Virginia Scenic River.
- Dickenson and Buchanan counties should identify potential
routes along their western borders for the Great Eastern Trail
proposed to link existing trails from central Alabama to central
New York along the Allegheny Highlands.
- Complete the Pine Mountain Horse Trail to connect Breaks
Interstate Park with the Pound Reservoir in Wise County.
- Provide additional protection to the Appalachian National
Scenic Trail on public and private land. Efforts should be
made to avoid impacts to the trail in planning roads, pipelines,
power lines and other public projects.
- Develop and manage the Clinch River as a canoe trail from
the confluence with the Little River in Russell County to
the Scott County line. Enhance public access to the river
and develop recreation areas at appropriate locations along
the Clinch River.
The Mount Rogers PDC office is located at 1021 Terrace Drive, Marion. The LENOWISCO PDC is located in Duffield at 6913 Duff-Pratt Road and the Cumberland Plateau PDC office is at 950 Clydesway Road in Lebanon.
The draft VOP is also available for review on the DCR website. Go to www.dcr.virginia.gov; click on “Recreation Planning” then on “Draft 2007 Virginia Outdoors Plan.” Comments will be accepted through Dec. 15, 2006 and can be sent to Vop@dcr.virginia.gov.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Nov. 9, 2006
Contacts: Jim Meisner, Jr., DCR, PR Specialist, jim.meisner@dcr.virginia.gov,
(804) 786-8442; Fred Lochner, Imperial Multimedia, Principal,
lfisher@imperialmultimedia.com, (608) 356-7555; Todd Burns,
Appalachian Power Corporate Communications, tfburns@aep.com,
(540) 985-2912
Appalachian Power major sponsor of new Virginia State Parks visitor information system
RICHMOND, VA – Appalachian Power has committed to be the first major sponsor of a new visitor information system to be installed in Virginia State Parks next spring.
The Virginia State Parks Interpretive Information System uses outdoor/indoor, weather- and vandal-resistant, touch screen, interactive information stations to provide park guests with state park and local attractions information 24 hours a day.
“The new guest information system is an exciting new feature for Virginia State Parks, and at Appalachian Power we’re proud to be the program’s premiere corporate partner,” said R. Daniel Carson, external affairs vice president, Appalachian Power. “The information stations give users access to valuable information about their favorite state park. Along the way we hope they can learn a bit about Appalachian Power, our community support, our environmental commitment and the role we play each day in protecting some of the most beautiful lakeside parks in western Virginia.”
The award-winning Virginia State Parks, managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, is working with Imperial Multimedia of Baraboo, Wis., to develop the system, which includes GPS-based trail information, wildlife spotting guides, in-depth information on park amenities, printable guides and maps, program descriptions and more.The stations will also provide interactive virtual tours of every trail in each of the 31 parks selected for the project.
“Imperial Multimedia is thrilled to have Appalachian Power demonstrate their commitment to Virginia's state parks and their leadership in the communities where they do business, by becoming the first major sponsor of the Virginia State Parks Information Stations,” said Lawrence Fisher, director of experience development for Imperial Multimedia. “By supporting the Information Station program in Virginia's State Parks, Appalachian Power will enable park guests to access a world of information about Virginia's natural places and about the resources available to them in and around the state parks.”
The new system will be installed in 31 state parks by spring 2007. The proprietary information program builds on a structure that has been successfully used in the Wisconsin State Park system.
“We’re pleased Appalachian Power has agreed to be the trail-blazing, first major partner in this program and we’re delighted they are onboard,” said Joe Elton, DCR’s state parks director. “The new information stations will transform a visitor’s experience at a state park. The stations also give local businesses and attractions opportunities to merchandise food and other visitor destinations to park visitors.”
Businesses and service providers can visit the Imperial Multimedia website, www.imperialmultimedia.com/vaparks/, to learn how to participate in the project. The website features expanded information about the project; a sample of the type of information that will be available; and additional opportunities for sponsorship and special-interest partners.
For more information about Virginia State Parks, visit www.dcr.virginia.gov or call toll-free, 800-933-PARK (7275).
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Appalachian Power - Virginia State Parks visitor information system
FACT SHEET
Appalachian Power will have a custom video message in the information station of each of the selected parks, with special video presentations in Smith Mountain Lake State Park and Claytor Lake State Park. Also, Appalachian Power’s logo will appear on each park map printed from the information station in these parks.
Natural Tunnel State Park
Southwest Virginia Museum State Park
Grayson Highlands State Park
Hungry Mother State Park
New River Trail State Park
Claytor Lake State Park
Fairy Stone State Park
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
James River State Park
Holliday Lake State Park
Wilderness Road State Park
Douthat State Park
Staunton River State Park
Staunton River Battlefield State Park
(These parks were selected because they are within or directly adjacent to the Appalachian Power service area.)
Appalachian Power has signed on as a sponsor for one year, for $10,000, with an option to extend the sponsorship for an additional year at the same rate.
Because of the dynamic nature of the Information Station program, Appalachian Power's content will be accessible in any of the 31 parks in the program.
Appalachian Power played a significant role in the development of Smith Mountain and Claytor Lake state parks. Appalachian Power created both lakes for hydroelectric generation.
Upon completion of the Smith Mountain project in 1966, Appalachian Power donated 422 acres to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Economic Development for Smith Mountain Lake State Park.
Shortly after the completion of the Claytor hydroelectric project in 1939, Appalachian Power worked with the state to provide 325 acres for today’s Claytor Lake State Park.
Appalachian Power plays a fundamental role in both parks through the operation of its hydroelectric facilities and the protection of the scenic, environmental and recreational qualities of the lakes.
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gary Waugh PR Manager, (804) 786-5045, (804) 840-3927
cell, gary.waugh@dcr.virginia.gov
Release date: Nov. 3, 2006
Draft outdoor recreation, conservation and open space
plan to be presented at local meetings
Presentation to include local recommendations
(RICHMOND, Va.) – A new draft of the state’s outdoor recreation, conservation and open space plan, including local recommendations, will be the focus of public meetings in Richmond, Petersburg and Saluda.
Planners from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will present the draft Virginia Outdoors Plan at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. meetings Monday, Nov. 13, at the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission Office in Saluda; Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the Crater Planning District Commission in Petersburg and Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission office in Richmond. These are among more than 40 meetings to be held statewide Oct. through Dec.
The Virginia Outdoors Plan is the state’s official conservation, outdoor recreation and open space guide. All levels of government and the private sector use it in determining and meeting land conservation, outdoor recreation and open space needs. Recommendations in the plan are also used as one of the tools in ranking projects for Virginia Land Conservation Foundation funds.
“The VOP has long been an important tool in meeting Virginians’ outdoor recreational needs,” said DCR Director Joseph H. Maroon. “With Gov. Kaine’s commitment to land conservation, this plan takes on added significance.”
The plan is revised every five years. As part of its revision, DCR staff have updated the outdoor recreation resource inventory, conducted a statewide Virginia Outdoor Survey with assistance from Virginia Commonwealth University and last fall held a series of 40 public input meetings statewide. Among the topics brought up in those meetings were trails and greenway linkages, water trails and scenic waterways, urban greenspace, eco-tourism and nature deficit disorder. Local outdoor recreation and conservation recommendations also surfaced. Recommendations found in the draft plan include:
For the counties of Essex, Gloucester, King and Queen, King William, Mathews and Middlesex:
State agencies and the PDC should work with the Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority to address additional public water access points and significant parklands.
Complete acquisition and develop a master plan for the Middle Peninsula state park.
Support water access and trail projects including the John Smith Trail on the York River, Algonquin Trace Water Trail on the York River, the Tappahannock Waterfront Park, Gloucester water trails, King and Queen County Heritage Gateways and trails, Friends of the Dragon trails, Browne Tract and the Browne State Forest.
- Support inclusion of bicycle routes into local comprehensive plans.
- Incorporate the National Park Service’s proposed Captain John Smith National Historic Trail in local comprehensive plans as a way to further heritage and ecotourism in the region.
- Continue to pursue conservation of lands along Dragon Run.
- Build partnerships between non-governmental organizations such as the Nature Conservancy and the Middle Peninsula Land Trust to identify, promote and implement regionally based conservation initiatives.
For the cities of Petersburg, Hopewell and Emporia; Dinwiddie, Greenville, Prince George, Surry and Sussex counties:
- Implement recommendations for the Lower Appomattox River
Trail and Greenway and research cooperative regional management
and operations alternatives for this resource that traverses
over 400 acres in five jurisdictions
- Support a regional bike/trail plan to include alternative
transportation initiatives linking heritage tourism. Work
to have a bike/trail plan adopted as part of each localities
comprehensive plan.
- Establish local and regional programs that connect conservation
lands for wildlife and water quality. Connect Lee Park in
Petersburg to the regional greenway along the Appomattox River
- Establish a state forest in Sussex County and a natural
area preserve in Prince George County to restore pine flatwoods
and coastal plain depression pond communities
- Increase water access for the public on the James, Appomattox, Blackwater, Meherrin and Nottoway Rivers.
- Evaluate options for the East Coast Greenway location including shared corridors with the rapid rail planned through Dinwiddie County and Petersburg.
For the city of Richmond; Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent and Powhatan counties:
- Develop a corridor plan for the James River that protects vegetative buffers and scenic viewsheds along America's Founding river.
- Develop a proposed north-south route for the East Coast Greenway through Richmond to Petersburg that will link to the Virginia Capital Trail, James River Park, the Appomattox River Trail and other trails within the region.
- Complete development of a slave trail linking Ancarrow's Landing on the south side of the James River to the archeological site of Lumpkin's Jail on the north side of the river, part of the African-American Heritage Trail.
- Incorporate the National Park Service’s proposed Captain John Smith National Historic Trail in local comprehensive plans as a way to further heritage and ecotourism in the region.
The Middle Peninsula PDC office is located at 125 Bowden Street in Saluda. The Crater PDC office is at 1964 Wakefield Street in Petersburg and the Richmond Regional PDC office is in Richmond at 2104 W. Laburnum Ave., Suite 101.
The draft VOP is also available for review on the DCR website. Go to www.dcr.virginia.gov; click on “Recreation Planning” then on “Draft 2007 Virginia Outdoors Plan.” Comments will be accepted through Dec. 15, 2006 and can be sent to Vop@dcr.virginia.gov.
- 30 -
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gary Waugh, PR Manager, (804) 786-5045, (804) 840-3927
cell, gary.waugh@dcr.virginia.gov
Release date: Nov. 3, 2006
Draft outdoor recreation, conservation and open space
plan to be presented at local meetings
Presentation to include local recommendations
(RICHMOND, Va.) – A new draft of the state’s outdoor recreation, conservation and open space plan, including local recommendations, will be the focus of two public meetings held in Fairfax, Wednesday, Nov. 15.
Planners from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will present the draft Virginia Outdoors Plan at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. meetings at the Northern Virginia Regional Commission office, 3060 Williams Drive, Suite 510, Fairfax. These are among more than 40 meetings to be held statewide Oct. through Dec.
The Virginia Outdoors Plan is the state’s official conservation, outdoor recreation and open space guide. All levels of government and the private sector use it in determining and meeting land conservation, outdoor recreation and open space needs. Recommendations in the plan are also used as one of the tools in ranking projects for Virginia Land Conservation Foundation funds.
“The VOP has long been an important tool in meeting Virginians’ outdoor recreational needs,” said DCR Director Joseph H. Maroon. “With Gov. Kaine’s commitment to land conservation, this plan takes on added significance.”
The plan is revised every five years. As part of its revision, DCR staff have updated the outdoor recreation resource inventory, conducted a statewide Virginia Outdoor Survey with assistance from Virginia Commonwealth University and last fall held a series of 40 public input meetings statewide. Among the topics brought up in those meetings were trails and greenway linkages, water trails and scenic waterways, urban greenspace, eco-tourism and nature deficit disorder. Local outdoor recreation and conservation recommendations also surfaced. Recommendations found in the draft plan include:
For the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church and Manassas; Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties:
- Continue to develop components of the Council of Governments’ Green Space Project including priority greenways: Leesylvania State Park to Prince William Forest Park Connector; Cross County trail, the Broad Run Stream Valley, Accotinck Stream Valley and Potomac River greenways; and W&OD Connectors to White’s Ferry and the Appalachian Trail.
- Complete development of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.
- Identify and secure the best corridor for The East Coast Greenway as it traverses the Northern Virginia region.
- Designate the Route 15 corridor through the region a Virginia Scenic Byway as part of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground.
- Provide additional boating and fishing access along the Potomac and other rivers in the region.
- Coordinate with the National Park Service to implement the Manassas Battlefield general management plan.
- Continue efforts to protect the natural and scenic resources of the Bull Run Mountains.
The draft VOP is also available for review on the DCR website. Go to www.dcr.virginia.gov; click on “Recreation Planning” then on “Draft 2007 Virginia Outdoors Plan.” Comments will be accepted through Dec. 15, 2006 and can be sent to Vop@dcr.virginia.gov.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Oct. 19, 2006
Contact: Gary Waugh, PR Manager, (804) 786-5045, cell (804)
840-3927
Draft outdoor recreation, conservation and open space
plan to be presented at local meetings
Presentation to include local recommendations
(RICHMOND, Va.) – A new draft of the state’s outdoor recreation, conservation and open space plan, including local recommendations, will be the focus of two public meetings held in Accomac, Wednesday, Nov. 1.
Planners from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will present the draft Virginia Outdoors Plan at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. meetings at the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission Office, 23372 Front Street, Accomac. These are among more than 40 meetings to be held statewide Oct. through Dec.
The Virginia Outdoors Plan is the state’s official conservation, outdoor recreation and open space guide. All levels of government and the private sector use it in determining and meeting land conservation, outdoor recreation and open space needs. Recommendations in the plan are also used as one of the tools in ranking projects for Virginia Land Conservation Foundation funds.
“The VOP has long been an important tool in meeting Virginians’ outdoor recreational needs,” said DCR Director Joseph H. Maroon. “With Gov. Kaine’s commitment to land conservation, this plan takes on added significance.”
The plan is revised every five years. As part of its revision, DCR staff have updated the outdoor recreation resource inventory, conducted a statewide Virginia Outdoor Survey with assistance from Virginia Commonwealth University and last fall held a series of 40 public input meetings statewide. Among the topics brought up in those meetings were trails and greenway linkages, water trails and scenic waterways, urban greenspace, eco-tourism and nature deficit disorder. Local outdoor recreation and conservation recommendations also surfaced. Recommendations found in the draft plan include:
For Accomack and Northampton counties:
- Implement the Eastern Shore of Virginia Bicycle Plan adopted
by Accomack and Northampton Counties in 2004.
- Develop a trail connection between Kiptopeke State Park
and Cape Charles Wildlife Management Area.
- Continue conservation efforts with the Nature Conservancy
and DCR on the seaside of Virginia’s Eastern Shore for
migratory bird habitat.
- Encourage water trail improvements and linkages with recreational,
cultural and natural resource destination resources.
The draft VOP is also available for review on the DCR website. Go to www.dcr.virginia.gov; click on “Recreation Planning” then on “Draft 2007 Virginia Outdoors Plan.” Comments will be accepted through Dec. 15, 2006, and can be sent to vop@dcr.virginia.gov.
- 30 –
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Oct. 19, 2006
Contact: Gary Waugh, PR Manager, (804) 786-5045, cell (804)
840-3927
Draft outdoor recreation, conservation and open space
plan to be presented at local meetings
Presentation to include local recommendations
(RICHMOND, Va.) – A new draft of the state’s outdoor recreation, conservation and open space plan, including local recommendations, will be the focus of two public meetings held in Farmville, Thursday, Nov. 2.
Planners from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will present the draft Virginia Outdoors Plan at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. meetings at the Old Train Station, 510 West 3rd Street, Farmville. These are among more than 40 meetings to be held statewide Oct. through Dec.
The Virginia Outdoors Plan is the state’s official conservation, outdoor recreation and open space guide. All levels of government and the private sector use it in determining and meeting land conservation, outdoor recreation and open space needs. Recommendations in the plan are also used as one of the tools in ranking projects for Virginia Land Conservation Foundation funds.
“The VOP has long been an important tool in meeting Virginians’ outdoor recreational needs,” said DCR Director Joseph H. Maroon. “With Gov. Kaine’s commitment to land conservation, this plan takes on added significance.”
The plan is revised every five years. As part of its revision, DCR staff have updated the outdoor recreation resource inventory, conducted a statewide Virginia Outdoor Survey with assistance from Virginia Commonwealth University and last fall held a series of 40 public input meetings statewide. Among the topics brought up in those meetings were trails and greenway linkages, water trails and scenic waterways, urban greenspace, eco-tourism and nature deficit disorder. Local outdoor recreation and conservation recommendations also surfaced. Recommendations found in the draft plan include:
For Farmville and the counties of Amelia, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Lunenburg, Nottoway and Prince Edward:
- Develop the 34-mile rail-to-trail High Bridge Trail State
Park.
- Connect High Bridge Trail State Park to the Appomattox Courthouse
National Historic Park, Holliday Lake, Twin Lakes and Sailors
Creek state parks.
- Support the establishment of the Appomattox River Blueway,
a water route along the scenic shoreline in Farmville. This
proposed blueway would link Wilcks Lake Park to Riverside
Park and interface with the town's proposed greenways.
- Recommend evaluation for Virginia Scenic River designation
for portions of the James, Slate, Staunton and Upper Appomattox
Rivers.
The draft VOP is also available for review on the DCR website. Go to www.dcr.virginia.gov; click on “Recreation Planning” then on “Draft 2007 Virginia Outdoors Plan.” Comments will be accepted through Dec. 15, 2006 and can be sent to vop@dcr.virginia.gov.
- 30 -
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Oct. 19, 2006
Contact: Gary Waugh, PR Manager, (804) 786-5045, cell (804)
840-3927
Draft outdoor recreation, conservation and open space
plan to be presented at local meetings
Presentation to include local recommendations
(RICHMOND, Va.) – A new draft of the state’s outdoor recreation, conservation and open space plan, including local recommendations, will be the focus of four public meetings held in Fredericksburg and Warsaw, Monday, Oct. 30.
Planners from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will present the draft Virginia Outdoors Plan at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. meetings at the George Washington Regional Commission Office in Fredericksburg and the Northern Neck Planning District Commission Office in Warsaw. These are among more than 40 meetings to be held statewide Oct. through Dec.
The Virginia Outdoors Plan is the state’s official conservation, outdoor recreation and open space guide. All levels of government and the private sector use it in determining and meeting land conservation, outdoor recreation and open space needs. Recommendations in the plan are also used as one of the tools in ranking projects for Virginia Land Conservation Foundation funds.
“The VOP has long been an important tool in meeting Virginians’ outdoor recreational needs,” said DCR Director Joseph H. Maroon. “With Gov. Kaine’s commitment to land conservation, this plan takes on added significance.”
The plan is revised every five years. As part of its revision, DCR staff have updated the outdoor recreation resource inventory, conducted a statewide Virginia Outdoor Survey with assistance from Virginia Commonwealth University and last fall held a series of 40 public input meetings statewide. Among the topics brought up in those meetings were trails and greenway linkages, water trails and scenic waterways, urban greenspace, eco-tourism and nature deficit disorder. Local outdoor recreation and conservation recommendations also surfaced. Recommendations found in the draft plan include:
For City of Fredericksburg and Stafford, Spotsylvania, King
George, Caroline counties:
- Complete the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail that
connects natural and cultural features along a 700-mile corridor
of the Potomac River from the Chesapeake Bay to the Allegheny
Highlands. The National Park System manages this partnership.
- Support the establishment of Fredericksburg Pathways, a
system of bicycle and pedestrian trails that connect Fredericksburg
sites. Trails included in the Fredericksburg Pathways system
include the Rappahannock River Heritage Trail and the Virginia
Central Rail Trail, as well as other proposed pathways.
- Evaluate for Virginia Scenic River designation the Rappahannock
River in Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George and Caroline
counties, between the City of Fredericksburg and the King
George/Westmoreland County line.
For Westmoreland, Richmond, Northumberland, Lancaster counties:
- Incorporate the National Park Service’s Captain John
Smith National Historic Trail in local comprehensive plans
as a way to further heritage and ecotourism in the region.
- Support the National Park Service’s Potomac Heritage
National Scenic Trail along the lower Potomac region to create
connections by water by developing water trails and making
appropriate land connections for vehicles and bicyclists to
key tourist destination sites.
- State agencies should work with the Northern Neck Public
Access Authority to obtain funding for additional public access
sites, especially at previous ferry landing locations.
The George Washington Regional Commission Office is located
at 3304 Bourbon Street, Fredericksburg. The Northern Virginia
PDC Office is at 457 Main Street in Warsaw.
The draft VOP is also available for review on the DCR website.
Go to www.dcr.virginia.gov; click on “Recreation Planning” then
on “Draft 2007 Virginia Outdoors Plan.” Comments
will be accepted through Dec. 15, 2006 and can be sent to vop@dcr.virginia.gov.
- 30 -
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Sept. 11, 2006
Contact: Jim Meisner, DCR Public Relations Specialist, (804) 786-8442
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation offers hunting opportunities statewide
Virginia State Parks, managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, offer the outdoorsman a variety of hunting opportunities, including several lottery and reservation-only hunts as well as open hunting throughout the season. Hunters can reserve stands or zones on a first-come, first-served basis at the following hunts:
Muzzleloading and archery hunts will be held at York River State Park, in James City County, Nov. 6-7, the reservation period begins Sept. 6; Smith Mountain Lake State Park, in Bedford County, Nov. 6-7 and Nov. 13-14, the reservation period begins Sept. 20; and James River State Park, in Buckingham County, Nov. 27-28 and Dec. 12-14, with the reservation period beginning Sept. 27.
Muzzleloading-only hunts will be held at Caledon Natural Area, in King George County, Nov. 9-10 and Nov. 16-17, with the reservation period beginning Sept. 13; Claytor Lake State Park in Pulaski County, Jan. 11-13, with the reservation period beginning Oct. 11; and at Douthat State Park in Bath County, Nov. 13-16, with the reservation period beginning Sept. 6.
Shotgun hunts will be held at Chippokes Plantation State Park, in Surry County, Dec. 11, the reservation period begins Sept. 27; James River State Park, Jan. 4-6, the reservation period begins Sept. 27; and at York River State Park, Nov. 27-28, the reservation period begins Sept. 6.
General firearms hunts will be held at Douthat State Park in Bath County on Jan. 18-20, with the reservation period beginning Sept. 6; at Shenandoah River State Park in Warren County on Nov. 27-28, with the reservation period beginning Sept. 20; and a special youth general Firearms hunt at Shenandoah River State Park in Warren County Nov. 20-21, with the reservation period beginning Sept. 20.
Hunters may reserve preferred days and stands or zones for an advanced fee
of $15 a day by calling the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center, 1-800-933-PARK.
Reservations will be accepted until all slots are taken at each hunt up until
two days prior to the hunt, provided that the hunter can complete the payment
before the day of the hunt.
Applications are now being accepted for the following lottery hunts:
A Belle Isle muzzleloader hunt Nov. 14-15 and a general firearms hunt on Jan. 3-4; a Grayson Highlands muzzleloading hunt on Nov. 13-14 and general firearms hunt on Nov. 20-21; and Kiptopeke archery-muzzleloader hunts Nov. 10-11
