FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: April 21, 2008
Contact: Jim Meisner Jr., DCR Public Relations Specialist,
(804) 786-8442, jim.meisner@dcr.virginia.gov
Virginia State Parks offer two new vacation guides
(RICHMOND) - Two new guides from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation highlight the many offerings in Virginia State Parks dedicated to helping children explore the outdoors.
"Theres a growing recognition that many children today suffer from a nature-deficit," said DCR Director Joseph H. Maroon. "Too often, children only see the natural world through the glass of car windows or on television or computer screens. We know that additional exposure to the outdoors in general, and Virginia State Parks specifically, can help children grow and learn in important ways. Its vitally important children get outside and enjoy nature, and were making children in nature an important focus this year."
The 24-page Virginia State Parks Guide and the Virginia State Parks 2008 Outdoor Adventures Guide and Calendar introduce visitors to exciting outdoor activities and make seasonal planning easier for the entire family.
"These two publications are the first stop in planning a Virginia State Parks visit," said DCR State Parks Director Joe Elton. "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, either as a family, or just communing with nature individually."
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation manages the award-winning Virginia State Parks.Both guides are available at Virginia Welcome Centers, local visitor centers, libraries, Virginia State Parks, or by calling 1-800-933-PARK. Up to the minute, comprehensive Virginia State Parks information is also available at www.virginiastateparks.gov .
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: April 7, 2008
Contact: Kim Hodge, DCR Public Relations Specialist, (804)
786-7961
2007 Virginia Outdoors Plan released, addresses outdoor recreation
(RICHMOND, VA) – The 2007 Virginia Outdoors Plan, the
latest version of the state’s comprehensive outdoor
recreation, conservation and open space planning guide, has
an expanded focus to help guide the future of Virginia’s
outdoors in the face of rapidly changing population and land-use
pressures. Compiled by the Virginia Department of Conservation
and Recreation, the plan serves all levels of government and
the private sector in meeting the state’s conservation,
outdoor recreation and open space needs.
Released every five years, this edition is Virginia’s ninth since 1965. New in this edition is information relating local and state outdoor recreation resources and open space to land conservation, green infrastructure, and the growing concerns relating to “nature-deficit disorder.”
“The development of the 2007 Virginia Outdoors Plan is a significant accomplishment that connects real issues brought forth during nearly 80 public meetings statewide and tangible solutions to address these issues,” said DCR Director Joseph H. Maroon. “This plan provides insight into the current thinking of Virginians regarding the outdoors. The plan includes recommendations that can be used as a guide to address future outdoor recreational concerns and to help target efforts starting today.”
The 2007 plan contains more land conservation information than in previous editions. For the first time, the plan contains planning region maps that show all protected lands in the area. This information will assist Virginia’s land conservation organizations to target lands most suitable for conservation.
Green infrastructure is an environmentally inclusive approach to local and regional planning. The concept of green infrastructure integrates outdoor recreation, open space, cultural resources and conservation lands into land use management decisions. The plan calls for greater integration of green infrastructure planning into traditional forms of municipal planning.
Nature-deficit disorder, a term coined by author Richard Louv, addresses a growing trend in America where children and families are increasingly disconnected from the outdoors. This trend has been linked to health issues in children, including attention deficit disorder and obesity. Conservation officials worry that if this generation of children does not experience nature, they will not be strong advocates for its protection in the future. The plan addresses the issue by showing the relationship between our environment, adequate outdoor recreational resources and healthy communities.
The Virginia Outdoors Plan was written by DCR in coordination with federal and state natural resource agencies, local planning and recreation departments, the private sector and concerned citizens.
Copies of the plan are being distributed to city, county and regional planners and major conservation organizations. The public can access the plan at www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational_planning/vop.shtml
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: April 4, 2008
Contact: Jim Meisner, Jr., DCR Public Relations Specialist,
(804) 786-8442 or Gaston Rouse, Volunteer Coordinator, (703) 550-0960
State Parks seek Youth Conservation Corps volunteers
(RICHMOND) - The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is looking for 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 21 to July 12 and July 19 to Aug. 9.
"Service to others is an honorable, character-building pursuit, and the YCC fills important needs in our state parks and in the lives of young people," said DCR Director Joseph H. Maroon.
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.
"Such projects not only enhance our state parks, but they help to re-connect young people with the outdoors," Maroon said.
The YCC is modeled after the federal service program AmeriCorps and the depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps who built the original six Virginia State Parks.
Teams of from 10 to 12 participants will be chosen from current high school students 14 to 17 years-old (participants must be 14 by June 1) who demonstrate an interest in protecting Virginias 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 important factors in the selection process.
The 2008 YCC sessions will be held at 18 state parks across Virginia. YCC crew members are provided room, board, T-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. "YCC participants make permanent and important contributions to our parks."
The YCC application deadline is April 11. For more information or an application, contact Rouse at (703) 583-5497, e-mail vspycc@dcr.virginia.gov or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov .
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: Feb. 28, 2008
Contact: Kim Hodge,
Public Relations Specialist,
(804) 786-7961
Funding available for Virginia trails
(RICHMOND, VA) – The Virginia Department of Conservation
and Recreation recently announced available funding for recreational
trails. The Recreational Trails Program has approximately
$950,000 to award in trail grants. The deadline for preliminary
applications is March 26, 2008 at 4:30 p.m.
The Recreational Trails Program is the main source of funding for purely recreational trail purposes. It is a reimbursement grant program for the creation and maintenance of recreational trails and trail facilities. Grants may go to private nonprofit organizations and government entities. The program requires a 20 percent match from the applicant. The maximum grant award is $125,000.
The trail program calls for 30 percent of the grants to be used for motorized recreational trails, and 30 percent to be used for non-motorized, single-purpose recreational trails. The remaining 40 percent are to be used for trails with multiple uses, including hiking, biking and equestrian use. The grant program provides funding for trail efforts that would not otherwise be possible.
Grant applicants must submit a preliminary application. Those determined to best meet the intent of the program will be asked to submit a more detailed proposal description and environmental screening application.
For more information and to download the grant manual, visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational_planning/trailfnd.shtml or contact DCR’s Recreational Trails Program Administrator Synthia Waymack at (804) 786-4379 or synthia.waymack@dcr.virginia.gov.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: Feb. 19, 2008
Contact: Kim Hodge, Public Relations Specialist, (804) 786-7961
Protect open space, Chesapeake Bay health with tax dollars
(RICHMOND, VA) – Virginians can help conserve open space land and prevent pollution from reaching the Chesapeake Bay when completing their tax returns by contributing any or all of their tax refund to funds set up solely for those purposes.
The Open Space Recreation and Conservation Fund and the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund are “tax check-offs”; contributions to either fund are deductible next year. See instructions on Virginia Schedule ADJ and page two, line 28, of Virginia tax return form 760.
Money designated for the open space fund goes to Virginia localities to acquire land for outdoor recreation. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) uses part of the money to purchase and protect the state’s most significant natural areas. These areas support some of the rarest species and significant natural communities in the state. DCR also uses the funds to develop, maintain and improve state park sites and facilities. For more information on this fund, see DCR’s web site at www.dcr.virginia.gov; click “Get Involved!”
Bay restoration fund contributions are spent by governments and nonprofit organizations to prevent water pollution and soil erosion and to provide educational programs about the Bay. Conservation projects improve the health of the Bay and Virginia tributaries such as the James, York, Rappahannock, Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, plus the state’s eastern coastal waters.
“In the 2006 Virginia Outdoors Survey, 94 percent of those polled stated that it was important to protect Virginia’s natural and open space resources,” said Joseph H. Maroon, DCR director. “These tax check-offs are a tangible way for Virginians to do their part to protect these valuable resources.”
When filing returns taxpayers can designate voluntary contributions on line 26 of Schedule ADJ, which goes with the tax return form. To choose the “Open Space Recreation and Conservation Fund,” write in code numbers 6-8. To choose the “Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund,” write in code numbers 7-1.
People may actually contribute more than their refund amount, or they can contribute even if they owe a payment. Read the instructions for more detail.
Virginia has another Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund that derives money from citizens purchasing license plates featuring a blue crab. The fund is used for conservation and education projects relating to the Bay and its watershed. The state’s legislative services office manages the fund with help from DCR.
For questions relating to tax check-offs, contact the Virginia Department of Taxation at (804) 367-8031 or online at www.tax.virginia.gov.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: Feb. 13, 2008
Contact: Kim Hodge, Public Relations Specialist, (804) 786-7961
Public meeting on Seven Bends State Park master plan to be
held Feb. 27
(WOODSTOCK, VA) – A public meeting to solicit public
comments on the draft master plan for Seven Bends State Park
in Shenandoah County will be held Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008,
at 7 p.m. in the Shenandoah County Administration Building
board room.
Planners from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will conduct the meeting. DCR’s staff is requesting input from citizens for the proposed development of the 1,600-acre state park. It is located between the North Fork of the Shenandoah River and the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests near Woodstock.
A master plan is written for each Virginia State Park, reviewed every five years and serves as a guide for approximately 20 years. An advisory committee of local residents and representatives of different park user groups assists with master plan development. At least two public meetings are also held. At the February 27 meeting, public input will be sought on the master plan’s proposed programs and facilities and the order in which they will be developed.
As proposed, Seven Bends State Park will have multi-use trails for pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians. The trails will connect to the Town of Woodstock and the extensive trail system in the national forest. Other activities addressed in the proposed plan include camping, fishing, picnicking, canoeing, cabin rentals and environmental education. An environmental education center with overnight facilities will focus on extensive natural and historic interpretive programming.
The Shenandoah County Administration Building is at 600 North Main St, Woodstock, Va. For more information, call DCR Environmental Program Planner Lynn Crump at (804) 786-5054.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: Nov. 14, 2007
Contact: Gary Waugh, DCR, PR Manager, (804) 786-5045, gary.waugh@dcr.virginia.gov
Virginia Poultry industry, government officials sign agreements to help water quality
(Harrisonburg, VA) – Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources L. Preston Bryant, Jr. and Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Robert S. Bloxom today joined representatives from Virginia’s poultry industry as they signed agreements with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation with a goal of reducing by 30 percent the amount of phosphorus found in poultry litter by 2010. Phosphorus, along with nitrogen, is a nutrient that can cause significant water quality problems when it occurs in excessive amounts.
Representatives from Cargill Turkey Production LLC, Perdue Farms Inc., Tyson Foods Inc., Pilgrim's Pride Corporation, Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative Inc. and George's Foods LLC agreed to use enzymes such as phytase to help broilers and turkeys better absorb the phosphorus in the their feed. This in turn will allow them to adjust rations to include less of the nutrient.
These poultry integrators formulate the rations used by thousands of farmers under contract to raise millions of chickens and turkeys annually in Virginia.
"This is the latest in a list of steps the poultry industry has
taken in conjunction with state agencies to help reduce the potential
of excess nutrients finding their way into Virginia’s waters,” said
Bryant. “It is the continuation of a productive and cooperative
partnership.
The Chesapeake Bay Program recognizes feed management as a
promising and cost effective way of reducing phosphorus in poultry litter,
a mix of manure and bedding that is often spread on farm fields as fertilizer.
The multi-state and federal partnership addresses feed management in its
Strategy for Managing Surplus Nutrients from Agricultural Animal Manure
and Poultry Litter in the Chesapeake Bay.
“This agreement reflects the poultry industry’s longstanding commitment to proactive, environmental stewardship,” said VPF president Hobey Bauhan. “Along with other voluntary initiatives, our industry has demonstrated a meaningful commitment to Virginia’s water quality objectives, including the Commonwealth’s Chesapeake Bay goals.”
The agreement may also help the industry meet state law. The regulatory
Virginia Poultry Waste Management Act requires commercial poultry processors
to consider nutrient reduction strategies in the formulation of feed rations.
The use of these enzymes is not new. The state has provided
assistance in the past to help the poultry industry with start up costs
involved.
“In years past the Department of Conservation and Recreation has provided Water Quality Improvement Fund grants for poultry integrators to purchase and install enzyme injection equipment in feed mills,” said DCR director Joseph H. Maroon who signed the agreements for the state. “This agreement builds on these previous efforts for the benefit of the industry and Virginia’s waters.”
Under the new agreements signed today, phytase or other enzymes will
be used in rations for all broilers and turkeys being produced for market.
There will also be an accompanying reduction in phosphorus in the feed
for these birds.
Beginning next July 1, DCR will do annual assessments of phosphorus
levels in poultry litter from broilers and turkeys. While litter for breeding
stock will not be evaluated, integrators agree to use similar feed management
to the extent possible with breeders.
“There are potentially more benefits to these agreements than just for water quality,” said Bloxom. “There is the possibility the use of these enzymes will lower feed costs by lowering the amount of phosphorus the integrators need to purchase.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: Nov. 1, 2007
Contact: Gary Waugh, PR Manager,
(804) 786-5045, (804) 840-3927 cell, gary.waugh@dcr.virginia.gov
Program to provide farmers assistance in using poultry manure as fertilizer
(RICHMOND, VA) – A new program will offer farmers from across the state $600,000 over the next three years to transport and use poultry litter as fertilizer on their farm fields. The program, jointly funded by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Virginia Poultry Federation, is designed to remove poultry litter from poultry-rich Page and Rockingham counties and move it to localities where it can better be used as needed nitrogen and phosphorus for farm fields.
Poultry litter, a mix of manure and bedding from poultry houses, is rich in the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients are needed for crop development but may cause water quality problems if over applied. Farmers in two of the state’s leading poultry producing counties, Page and Rockingham, produce an abundance of litter that can be beneficial as fertilizer in other parts of the state.
The program offers farmers conservation payments of either $5 or $12 per ton to transport and use poultry litter. Purchase and transport of poultry litter can typically cost $25 to $35 per ton.
“This is a public-private partnership that makes sense all around, “ said Virginia Secretary of Natural Resource L. Preston Bryant, Jr. “Developing a sustainable market for poultry litter helps stimulate the farm economy and has tremendous water quality benefits as well. This transportation program helps nurture that market.”
Farmers and other land managers across the state are eligible to receive transportation incentives. Only farmers in Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Shenandoah, Northampton and Accomack – the state’s leading poultry producing counties – are not eligible.
“Not only farmers benefit from this partnership between the state and the Virginia Poultry Federation, “said Robert S. Bloxom, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture. “Both litter producers and farmers using that litter as fertilizer benefit; and we all benefit from improved water quality.”
Participants in the eastern part of the state would receive $5 per ton for transporting and using the poultry waste. For Bedford, Campbell, Halifax and all counties west, the incentive is $12 per ton. Farmers can sign up for incentives on up to 500 tons of litter. Once payments are received on that tonnage the farmer can reapply for up to another 500 tons.
Farms receiving the litter must have a nutrient management plan in place. Poultry litter applied based on this program’s criteria will minimize the loss of nutrients to nearby streams.
“We hope this project will be an added incentive for farmers who have not used poultry litter in the past, “ said Hobey Bauhan, President of the Virginia Poultry Federation. “The poultry industry is pleased to be partner in this effort to assist poultry growers and enhance water quality protection.”
“We believe partnerships like this demonstrate the type of cooperation needed to improve the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia’s rivers,” said Joseph H. Maroon, DCR director. “Poultry litter can be a valuable commodity, but if over applied, can end up in nearby streams.”
For more information on the program and to download application forms go to www.dcr.virginia.gov/soil_&_water/nmlitter.shtml. Applications can also be picked up at all DCR Regional Soil and Water offices across the state. You can find the address to the nearest office in your phone directory’s “blue pages.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Oct. 19, 2007
Contacts: Kim Hodge, DCR, PR Specialist, (804)
786-7961
Public meeting on Staunton River State Park master plan to be held Oct. 29
(SCOTTSBURG, VA) – A meeting to receive ideas on the use and development of new lands acquired for Staunton River State Park in Halifax County will be held Monday, Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mary Bethune Complex Board of Supervisor’s meeting room.
Planners from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will conduct the meeting. The park has recently acquired an additional 1,100 acres, which includes a large lake, almost 30 miles of trails and management roads, and a rustic log cabin. DCR wants ideas from local residents on the best use of this new land.
A master plan is developed for each Virginia State Park and is reviewed every five years. The plan guides development of park facilities and programs for approximately 20 years. Developing a master plan is a very public process with several public input and review meetings held. Public meetings are also held when major changes are considered or new park properties are acquired.
Changes to Staunton River State Park’s master plan could include relocation of an equestrian campground and day-use parking areas, a new picnic area, bank fishing and non-motorized boating on the lake, a group camp area, an environmental education center at the lake, and the relocation of the park contact station. Other suggested changes to the plan are wheelchair-accessible trails and fishing opportunities.
The Mary Bethune Complex is at 1030 Cowford Rd., Halifax, Va. The Board of Supervisors meeting room is on the second floor. For more information, call DCR Planning Bureau Manager Bob Munson at (804) 786-6140 or call Staunton River State Park at (434) 572-4623.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Oct. 5, 2007
Contact: Jim Meisner Jr., DCR Public Relations Specialist, (804) 786-8442
or park office, (703) 730-8205
Leesylvania State Park to Host Multi-Cultural Festival
(Woodbridge, Va.) - Leesylvania State Park hosts a celebration of the diverse cultures that live, work and play in Northern Virginia, Oct. 13, 2007.
The second annual Multi-Cultural Festival is co-sponsored by Leesylvania State Park, Prince William County's Human Rights Commission and the Office on Youth.
Organizers hope to promote community unity through a day dedicated to the unique customs and traditions of different cultures. Cultural diversity will be celebrated through food, entertainment and crafts from around the world, including Bolivian dance, Latin music and a performance of the ancient Chinese custom of purging evil spirits.
The festival is from 12-5 p.m. and there is a $5 parking fee.
Leesylvania State Park is in Prince William County on Daniel K. Ludwig Drive. To reach the park from I-95, exit Rippon Landing ramp to Route 1. Turn right on Route 1. Go one block and turn left at the first light on Neabsco Road. The Leesylvania State Park entrance is on the right.
Leesylvania State Park, nestled along the tidal shores of the Potomac River, just 30 miles south of Washington D.C., was recently voted by the Potomac News and Manassas Journal Messenger readers as the place with the "Most Scenic Water Views" in the county.
The award-winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Concervation and Recreation.
For more information about the festival call the park at (703) 730-8205. For information on the award winning Virginia State Parks please call 1-800-933-PARK or visit www.dcr.virginia.gov .
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Oct. 3, 2007
Contact: Kim Hodge
DCR Public Relations Specialist, (804) 786-7961, kim.hodge@dcr.virginia.gov
Trails symposium aims to “Connect our Commonwealth”
(RICHMOND, Va.) – Elected officials, recreation professionals, program managers, planners and volunteers are encouraged to attend the Southeastern Virginia Trails Symposium on Friday, Oct. 19, 2007.
The symposium, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 3:30 p.m., will be held at the Workforce Development Center at Paul D. Camp Community College in Franklin, Va. It is sponsored by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Virginia Tourism Corp. and the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.
Exhibits and discussions will be presented based on the theme “Connecting our CommonWealth,” which promotes the linking of communities through trail and bikeway systems. A special video presentation by Gov. Tim Kaine will also be shown.
Featured presenters are Alisa Bailey, director of Virginia Tourism Corp., and Chuck Flink of Greenways Inc. Flink is a recognized leading national authority for the planning, design and implementation of greenway and trail systems and facilities. Local officials and trail experts from across Virginia will also be featured.
Pre-registration is requested by visiting the Parks and Recreation page of the Isle of Wight County website, www.iwus.net, or calling (757) 357-2291.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Sept. 7, 2007
Contact: Jim Meisner, Jr., Virginia Department of Conservation
and Recreation, Public Relations Specialist, (804) 786-8442, jim.meisner@dcr.virginia.gov
National Conference on Parks Yields Historic Agreement
(WILLIAMBURG, Va.) – A three-day National Conference on Parks held in Colonial Williamsburg ended with a ground-breaking agreement targeted at improving the health of America’s children.
The National Association of State Park Directors, under the leadership of newly elected President Greg Butts, director of Arkansas State Parks, and the National Park Service Leadership Council led by National Park Service Director Mary Bomar, signed a resolution pledging that state and national parks would work together to combat obesity, reduce incidence of diabetes, attention disorders, and other mental and physical maladies resulting from a lack of outdoor exercise and contact with nature.
Joe Elton, Virginia’s State Parks director and the conference chair, called the agreement both “historic and timely. There is little doubt that many of the nation’s youth prefer to spend time indoors watching TV and playing video games rather than getting the outdoor recreation and contact with nature that is so important to our mental and physical health.”
Elton credited author Richard Louv, who wrote Last Child in the Woods; Saving our Children from Nature-deficit Disorder, with sparking a national movement and being the driving force behind this healthy lifestyle movement.
Elton also credits U. S. Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne, National Parks Director Mary Bomar and Virginia Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling with driving home the importance of addressing this national health crisis during their conference presentations.
In his remarks at the conference, Secretary Kempthorne pledged to rally the federal agencies he oversees to work collaboratively with the states. “I hope we can reach a day when families and children move seamlessly from state parks to national parks, with doors open everywhere and pathways that lead from one program to another, from one life-changing and life-enriching experience to another,” he said. “A day when children beg their parents to take them to a parks as much – and maybe more – than they beg them to buy a new video game.”
NPS Director Mary Bomar called the state and national parks the front line in the effort to reconnect children and their families to outdoor recreation and nature. The compact signed by the state and national parks recognizes that by working together they can make a bigger impact. Specifically the agreement calls on the state and national parks to:
- Focus on individual initiatives to increase the public awareness and
value of connecting children and nature, toward a goal of improving the
knowledge of our nation’s natural resources and the health and welfare
of present and future generations of young Americans.
- Join in a continuing dialogue to discuss common issues and
implement solutions to create a seamless system of services.
- Share information and knowledge on developing and expanding
natural resource education and recreation opportunities for children and
their families.
- Engage other federal, state, local, tribal and non-government
partners in shared technology and interactive programs and problem solving
activities to achieve mutually agreed upon goals to connect children and
nature.
- Promote a national campaign to recognize the importance
of this connecting children and families to nature.
In other conference actions, outgoing NASPD President Charles Salkin, director of Delaware State Parks, presented Virginia Director Joe Elton with the 2007 NASPD Distinguished Service Award for “leadership to the conservation, interpretation and enhancement of our nation’s natural and cultural state park treasures.”
Elton, a long-time member of the NASPD Board of Directors, was elected vice-president of the national association. Since 1994, Elton has served as Virginia’s State Parks director under four Virginia governors – two Republican and two Democratic – and is considered among the nation’s most effective state park directors.
For additional information, visit www.naspd.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Sept. 4, 2007
Contact: Gary Waugh, DCR Public Relations Manager, (804) 786-5045, gary.waugh@drc.virginia.gov
Public meeting on James River State Park master plan to be held Sept. 19 (Sept.
4, 2007)
Public meeting on James River State Park master plan to be held Sept. 19
(GLADSTONE, VA) – A meeting to receive ideas on the use and development of new lands acquired for James River State Park in Buckingham County will be held Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Gladstone Volunteer Fire Department Meeting Hall. The relocation of the state park’s horse camping area will also be discussed.
Planners from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will conduct the meeting. Since the park’s original master plan was revised in 2004, the park has acquired a 57-acre island in the James River and nearly 18 acres along the river at Bent Creek. DCR wants ideas from local residents on the best use of these new sites. In addition, archeological remains of a Native American encampment have been found on the current master plan’s site for a horse campground. Input is needed on the best site to relocate this facility.
A master plan is developed for each Virginia State Park and is reviewed every five years. The plan guides development of park facilities and programs for approximately 20 years. Developing a master plan is a very public process with several public input and review meetings held. Public meetings are also held when major changes are considered or new park properties are acquired.
The Gladstone Volunteer Fire Department Meeting Hall is located at 8786 Richmond Highway, Gladstone, Virginia 24553. For more information, call DCR Planning Bureau Manager Bob Munson at (804) 786-6140 or call James River State Park at (434) 933-8527.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 24, 2007
Contact: Jim Meisner Jr., DCR Public Relations Specialist, (804) 786-8442,
jim.meisner@dcr.virginia.gov
Special deer hunts to be held in Virginia State Parks
(RICHMOND, Va.) - Applications are being accepted for special lottery deer hunts at Belle Isle State Park in Lancaster County, Grayson Highlands State Park in Grayson County, Kiptopeke State Park in Northampton County, Lake Anna State Park in Spotsylvania County, Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield County and Staunton River State Park in Halifax County.
Belle Isle will hold a muzzleloader hunt Nov. 14-15, with applications due Oct. 12, and a general firearms hunt Jan. 2-3, with applications due Dec. 7. Grayson Highlands will hold a youth general firearms hunt Nov. 17, and general firearms hunts Nov. 19-20.
Applications are due by Sept. 26 for both of the Grayson Highlands hunts.
Kiptopeke will hold archery-muzzleloader hunt Nov. 10 and shotgun hunt Dec. 8. The lottery deadlines for the Kiptopeke archery-muzzleloader hunts is Oct. 5, and Nov. 9 for the shotgun hunt.
Lottery hunts will be held for the first time at Lake Anna State Park, Pocahontas State Park and Staunton River State Park. Lake Anna will hold muzzleloader-shotgun hunts Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 18-19, with applications due by Nov. 16. The Pocahontas muzzleloader-shotgun hunts will be Dec. 3-4 and Dec. 19-20, with applications due by Nov. 2. Staunton River will hold archery-muzzleloader hunt Nov. 7-8, with applications due by Oct. 5.
A $5 non-refundable application fee must be submitted for each hunt. Anyone may enter the lotteries for a chance to participate in the controlled hunts, however successful applicants on the day of the hunt must show proof of completion of a hunter safety education course and pay a $10 fee. Each lottery entry requires a separate application.
For more information about these and other hunting opportunities and programs in Virginia State Parks or to obtain a lottery application, contact the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 1-800-933-PARK. Applications and information may also be found at www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/hunting.shtm .
False Cape State Park, in conjunction with Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, will hold lottery hunts for deer and feral pig on Oct. 6, 8-10, and 25-27. Interested hunters must apply through the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries quota hunt system. Applications may be made online at www.vaquotahunts.com or by phone at 1-877-VAHUNTS Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The lottery deadline for the False Cape-Back Bay hunts is Aug. 31.
For information on quota hunts, hunting licenses, hunter safety education and hunting regulations, call the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries at (804) 367-1000 or visit the DGIF website at www.dgif.virginia.gov .
Mason Neck State Park, in conjunction with the Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge, will hold lottery hunts Nov. 27-28 and Dec. 7. The lottery deadline is Sept. 1. Interested hunters should contact the Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge at (703) 490-4979 for more information.
The award-winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Aug. 14, 2007
Contact: Jim Meisner, Jr.
DCR Public Relations Specialist, (804) 786-8442, jim.meisner@dcr.virginia.gov
Vendors needed for Grayson Highlands State Park fall festival
The Grayson Highlands Fall Festival Committee seeks vendors for the 2007 festival, held at Grayson Highlands State Park, Sept. 29 and 30. All crafts must be mountain-pioneer-style. No food vendors are needed.
Crafts could include natural art, paintings, basket weaving, craft dolls, puppets and art toys, crochet, floral arrangements, quilting, jewelry, leather goods, musical instrument making, needle work, pottery, wood carving, and black powder musket making.
The festival hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
For applications, email ghfallfestival@yahoo.com , call (276) 773-3111 or visit www.graysonfallfestival.org .
Grayson Highlands State Park is one of 34 award-winning state parks operated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kim Hodge, PR Specialist, (804) 786-7961, kim.hodge@dcr.virginia.gov
Date: July 5, 2007
Maps available for Capt. John Smith’s Trail
River trail follows explorer’s
footstep
(RICHMOND) – A new set of maps to help today’s travelers explore the route of Captain John Smith’s adventures along the York River and its tributaries is now available. The boat and partial auto tour along the York, Mattaponi and Pamunkey rivers was developed to complement America’s 400th Anniversary. The route includes 36 recreation sites, historic places and museums between Zoar State Forest and Yorktown.
“The John Smith interpretive maps on the York, Pamunkey and Mattaponi rivers provide an excellent addition to the existing John Smith maps on the James River,” said Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Director Joseph H. Maroon. “Both maps were produced by DCR through a close working relationship with the Virginia Tourism Corporation and the Virginia Council on Indians and are the first to be developed along the newly designated Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trial. The maps will help to make the history and natural resources of the region come alive for trail users.”
The trail is divided into three maps – one for each river – each a day trip for boaters and motorists alike. In addition to a narrative that tells the story of John Smith and his travels along the York River and its tributaries, the maps provide travelers with information on the amenities available at each site and the location of boating ramps. The maps also provide information on the Indian settlements that were noted on Smith's early maps of the area.
“When people think of Yorktown, they think of events associated with the Revolutionary War, but the area is rich in Virginia Indian history as well.” says Deanna Beacham, program specialist for VCI. “Not far from Yorktown, an Indian community called Kiskiack was a commercial center when the English arrived in 1607. Farther west along the York, Werowocomoco was an important sociopolitical center for hundreds of years before Smith first met paramount chief Powhatan there in 1607.”
“Whether you explore the trail from a car or a kayak, you’ll discover unspoiled river views, eagles, heron, osprey and a variety of other wildlife,” said VTC President Alisa Bailey. “You can also experience a diversity of interpretive experiences from the archaeology at York River State Park to the Indian reservations and other museums and visitor centers.”
Maps of the trail are currently available at York River State Park, the Yorktown Victory Center, the York County Historical Museum and the Gloucester Visitor Center. By mid-July, maps will be available at sites along the route and from Virginia Welcome Centers and regional visitor centers. Individuals can also obtain maps through DCR's online store. To order, visit www.dcr.virginia.gov and click on “State Parks” then “Visit Online Store.”
In addition to the map, the www.johnsmithtrail.org website is being updated to provide links to attractions, restaurants, tours, lodging, and other visitor amenities along the trail to help you plan your visit.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 5, 2007
Contact: Jim Meisner Jr., (804) 786-8442, jim.meisner@dcr.virginia.gov
Steve Bassett's Blowin' the Dust Off Tour rolls into Pocahontas State Park, Saturday, June 30
(CHESTERFIELD, Va.) - Are you ready for a unique musical experience? Steve Bassett's Blowin' the Dust Off Tour rolls into Pocahontas State Park, Saturday, June 30, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $4, and children 12 and younger are free. The Pocahontas Premieres season pass does not apply to the Steve Bassett show.
Richmond's own singer-songwriter Steve Bassett, probably best known for his "Sweet Virginia Breeze," recently released his 18th CD, Blowin' the Dust Off. The CD features traditional music played on Civil War-era musical instruments as well as a long list of guest singers and artists, ranging from Delbert McClinton, Gary Gerloff and Robbin Thompson to Amber Collins and Ryan Blevins of No Speed Limit, and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine.
From the success of the CD, a concert tour of 16 Virginia State Parks was born.
In addition to an evening concert, there will be an afternoon display and workshop featuring historic instruments of collector Chuck Kincaid. Kincaid provides an impressive collection of more than a dozen instruments, including a bugle, fife, guitar, mandolin, zither, violin and squeeze boxes. The workshop is from 2-4 p.m.
Sharing the stage with Bassett is Virginias own Michelle Nixon & Drive. With her unique blend of traditional, gospel, contemporary and classic bluegrass music, Nixon will be joined by Patrick Robertson (guitar, lead and harmony vocals); Jamie Harper (mandolin, fiddle); Jeremy Boling (five-string banjo); and Travis Greer (bass). Drive also serves as Bassett's backup band.
Nixon was named the 2006 Female Vocalist of the Year in the Traditional category by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA). She also was part of the Daughters of Bluegrass album, Back to the Well, which received the 2006 Recorded Event of the Year award from the International Bluegrass Music Association.
For more information visit www.dcr.virginia.gov , www.stevebassettmusic.com or www.michellenixon.com , or call 1-800-933-PARK.
Pocahontas State Park and the award-winning Virginia State Park system are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 29, 2007
Contact: Jim Meisner Jr., (804) 786-8442, jim.meisner@dcr.virginia.gov
Steve Bassett's Blowin' the Dust Off Tour rolls into Staunton River State Park, Saturday, June 16
(SCOTTSBURG, Va.) - Are you ready for a unique musical experience? Steve Bassett's Blowin' the Dust Off Tour rolls into Staunton River State Park, Saturday, June 16, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $4, and children 12 and younger are free.
Richmond-based singer-songwriter Steve Bassett, probably best known for his
Sweet Virginia Breeze, recently released his 18th CD, Blowin the Dust Off.
The CD features traditional music played on Civil War-era musical instruments
as well as a long list of guest singers and artists, ranging from Delbert
McClinton, Gary Gerloff and Robbin Thompson to Amber Collins and Ryan Blevins
of No Speed Limit and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine.
From the success of the CD, a concert tour of 16 Virginia State Parks was
born.
In addition to an evening concert, there will be an afternoon display and workshop featuring historic instruments of collector Chuck Kincaid. Kincaid will provide an impressive collection of more than a dozen instruments, including a bugle, fife, guitar, mandolin, zither, violin and squeeze boxes. The workshop is from 1-3 p.m.
Sharing the stage with Bassett will be Virginias own Michelle Nixon & Drive. With her unique blend of traditional, gospel, contemporary and classic bluegrass music, Nixon is joined by Patrick Robertson (guitar, lead and harmony vocals); Jamie Harper (mandolin, fiddle); Jeremy Boling (five-string banjo); and Travis Greer (bass). Drive also serves as Bassetts backup band.
Nixon was named the 2006 Female Vocalist of the Year in the Traditional category by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA). She also was part of the Daughters of Bluegrass album, Back to the Well, which received the 2006 Recorded Event of the Year award from the International Bluegrass Music Association.
For more information visit www.dcr.virginia.gov , www.stevebassettmusic.com
or www.michellenixon.com , or call 1-800-933-PARK.
Staunton River State Park and the award-winning Virginia State Park system
are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2007
Contact: Kevin Kelley, (276) 579-7092; Jim Meisner Jr., (804) 786-8442, jim.meisner@dcr.virginia.gov
Grayson Highlands State Park to host two days of festivities
Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival June 16
Mountain Culture and Folk Festival June 17
(MOUTH OF WILSON, Va.) - Grayson Highlands State Park hosts a weekend of traditional music celebrating the region and the nation with two different festivals, June 16 and 17.
Bluegrass great Doc Watson will headline the 13th annual Wayne C. Henderson
Music Festival and Guitar Competition, Saturday, June 16.
Festival hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. with children's activities from noon
to 6 p.m. Admission is $10 per person. Children under 12 with an adult are
admitted free. Visitors should bring lawn chairs.
Recipient of the National Medal of Arts and five Grammy Awards, 84-year-old Doc Watson is a legendary performer who blends his traditional Appalachian musical roots with bluegrass, country, gospel and blues to create a unique style captured on more than 50 recordings in a career spanning four decades.
The day also includes Randy and Debra Jean Sheets, the Looping Brothers, Doug Smith, Slate Mountain Ramblers and a performance by Wayne Henderson and friends. The guitar competition begins at 10:30 a.m., and performances begin at 11:30 a.m. In addition to the live music, visitors can enjoy the parks playground, visitor center and trails.
The day is sponsored by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival and Guitar Competition Committee. For information about the festival, call (276) 579-7092 or visit www.waynehenderson.org.
The next day, June 17, the park hosts the Mountain Culture and Folk Festival celebrating Virginia's 400th Anniversary. The festival features live bluegrass, old-time and folk music, storytelling, and arts and crafts.
The festival is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is a $6 parking fee.
Grayson Highlands State Park is in Grayson County on U.S. 58 between Independence and Damascus. To reach the park, take I-81 to Marion, follow Route 16 to Volney and then go west on U.S. 58 for eight miles.
Although the parks full service campgrounds with water and electrical hookups are sold out for the weekend, they remain open through Oct. 31, 2007, and primitive campsites are open until Dec. 1, 2007. For camping reservations, or for campground or cabin reservations at nearby Hungry Mother State Park in Marion, call the Reservation Center at 1-800-933-PARK or visit www.dcr.virginia.gov.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 19, 2007
Contact: Jim Meisner Jr., Public Relations Specialist, (804) 786-8442, jim.meisner@dcr.virginia.gov
Thousands to Raid Wilderness Road's Martin's Station May 11-13
EWING, Va. - Slip into the shadows of Virginias 1776 wilderness for the annual frontier reenactment, Raid at Martin's Station, May 11-13. See, smell, taste and hear history come alive as more than 500 living historians re-enact life at Wilderness Road State Park's recreation of Joseph Martin's frontier fort.
Activities include tours of eastern woodland indian and colonial militia camps, frontier fort life, and 18th century merchants and colonial traders selling their wares. There will be a special Sons of the American Revolution historical ceremony and wreath laying Saturday at 10 a.m.
In commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, the park also will host a special Contemporary Longrifle Association (CLA) art show, which will highlight some of the nations premier artisans and their craftsmanship. Throughout the weekend there will be various seminars on 18th century topics conducted by world-renowned historians and speakers.
Highlights of the weekend will be reenactments of frontier battles between Cherokee warriors and the settlers of Martins Station. The first battle begins Saturday at 1 p.m. and a special night battle reenactment begins at 8:30 p.m. Daily activities begin on Friday with more than 2,000 area school children expected to raid Martins Station.
The weekend schedule is Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun.
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children ages 6-12.
For more information about the raid, call (276) 445-3065 or visit www.martinsstation.com
.
For more information about Virginia State Parks, call the Virginia State
Parks Reservation Center at 1-800-933-PARK or 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
Date: April 19, 2007
Contact: Jim Meisner Jr., Public Relations Specialist,
(804) 786-8442, jim.meisner@dcr.virginia.gov
Big Stone Gap's 'Gathering in the Gap' is May 26
BIG STONE GAP, Va. - The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park in Big Stone Gap will host a new festival celebrating the region's rich tradition of old-time and bluegrass music. The day-long "Gathering in the Gap" will be held on and around the grounds of the museum May 26. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Activities on two stages feature competitions, jams, and performances by local and regional musicians. The days events culminate in a main-stage concert by the Carolina Chocolate Drops and Robin and Linda Williams and Their Fine Group.
Robin and Linda Williams have entertained folk, bluegrass and country audiences for 30 years. From their many appearances on National Public Radios A Prairie Home Companion to appearances on Austin City Limits, their music reaches deep into American traditions.
The Carolina Chocolate Drops, a band of three young and talented musicians, revive the traditional African-American, antebellum combination of banjo and fiddle once popular in most black rural communities in the South.
The festival also features many other outstanding old-time and bluegrass musicians including Dale Jett and Friends, Appalachian Dream Spinners, Rich and the Poor Folks, Boozy Creek, and Ron Short and the Music of Coal. Also, competitions will be held in old-time and bluegrass music categories.
The festival also offers Appalachian crafts and food, as well as a childrens area with music and arts and crafts activities.
"Gathering in the Gap" takes place on the grounds of the Southwest Virginia Museum as well as Town of Big Stone Gap Parks and Recreation property and the public library grounds.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation manages the award-winning Virginia State Park system. For more information, call (276) 523-1322 or visit www.gatheringinthegap.com . For more information about any of Virginia's 34 state parks visit www.dcr.virginia.gov or call toll-free, 1-800-933-PARK (7275).
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Department of Conservation and Recreation
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