Department of Conservation and Recreation

Media inquiries: Please contact Gary Waugh, gary.waugh@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5045.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 04, 2007
Contact: Gary Waugh, DCR Public Relations Manager, (804) 786-5045, gary.waugh@dcr.virginia.gov

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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