Department of Conservation and Recreation
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Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 18, 2015
Contact: Julie Buchanan, Senior Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-786-2292, julie.buchanan@dcr.virginia.gov
Hungry Mother State Park master plan to be discussed March 12
RICHMOND — A public meeting to discuss long-range planning for Hungry Mother State Park in Smyth County will be March 12, 6 p.m., in Ferrell Hall at the Hemlock Haven Conference Center, Hungry Mother State Park, 2854 Park Blvd., Marion, Virginia.
Virginia law requires that master plans be written for all Virginia State Parks. The plans cover the size, types and locations of facilities as well as the site's special features and resources. Plans also address roads and utilities, and outline phased development and costs for operations, maintenance and staffing.
Each state park master plan is reviewed and updated as necessary every five years. Planners meet with park staff to identify land acquisitions, development and progress on the master plan. External and internal factors affecting the park also are assessed. Updates are incorporated into the original master plan and presented to the Virginia Board of Conservation and Recreation for approval and the director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation for adoption.
“Master plans outline the desired condition of a park when it is fully developed,” said DCR Park Planner Bill Conkle. “We welcome public input in the planning process.”
The draft master plan for Hungry Mother State Park proposes cabin restoration and replacement, upgrades to park comfort stations, development of an overlook on Route 16, and expansion and improvements to park trails.
Hungry Mother State Park is a Civilian Conservation Corps-developed park that was one of the original six state parks established in 1936. The 2,215-acre park is 3 miles north of Marion on Route 16. The park's main feature is the 108-acre Hungry Mother Lake.
Written comments about this master plan update will be accepted through April 15. Written comments should be submitted to bill.conkle@dcr.virginia.gov.
DCR manages Virginia’s 36 state parks. For more information about master plans, visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational-planning/masterplans.
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