Dragon Run Steering Committee 2008 Meeting Minutes

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1. Welcome and Introductions

2. Officer Elections

3. Naval Outlying Landing Field Update

4. Biodiesel Program Update by Al Christopher

5. Dragon Run Estate Planning Network Initiative: A discussion of local needs

6. Land Use Policy Recommendations Update

7. Discussion of 2008 DRSC Action Items: Revisiting Goals of the Watershed Management Plan

8. Other Business

9. Adjourn

Attendance Steering Committee: Prue Davis (Essex County), Dorothy Miller (Essex County), Fred Hutson (Essex County), Frank Herrin (King and Queen County), RD Johnson (Middlesex County), and Michelle Ressler (Gloucester County).

Others: Sara Stamp and Al Christopher

Welcome and Introductions

Chair Prue Davis called the meeting to order and began introductions. Officer Elections The chair called for the election of officers. Fred Hutson made a motion to keep officer positions the same. Michelle Ressler seconded. Motion carried. (Prue Davis – chair, Frank Herrin – vice chair)

Naval Outlying Landing Field Update

Sara Stamp reported that the Dragon Run site was not included in the revised list of potential OLF sites.

Biodiesel Program Update

Mr. Christopher supplied the Steering Committee with an update on the biodiesel partnership, EPA clean school bus grant and school board participation through resolutions. Mr. Christopher let the DRSC know about a school bus biodiesel stakeholder meeting that took place and about an idle reduction meeting coming up in March. The DRSC discussed the need for press releases connecting these efforts with the DRSC, SAMP, MPPDC and CZMP. Ms. Ressler noted that a press release would be good in the Beehive.

Dragon Run Estate Planning Initiative

Ms. Stamp provided an overview of the Dragon Run Estate Planning Initiative and the various likely project partners, including Friends of Dragon Run, Essex County Countryside Alliance, Middle Peninsula Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy and Chesapeake Bay Foundation. She reported that the Dragon Run may try a strategy similar to that of the ECCA, involving getting landowners talking to other landowners about the value of conservation easements and the process and cost of establishing one. Depending on feedback at the upcoming ECCA landowner meeting at Prue’s house, the Dragon Run Initiative will choose a strategy to reflect the needs and interest of the Dragon Run landowners.

Land Use Policy Recommendation Update

Ms. Stamp reported that King and Queen County adopted a Dragon Run ordinance and thereby reconfirmed their commitment to protecting this resource. She also reported that she made a presentation at the Essex County joint Board of Supervisors/Planning Commission meeting regarding adding the Dragon Run to the comprehensive plan and recommended that the A-1 district purpose was more appropriate for the Dragon Run watershed than its current A-2 designation. She reported that she had provided an overview of the recommendations for Gloucester County at their Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee meeting. She noted that the current proposed language developed by county planning staff is very thorough and goes beyond the minimum language recommendations. Discussion of 2008 Action Items

The Steering Committee members discussed their priorities for the coming year, including:

1. The need to increase partnerships and stakeholders with complimentary interests

2. Work to increase the participation from the local government representatives on the Steering Committee

3. Encourage and invite press coverage of meetings and/or send recaps to press

4. Invite groups to educate Steering Committee members, such as the Virginia Department of Forestry, Tidewater RC&D, etc

5. Work to involve more landowners through: extended interested parties email list; rotation of the location of the meetings to garner more interest; add a public comment session to agenda; educate the public that the Steering Committee looks at more than just the mainstem; conduct press releases on radio spots

6. Continue to distribute DVDs, including to Chambers

Other Business

Ms. Stamp showed the ribbon received for participating in the NAMEE Film Contest. She reported that the film, The Dragon Run: A Step into the Past, A Strategy for the Future, went to the finals. Ms. Stamp also reported that she is submitting a proposal for continued Dragon Run work to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Adjourn

The next meeting is the annual picnic and is scheduled for May 21st at 6pm at The Majors’ house in Stormont. The Steering Committee would like to have Becky McCoy be the speaker if she is available.

1. Welcome and Introductions

2. Networking and dinner

3. An Overview of Conservation Estate Planning Tools and Resources by Cornelia Christian, Conservation Partners

Attendance

Steering Committee: Prue Davis (Essex County), Dorothy Miller (Essex County), Frank Herrin (King and Queen County), Terry DuRose (Gloucester County). Annie Pollard (King and Queen County), John England (Middlesex County), Robert Gibson (King and Queen County), and Willy Reay (Gloucester County).

Others: Sara Stamp, Vera England, Robert and Caroline Major, Jacquie Shapo, Bud and Carol Smith, Mr. and Mrs Croxall and Del. Harvey Morgan.

Welcome and Introductions

Chair Prue Davis called the meeting to order and began introductions.

Conservation Estate Planning Presentation

Cornelia Christian, representing Conservation Partners in Lexington, VA, provided an overview of conservation estate planning and tools, such as conservation easements, that are available to landowners. Ms. Christian led a discussion on tax benefits that are available to landowners and farmers and answered questions from Dragon Run Steering Committee members and their guests. Ms. Christian also provided information on the services that Conservation Partners provides, including covering the up front costs on doing an easement, such as the appraisal, and providing brokerage services for the sale of tax credits.

Adjourn

The next meeting is scheduled for August 13th (this was later changed to August 27th) at 7pm at the Regional Boardroom at the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission office in Saluda.

1. Welcome, Introductions and New Appointees

2. The Dragon Run Steering Committee: A review of why it exists and what it has accomplished

3. The Dragon Run Special Area Management Plan: What we are doing

4. Where We Are Going: Steering Committee goals, priorities and strategies

5. Other Business

6. Adjourn

Attendance

Steering Committee: Prue Davis (Essex County), Frank Herrin (King and Queen County), Terry DuRose (Gloucester County), John England (Middlesex County), Robert Gibson (King and Queen County), Michelle Ressler (Gloucester County), RD Johnson (Middlesex County), Pete McDuff( King and Queen County), Kenny Richardson (Gloucester County), Fred Hutson (Essex County), and Willy Reay (Gloucester County).

Others: Sara Stamp, Al Christopher and Teta Kain Welcome and

Introductions

Chair Prue Davis called the meeting to order and began introductions.

The Dragon Run Steering Committee: A review of why it exists and what it has accomplished

Sara Stamp provided a brief overview of the Dragon Run Steering Committee’s history and evolution.

The Dragon Run Special Area Management Plan: What we are doing

Sara Stamp provided an overview of the Dragon Run Special Area Management Program and related its connection to the recommendations developed by the DRSC. Specifically, Ms Stamp provided information on the following projects: Land-use planning Biodiesel Management plans Conservation estate planning Dragon Run Day and other educational events

Where We Are Going: Steering Committee goals, priorities and strategies

John England – education is extremely important; one place we can do more to educate the community on what is going on in the Dragon and the rest of the counties as well Dragon Run Day advertising – potentially at Guinea Jubilee School age education is important. The Dragon Run should be part of the SOLs for the watershed counties – Ms. Stamp will coordinate with Dr. Reay to develop and submit a Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund grant. Education opportunities potentially at the raceway – owner may be conducive 4H, FFA, BS, GS maybe be good partners Education for elected officials RD – limited accessibility leads to limited connection

Other Business

VDOT issue with ditches and destroying swales - DRSC wants to send letter to VDOT regarding swale destruction; motion to draft and send letter to VDOT Frank and Terry; coordinate with Dr. Reay for pictures, send to committee to review and have Prue sign Education for planning commissions/BOS on low impact development – Ms. Stamp will get copies of Raining in the Storm; and Friends of the Rappahannock and send to PC and BOS

The DRSC members and Virginia Clean Cities representative, Al Christopher discussed offering an award at Dragon Run Day. The DRSC decided that it was too late to do something this year, but that VCC could give awards at the event. VCC showed interest in recognizing John Phillips, Roger Kelly and Denny Sulik. Dr. Reay made a motion that DRSC will give awards each year for good stewardship; Kenny seconded; motion carried. Nominating committee give report on first quarter of each year – this group will try to have a recipient each year (whether DRD or not). Nominating committee will be appointed at next meeting

Adjourn

November 12th next meeting Michelle made a motion to adjourn, Fred seconded; motion carried.

 

Dragon Run Steering Committee
Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission
November 12, 2008 7:00pm
Saluda, Virginia
Meeting Minutes
Agenda

 

• Welcome and Introductions
• Dragon Run Day in Review and Planning for 2009
• VDOT letter
• The Dragon Run Special Area Management Plan: Action Items
• Public Comment
• Other Business
• Adjourn

 

Attendance
Dragon Run Steering Committee members in attendance: Prue Davis (Chair), Frank Herrin (Vice Chair), Pete McDuff, Michelle Ressler, Kenny Richardson, RD Johnson, Fred Hutson, Robert Gibson, Willy Reay, and Dorothy Miller.
Others in attendance: Sara Stamp and Lynn Groover (Essex County)

 

Welcome and Introductions
Prue Davis called the meeting to order and welcomed the group.  Those in attendance introduced themselves.

 

Dragon Run Day in Review and Planning for Dragon Run Day 2009
Sara Stamp provided a slideshow featuring highlights from Dragon Run Day.
Overview:
Dragon Run Day is an annual event celebrating the natural, cultural and historic heritage of the Dragon Run Watershed, while increasing watershed awareness.  The 2008 event was co-hosted by the Dragon Run Steering Committee, Friends of Dragon Run and Thousand Trails Camp Resort.
The event was held on Saturday, October 13th from 10am to 4pm at the Thousand Trails Camp Resort in Gloucester County.  The venue is situated on the Piankatank River just below the mouth of the Dragon Run.  This was our second year partnering with Thousand Trails, which has combined its Seafood Festival (previously considered an event without a cause) with Dragon Run Day.

This year’s event was a success with more than twenty exhibitors and/or demonstrators and attendance by approximately 1,800 individuals, which makes this the largest Dragon Run Day yet. 

The event was paid for by eight sponsors who contributed more than $2,000 in cash and in-kind services and by past year residual Dragon Run Day funds.  Volunteers were utilized during Dragon Run Day to facilitate the event.  These volunteers were primary from Friends of Dragon Run.

Dragon Run Day Advertising:
Thanks to Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program sponsorship, the event received enhanced advertising.  CZMP funds were used to advertise the event on a billboard in the community.   The billboard complemented the distribution of 2,500 bookmarks to all of the watershed middle schools. 
Members of the Dragon Run Day Planning Committee also hung about 60 posters throughout the four watershed counties and posted fliers in public places for individuals to take. 

Banners. Brochures and Marketing Materials at Dragon Run Day:
Coastal Zone Management Program funds were used to produce two banners at Dragon Run Day.  One banner welcomed visitors to Dragon Run Day, while the other banner promoted the Dragon Power biodiesel program.    Brochures were also distributed to attendees of Dragon Run Day 2008.

Dragon Power pencils were also distributed to visitors to Dragon Run Day.  The Dragon Power biodiesel program was a highlight of the 2008 Dragon Run Day.  The event included an exhibit from Virginia Clean Cities, a Gloucester County school bus, which runs on biodiesel, an exhibit from VA biodiesel refinery and a biodiesel fuel seed crusher.  During the event, Virginia House of Delegates representative, Harvey Morgan, presented “I Saved a Dragon Awards” to three members of the Dragon Run Biodiesel Partnership Program. 

Dragon Run Day 2009
Sara Stamp inquired whether the Steering Committee would like to continue with Dragon Run Day in 2009.  She noted that more participation would be required from the Steering Committee if the growing event were to continue.  The Steering Committee decided to continue with the annual event in 2009 and requested that the Chair appoint members to a planning committee.

 

VDOT Letter
The Steering Committee reviewed and discussed the letter to VDOT regarding the use of V-cut ditches and the practices water quality impacts.  Sara Stamp will send the letter to VDOT upon receipt of photos from Willy Reay.  The Steering Committee also requested that the county planning commissions and boards of supervisors be copied on the letter and asked for support if there is no response or action from VDOT. 

 

The Dragon Run Special Area Management Plan: Action Items

As requested at the August Dragon Run Steering Committee meeting, Sara Stamp prepared a spreadsheet of action items from the Dragon Run Watershed Management Plan and distributed it to the Steering Committee.  The Steering Committee reviewed the action items and discussed progress on various components of the plan.

 

Recommended Actions

Land Use and Resource Preservation

a. Designate a Unified "Dragon Run Planning Area"

i. Adoption of Watershed Management Plan

ii. Amend Comprehensive Plan

iii. Amend Zoning Ordinanace

b. Implement Tools to Preserve Forest Farm and Natural Resources

i. Conservation Easements

ii. Purchase of Development Rights (PDR)

iii. Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)

iv. Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements

v. Enforcement of Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act and Other Ordinances

vi. Agricultural and Forestal Districts

vii. Land Use Assessment

viii. Utilize Farm Programs and Forest Stewardship Plans

ix. Sliding Scale Property Tax Rate

x. Sliding Scale Zoning

xi. Local "Right-to-Farm"

xii. State Forest

xiii. Virginia Natural Area Preserve System

xiv. Virginia Estuarine and Coastal Research Reserve System

xv.  Public Access Authority Site

c. Address Public and Landowner Access Issues

i. Erect signage notifying boaters/recreationists of trespassing issues and the physical dangers of boating in a wilderness area

ii. Provide land-based access as an alternative to boat-based access

iii. Supervise or manage public access sites

iv. Assess recreational carrying capacity/access to determine appropriate recreational "load"

d. Control Invasive Species

i. Form Dragon Run Invasive Species Initiative with scientific and policy experts

ii. Assess status of existing invasive species or potential for new invasive species

iii. Encourage the creation of state-level policies by seeking representation on the Virignia Invasive Species Council's Advisory Committee

iv. Establish education program to reduce the potential for species introduction

v. Establish monitoring and control program

Education and Landowner Stewardship

a. Hands-on Experiences

b. Community Watershed Festival

c. Watershed Stewardship Awards

d. Watershed Boundary Signs

e. Promote Use of Forest Stewardship Plans

f. Promote Use of Farm Programs

i. Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

ii. Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)

iii. Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

iv. Farm and Ranch Lands Protection

v. FarmLink Program

vi. Forest Land Enhancement Program (FLEP)

vii. Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP)

viii. Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Program (WHIP)

g. Promote Action-based Projects

i. Trash pick-up (eg Adopt-A-Highway, Adopt-A-Stream)

ii. Development of Nature Trails

iii. Construction of rain gardens to capture roof run-off

iv. Stream bank stabilization

v. Stream restoration

Encourage and Support Sustainable Economic Development

a. Support Sustainable Forestry and Farming

b. Encourage Sustainable Nature-based Tourism and Agritourism

Monitor the Implementation of the Watershed Management Plan

 

Public Comment

No comments

 

Other Business

The Dragon Run Steering Committee continued its discussion of providing stewardship awards.  The projected timeline is as follows: At the February DRSC meeting, the notice will go out.  Nominations must be put forth by the May DRSC meeting.  Awards will be presented at Dragon Run Day.  The characteristics of the award recipient are:
-ongoing and sustained effort
-environmentally sensitive
-green technology or Low Impact Development
-Implementing BMPs
-Education or outreach about the Dragon Run watershed

 

Adjourn