Virginia Coastal Program: 1999 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
FY1999 Task 1.03
Grantee:
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Project Title:
Educational/Informational Materials for Virginia Oyster Heritage Program
Project Description as Proposed:
The Coastal Inventory Program at VIMS will perform GIS related services on an as needed basis to assist with the public information aspects of the Virginia Oyster Heritage Program. These services will include setting up a GIS database framework, and producing maps and other publications from this dataset. This grant also includes purchase of an aquarium system by the VIMS Eastern Shore Laboratory for use at public displays and other events to help illustrate the goals and accomplishments of the Virginia Oyster Heritage Program.
Federal Funding:
$7,816
Project Contact:
Marcia Berman, 804.684.7188
Project Status:
Grant Closed
Final Product Received:
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
Two 50-gallon aquarium systems on portable bases for exhibits and educational training/events; Oyster Restoration GIS Database, and associated maps and slides.
This grant provided technical GIS support directly to the Virginia Oyster Heritage Program and associated staff. GIS was used to generate maps for display, public viewing, and educational forums. GIS staff at the Comprehensive Coastal Inventory Program (CCI) at VIMS worked directly with scientists at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission to develop appropriate GIS databases to track and monitor the distribution of restoration sites within the Bay. In doing so, data became available to develop map products for education outreach activities ongoing within the Virginia Coastal Program.
An initial database was developed and subsequent maps generated
prior to the initiation of this grant. The database contains the
following information: VMRC Baylor ground coverage, VIMS bottom
type surveys, CCI Baylor ground coverage, all reef restoration sites
in VA waters. A final summary of activities for this grant are as
follows:
1) periodic revisions to database;
2) poster development for informational displays: Rappahannock River,
Eastern Shore, Coastal Zone of Virginia using GIS techniques. Posters
illustrate location of oyster reef sites at various time periods.
Posters have been revised several times to meet special display/project
needs.
3) Slide(s) of the coastal zone with reef sites.
Results of the case studies indicated several common barriers to Better Site Design including developers' fears of testing new designs, vague language in local codes, conflicting information between written regulations and actual practices, lack of awareness about the benefits of using the better site design principles, and excessive standards and permitting requirements. Details of the case studies, their individual findings and recommendations for removing identified impediments are included in a final report entitled Virginia Better Site Design Case Studies: James City County and Richmond County.
Form C end
Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Laura McKay, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4323 or email: Laura.McKay@deq.virginia.gov
A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov
