Virginia Coastal Program: 1999 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
FY1999 Task 1.01
Grantee:
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation - Division of Natural Heritage
Project Title:
Virginia CRMA Conservation Lands Assessment - Phase I
Project Description as Proposed:
The Virginia Conservation Lands Assessment (VCLA) is a proposed GIS-organized conservation lands assessment that models and maps priority conservation lands in Virginia. The Chesapeake Bay Program is preparing a first-cut VCLA, based on data consistent with Maryland and Pennsylvania. It is expected to be ready this fall. The proposed project would provide preparation to ensure the most effective use of this tool within Virginia's CRMA. This would be accomplished by 1) participating with CBP in the development of the VCLA; 2) communicating with Virginia Coastal Partners about how the tool can be useful in land protection and receiving feedback about specific wants and needs; and 3) identifying additional data that can be incorporated into the VCLA model to tailor it specifically for VRCMA interests and determining sources and preparation needs for these data.
Federal Funding:
$11,280.00
Project Contact:
Joseph Weber;804.371.2545
Project Status:
Grant Closed
Final Product Received:
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
The Virginia Conservation Lands Assessment (VCLA) is a GIS analytical tool for identifying and prioritizing conservation lands in Virginia. Modeled after similar products prepared for Maryland and for the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the VCLA identifies and prioritizes hubs - relatively unfragmented natural habitats - and corridors that connect and support these hubs. The VCLA will be developed and enhanced as a key tool for land conservation within Virginia's CRMA. This is being accomplished in phases, working in coordination with DEQ's Coastal GIS specialist. This project is the first phase, aMay 16, 2006ed to education of partners and solicitation of their feedback, resolution of many methodological details, and identification and acquisition of needed data. We are on track, with continued VCP support, to complete a first-iteration VCLA by September 2003.
The GIS Projects Manager (Joe Weber), started work on this project in July 2002; the project concluded at the end of September. The purpose of this project, to begin preparations for the Virginia Conservation Lands Assessment, was successfully achieved; but work continues on the next phase of implementing the VCLA.
Much of the GIS Project Manager's time over the past few months was spent attending meetings, making presentations, making valuable contacts, acquiring GIS data, gathering support for the project, and receiving software training. He installed and became familiar with ERDAS Imagine 8.5 and ArcGIS 8.2 in preparation for this project. He formatted and evaluated all data layers received from cooperators to determine how they could be used for the assessment. Details of his time, training, meetings, and contacts are listed in the Final Report (Natural Heritage Technical Report 02-24), as well as descriptions of data layers and their significance to the project.
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
