Virginia Coastal Program: 2000 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
FY2000 Task 8
Grantee:
Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority
Project Title:
Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority
Project Description as Proposed:
The Middle Peninsula Public Access Authority will use these funds to purchase 50% of a block of land (referred to as the Brown Tract) in the Dragon Run watershed for permanent protection of the resources, public access and silviculture. The remaining 50% of the tract will also be purchased by the same entity, using Coastal Program funds from FY 01 Task 8.
The Brown Tract spans 274 acres in Essex (approximately 212 acres) and King and Queen (approximately 62 acres) Counties. The site occurs in a major forest belt on the Middle Peninsula. The Nature Conservancy classifies this area as an aquatic portfolio site, due to its highly diverse aquatic system. Historically, the site has been managed for commercial grade sawtimber, primarily loblolly pine. A small boardwalk at the end of a short forestry road provides access to the Dragon Run for cartop boat access. The site is characterized by sandy, loamy soils with relatively level topography. The majority of the upland soils are considered prime farmland. Overall, these soils support forest growth dominated by loblolly pine, Virginia pine, sweetgum, southern red oak, and tulip poplar tree species.
The Essex County portion of the tract has 4,095 feet of frontage on the Dragon Run Swamp (and approximately 2,500 feet of frontage on State Route 604) and the King & Queen County portion of the tract has 2,498 feet of frontage on the Dragon Run Swamp. There are 38 acres of open water and scrub/shrub wetlands and 17 acres of forested wetlands on the site. The forested wetlands consist largely of mature hardwood communities (>75 yrs old). Of the remaining upland, the owner recently clearcut 131 acres. Based on the soils and site visits, it is anticipated that hardwood and pine-hardwood mix will naturally regenerate on the site. At present, the Essex portion of the tract contains 34 acres of 15-yr old loblolly pine, while the King and Queen portion of the tract contains 52 acres of 25-yr old loblolly pine.
The acquisition of this tract supports the Virginia Coastal Program’s commitment to protecting geographic areas of particular concern in the coastal zone. In addition, preservation of this land supports the goals of the Dragon Run Special Area Management Plan (see http://www.mppdc.com/projects/factsheet2.pdf) by protecting the natural resources, maintaining traditional uses and improving public access in the watershed.
This property will be managed in a manner that supports long-term passive public access, resource protection and sustainable traditional uses (i.e. forestry and hunting). A management plan will be developed by the property stakeholders including the Department of Forestry, Virginia Coastal Program, The Nature Conservancy, Middle Peninsula Public Access Authority, Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission, local governments and the public. This management plan will dictate the specific future uses of this parcel consistent with the objectives stated in this contract and is incorporated herein by reference.
Federal Funding:
$200,000
Project Contact:
Lewie Lawrence, 804.758.2311
Project Status:
8/1/2003 - 9/30/2003
Final Product Received:
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
A 274 acre tract in the Dragon Run watershed was identified for acquisition with these funds and additional funds from FY 01 Task 8. The Coastal Program contracted with the Middle Peninsula Public Access Authority for purchase of this tract. Eventually half of the tract will be transferred to the Virginia Department of Forestry for ownership and management.
The acquisition of this tract supports the Virginia Coastal Program’s commitment to protecting geographic areas of particular concern in the coastal zone. In addition, preservation of this land supports the goals of the Dragon Run Special Area Management Plan (see http://www.mppdc.com/projects/factsheet2.pdf) by protecting the natural resources, maintaining traditional uses and improving public access in the watershed.
This property will be managed in a manner that supports long-term passive public access, resource protection and sustainable traditional uses (i.e. forestry and hunting). A management plan will be developed by the property stakeholders including the Department of Forestry, Virginia Coastal Program, The Nature Conservancy, Middle Peninsula Public Access Authority, Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission, local governments and the public. This management plan will dictate the specific future uses of this parcel.
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
