Virginia Coastal Program: 2003 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
FY2003 Task 1.02
Grantee:
Back Bay Restoration Foundation
Project Title:
Back Bay Restoration Foundation's "State of the Bay" Conference
Project Description as Proposed:
The main objective
for the “State of the Bay” Conference is to compile all
the data from studies done within the Back Bay Watershed since 1990,
analyze it, and see what state the Bay is in at this time. BBRF
has contacted local agencies and organizations and invited them
to present studies conducted within the Bay, as well as programs
and projects they have developed to help restore and enhance the
Back Bay Watershed. In 1990 BBRF put on it’s first symposium
with various works from surrounding organizations, and now 15 years
later it is important to see what is still being done as well as
what new projects and programs have been implemented throughout
the watershed. By compiling all this data and comparing it to 1990
we can measure the levels of degradation happening within the Bay
during the past 15 years, see what needs to be studied, and begin
new projects and studies to help ensure the future of Back Bay.
Back Bay is a shallow body of water with a wind driven tide so once
it is polluted there is no way to clean it up. With no tidal flushing
it would be near impossible to save the Bay after it is polluted
beyond help. This is why this conference is so important. With Back
Bay being as unique as it is, if we wait to long to help restore
it a unique ecosystem to this area will be lost forever.
By comparing the data from 1990 to today we can measure the levels
of degradation, find the gaps in research, and start new programs
or fix existing ones to help lower the levels of pollution and destruction
to the Bay. We can determine exactly what needs to be done to help
ensure a healthy state within Back Bay.
BBRF has contacted and invited various local, state, and federal
organizations to attend a one day conference to present papers on
their data, programs, and projects conducted within Back Bay. These
works will be copied, bound, and given to each person attending
the conference. The conference’s attendance will include various
Environmental Agencies who are concerned with the well being of
Back Bay, Virginia Beach’s City Council, as well as the general
public. Our hope is to educate those who attend on the harmful affects
of development and other factors on Back Bay, and get them involved
with helping to save it.
Federal Funding:
$4,220
Project Contact:
Shep Moon, 804.698.4527; Shep.Moon@deq.virginia.gov
Project Status:
Grant Closed
Final Product Received:
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
The Back Bay Restoration Foundation held the Back Bay Forum 2005 on March 16, 2005 in Virginia Beach. There were 117 people in attendance. Representatives from various state and federal agencies that have conducted studies in Back Bay gave presentations on Back Bay restoration and enhancement projects. The intent was to provide an update on issues since the last forum in 1990. Copies of the papers and presentations from each presenter were bound and printed for each attendee and submitted as final product for this grant. The Forum's facilitator moderated a discussion of issues at the Forum and letters were sent out to all attendees requesting their feedback and comments on both the Forum itself as well as the topics discussed. A list of topics discussed as well as comments made on each were included in the final report. Results of the Forum will be available on the Back Bay Restoration Foundation's website, www.bbrf.org.
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
