Virginia Coastal Program: 2003 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
FY2003 Task 95.02
Grantee:
Virginia Institute of Marine Science - Center For Coastal Resources Management
Project Title:
Blue Infrastructure Criteria and Map
Project Description as Proposed:
This project will
focus on the "blue" portion of Virginia's Blue/Green infrastructure
mapping efforts. A number of models exist for describing and planning
preservation and restoration of "green" infrastructure
(basically terrestrial land use or landcover providing ecological
benefits). Similar models for "blue" or aquatic (both
freshwater and marine) are limited and primarily focus on oceanic
waters. In order for Virginia to succeed in coordination of terrestrial
and aquatic resource management (the Virginia Coastal Program's
Integration Strategy), it must first articulate specific spatial
objectives for its aquatic resources. In particular, agencies must
develop a basis for prioritizing issues, concerns and/or management
efforts for aquatic resource preservation.
This project will first develop criteria for what constitutes important
freshwater and marine resources. A working group with representatives
from Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Marine Resources Commission,
Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and Department of Conservation
and Recreation/Virginia Commonwealth University and the Coastal
Program will provide input into the criteria development. Examples
of blue infrastructure could include DCR's priority waters based
on the Modified Index of Biotic Integrity (MIBI) model, data included
in the Marine Managed Areas (MMA) inventory (oyster reefs, SAV,
protected clam beds, spawning sanctuaries) and data included in
DGIF’s aquatic gap analysis, anadromous fish usage areas and
Threatened and Endangered species waters. In addition to existing
data already collected, the group will decide if there are other
data that would be useful for a comprehensive, coastal zone-wide,
blue infrastructure map.
Federal Funding:
$39,000
Project Contact:
Marcia R. Berman, 804.684.7188,
Marcia@vims.edu
Project Status:
Grant Closed
Final Product Received:
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
Blue
Infrastructure begins the development of a regional planning tool
for organizations and governments with planning interests in the
coastal zone. This phase of Blue Infrastructure called for the generation
of several products. At this time, all products have been delivered
and the project milestones are complete.
Product 1) Defining Parameters: Work with a steering committee to
develop a list of critically important aquatic resources in Virginia's
Coastal Zone. These are economically and ecologically important
resources aquatic resources, not just those from which data are
available. Details pertaining to the availability of these data
sets are described in the Needs Assessment document under product
2.
Product 2) Needs Assessment Document: Based on resources identified
in Product 1, the availability of each of these elements in GIS
format would be researched by VIMS. This was accomplished by inventorying
data available within the VIMS archive, within archives of other
agencies on the steering committee, and from the broader environmental
programs at state and federal levels. A Needs Assessment Report
was produced that discusses each resource. A justification for inclusion
in Blue Infrastructure is presented, and/or an explanation regarding
data availability is discussed. The Needs Assessment also includes
a basic cost estimate and discussion of funds needed to collect
data that are not currently available. *Note: The Needs Assessment
Document is contained within a final project report.
Product 3) Coastal Zone Wide Map and Digital Data Distribution:
An online interactive map was developed usng ArcIMS. The ArcIMS
application for Blue Infrastructure is accessed via the project
homepage which is currently accessible under "Mapping Tools"
at VIMS' Center for Coastal Resources Management website: http://ccrm.vims.edu/blueinfrastructure/bi_intro.html
Subsequent links to this resource may be provided by the Virginia
Coastal Program. CDs (n=20) including GIS data and electronic report
were delivered to CRM for distribution.
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
