Virginia Coastal Program: 2004 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
FY 2004 Task 51
Grantee:
Hampton Roads Planning District Commission
Project Title:
Identification of Conservation Corridors in Hampton Roads Planning District
Project Description as Proposed:
Through the Southern
Watershed Area Management Program (SWAMP) a set of conservation
corridors was identified in the Southern Watershed Area (SWA). The
corridor system has proven to be an extremely valuable planning
tool for the cities of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, and the state
and federal agencies working in the SWA. The corridor system has
been utilized in comprehensive planning efforts, the creation of
a Purchase of Development Rights program in Chesapeake and is the
target area for wetlands mitigation as outlined in the Multiple
Benefits Conservation Program Memorandum of Agreement. The work
proposed under this application will expand the identification of
conservation corridors to the remainder of the Hampton Roads Planning
District. Criteria to be used in the identification of the corridors
will include habitat value, water quality protection, wetlands mitigation,
flood hazard mitigation, storm water management, and other issues
as identified by the participating stakeholders.
The process of identifying the corridor system will be coordinated
among the 16 member jurisdictions of the HRPDC and the appropriate
state and federal agencies. In addition, land trusts, academic and
environmental organizations and other stakeholders will be consulted
to assist in identifying multiple benefit opportunities. The Technical
Advisory Committee associated with the Multiple Benefits Conservation
Program Memorandum of Agreement will be used as a template for this
process. This effort will be coordinated with the Virginia Coastal
Program Blue and Green Infrastructure efforts and the Department
of Conservation and Recreation Conservation Lands Assessment.
Once the corridor system has been identified, a workshop for resource
managers will be held to explain how the corridor system can be
used to achieve multiple conservation and regulatory compliance
goals. Public education and outreach efforts will include production
a video for use on local public access cable channels, posting of
information on the HRPDC and locality websites, articles in the
HRPDC newsletter and development of an explanatory Power Point file
for use by local and regional staff. The methodology used to identify
the corridor system will be documented in a written report, with
emphasis placed on transferability to other regions in the state.
Structure of the Conservation Corridor System:
• It is likely that the expanded corridor system will buffer
a significant number of riparian and bay front areas. These areas
provide opportunities for the achievement of multiple ecological
benefits due to their inherently high biodiversity, prevalence of
wetlands and potential for water quality protection. Other ecological
factors such as the Partners in Flight Habitat Assessment will be
included in the analysis.
• Wetlands Mitigation: Opportunities for the enhancement of
the corridor system through the inclusion of mitigation sites and
banks will be included in the analysis of corridor options.
• Integration with local planning goals: Linkage with local
land use plans will be a key feature in the analysis. The goal is
identification of a corridor system that will integrate with and
be utilized in future Comprehensive Plans.
Relationship of the Conservation Corridor effort to Coastal Program
Goals:
• The Conservation Corridor system will address the following
Coastal Program goals: Goal 1: Protect and restore coastal resources
and habitats, Goal 2: Restore and maintain the quality of all coastal
waters, Goal 4: Reduce or prevent losses of coastal habitat, life
and property caused by coastal hazards, Goal 5: Provide for sustainable
wild fisheries, Goal 6: Promote ecotourism, Goal 8: Ensure sustainable
development, Goal 10: Promote informed decision making.
• The Corridor system will also support and enhance the implementation
of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, the Chesapeake Bay 2000
commitments, APNEP, and compliance with a number of regulatory programs.
Implementation of the Corridors
• Localities will be encouraged to utilize the corridors in
future planning efforts and use protection and restoration of the
Corridor system to assist in meeting water quality and other regulatory
requirements.
• Landowners will be encouraged to employ appropriate stewardship
measures within the corridor system.
• Utilization of the Corridor system for off-site compensation
and location of mitigation banks will be recommended.
Federal Funding:
$40,000.00
Project Contact:
John M. Carlock - 757.420.8300; jcarlock@hrpdc.org
Project Status:
Grant Closed
Final Product Received:
Hampton Roads Conservation Corridor web page - http://www.hrpdc.org/newpep/HRCCS.shtml
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
The Hampton Roads Conservation Corridor Study (HRCCS) is an effort to identify critical natural resources in Hampton Roads using a green infrastructure based approach. A combination of geographic information systems (GIS) analysis and stakeholder involvement was used to identify areas where conservation efforts would support multiple benefits as well as to identify opportunities for developing a linked corridor system throughout Hampton Roads. The HRCCS has resulted in a set of maps depicting significant areas for habitat and water quality protection in addition to highlighting opportunities for connectivity among these areas. The maps, GIS data and associated documentation are available from the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) for use in future land use and natural resource planning.
The HRCCS final report provides a synopsis of the process of creating the corridor system, a discussion of the stakeholder involvement process, a description of associated educational materials, and a conclusions section that addresses implementation issues.
The primary educational tool developed for the general public is a video presentation of green infrastructure concepts. The video, which is titled “Make the Connection! Green Infrastructure for the Future of Hampton Roads,” contains an illustrated introduction to the reasoning behind a green infrastructure based approach to conservation and specific information on the conservation corridor work accomplished under SWAMP and the HRCCS.
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
