Virginia Coastal Program: 2007 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
95
Grantee:
Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission
Project Title:
Dragon Run SAMP
Project Description as Proposed:
The Dragon Run SAMP mission is to preserve the watershed’s cultural, historic, and natural character, while preserving property rights and the watershed’s traditional uses (e.g. forestry, farming, recreation). Anticipating future growth pressures, the Dragon Run SAMP seeks to balance demands by improving the tools available to manage the environmental, social, and economic resources of the watershed. To achieve these goals, the Dragon Run Steering Committee has produced a Watershed Management Plan. The SAMP’s stakeholder-based approach increases the likelihood that localities and stakeholders will implement the plan’s recommendations. The plan’s recommendations include land use and resource preservation, education and landowner stewardship, sustainable economic development, and implementation monitoring. The following activities are proposed by MPPDC for FY07:
1) Provide technical assistance for each watershed county during its adoption cycle and assist the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and/or Zoning Amendments
2) Administer a technical assistance program that supports the implementation of the Watershed Management Plan and support of the Dragon Run Steering Committee
3) Develop 1-2 management plans for public and/or nongovernmental organization holdings acquired for conservation purposes in the Dragon Run watershed that are based on Dragon Run Steering Committee approved management recommendations
4) Implement pilot program in identified watershed county for biodiesel use in county bus fleet or other biofuel utilizing system and/or implement partnership work plan
5) Implement Dragon Run Estate Planning Network Initiative to facilitate the preservation of the pristine resource of the Dragon Run watershed in perpetuity
Federal Funding:
$56,000.00
Project Contact:
Sara Stamp, (804) 758-2311; sstamp@mppdc.com
Project Status:
10/01/07 - 9/30/08; Project Completed
Final Product Received:
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
Task 1 - Provide technical assistance for each watershed county during its adoption cycle and assist the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and/or Zoning Amendments: Based on Dragon Run SAMP recommendations, King and Queen County revised its zoning ordinance language to reconfirm its commitment to recognize the Dragon Run as a special place. Gloucester, which is currently undergoing its comprehensive plan update, has included a significant section on the Dragon Run in its draft comprehensive plan based on the recommendations. Essex County is just beginning its comprehensive plan update and will be updating its zoning ordinance at the same time and has indicated that it will include the Dragon Run recommendations. Middlesex County is also underway with its comprehensive plan and has reported that the recommended language is in its draft.
Task 2 - Administer a technical assistance program: MPPDC staff provided outreach to new DRSC members; MPPDC staff coordinated 3 quarterly DRSC meetings; MPPDC staff provided support for the DRD Subcommittee; MPPDC staff attended Environment Virginia conference; MPPDC staff represented DRSC at Public Access Authority (PAA) meetings; MPPDC staff co-coordinated Dragon Run Discovery Lab with the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve; MPPDC staff represented the Dragon Run on Congressman Wittman's Environmental Advisory Committee; MPPDC staff participated in the Down on the Farm event planning team; MPDDC staff created and distributed approximately 200 Dragon Run DVDs.
Task 3 - Develop 1-2 management plans for public and/or nongovernmental organization holdings acquired for conservation purposes: MPPDC staff finalized reports for The Nature Conservancy and the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve of Virginia that were substantially completed during the 2006 grant cycle and received adoption letters for these reports. MPPDC drafted management plans for the Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority (PAA) and the Friends of Dragon Run. The Friends of Dragon Run adopted its plan in early October 2008 and it is anticipated that the PAA will adopt its plan in December 2008.
Task 4 - Implement biodiesel partnership: MPPDC staff coordinated with Virginia Clean Cities to work on implementing the biodiesel local government resolutions; Currently two of the four watershed counties are using biodiesel in their school bus fleets due to this program.
Task 5 - Dragon Run Estate Planning Network Initiative (DREPNI): MPPDC staff coordinated and chaired two forums to discuss the implementation the DREPNI. The purpose of the partnership is to provide collaboration between estate planning stakeholders in order to create a conservation hub in the Dragon Run Watershed. The partnership is interested in co-hosting landowner education events and continuing education opportunities for professionals in the second year of this project.
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