Procedure manual - Appendix 5
Environmental Impact Report: Checklist for Farm and Forest Lands Protection
Section 3.1-18.4 et seq. requires that state agencies consider certain characteristics of farm and forest lands when preparing environmental impact reports (EIR) for major state projects, as required in Section 10.1-1188 et seq. of the Code of Virginia. The following is a list of farm and forest lands characteristics that agencies must consider in their EIR, as well as suggested resources to contact concerning these land characteristics:
| Yes | No | Source and Date of Information | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Does the land contain class 1, 2, 3, or 4 soils? (Contact the Natural Resource Conservation Service or USDA/Farm Service Agency)** |
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| 2. Does the land have exceptional physical characteristics for the production of food, feed, fiber, forest products, forage, oilseed, vineyards and other agricultural crops with minimum inputs of fuel, fertilizer, pesticides, and labor, and without intolerable soil erosion? (Contact the Agricultural Extension Agent for the county, city, or town)** | |||
| 3. Is the land valuable for the production of specific high-value food, forestry, and fiber crops (vineyards, vegetable crop land, tobacco)? (Contact the Agricultural Extension Agent for the county, city, or town)** | |||
| 4. Is the land of statewide or local importance for the production of food, feed, fiber, forest products, forage or oilseed crops? (Contact the Agricultural Extension Agent for the county, city or town)** | |||
| 5. Has the land been recognized under a state program such as Clean Water Farm Award, Tree Farm or Stewardship Program, or the Century Farm Program? (Contact VDACS about Century Farms, 804-786-2373, DOF about Tree Farm or Stewardship Program, 804-977-6555, and DCR about Clean Water Farm Award, 804-786-3999) | |||
| 6. Is the land part of an agricultural or forestal district or is the land part of a use value assessment and taxation program for real estate devoted to agricultural, horticultural or forest use in accordance with the provisions of Article 4 (§ 58.1-3229 et seq.) of Chapter 32 of Title 58.1)? (Contact the county, city or town zoning or planning departments and local commissioners of revenue) | |||
| 7. Does the land make a significant contribution to the local economy or the rural character of the area in which the land is located? (Contact the county, city or town planners and Agricultural Extension Agent for the county, city or town) |
*Example: Personal communication between John Doe and Jane Doe at USDA on 1/1/2001
** If you need assistance contacting the resources on this checklist, please call the Office of Policy, Planning & Research, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, at 804-786-3538.
The EIR should indicate consideration given to alternatives and mitigating measures for conversion of any lands meeting the description of one or more of the categories listed above.
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