Project Task:
93.01
Grantee:
Richmond Regional Planning District Commission
Project Title:
Chickahominy Resources Steering Committee
Project Description:
Previous studies, mapping and ecological modeling have indicated that the lower Chickahominy River watershed boasts significant ecological resources.Meanwhile the watershed is seeing increased pressure from the nearby urban areas of Richmond and Williamsburg for land conversion and development into residential and commercial areas. The purpose of the Cumulative and Secondary Impacts: Leveraging Economic Benefits of the Natural Resources of the Lower Chickahominy strategy (Project) seeks to update aging ecological data for the area, value conservation in part through an economic study, and ultimately develop policy related to land conservation in the watershed.
The first year of this project included mapping and the solicitation of a contractor to perform an economic study in the watershed. In addition, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation – Division of Natural Heritage (DCR-NH) conducted field work during this first year of the grant to update outdated water quality and species GIS data in the study area.These data will be used to update the Coastal Virginia Ecological Value Assessment (VEVA) model.The VEVA data will be used by the steering committee to map and analyze the ecological value of land and water in the study area; the VEVA will be a valuable resource when considering policy options in the latter years of this strategy.
The second year of this project will include an economic study of conservation in the lower Chickahominy watershed.This economic study will provide valuable information to steering committee members, local leaders, and other stakeholders about the financial implications to local governments and business communities of land conservation, especially as it relates to recreation and eco-tourism.This information will be vital in forming policy and planning recommendations during the subsequent years of this strategy.
In addition to the contractor-led economic study during the second year, RRPDC staff will continue to engage the project steering committee.RRPDC staff will facilitate meetings of the economic study contractor and steering committee throughout the year.RRPDC staff will also conduct mapping and research as requested by the steering committee.The mapping, research, and contractor-produced economic study will lay the groundwork for policy development during the final years of this strategy.
Federal Funding:
$25,000
Project Contact:
Barbara Jacocks, 804.323.2033 ext. 103; bjacocks@richmondregional.org
Project Status:
10/1/2017 - 9/30/2018; Project Open
Final Product:
Project Summary:
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