The Piedmont View A MEMBERSHIP NEWSLETTER OF THE PIEDMONT ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL WINTER 2017

IN THIS ISSUE New Legislators, New Building &

Photo Contest New Conservation Opportunities PAGE 2 Winners By Dan Holmes

ith the elections behind us and the holidays consuming our thoughts, the 2018 General Assembly may not be at the forefront of everyone’s mind. However, the New Year is going to bring many changes, including a new administration, new delegates and a new venue. We also have a new Wopportunity — reaching out to the incoming administration and many new members with information and a message of support for conservation. As we have for the past 20 years, PEC is partnering with the Virginia Conservation Network to do just that.

The New Legislators and James Lemunyon. Those seats were won by (District 67), David Reid Why I Give The Virginia House has many new (District 32), (District 10), and members with as many as 15 seats, formerly PAGE 5 Elizabeth Guzman (District 31). We are hoping held by Republicans, having flipped to to meet with our legislators, including the new Democratic control prior to recounts. For now, members, as session nears. For a full look at Republicans retain narrow margin of 51-49, the election results from around the state visit, with three races heading toward a state-funded results.elections.virginia.gov. recount. If one of the contested seats flips, it would result in a 50-50 tie. This would mean The New Building major changes with regard to committee The General Assembly Building is structure and power within the General being demolished to make way for a major Inside the General Assembly Building in Assembly. construction project, which includes a new Richmond, Va. Photo by Emily Onufer Many of the new delegates have positive building, parking deck and the renovation positions on the issues we are interested in, and of the iconic Old City Hall. The Pocahontas to be sure to meet with your legislator during it is encouraging that 13 of the new members Building will be used for the majority of the session this year, schedule a meeting and arrive took the Anti-Dominion pledge — a refusal legislature’s needs, and the meeting rooms in early. This is especially necessary on busy days to accept funds from the corporation during the underground annex of the Capitol will be like the Virginia Conservation Network Lobby the election. PEC has four new delegates used for committee meetings. Day on January 22. within PEC’s service region, having lost Randy During this construction period, public Waterloo Bridge Minchew, , Tag Greason access may be limited. My advice is if you want Continued on page 6

PAGE 6 Update Growing Connections: The Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows

By Mike Kane

ood brings people together. PEC’s President. “It left me thinking But healthy food is sometimes about what resources we could Support PEC hard to come by. Despite bring to the table. If we can stretch Loudoun County’s reputation a little, what can we do to educate Make a donation Fas a wealthy community, a surprising local residents and contribute to a or get in touch with PEC at: number of children in the county — solution.” Post Office Box 460 one in 10 — live in households with An inspiration for addressing Warrenton, VA 20188 limited access to healthy food. The food insecurity in Loudoun came to 540.347.2334 consequences can be stark for these Chris through his involvement with [email protected] children, as their development, ability the Fauquier Education Farm, based Or visit: to learn and overall health is directly on 10 acres outside of Warrenton. www.pecva.org related to the quality of their diet. The Fauquier Education Farm recruits Thank you for helping “The notion that there are volunteers to plant, harvest and pack to protect the Piedmont! around 10,000 children in Loudoun fresh produce for those in need. This facing a chronic lack of access to past growing season, more than sufficient nutritious food is troubling, 60,000 pounds of produce were PEC’s habitat and stewardship specialist, Celia Vuocolo, at both as a parent and as someone delivered by the farm to food-insecure our Roundabout Meadows property, where a community that knows the bounty that Loudoun residents in Fauquier, Culpeper and farm is being planned. Photo by Marco Sanchez County has to offer,” says Chris Miller, Rappahannock Counties. Continued on page 3

www.pecva.org The Piedmont View

2017 PEC Photo Contest And the Winners Are...

It was our eighth year doing the photo contest, and we are still just as excited as the first to announce our winners. Thank you to everyone who submitted images and who voted! All submissions help build our visual gallery, and we are truly grateful for your participation. Also, we want to give a big shout out to our guest photographer judges, Ken Garrett and Sunny Reynolds, who helped us select the finalists.

This year, we introduced a new category called Recreation, and we are very pleased with the winning photo, as we are with all of the categories. By public vote, the winners of this year’s YOUTH WINNER BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES & STREETSCAPES WINNER contest are: Canine Winter by Sofhia Pineda Garay Christmas Snow at Ben Venue by Joyce Harman

RECREATION WINNER NATIVE PLANTS AND WILDLIFE WINNER Canoe by Amie Ware Final 9 by Theresa Ball

Pop Quiz

Shenandoah National Park Fill in the blank: There are members of the Fee Increase? House of Delegates and State Senators. he Administration has proposed a fee increase for 17 national parks around the country. Under the proposed Trates, the entrance fee at Shenandoah National Park during peak season (June 1 - October 31) would jump from $25 to $70 per car. PEC and partners around the region are concerned that rising fees for public land access could make it unaffordable for many people to visit these national treasures. Further, these fee increases would likely result in decreased visitation to national parks and negatively impact neighboring communities’ tourism economies — which in many cases depends on a lot of visitors to Shenandoah National Park. ANSWER The public comment period has been extended to December 22. c) 100, 40 Visit https://parkplanning.nps.gov/proposedpeakseasonfeerates There are 100 members of the House of to submit your thoughts on the proposed fee increase. Delegates and 40 State Senators. We have filed comments as part of the process and hope that reason will prevail. Stay tuned!

2 www.pecva.org 2 Winter 2017

Growing Connections: The Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows

Continued from cover

The impact of the Fauquier Education or receive donations of fresh produce Farm presented a possible model for from farms, grocery stores and larger PEC to make a difference in Loudoun food banks. But, a common theme County. Over the past couple years, we among these organizations was the have worked to restore and reinvigorate need to offer more fresh food to their the productivity of our Roundabout clients. This recognition has focused the Meadows property, a 141-acre farm at attention of county-wide hunger relief Gilbert’s Corner in Loudoun County. Over efforts by expanding the availability of A view of PEC’s Roundabout Meadow’s property, where a community farm is being planned. Photo by Paula Combs this past year, we took a closer look at wholesome, fresh, locally-produced fruits the feasibility of creating a Roundabout and vegetables. And this demand for fresh Meadows community farm on part of produce remains unmet. because of the quality of the underlying next five years. the land, which would partner with We envision our community farm soils. We have been fortunate over the It’s exhilarating to think about food pantries and other community being sited at the northwest corner of past year to receive guidance from Ellen the possibilities of a community farm organizations in Loudoun to increase the Roundabout Meadows, an area planned Polishuk, formerly of Potomac Vegetable operation at Roundabout Meadows. availability of fresh produce for those in in PEC’s five-year management plan for Farms, in developing a growing plan and With the property’s high visibility, good need. Like the Fauquier Education Farm, future fruit and vegetable production identify infrastructure needs. We plan to access and close proximity to Loudoun’s this community farm would seek out employ produce variety trials, cover crop population centers, the community farm community service organizations and practices and other sustainable farming presents an incredible opportunity for other volunteers to “get their hands dirty” The community farm techniques as demonstration projects. local residents to get on the land and and help produce food for others. presents an incredible The first growing season of the see firsthand the connection between Key to our assessment was outreach community farm is scheduled to begin land conservation, natural resource to food pantry operators, such as opportunity for local in spring 2018. We will be starting stewardship and the food we eat. More Loudoun Hunger and other allied non- residents to get on the small, beginning with just a portion of importantly, visitors and volunteers can governmental organizations (NGOs) that three acres that were cleared this fall have that experience while in service to already work to address chronic food land and see firsthand for future production. A limited start those in need. insecurity among vulnerable populations the connection between reflects the need to first secure necessary If you are interested in learning in the county. We wanted to see if others infrastructure and equipment, and it more about the community farm thought a modest community farm at land conservation, natural helps provide time to rejuvenate the at Roundabout Meadows, please Roundabout Meadows would make a resource stewardship and productivity of the soils. However, our contact Celia Vuocolo, PEC’s wildlife difference. The answer to that question feasibility study for the community farm habitat and stewardship specialist, at was a resounding “Yes.” the food we eat. envisions scaling up production and [email protected] or 540-347-2334 Currently, food pantries contract with public education programming over the ext. 7086.

MEET PEC MEET PEC Peter Krebs Tracy Lind Community Outreach Clarke, Fauquier & Loudoun Coordinator Field Representative

e welcomed Peter Krebs his past November, we welcomed to the PEC team this past Tracy Lind to PEC. As a field WSeptember! Peter is working T representative, Tracy works with with Charlottesville and Albemarle landowners, community groups and communities to plan and implement a Photo by Bri West partner organizations on conservation Photo by Paula Combs network of trails and greenways. Along and natural resource restoration in with the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, the Charlottesville Clarke, Fauquier and Loudoun Counties. Her focus in the Goose Creek Area Community Foundation and local governments and groups, Peter watershed is thanks to support from the Virginia Environmental Endowment, is helping to create a better-connected, more prosperous and healthier Nimick Forbesway Foundation and Chichester duPont Foundation. community, while charting a collaborative path forward. Tracy’s career began with Lower Shore Land Trust, where she worked “It’s inspiring to work on something that I am passionate about and with conservation easement landowners, facilitated outreach events and that will make a real difference in people’s lives. It’s even better to do so coordinated volunteers. She then interned as a backcountry ranger with the with colleagues who are accustomed to working at a high level and in a National Park Service in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska. Tracy moved well-respected organization that brings resources — and a following — of to Virginia to work with Potomac Conservancy, where she continued to help its own,” says Peter. “There is very palpable momentum for this project landowners protect their private lands and educated the community about and so many exciting discussions. There is a real sense that this is what the conservation. community needs and that it will get done.” Prior to PEC, Tracy served as acting director for Cacapon and Lost Peter received his Master’s Degree in Urban and Environmental Planning Rivers Land Trust and completed their application for Land Trust Alliance from the University of Virginia School of Architecture in May, 2017. He is re-accreditation. interested in the intersection between creativity, health and wellness and Her appreciation for the Piedmont region area is rooted from her community engagement. visits to its public lands, such as Sky Meadows State Park, and enjoyment Prior to graduate school, he worked at New York Road Runners (which of its rural culture. She is looking forward to helping protect the beautiful organizes the New York City Marathon), the Academy for Educational character of our region. Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A graduate from Tracy received her Bachelors in Environmental Studies from Salisbury the College of William and Mary in 1993, Peter has exhibited art and University and is currently pursuing her Masters in Natural Resource photography internationally and is a lifelong recreational runner. You can Management at Virginia Tech. Tracy can be reached at (540) 347-2334 contact Peter at [email protected] or (540) 347-2334 ext. 7065 ext. 7066 or [email protected].

3 The Piedmont View

On the Ground in 2017

Albemarle Clarke County 4th graders was once again a great success. We coordinated and facilitated the event, pulled their application. However, the Supervisors Albemarle continues evaluation which brings local non-profits and agencies out then considered adding auto dealerships into the to give students an outdoor experience in nature As mentioned in previous On the Ground updates, Marshall code as an allowable use, albeit with a education. Albemarle County has been looking into renovation special exception. Again, the community came options for its court facilities at Court Square, Sporting Clays for Conservation out in force and made it clear they did not want to including potential cooperation with the city on have auto dealerships in the gateways of Marshall. upgrading shared facilities and services. However, This past fall, we held our “Sporting Clays” event to The Supervisors voted to adopt the Marshall code late last year, the county suspended discussions with support conservation in Clarke, and it was a success! without that addition. The top three scoring male shooters: Jake Dunning, the city and began pushing to move the county Remington Walks courts to a site on Route 29 North. They’re hoping Mike O’Bannon, and Steve Kirstein and John Moring a move would spark redevelopment of an under- tied for third. The top three scoring female shooters: Our Remington Walks project, which created a clear performing commercial center, but the county’s Arianna Dunning, and Sandra Guarriello and Mary vision for improving pedestrian safety, recreational consultant advised relocation is a more costly Catlett tied for second. opportunities and trail connections in the Town, prospect. We fear a board majority will favor the was completed in August. As part of the project, move and call for a vote as early as December 18. we did landscaping around the entrance to the We will circulate information about any hearing, and Culpeper Rappahannock Station Battlefield Park and worked we encourage county residents to tell the board to with the county to move forward with the design keep the county courts at Court Square. Ultimately, Solar Farms and construction plan to be completed by fall of 2018. we believe moving the courthouse is shortsighted, With the adoption of a public process for solar farms an inefficient use of funds and robs historic and by Culpeper County (a special use permit), we are Planting for pollinators economic value from the downtown core. starting to see the first proposals roll in. We are also We spearheaded a number of native planting Greenways Project hearing from multiple landowners who say they are in discussions with project developers. If done projects in Fauquier, with a focus on creating habitat Our Charlottesville - Albemarle Greenways Project right, solar farms can provide a boost to renewable for pollinators. The largest project took place at kicked off in November. Approximately 175 people energy goals and serve local energy needs. But, as is our headquarters in Warrenton, where we planted shared an evening of fellowship and inspiration. the case with any large-scale energy project (many roughly 60 species of native trees, shrubs, grasses The evening’s keynote speaker, Chuck Flink, of solar farms cover hundreds of acres), in the wrong and flowers. We also enrolled in Soil and Water Greenways Inc, gave a tailored presentation about location, they can have detrimental impacts. We will Conservation District’s cost-share program, VCAP, how urban areas benefit from a comprehensive be weighing in on these proposals on a case-by- to help offset some of the project’s cost. This past greenway system, provided examples of successful case basis to ensure they provide the benefits of spring, we also oversaw the installation of a small approaches and highlighted strategies for avoiding renewable energy without negatively impacting pollinator meadow and adjacent riparian planting common pitfalls. After that, Max Hepp-Buchannan agricultural soils, scenic and historic resources or at the Orlean Volunteer Fire Department and a of Bike Walk RVA presented an example of a process detracting from other stated goals of the county. pollinator garden at the site of the new Warrenton that is getting results in Chesterfield County. Dog Park along the Warrenton Branch Greenway. Farmer-Chef event Soon after, we teamed up with the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation and Cypherways Also in Culpeper, we hosted a networking event for an evening of facilitated discussion — with a where farmers and chefs had the opportunity to Greene beat. Spoken-word artists Bernard Hankins, Cullen meet and network, this past November. Guests “Fellowman” Wade and Envy rapped a freestyle heard from speaker French Price, a Virginia Mountain Heritage Program improv to get the creative juices flowing and Cooperative Extension representative of Market We hosted our sixth annual Mountain Heritage generate ideas and enthusiasm for greenways. “The Maker, a national network that connect farmers Celebration on April 15 at the Cecil Mission near warm-up got me thinking of issues in an entirely and fishermen with food retailers, grocery stores, Stanardsville. One of more than 30 missions new way,” said one attendee. processors, caterers, chefs and consumers. Buyers established by the Episcopal Church in Virginia’s from restaurants, retail stores, public and private Blue Ridge Mountain communities, the Cecil Mission Taller, more visible cell towers? schools and even wholesale purchasers attended served hundreds of people in its heyday. Local Albemarle’s tower policy encourages cell towers, the event. It was a wonderful opportunity for local families brought poster displays, family photos and provided they are short and less visible. For almost growers to talk up the variety of products our region other memorabilia to share with visitors, amidst the two decades, most new towers have been hard offers and make connections that can help support sound of live bluegrass music. the economic vitality of their farm. to spot — treetop monopoles hidden by trees Memorial dedication and even cell arrays on transmission line towers. However, in the past few years PEC has noticed a On October 29, over 200 people gathered in slight, yet troubling, shift toward taller, wider and Fauquier Stanardsville for the dedication of a memorial to the more-visible towers that require a Special Use families that were displaced from the mountains Permit — and they are getting approved. It might Buckland Bypass in Greene County for the creation of Shenandoah be time for the community to remind county National Park. The memorial, an effort by the Blue 2017 has been a year of successes in Fauquier officials that the policy’s intent is for these visible Ridge Heritage Project, was the fifth one to be County! At the end of 2016, Prince William County towers to be the exception, not the rule. dedicated in the eight counties where land was initiated another study of Buckland Bypass. Prince taken for the Park’s creation. The memorial site William Conservation Alliance and PEC worked will be part of a larger revitalization project to together to inform and engage residents of both establish a town market and performance pavilion Fauquier and Prince William this year. In direct Clarke in downtown Stanardsville. response to the outpouring of opposition to a Pollinator “facilities” expanded bypass, the Prince William County Supervisor, who Brook trout initiatives In a second year of planting at the VDOT Park and initiated the study, has stated she does not plan to We are working with local landowners along Ride Facility on Route 50, the Monarch way station move forward with any bypass option. Entry Run to investigate potential fish passage was doubled in size. Filled with host and nectar improvement projects. Additionally, we gave a plants essential to the full life cycle of Monarch Dealerships in Marshall presentation at the Greene County Library on butterflies and other pollinator species, the field Fauquier County adopted the Marshall code after October 10 about our Eastern brook trout initiative has been observed to be humming with pollinators several years of work, but not without significant and other conservation threats of this iconic species. utilizing the “facilities.” This project was directed and controversy about the prospect of auto dealerships managed by VDOT staff with support from Master in Marshall. In August, an applicant proposed a Gardeners, Master Naturalists, Blandy Experimental large auto dealership at the corner of East Main Farm, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, PEC and Street and Old Stockyard Road. It was not consistent Loudoun concerned residents in the county. with the comprehensive plan, and it would have had a chilling effect on efforts to improve the The Future of Loudoun Successful nature education gateways into Marshall and reinvigorate Main “Envision Loudoun” is the public process to update The 10th Annual Clarke Conservation Fair for Street. After strong opposition, the dealership the county’s comprehensive plan. It has consisted

4 www.pecva.org Winter 2017

of two parts — public input meetings and the near Oak Park. The project is organized through with Land Planning and Design Associates and stakeholder committee (formed by the Board of our Headwaters Stream Initiative. Read more about Charlottesville Aquatics to draft a park design that Supervisors). We are represented on the stakeholder the success of this program in the Rappahannock will hopefully be finalized over the winter. This park committee to work with county staff to guide section of On the Ground. project holds the prospect of improving recreational the comprehensive plan update. Throughout access for Gordonsville area residents and the planning process, we have been actively Jack’s Shop and James City visitors alike, including underserved populations. encouraging public awareness and participation in Our work continues on the documentation of two Neighborhood parks are a high priority among the meetings. There have been two rounds of public often-overlooked Civil War battlefields,2016 Jack’s Shop residents of this region and called for in the Virginia input over the last year, and the third will happen in and James City. We were awarded a grant from the Outdoors Plan — the state’s comprehensive plan early 2018. American Battlefield Protection Program in 2016 for land conservation, outdoor recreation and open to shed light on the history of these engagements. space. Data center proposal Earlier this year, Rivanna Archaeological Services was We are concerned about a data center proposal selected as the consultant to carry out the research for development on the banks of Goose Creek, and mapping component of the project. We expect which would be upstream from the reservoir and the project to wrap up next spring with a final Rappahannock in the transition policy area. The land is currently community meeting to share the results of the study. Headwater Stream Initiative planned and zoned for low density (1 unit per 10 acres) residential. The proposal is strongly opposed In 2017, PEC partnered with Friends of the by the public, and runs counter to what citizens Rappahannock, Virginia Department of Forestry, have been calling for in the transition policy area Orange John Marshall Soil and Water District and dozens as part of Envision Loudoun. The Board will vote New historic district of private landowners to plant seven acres with on December 5 to determine the fate of the site. 1,786 native trees and shrubs, with the help We oppose the location, the conversion and the The Rapidan River Clark Mountain Rural Historic of 221 volunteers from our Madison, Orange, precedent this rezoning would set. District was determined eligible for listing on the Rappahannock and Fauquier communities, including National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) this past many local schools. This good work resulted in over PEC has laid the groundwork for a new community fall. Earlier this year, we hired Data Investigations, a mile of stream restoration, significantly reducing farm at Roundabout Meadows. To read about this LLC to prepare a preliminary information form to nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment and bacteria from project, see the cover page. determine the eligibility of this area for the NRHP. entering local waterways. The proposed district includes a vast swath of land along the Rapidan River in Orange County, with Sprucepine Branch Madison portions extending into Madison and Culpeper We are restoring habitat and water quality for Counties. The area has significant Native American local streams by removing culverts and low-water Robinson River thrives settlements along the Rapidan River, historic crossings that can be roadblocks to stream health. plantations, early African-American settlements, In April, PEC staff removed a culvert that was In September, we celebrated the completion of the Civil War resources related to Clark Mountain and impeding fish passage on a significant section of Sprucepine Branch restoration project, near Huntly. the Battle of Morton’s Ford, and historic resources the Robinson River. We worked closely with Karl We were recently awarded a $108,000 grant with from the prehistoric period through the 1960s. and Teressa Beier to reconnect over five miles of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Small habitat for native Eastern brook trout. The project If funding and support allow, we plan to move Watershed Grant Program for the Chesapeake Bay also restored in-stream habitat upstream and the forward with preparing a full nomination to have for trout stream restoration to remove three culverts natural stream channel. Fish monitoring before and the district listed in the NRHP, which will require at Bolton Branch in 2018. after the project implementation demonstrated detailed documentation and site visits to all eligible that brook trout were moving through the former properties. Thorton River pollinator garden barrier by September — in fact, monitoring revealed In October, we worked with RappFLOW and Hill that the restored stream bed is a now a hot spot Neighborhood park House Nursery to install a pollinator garden, with for them! With support from local members, PEC staff worked 14 species of native plants, near the walking trail with the Town of Gordonsville to begin the process along the Thorton River in Sperryville. This project Headwater Stream Initiative of refurbishing Verling Park. Over the summer, is a collaboration between PEC and the Endangered Further downstream, two native tree plantings are the Town held three community meetings to gain Species Coalition to raise awareness about the planned for next spring with landowners who own input from citizens on what the neighborhood plight of the rusty-patched bumble bee, a federally extensive frontage along the the Robinson River park project would include. In the fall, we worked endangered species.

“The Piedmont Environmental Council is a WhyWhy II GiveGive longstanding champion of preservation in the Virginia countryside and every dollar “The natural resources and stunning beauty of our contributed helps fuel their mission of Piedmont are a source of renewal and inspiration conservation. As we face increasing development for me. PEC provides an opportunity for learning, pressure throughout the Piedmont, their efforts are experiencing, and helping to preserve this place, critical to protecting our precious and, creating ways for others to share in this open space.” — Eleanor Morison wonderful landscape. I can’t help but support the work of PEC and it’s an honor to do so” “I give because I care deeply for the environment, Photo by John Moring — Bonnie Mattingly and think it’s important to protect this beautiful, wonderful state! I also full heartedly “This beautiful place (the Piedmont) is where I believe in PEC’s mission, especially fostering grew up, and is now the place I’m raising my rural economies, in addition to their important precious son. It is for him, past, and future environmental work. This year, I was head of the generations, that I give to PEC.” Junior Planning Committee for the PEC ball, and had — Jonathan Castellano the privilege of engaging with the younger community in Middleburg and getting them involved. Together, we donated $1,000!” — Alexandra Wolf

PEC wouldn’t be able to carry out the holistic mix of conservation, planning and advocacy that we are known for without supporters like you. Make a secure, tax-deductible donation online at pecva.org/donate. You can also send a check made payable to PEC to PO Box 460, Warrenton VA, 20188 or call Danielle Castellano at 540-347-2334 ext. 7001. Now is the perfect time to make a gift of stock. Please go to our website at www.pecva.org for instructions. Thank you and Happy Holidays!

5 The Piedmont View

On Agricultural Best Management New Legislators Practices Continued from cover The calls for a clean Chesapeake Bay have not slowed. With our commitments on pollution New Opportunity reductions coming just around the corner This session brings with it a new (2025), a lot remains to be done to achieve opportunity for making conservation funding this end. The good news is these reductions and smart growth a priority for the incoming can be met in a way that strengthens our Administration and our new delegates. agricultural industry and provide for local water quality benefits — through our investment in On Conservation Agricultural Best Management Practices (Ag BMPs). Last year’s attempt to reduce the Land Last year’s needs for Ag BMP funding was Preservation Tax Credit, HB1470 was defeated estimated at $80 million plus, with a mere $16 early in session. This was in large part due to million being provided. When we fail to meet the overwhelming show of support for the the need in one session, our shortages are program. We are hopeful that the resounding passed along to the following years. What’s defeat of the legislation will prevent any needed this year? We are seeking a return to The Virginia State Capitol Building in Richmond, Va. attempt to gut the program this year. But, we fiscal year 2017 funding levels of $62 million, remain on guard for changes coming through with hopes for a cleaner bay and improved of potential legislative efforts, nothing members alike, we are cautiously a broader discussion of tax reform or budget local water quality. This critical funding not only concrete has arisen at this time. As is optimistic that the outcomes of the negotiations. helps to protect the water we drink, but also the case every year, we are sure to see upcoming session will be largely The 2018 session will bring with it a new helps ensure a sustainable agricultural industry, a few bills that warrant our attention, positive. With the support of our biennial budget, the last filed under current a vital part of the Commonwealth’s economy. and we will make you aware of those as members and those of the conservation Governor McAuliffe. We are hopeful the they are introduced. community, l have no doubt we can Governor will provide full funding for the three On Local Authority make it so. main grant programs for conservation — the PEC often remarks that ‘quality of life’ is Eye on Richmond Be sure you are reading our email Farmland Preservation Fund, Virginia Land affected most directly by decisions made at the We have always focused on alerts during session (pecva.org/signup) Conservation Foundation and the Virginia local level. This is one of the main reasons we preserving the necessary tools and or following us on Facebook You can Battlefield Preservation Fund. These grants promote strong local land use plans and we act funding related to conservation and also stay informed through updates should, according to Virginia Code, receive to defend the tools of local governments. Every smart growth. This year’s session is no from the Virginia Conservation $20 million per year. We have some hope the year, we make you aware of legislation that different. With a new Administration, Network. Learn more at vcnva.org. Governor will provide, as he did in 2016, full undermines local authority. And this year will new legislators and a rejection of Don’t hesitate to weigh in with your funding with his final budget. be no different. While we have heard rumors Dominion’s dollars by new and old elected officials!

Accepting Fellowship Driving in the Applications for 2018 Right Direction By Julie Bolthouse o you know an undergraduate inally, after a four-year or recent battle to save the graduate Route 613 Waterloo D Bridge over the interested in learning F more about a career Rappahannock River, success is in sight. The bridge, which in environmental connects Fauquier and Culpeper conservation? If so, let counties, is a treasured historic them know the Piedmont resource for local residents and Environmental Council is visitors to the region. Following taking applications for its Fellows from 2016 at PEC’s Piedmont Memorial its closure, there was a huge After a public hearing this past November, 2018 Fellowship Program. Overlook property in Paris, Virginia. citizen response in support of there may be hope for the rehabilitation of Twelve students will Photo by Victor Lau rehabilitating the structure. the Waterloo Bridge. Photo by Julie Bolthouse be selected for this once- Thousands of people have taken in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend seven weeks in the Virginia Piedmont, while action. They have signed a petition, written emails, made phone calls, attended studying with seasoned professionals in land conservation, land use planning, meetings, posted on Facebook and put up yard signs, all in support of saving agriculture, habitat and more. Waterloo Bridge. The Fellowship is much more than an internship. For the first four weeks, the Thanks to the Hitt family’s generous pledge of $1 million toward the project program combines classroom discussions, field trips and hands-on activities to in early 2017, VDOT indicated it would be possible to move forward without a give participants a comprehensive understanding of the work that we do. For the contribution of funds from either county. However, a resolution of support was still final three weeks, the fellows work on a collaborative practicum, focused on their needed, and on November 9, Fauquier held a public hearing to decide whether to interests as well as a particular aspect of our work in the Piedmont. adopt a resolution supporting an application for a cost-sharing project with VDOT. Fellows take part in a variety of activities such as a mock board of supervisors The public hearing had over 100 residents present, the majority of whom meeting that highlights land use decisions, instruction on Geographic Information wore bright yellow “Save Waterloo Bridge” stickers that we provided to supporters. Systems (GIS) at the state-of-the-art GIS lab at the Smithsonian Conservation Representatives from PEC and Scenic Virginia were also present, and we shared our Biology Institute, visiting properties protected by conservation easements, stream support for the rehabilitation. Many residents spoke, including Russell Hitt, who monitoring in the Thumb Run watershed to assess water quality, and a visit to gave a touching account of his memories going over the bridge with his family as Richmond to learn about policy issues at the state level. a child. Through this personalized experience, participants gain the practical In the end, the board of supervisors passed a resolution of support. However, knowledge and skills necessary to successfully transition into careers in it stipulates that an unidentified third-party would pay for any possible overruns conservation, urban planning, agriculture, historic preservation, public policy and associated with the project — this is language VDOT opposed because it is does other related fields. In addition to providing fellows with local housing, we cover all not give the agency certainty or demonstrate support from the locality. The program-related expenses and provide a stipend to cover living expenses. proposed cost-sharing agreement will now move forward to the Commonwealth The application deadline is Tuesday, February 20, 2018 for the 2018 Fellowship Transportation Board, and they will decide to approve it or not by next June. Program. For more details and questions, visit our website at pecva.org/fellowship We hope that the Commonwealth Transportation Board will ultimately decide to or contact Robin Cross at [email protected] or (540) 347-2334 ext. 7025. approve Waterloo Bridge for funding.

6 www.pecva.org Winter 2017 Out & About Sprucepine Ribbon Cutting Sporting Clays Fundraising Event RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY, VA • SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 KEARNEYSVILLE, WV • OCTOBER 22, 2017

Checking shooting scores. Photo by Pam Lettie

PEC’s Claire Catlett cuts the ribbon at the celebration for the completion of the Sprucepine Branch culvert removal project. See the Rappahannock section on Greenway Effort page 5 for more details. Photo by Paula Combs Kickoff Event CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA • NOVEMBER 8, 2017 Farmer-Chef Networking Approximately 175 people turned out CULPEPER, VA • NOVEMBER 6, 2017 for the first event in connection with our Charlottesville Ablemarle Greenways project. More detail on pg. 4. Photo by Marco Sanchez

Imagination Foundation Cypherways Event CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA • NOVEMBER 17, 2017

PEC and the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation’s Imagination Foundation teamed up with Local food producers and buyers connect at PEC’s Farmer-Chef networking event. Buyers Cyphertank to follow-up from restaurants, retail stores, public and private schools and even wholesale purchasers the successful Greenway were in attendance. This event allowed local growers to talk up the variety of products our Kickoff event with an region offers. Photo by Marco Sanchez evening of facilitated discussion about trails and greenways that included hip hop and freestyle improv. PEC Annual Ball Photo by Peter Krebs AQUINNAH FARM, MARSHALL, VA • NOVEMBER 4, 2017

From left to right, Malcom Matheson III, Robert Duvall, Luciana Pedraza and Lynn Wiley at the Ball. Duvall Guests enjoy the Casino-Royale-themed activities after the Ball’s dinner. recently did a video with PEC — see the President’s letter on page 8 for more details. Photo by Paula Combs Photo by Paula Combs

7 Dear Friends,

s we near the end of across streams and rivers, think 2017 and contemplate about how we all share the A the future, I am benefits of this incredible place. increasingly convinced that Ensuring the safety of the we, as Americans, as Virginians, water we drink, conserving and as members of our the farms that grow our food, various communities, need providing habitat for plants to focus on finding common and animals, and saving special ground around critical issues places that have shaped our of quality of life. This has history and provide us with been a year in which many healthy places to hike, ride, and of our core assumptions camp are goals shared by an about conservation and overwhelming majority of the environmental protection Piedmont region. By providing have been challenged and, in the green infrastructure that some cases, cast aside. Now, is the foundation of our local more than ever, we need to and state economy, we ensure remember why we all have not only our current quality of Robert Duvall donated his time and talent to PEC to help create been working so hard for so life, but quality of life for future a video supporting natural resource conservation in Virginia. long. As you travel through the generations. View the video on our website or Facebook. Piedmont during the holidays, This fall, we were lucky along its scenic roads that wind enough to have a little star- through fields and forests and power help spread the word. “Being me in Virginia.” He reminds viewers posted it on our website and Facebook. Academy-award winning actor about the region’s marvelous landscapes, We are pleased to partner with the team Robert Duvall donated his time its farms, its waterways, and its region’s at Puckett Marketing and its creative leader By providing the green and talent to The Piedmont historic heritage, and calls on everyone to Bill Puckett to develop the concept. We infrastructure that is Environmental Council to help play a role in its preservation. encourage you to share the video broadly, create a video supporting In the coming weeks, PEC and its and let others know how important the the foundation of our natural resource conservation partners across the Commonwealth will be support of conservation policies in Virginia local and state economy, in Virginia. We are all deeply launching a campaign to build a broader is to you and to the future. we ensure not only our appreciative of his generosity. base of support for conservation. We current quality of life, In a 30-second spot hope that you will join Mr. Duvall in his Sincerely, but quality of life for released in October, Mr. Duvall message, encouraging your family, friends, describes playing many roles neighbors, and elected officials to support future generations. in his lifetime, but he points conservation in Virginia. out his favorite role, saying, If you haven’t seen the video yet, we’ve Chris Miller, President

Pop Quiz

Fill in the blank: There are members of the House of Delegates and State Senators. The Piedmont View a) 50, 20 b) 85, 30 A MEMBERSHIP NEWSLETTER OF THE PIEDMONT ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL WINTER 2017 c) 100, 40 d) 150, 75 ANSWER ON PAGE 2

Photo by Josh McGhee

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit #57 Warrenton, VA Post Office Box 460 Warrenton, VA 20188 www.pecva.org

INSIDE Winners of our 8th Annual Photo Contest, New PEC Team Members, Waterloo Bridge Update, Fellowship Application is Open and more!

Cover photo by Jinx Fox Banner photo by Kathy Russell