Goal:  Promote the conservation of natural resources, with an emphasis on improvement and protection of water and air quality.

Objective 1: 

Sponsor at least 3 information/awareness events throughout the Area related to conservation of natural resources.

Timeframe: Within the next four years

• Strategy 1: Explore feasibility of developing/producing/distributing “Welcome to the Valley: Conservation Guide.”

Objective 2: 

Bring more awareness and attention to major conservation challenges in the Valley and actions individuals should take to improve.

Timeframe: 2007, 2009, 2011

• Strategy 1: Continue to implement Waste Solutions Forum’s action strategies to reduce nutrient loads in Area watersheds and provide value-added markets for organic byproducts.

• Strategy 2: Work with Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) and other partners to prepare biannual articles summarizing major conservation challenges in the Valley and how they can be improved.

• Strategy 3: Improve management of trash, litter and junk through proper disposal and clean up efforts by exploring existing programs such as Assign A Highway.

Objective 3: 

Assess stormwater management efforts by counties and towns.

Timeframe: By 2008

• Strategy 1: Meet with appropriate city and county officials to identify existing stormwater management requirements and practices.

• Strategy 2: Identify specific actions the Shenandoah RC&D should take to promote effective stormwater management and/or increase public understanding of stormwater management issues.

Objective 4: 

Promote more intensive water quality monitoring.

Timeframe: By 2009

• Strategy 1: Work with Friends groups and agencies to determine barriers and potential solutions to more intensive water quality monitoring.