Open Space Conservation Committee

Goal #2:  Conserve open spaces and farmland in the Valley

Objective #1: Begin a farmland preservation program.

Objective #2: Develop education programs to assist farmers with finding alternatives to retirement and health care decisions besides selling land for development.

Are there additional goals and objectives that the Committee and the Shenandoah RC&D Council should consider?

• Add Objective #3:  Encourage Counties to develop Purchase of Development Rights Programs.
• Zoning (overlap with water quality and E&I committees, i.e., urban BMP’s: riparian buffers, resource protection buffers, LID, green infrastructure)
• Forest land, woodlots on farmland, needs to fit in with these goals/objectives (i.e., there may be issues and opportunities beyond farmland and farmers that should be addressed by the Council)

Note:  Translated above suggestions into the following additional goals and objectives:

Objective #4: Look for ways to conserve and improve forestland, woodlots on farms, and reduce farm and forest fragmentation.

Objective #5: Encourage planning, zoning, and low impact development concepts that minimize sprawl and protect working rural lands.

Purpose of Committee: 

• Review and make recommendations on project proposals to the Council. 
• Keep Council informed of emerging issues and activities related to open space conservation.
• Help facilitate coordination between the RC&D Council, organizations and local governments and ensure awareness of RC&D role. 
• Facilitate coordination regarding open space conservation among committees. 
• Provide regional perspectives regarding open space conservation for Council efforts.
• Works with coordinator on project implementation, makes recommendations on potential partners and funding sources, helps make follow-up contacts on projects.
• Once projects are approved for implementation, any changes in the focus or status of the project will be updated on the Initial Project Proposal Sheet, under Internal Tracking, upon concurrence with the committee chair.

What are the committee’s key priorities through July 2005?

• Offer key local governments training in PDR programs, especially funding options
• Establish working relationships across the whole area
• Establish relationships with local governments
• Straddle the line between advocacy and education
• Follow up with local governments (?)
• Coordinate with PDC’s to promote RC&D
• Define and/or describe what is meant by ‘open space’ in the context of the committee’s work
• Provide issue/policy briefs for local governments regarding open space conservation
• Figure out where open space/land protection fits into the database/information consortium idea of Lyle Schertz’s proposal.

What are the committee’s key priorities over the next 2-5 years?

• Forge working relationships with key local government representatives and organizations
• Provide service and become a credible source of information throughout the RC&D area
• Develop an outreach strategy to address priorities and respond to the next questions

How does this committee propose to help bring projects to the Council for consideration to meet key goals and objectives?  Actively solicit ideas from groups/individuals known to be working in these key areas?  Make general contacts?  Wait until projects come forward?

• See 2-5 year priorities

Committee Chair:  John Eckman

Committee Membership:  John Eckman, Joan Comanor, Liz Stoffel, Bobby Whitescarver

Potential Additional Members: Chris Anderson, Page County; Alison Teeter, Clarke County; Ligon Webb, Rockingham County

• Should have representation from local governments

Technical Advisers:  Will be added as needed for projects addressed.

• Education and Outreach – VOF, PEC, LTA, NCTC, FRPP-Mike Liskey, John Hutchinson, Ken Carter
• Other state and federal programs – Leon App (DCR)
• Local funding sources – AFT, LTA

Meeting Schedule: