Check our Calendar for the coming events this weekend.
View flyers:
HK On the Bay Invite.pdf
Press Release January 09 Town Hall.pdf
Note: we migrated their Word Docs into PDF files.

, Legislative Assistant to Delegate Joe Bouchard.

Fantastic turn out on day one according to Stacey:

Hello again!

Here is an update after yesterday’s awesome turnout!  We still have a couple of appointments available through http://www.givelife.org reference VBResort and we were able to take all walk-ins yesterday.  Shari with the National Marrow Donor Program will be here today from 2-8pm.  The Bone Marrow Screening is simple and painless.  If anyone would like to make a monetary donation, information is below and checks can be sent to me at the hotel or dropped off today or tomorrow at the drives.  Thank you so much for all of your support and getting the word out!  This is such an important cause!!!

~Stacey

The Virginia Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Center will be hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross.  This blood drive is being held in honor of Angie Giuffre.
Angie, an Alanton Elementary 8 year old 3rd Grader, has been diagnosed with a rare disease, Severe Aplastic Anemia.  For more information on Angie please visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/angieg

I am hoping to have many donors come in to donate blood for record breaking numbers, and to also be tested to see if they are a match for a bone marrow transplant which Angie may be in need of in the not so distant future.  Our goal for the 3 day drive is 200 pints of blood and at least 100 Bone Marrow Screenings.  We collected 91 usable pints on the 1st day of the drive (Monday, January 5, 2009).  If donating will not work for you donations can be made to help offset the costs of the screenings or you can volunteer to help with the drive. Checks can be made out to the National Bone Marrow Donor Program or the American Red Cross.  There are many ways to help out!

Our Blood Drive will take place on the following dates/times:

TUE   01/06/09   2:00PM – 8:00PM *Bone Marrow Screening Available

WED 01/07/09   2:00PM – 8:00PM

I have attached a copy of the flyer that we are distributing for the drive.  Please post at your business and share with friends, family and co-workers!

If you, or any of your friends, family, etc. would like to donate and/or be tested for the bone marrow match, please contact Courtney Jarrett at (757) 481-9000 x 2033 or schedule online at http://www.givelife.org using the code VBResort to set up a time convenient for your busy schedule.  Walk ins will be worked into the schedule!

Please contact me with any questions and thank you for your support!  PLEASE SHARE WITH ALL OF YOUR EMAIL LISTS!

Sincerely,
Stacey S. Patrick, Alanton Kindergarten Mom
General Manager
Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center
2800 Shore Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
757-481-9000 ext. 2001
http://www.virginiabeachresort.com

Thanks to Nicole L. for allowing us to post her letter:

Nicole L.
Virginia Beach, VA

Thank you very much for the opportunity to voice my opposition to project at Pleasure House Creek submitted by Tate Terrace Realty Investors, Inc.  Specifically, I have grave concerns about the potential wildlife impacts as a result of this development and ask that the Army Corps of Engineers consider the implications to wildlife in the area when considering this project.

Mr. Sandler and his team have stated that “the non-tidal wetlands at Indigo Dunes have low value as wildlife habitat” and his team also stated in their 5 April 2007 response to Virginia Institute of Marine Science questions that “no information on avian habitats has surfaced.” These statements are inaccurate and horribly misleading.  The multitude
of species that depend upon Pleasure House Point and the surrounding ecosystems will be greatly impacted by this proposed development.

In a 27 Oct 1998 site impact assessment, Walter Priest of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science found that the interior tidal wetlands were “integrally
linked to the Pleasure House Creek system” and that “these wetlands and open water areas provide important fish and wildlife habitat that contributes to the high quality habitat found in Pleasure House Creek…”  He further stated that “From the viewpoint of the marine environment, every effort should be made to minimize the filling of these wetlands and open water areas because of their value to the Pleasure House Creek System.”

The site in question is one of the last remaining undeveloped stretches of shoreline in the area.  Dr. Maynard Schaus from the Virginia Wesleyan College Department of Biology frequently visited the area for marine biology and ecology field trips.  He noted that numerous wildlife species use the area as habitat.  He also noted that the loss of these wetlands would harm native wildlife.  These wetlands represent an essential element of the local ecosystem.

During a 1994 review of the western portion of the subject site for a public boat ramp, the National Marine Fisheries Service reported that Pleasure House Creek and surrounding areas are particularly important to the juvenile blue crab (Callinectes sapidus).  The shallow nearshore areas of Pleasure House Creek and submerged aquatic vegetation found in the lower Chesapeake Bay serve as a nursery habitat for the newly settled larvae.  The larvae metamorphose into juvenile blue crabs and spread in to the Bay during Fall and Spring.

Numerous fish species are known to occur in Pleasure House Creek to include the anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli), Atlantic croaker (Micropogon undulates), spotted trout (Cnoscion neblulosus) and striped mullet (Mugil Cephalus).  The 1994 study by the National Marine and Fisheries Service also documented two marine mammals as visitors to Pleasure House Creek: the harbor seal (Phoca
vitulina) and the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncates).  The seals may inhabit the area from December through March and the dolphins are
seen in the summer months.

According to the 1994 National Marine Fisheries Service report, two species of turtle are also known to occur within the project area (specifically, the western portion of the subject site). The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) and the world’s most endangered sea turtle, the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle (lepidochelys kempii).  Both species are federally
listed as endangered.  These two species
are seasonal visitors to the shallow water habitat within Pleasure House Creek.  Dr. Schaus has also observed the Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin) in the area.  This turtle
is listed by the VA Department of Game and Inland Fisheries as a State species of concern and is also a Federal species of concern.

The Lynnhaven estuary is located within the Atlantic flyway, a migratory route utilized by many bird species.  The 1998 site impact assessment by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science noted “Bird
diversity was very high during the spring site visits indicating that these areas are important wintering habitat and migratory corridors for waterfowl and
wading birds.” Among the birds that are known to occur in Pleasure House Creek are the least tern (Sterna antillarum), brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), the great and common egrets (heodias
egretta and Casmerodius albus), the great blue heron (Ardea Herodias), and the boat tailed grackle (Quiscalus major).  There have also been reports of Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus eucocephalus) in the local area.  The Department of Conservation and Recreation recently noted the potential for Pleasure
House Point to support yellow crowned night herons (Nycticorax Violaceus).  According to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, the least tern, yellow crowned night heron and the brown pelican are listed as State species of concern.

Dr. Schaus conducted a detailed census of the bird community composition through the Lynnhaven River, including two sites on the property of interest and three sites adjacent to it.  During his surveys he noted 27 bird species that use the marshes and adjacent waters on site.  The Virginia Institute of Marine Science review of this project noted that if permitted, construction activities will occur over many months to years as the project development occurs in phases,resulting in the disturbance of wading birds and shorebirds currently utilizing
the project area as foraging, breeding, and nesting habitat.  The driving of piles associated with the
construction of the two 11 story towers will likely displace the local population of water birds from the vicinity of the project site for an undetermined period of time.

In a letter from the US Department of the Interior (DOI) dated 29 Nov 1972, the DOI states that the 25 to 30 acres of wetland fill appeared to be a violation
of the Rivers and Harbors Act.  It also referred to these wetlands as a unique and indispensable part of the biotic community by providing food, shelter, and nursery areas for many animals which inhabit the estuarine ecosystem.  The DOI referred to the filling of wetlands as the riparian owner obtaining upland real
estate at the expense of public resources.  DOI’s bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife objected to the filling of wetlands and their significant adverse effects on public fish and wildlife resources, especially where there is no demonstrated public need.

I ask the Army Corps of Engineers to please consider the potential implications to wildlife in the area.  If this project is approved, wetlands of primary ecological significance will be altered and the ecological systems in those wetlands will be unreasonably disturbed.  This project will directly impact a multitude of species that depend
upon Pleasure House Point.  Several of these species are federally designated as endangered, threatened or as species of concern and they deserve our protection.

Thank you,
Nicole L.

Sources
1994 NMFS Pleasure House Creek Boat Ramp Study Draft Environmental Assessment
Dr. Maynard Schaus, Virginia Wesleyan College Letter.
US Department of the Interior letter dated 11-29-1972
Virginia Institute of Marine Science Site Impact Assessment dated 10-27-1998 (Walter Priest)
Terwilliger, Karen. Virginia’s Endangered Species. Blacksburg, VA: The McDonald and Woodward Publishing Company. 1991
Terwilliger, Karen. A Guide to Endangered and Threatened Species in Virginia. Blacksburg, VA:
The McDonald and Woodward Publishing Company.1995
The Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Natural Heritage Program
U.S.Fish and Wildlife Services Endangered Species Program
Barrow, Mary Reid. “A Fair Way to Blend Golf and Nature.”  Virginia Pilot. 11 Nov 1996.
“Symbolic Victory.” HamptonRoads Magazine. March 2004.
Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) review of Indigo Dunes (Project 06-2601)

Happy New Year!

This week, the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Center will be hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross.  This blood drive is being held in honor of Angie Giuffre.

Check out the Flyer. [1pg PDF]

Angie, a local 8 year old girl, has been diagnosed with a rare disease, Severe Alplastic Anemia.  For more information on Angie please visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/angieg

I am hoping to have many donors come in to donate blood for record breaking numbers, and to also be tested to see if they are a match for a bone marrow transplant.  Our goal for the 3 day drive is 200 pints of blood and at least 100 Bone Marrow Screenings.  We have 60 confirmed appointments at this time with many replying from our Facebook Event Page, but haven’t made an appointment (that will make another 30).  If donating will not work for you donations can be made to help offset the costs of the screenings or you can volunteer to help with the drive.  There are many ways to help out!

Our Blood Drive will take place on the following dates/times:

MON 01/05/09   2:00PM – 8:00PM

TUE   01/06/09   2:00PM – 8:00PM

WED 01/07/09   2:00PM – 8:00PM

I have attached a copy of the flyer that we are distributing for the drive.  Please post at your business and share with friends, family and co-workers!

If you, or any of your friends, family, etc. would like to donate and/or be tested for the bone marrow match, please contact Courtney Jarrett at (757) 481-9000 x 2033 or schedule online at http://www.givelife.org using the code VBResort to set up a time convenient for your busy schedule.

Please contact me with any questions and thank you for your support!  PLEASE SHARE WITH ALL OF YOUR EMAIL LISTS!
Sincerely,
Stacey

Thanks to Ms. Kathryn Edgar, regulator with Army Corp of Engineers, for letting us know the public comment period for Indigo Dunes has been extended until end of business January 16th.
More to follow.

Official Notice from Army Corp of Engineers.

The Corps of Engineers is soliciting comments from the public; Federal, state, and local agencies and officials; Indian Tribes; and other interested parties in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of this proposed activity.  Any comments received will be considered by the Corps of Engineers to determine whether to issue, modify, condition or deny a permit for this proposal.  To make this decision, comments are used to assess impacts on endangered species, historic properties, water quality, general environmental effects, and the other public interest factors listed above.

We’ll provide more details, answer questions & more soon.

Remember what what pain it was searching thru the Events/Meetings Topic ?

We finally have a cool calendar! Send us your info at the cool Calendar.

From Grace:
Dear Mr. Mansfield

Thank your for your willingness to accept and consider comments from the public regarding the introduction of Asian oysters into the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries and estuaries.  Let’s face it:  if you introduce it anywhere within the Bay, it will eventually be everywhere, whether your original specimens are sterile or not.

I attended the USACE presentation on the Eastern Shore and also attended the Lynnhaven River Now organization’s summary of the issue.  Although I am no biologist, I believe I grasp the basics, which are these:

1.  While the Asian oyster is resistant to the two primary diseases which have devastated the native oyster, it is vulnerable to another, equally deleterious disease.  Who is to deny that it also might lose its immunity to the two others it presently resists?

2.  It may contain human pathogens not currently present in the Chesapeake Bay oyster population.

3.  We have no way of knowing how the presence of the Asian oyster will affect current efforts to restore the native oyster population, which, to date, has been encouragingly successful in the Lynnhaven River, at the Southern edge of the Chesapeake Bay basin.  Previous introductions of non-native specie, from spartina grass, to nutria, to kudzu (all for well-intended, beneficial reasons), are cautionary lessons.

There are many other causes for misgivings.  The only reason I can see for this push to introduce the Asian oyster is the desperate plight of the Chesapeake Bay watermen.  Indeed, it is the only reason which supports your consideration.  However, the long-term consequences of failure are too great for all of us, including these fine people.  It would be a better use of funds to use our limited funding to 1) provide temporary employment of these watermen to restore the health of the Bay and/or engage in aquaculture while the native oyster continues to re-establish and 2) continue to fund the native oyster restoration, as you have been doing so admirably.

The Army Corps of Engineers has come a long way since I was a girl who heard at every turn that the USACE did not care about the environment it was impacting.  Today, many of you have become wonderful stewards of our natural resources.

Please keep it up.
Thank you,
Grace Moran
Roanoke Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23455

From Todd:

December 12, 2008

Department of the Army
Norfolk District, Corps of Engineers
Attn:  Mr. Mark Mansfield
Chief, Planning and Policy Branch
803 Front Street
Norfolk, VA 23510-1096

Subject: Support for increased oyster restoration and aquaculture activities in the Chesapeake Bay using native Crassostrea virginica oysters only.

Dear Mr. Mansfield,

I am sending this letter on behalf of the Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC), an umbrella organization of civic and community associations representing approximately 8000 homes in the Bayfront area of Virginia Beach.  At its November 24th general meeting, the SDCC voted unanimously to support Lynnhaven River NOW’s position for increased oyster restoration and aquaculture activities in the Chesapeake Bay using native Crassostrea virginica oysters only.

SDCC members concur with the Lynnhaven River NOW position that our native oyster, Crassostrea virginica, is better suited to our ecosystem than C. ariakensis for the following reasons:

  1. C. ariakensis is more susceptible to low dissolved oxygen events than is C. virginica, and according to the most recent DEQ 303d Report, 90% of the Lynnhaven is considered impaired for dissolved oxygen.
  2. One of the commercial growers in the Lynnhaven who has participated in the Virginia Seafood Council study recently reported to us that he has found the native C. virginica oyster to be superior to C. ariakensis.
  3. C. ariakensis harbors human pathogens more so than our native oyster, posing greater risk for human consumption.
  4. C. ariakensis is more susceptible than our native oyster to several oyster predators that we have in the Lynnhaven, including polydora worms, which decrease the desirability of oysters for market.

Thank you for your time and for listening to our concerns.  If you have any questions, I can be reached at 667-8533 Cell or todd@sdcc.info.

Sincerely,

Todd R. Solomon
Shore Drive Community Coalition, President

Distribution:
Mayor Oberndorf
Mr. Clay Bernick
Laurie Carroll Sorabella, LRNOW
Mr. Kal Kassir, BAC Chairman
SDCC Officers
Bayfront Advisory Committee Members

ACOENativeOysterSupport.pdf [2pg PDF]

LR Now Letter to Army Corp of Engineers. [2pg PDF]

LRNow’s position on introduction of non-native oysters in Ches Bay reprinted with permission:

Dear Lynnhaven River NOW members,

Everyone is looking at the Lynnhaven River’s recovering native oyster population with tremendous excitement.

Over the last 10 years, thousands of students and citizens have worked together with non-profits and governmental organizations to build oyster reefs in the Lynnhaven and to stock millions of reproductive oysters to the reefs. These community-raised oysters reproduce in the river, thus their babies also contribute to the Lynnhaven’s impressive developing oyster population. After only a decade of restoration activities, I am delighted to be able to report that all of this effort is working! Ten years ago, the Lynnhaven’s oyster population was estimated to be at about 1% of historic abundance, and recent calculations estimate that we may have already increased the Lynnhaven’s population to as much as 10% of historic abundance. That is a 10-fold increase in 10 years.

Well today, there is a major threat to our burgeoning native oyster population in the Lynnhaven River.

There is a heated debate underway right now with some parties favoring the introduction of a non-native oyster species to Chesapeake Bay waters. The Suminoe oyster, Crassostrea ariakensis, is the non-native oyster species under consideration. If this oyster is introduced into Chesapeake Bay waters, it will invade the Lynnhaven River and it will surely hinder the restoration of our native oyster population because Crassostrea ariakensis oysters interfere with native oyster reproduction, undermining the exciting oyster restoration progress in the Lynnhaven. In addition to jeopardizing our native oyster restoration efforts, Crassostrea ariakensis oysters harbor human pathogens more so than our native oyster, posing more risk for human consumption, and the Suminoe oyster may cause increased oyster disease risks to our existing native oysters. For these, and several additional reasons, Lynnhaven River NOW, together with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Oyster Reef Keepers of Virginia, and all of the nearby Mid-Atlantic states are saying “no” to introducing Crassostrea ariakensis to the Chesapeake Bay.

Please let the Army Corps of Engineers know that you oppose introducing Crassostrea ariakensis to the Chesapeake Bay.

Send a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers voicing your position. Comments may be submitted through December 15, 2008 and mailed to:

Department of the Army
Norfolk District, Corps of Engineers
Attn: Mr. Mark Mansfield
Chief, Planning and Policy Branch
803 Front Street
Norfolk, VA 23510-1096

or e-mailed to: Mark.T.Mansfield@usace.army.mil

Comments should reference the Draft PEIS. For more information visit http://www.nao.usace.army.mil/OysterEIS/homepage.asp

Comments need not be lengthy. Here are some more facts, in addition to those cited in the text above, that you may want to refer to when writing your letter but please feel free to compose your own letter as well:

  1. Introducing a of species is always risky, because you cannot predict how the species will function in a new ecosystem, however; once you have introduced them, there is no turning back. Look the environmental consequences of the introduction of Zebra Mussels, Kudzu, Phragmites, and Gypsy Moths, for some examples, plus the unsuccessful introduction a non-native oyster (Crassostrea Gigas) that only successfully introduced MSX oyster disease in the 1950’s, killing 90% of the Chesapeake Bay’s oysters at the time.

  2. The primary motivation for considering a non-native oyster introduction is that “oyster diseases (dermo & MSX) inhibit recovery of the native oyster population” – However, the Lynnhaven has some of the highest disease pressure Baywide, so if native oysters are recovering in the Lynnhaven, then the premise for introducing non-native oysters is flawed in the first place.

  3. C. ariakensis oysters are susceptible to a regional oyster disease, Bonamia, and could become a local harbor for this disease, putting all extant Chesapeake Bay native oysters at risk.

Make sure that you letter references the “Draft PEIS,” and that you state that you oppose introduction of the non-native oyster. Please also feel free to refer to the Lynnhaven River NOW public position letter for ideas.

Thank you for continuing to value and advance native oyster restoration in the Lynnhaven River!

Write your own .

Email in opposition reprinted with permission:

Department of the Army
Norfolk District, Corps of Engineers
Attn: Mr. Mark Mansfield
Chief, Planning and Policy Branch
803 Front Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510-1096

Subject:  Suminoe oyster (Crassostrea ariakensis); Unintended Consequences of Introducing Non-indigenous Species to Native Chesapeake Waters (Lynnhaven Inlet)

Dear Mr. Mark Mansfield,

Giving full consideration to and appreciation of a very busy schedule, which I am confident you maintain, I will attempt to be as succinct as possible regarding the subject matter.  I may or may not succeed as a matter of perspective.

It is a fair presumption that no one individual or organization has ever intentionally introduced a foreign species with the objective of doing ecological or economical spoil.  Regardless of introductory form, deliberate or inadvertent, non-native species have proven to constitute significant challenges and cost, typically in hindsight.  An exhaustive search and reference could be presented here, however, there are too many documented case studies to enumerate where this type impact adversely effected local, regional, state, and national environments.  As example:

“A native of Japan, KUDZU was brought to the southeastern United States at the turn of the century for use as a soil stabilizer, animal fodder, and ornamental vine. … Where it grows, kudzu has the ability to out-compete and eliminate native plant species and upset the natural diversity of plant and animal communities. Its extremely rapid growth rate and habit of growing over objects threatens natural areas by killing native vegetation through crowding and shading, and can seriously stifle agricultural and timber production”[1]

“Nutria (Myocaster coypus) is a non-native aquatic mammal that has inadvertently been introduced into Maryland wetlands and is proliferating, with negative impacts on natural ecosystems.”[2]

“Shortly after World War II, and before 1952, the brown Treesnake was accidentally transported from its native range in the South Pacific to Guam, probably as a stowaway in ship cargo.  As a result of abnormally abundant prey resources on Guam and the absence of natural predators and other population controls, brown Treesnake populations reached unprecedented numbers.  Snakes caused the extirpation of most of the native forest vertebrate species; thousands of power outages affecting private, commercial, and military activities; widespread loss of domestic birds and pets; and considerable emotional trauma to residents and visitors alike when snakes invaded human habitats with the potential for severe envenomation of small children.”[3]

“Zebra mussels arrived in the United States 20 years ago and quickly spread throughout the country. By 1989, they had made their way to New York; a year later, they were already causing problems.  Considered an invasive species, the tiny mollusk is notorious for clogging the intake pipes of power plants, and damaging boats and harbors. The only way to get rid of them was by using highly toxic, polluting pesticides.”[4]

As you may well know [or not] The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Agricultural Library (http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/aquatics/main.shtml) provides an extensive repository of case studies.

Suffice it to say that I am, as are a tremendous number of other local homeowners [that may not take the time/effort to send correspondence], adamantly against the proposal to introduce this foreign species, Suminoe oyster (Crassostrea ariakensis), into native waters.  History tends to prove out actions, no matter how well intended, and it is my belief that adequate history presents this proposal as a highly imprudent consideration, especially if only to bolster oyster production for the benefit of restaurantiers and retailers (greed?), as I understand the primary impetus.  The current effort by LynnhavenNOW and local volunteers is making tremendous progress revitalizing the famous Lynnhaven oyster population.  Sometimes we really don’t NEED what we think we want…

If possible, the allocated funds for this proposal could be redirected to local efforts to restore the pristine characteristics of the Lynnhaven through repopulation of native species – – just a thought.

George Santayana stated, “Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it”.  But of course, George Bernard Shaw stated, “We learn from history that we learn nothing from history”.  The choice is now yours [and others], but the decision will ultimately be your [and the USACOE] legacy.  I strongly encourage a methodical deliberation on this decision.

Respectfully submitted,
Ken Scandell
Cape Henry Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Thank you.

Read entire story & comment at Pilotonline.com.

View map of proposal. [pop up window]
Pound Net Flyer in opposition being circulated. [2pg PDF]

Letter SDCC to VMRC opposing application:

November 24, 2008

Deputy Commissioner Jack Travelstead
VMRC Fisheries Management Division
2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor
Newport News, Virginia 23607

Subject: Opposition to the requests (October 6th and 31st) for 4 new pound pole fishing licenses off the shores of Cape Henry Beach in Virginia Beach.

Dear Mr. Travelstead,

I am sending this letter on behalf of the Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC), an umbrella organization of civic and community associations representing approximately 8000 homes in the Bayfront area of Virginia Beach.  At its November 24th general meeting, the SDCC voted unanimously to oppose the 4 new pound pole fishing licenses applied for on October 6th and October 31st for nets located off the shores of Cape Henry Beach (between the Lynnhaven Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean).

The community bases this opposition on the following concerns:
·      Adverse impact to the recreational use of these waters.
·      Increased safety concerns for boaters and kayakers.
·      Increased potential to harm or kill protected marine life.
·      Potential to overfish an area that already has restrictions on existing pound nets.

In addition to opposing these new licenses, the SDCC requests the VMRC to change legislation and code to prohibit any future licenses from being acquired off the shores of Virginia Beach.  This request is based on the fact that the Virginia Beach shorelines are the most densely populated sections in the City of Virginia Beach and that any new pound nets in these areas will result in the same problems mentioned above.

Thank you for your time and for listening to our concerns.  If you have any questions, I can be reached at 667-8533 Cell or todd@sdcc.info

Sincerely,

Todd R. Solomon
Shore Drive Community Coalition, President

Distribution:

Mayor Oberndorf
Mr. Clay Bernick
City Council Members
Mr. Kal Kassir, BAC Chairman
Mr. Jim Spore

Thanks to Grace for forwarding them.

10-16-08 BAC Minutes.pdf [4pg PDF]

Note: received as Word Doc file, reformatted, unedited into PDF file.

Stacey from Resort & Conference Center is attending our meeting Monday to pick up your canned goods.

Here’s what they’re looking for:

The Food Bank is in need of many items.  Please see below for the Top Ten Wanted List from the Southeastern Virginia Food Bank:

Most Wanted
·                      Peanut Butter
·                      Chunky Soups
·                      Canned Meats
·                      Canned Tuna
·                      Canned Vegetables
·                      Juice
·                      Cereal
·                      Macaroni and Cheese
·                      Pasta
·                      Pasta Sauces

Emergency Needs
·                      Water
·                      Canned Juice
·                      Snack Foods
·                      Boxed, Canned Powdered Milk
·                      Canned Vegetables
·                      Canned Fruits
·                      Canned Meats
·                      Canned Soups
·                      Spreads (peanut butter, jelly)
·                      Cereal

Senior Citizens
·                      Pudding cups/ Fruit Cups/ Jell-O cups
·                      Crackers
·                      Sugar free snacks
·                      Small packets of dried milk
·                      Small cans of vegetables
·                      Small jars of peanut butter and jelly
·                      Reduced sodium canned soups
·                      High fiber cereal
·                      Canned tuna and chicken
·                      Dried fruit

Thank you as always for your help!

In celebration of our volunteers and the completion of the 7 year tenure of our fearless leader, Todd, we invite you to join us Monday Nov.24 at 6:45pm at the rescue station (prior to our monthly meeting at 7:30pm) for a potluck dessert buffet.

Please bring a bag of your favorite store boughts or make your favorite homemade delight.

Let us celebrate and share the joy of community and give thanks for the time and energy so many people have given to our Coalition.

SDCC General Meeting Agenda – Monday November 24, 2008

SDCC General Meeting – Monday November 24th, 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall (parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Program/Presentation –

1.    Oyster Restoration Project – Native or Non-native, which is best?  Mrs. Laurie Sorabella, Assistant Director and Marine Scientist for Lynnhaven River NOW, will discuss the current Army Corp study and explain why LRN, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Oyster Reef Keepers of Virginia, and all of the nearby Mid-Atlantic states are saying “no” to introducing Crassostrea ariakensis (Asian oyster) to the Cheapeake Bay.

2.  Pound pole fishing nets – Should more nets be allowed off the shores of Cape Henry Beaches?  Mr. Mark Swingle, Virginia Aquarium Director of Research and Conservation, will discuss pounds nets, their impact and the recent request to build 4 new nets off Cape Henry..

The general agenda for the evening will be:
Officer’s Reports – Brief Reports
Secretary – Tim
Treasurer’s Report – Leslie
Vice President & President – Daphne & Todd

Old Business-
Indigo Dunes Project – There will be no State Water Control Board hearing in December.  A new hearing date has not been set, but the WCB has told us that a 30 day notice has to be given prior to any hearing.  So the next notification by the applicant would have to be no later than Dec. 6th for a Jan hearing.  SDCC is working with our attorney, Richard Whittemore and some college law students on position statements and possible appeal processes.

City Marina Rezoning – In accordance with the SDCC’s Sept motion, a letter was sent on Oct 27th to Barry Frankenfield requesting that the City withdraw the request for rezoning of the City Marina property.  The SDCC received an email in return stating the request had been withdrawn.  The SDCC has subsequently requested the Bayfront Advisory Committee (BAC) to take the lead on any future plans regarding this property and to ensure that all applicable parties are represented from the start of discussions.

Update on Lesner Bridge Replacement – Figg, the new bridge design consultant, has made a presentation to the BAC at their September meeting.  No contact has been made with the SDCC to go over updates or alignment plans.  Do we want a speaker to come to our January meeting?  Also, what is the groups opinion on the bridge width and possible alignment?

New Business –

Oyster Restoration Project – Should SDCC take a position on this subject?  If so, should we send a letter to the Army Corp of Engineers in support of LRN’s and CBF’s position or a letter supporting the introduction of non-native oysters?

Pound Pole Fishing Nets – Should SDCC take a position on this subject?  If so, should we send a letter to the Virginia Marine Resource Commission (VMRC) in opposition to these 4 specific permits or something broader that asks them to prohibit any new nets off the shores of Cape Henry & Chicks Beaches?  Also, what role should the BAC and the City play in this topic?

Bayfront Advisory Committee (BAC) Update – In an effort to get the BAC more involved in the community’s issues, the SDCC has been identifying concerns and asking the BAC for action.  To date, these are the issues that have been identified to BAC (City Marina Future, Pound Pole Net Licenses, Native vs. Non-native Oyster Restoration Project).  This is just a small number of our issues, the SDCC officers would like to have the group identify all of the additional issues so we can send them to the BAC for similar action.  Some suggestions are Create a future Lynnhaven River dredging plan that eliminates the boat ramp as a transfer site, Create a plan for the purchase or land swap deal to acquire Pleasure House Point (Indigo Dunes) from the Sandlers, Re-evaluate the currently funded 2 phases of the Shore Drive Improvements to reduce costs, Take a position on Sand Replenishment for Cape Henry Beach.

Crab Creek and Long Creek Dredging – According to Mr. Michael Kay, City Public Works, the City is planning to have Crab Creek dredged as well as providing some maintenance dredging to Long Creek in the coming months.  The specifications are under review and a survey of the Crab Creek and Long Creek channels and the associated material placement areas is underway.  It is anticipated that the project will be advertised for bid in late November to early December with award and Notice to Proceed in January.  The project will be packaged to allow either mechanical or hydraulic dredging; the contractors bidding the project will decide how they want to bid the project.  Historically mechanical means has been the preferred method by contractors.  In past contracts signs and notices were posted at the boat ramp as well as notification to the Coast Guard for issuance of a Notice to Mariners when the project is to begin and during construction, these procedures will be used again for this contract.

2009 SDCC Officer Election –  The following people will be running for 2009 SDCC Office.  They are currently unopposed; however, the SDCC by-laws allow nominations to be made from the floor with the nominees consent.  All members are eligible to vote. President – Grace Moran; Vice President – Steve Kohler; Treasurer – Leslie Cornwell; Secretary – Todd Solomon; Information Officer – Tim Solanic (Honorary Officer)

Printable Agenda [PDF file]

The official word is:
Indigo Dunes is not on the agenda for the Water Board December meeting.

From Laurie Sorabella:

Dear Lynnhaven River NOW members,

Everyone is looking at the Lynnhaven River’s recovering native oyster population with tremendous excitement.

Over the last 10 years, thousands of students and citizens have worked together with non-profits and governmental organizations to build oyster reefs in the Lynnhaven and to stock millions of reproductive oysters to the reefs.  These community-raised oysters reproduce in the river, thus their babies also contribute to the Lynnhaven’s impressive developing oyster population.  After only a decade of restoration activities, I am delighted to be able to report that all of this effort is working!  Ten years ago, the Lynnhaven’s oyster population was estimated to be at about 1% of historic abundance, and recent calculations estimate that we may have already increased the Lynnhaven’s population to as much as 10% of historic abundance.  That is a 10-fold increase in 10 years.

But today, there is a major threat to our burgeoning Lynnhaven River oyster population.

There is a heated debate underway right now with some parties favoring the introduction of a non-native oyster species to Chesapeake Bay waters.  The Suminoe oyster, Crassostrea ariakensis, is the oyster species under consideration.  If this asian oyster species is introduced into Chesapeake Bay and invades the Lynnhaven River (a likely scenario if the oyster is introduced), the asian oysters will surely hinder the restoration of our native oysters because the Suminoe oyster interferes with native oyster reproduction, undermining the laudable oyster restoration progress in the Lynnhaven.  In addition to jeopardizing our native oyster restoration efforts, the Suminoe oyster harbors human pathogens moreso than our native oyster, posing more risk for human consumption, and the Suminoe oyster may cause increased oyster disease risks to our existing native oysters.  For these, and several additional reasons, Lynnhaven River NOW, together with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Oyster Reef Keepers of Virginia, and all of the nearby Mid-Atlantic states are saying “no” to introducing Crassostrea ariakensis to the Cheapeake Bay.

Please let the Army Corps of Engineers know that you oppose introducing Crassostrea ariakensis to the Cheapeake Bay.

You can make your position known by attending one of 2 upcoming public meetings or you can send a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers voicing your position.  Public meeting information is as follows:

    1.    Friday, November 7, 2008 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
    Virginia Marine Resources Commission main office, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, Va. 23607
    2.    Monday, November 10, 2008 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
    Nandua High School, 26350 Lankford Highway, Onley, Va. 23418 (Eastern Shore)

If you would prefer to send a letter, you can write one of your own and send it to the address below, or you can check your e-mail in the next few days because Lynnhaven River NOW will be circulating a sample letter for you to work from.  Comments may be submitted through December 15, 2008 and mailed to:
          Department of the Army
          Norfolk District, Corps of Engineers
          Attn: Mr. Mark Mansfield
          Chief, Planning and Policy Branch
          803 Front Street , Norfolk, Virginia 23510-1096
or e-mailed to: Mark.T.Mansfield@usace.army.mil
Comments should reference the Draft PEIS. For more information visit http://www.nao.usace.army.mil/OysterEIS/homepage.asp

Poll volunteers did an outstanding job! Thank you!
Took 51 minutes from getting there to voting.