Read article at Pilotonline.com:
Crews will focus on the area west of the Lynnhaven Fishing Pier and north of Fort Story.
Virginia Beach used to have a permanent fund for beach replenishment, but stopped putting money in it during the recession, which began in December 2007. Since then, Public Works has shifted money around as beaches have needed erosion repair.
Councilmember Rosemary Wilson forwarded me a copy of your numerous questions related to the Neighborhood SSD Dredging Program. Attached you will find responses to each. Let me assure you that the City of Virginia Beach adheres to all regulatory and safety provisions when performing construction work either in-house with our City workforce or by contractors.
Previously at SDCC.info: Search “Dredging” results
What Henifin has in mind is turning the treated wastewater into something useful. He wants to make it so clean that you and I could safely drink it, and then he wants to inject it more than a thousand feet underground into an aquifer that’s being rapidly depleted.
In doing so, he hopes to address a bunch of problems vexing coastal Virginia.
We rewrote the city’s Comprehensive Plan to reflect your concerns about traffic, the environment and more.
Now we’re asking: Did we get it right? Does the revised Comprehensive Plan address the things you love and the things you want changed?
We’ve made it easy to respond. In fact, there’s an app for that — and community meetings.
Engage!
Thursday, Jan. 28 — Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St.
To read the complete Comprehensive Plan, visit http://www.VBgov.com/2016compplan.
The new policy is contained in an executive order issued by President Obama in January that says federal actions (think projects funded directly or in part by the federal government = highways, airports, military bases) have to take future flood risks into account.
The Executive order from January 2015:
FACT SHEET: Taking Action to Protect Communities and Reduce the Cost of Future Flood Disasters
More than 50 percent of Americans live in coastal counties, where key infrastructure and evacuation routes are increasingly vulnerable to impacts like higher sea levels, storm surges, and flooding.
News about Executive Order green lighted by Congress in recent omnibus bill:
Under Obama’s executive order, buildings must now be elevated 2 or 3 feet above the 100-year flood level (the higher standard is for “critical” infrastructure, like hospitals), or at the 500-year flood level. A third option is for federal agencies to analyze future climate change scenarios and build according to those projections, such as for sea level rise or expected heavier rain events.
Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) at FEMA.gov:
FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have produced fact sheets in response to several frequently asked questions regarding the intended scope of the President’s Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) and the anticipated impacts to many of the programs of these agencies.
Are you going tonight ?
Click graphic to view larger
Seven letters requesting Virginia Beach City Council to oppose offshore drilling.
Virginia Beach Resort Advisory Commission
Virginia Beach Hotel Association
Don’t Drill VA artwork.
If you haven’t been involved with this very controversial idea, you might choose to get involved now.
Recent press includes an article at Pilotonline.com entitled Virginia’s scant opposition to offshore drilling stands out.
Trace your finger along a map of the South Carolina coast and you’d be hard-pressed to find a town that hasn’t adopted a resolution against drilling for oil and gas. More than 20 communities there have lined up against the idea. It’s much the same in coastal North Carolina and Georgia.
Interestingly, the City of Virginia Beach does not list offshore drilling as a Hot Topic at VBGov.com. Shouldn’t it be listed?
Editor’s note: SDCC has not taken a vote on offshore drilling.
· Supportive of Volunteer Rescue Squad
· Experience with topics/items in VB Comprehensive Plan and be supportive of them
· Needs to have Experience/Background in the following:
o Master Planning
o Safety & Environmental Health
o Dealing with Military
· Should be or have been a City Manager of a large city
· Should be coming from a tourism city/area
· Familiar with the Dillon Rule
· Embraces and supports Civic Engagement
· Practices unbiased/impartial decision making
· Embraces and supports Complete Streets concept
· Should be a cyclist or commute by bike
· Needs to understand and be willing to work on new initiatives/approaches regarding National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Disaster Preparedness
· Good financial management skills. Come from a city that holds a AAA or better bond rating
SUBMIT YOUR IDEAS NOW
Deadline today September 30 2015 at 5pm.
Photo Credit: Florence ‘Flo’ Womacks
The biggest threat is to shellfish larvae and small seed – in spat-on-shell tanks and nursery systems. Survival could be impacted due to low dissolved oxygen (from the algal cell die off, which consumes available oxygen) or by the algal cells clogging screens in nursery systems and reducing water flow. The algae could also impair feeding by “clogging” shellfish gills and in some cases could have toxic effects.
There are a host of agencies working together to actively monitor the blooms – VIMS, DEQ, VDH. Bloom locations have been reported in the lower Chesapeake Bay, including the Lynnhaven, The Lafayette and the Elizabeth Rivers. As the summer and heat wear on, it is possible that the threat may remain in the area until cooler temperatures and higher winds arrive.
If you are a local oyster-gardener or know one, please remember to report oyster mortality to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science contact at kreece@vims.edu.
~ by Grace Moran
Special thanks to Florence ‘Flo’ Womacks for use of her photo.
New REGULATION: PERTAINING TO LIVING SHORELINE GROUP 1 GENERAL PERMIT FOR CERTAIN LIVING SHORELINE TREATMENTS INVOLVING TIDAL WETLANDS.
Read new permitting opportunity at Virginia Marine Resource Commission website:
4VAC 20-1300-10. Purpose.
The purpose of this general permit is to provide a streamlined permitting process as an incentive to encourage property owners to utilize a living shoreline approach as appropriate, to manage shoreline erosion, and promote the planting and growth of tidal wetland vegetation to restore or enhance ecosystem services. The techniques and conditions contained in this general permit are designed to limit the applicability of the permit to situations where the projects are most likely to be successful, and so as to limit the potential for adverse impacts on the environment and adjoining or nearby properties.
Approval under this general permit constitutes the Commission and or local wetlands board authorization required in accordance with §28.2-1306 of the Code of Virginia. This general permit shall not conflict with or obviate the need to comply with any other federal, state, or local permitting requirements or authorizations governing the proposed activity.
View video report at WAVY.com.
“Biologists have designed this, and they have been amazingly successful in reducing the number of collisions birds have with power lines, reducing the number of fatalities and also reducing the number of outages for people who are dependent on these lines,” Harris said.
The fireflies are placed along the power lines. One-by-one, they were installed on cables running across the Lesner Bridge Friday.
A flight crew from Haverfield Aviation attaches a bird repellent called a firefly to power lines beside the Lesner Bridge in Virginia Beach.
Credit: Walter Hildebrand/WAVY TV
View photos at WAVY.com of project.
Side note: There are as many seagulls that roam the earth as unicorns. Huh?
There. Is. No. Such. Things. As. A. Seagull.
Each year, the Lynnhaven Inlet, located on the Chesapeake Bay within the city of Virginia Beach, Va., requires annual dredging of dangerous shoaling and full maintenance-dredging about every three years.
At tonight’s SDCC meeting a member asked who should be contacted to report illegal crabbing on the Bay. The following may help with this issue as well as other marine violations or emergencies.
Virginia Marine Police check recreational fishing licenses, inspecting commercial fishermen for compliance, investigating boating accidents or conducting educational programs. They also conduct search and rescue operations, enforce boating safety laws, respond to emergency calls, investigate boating accidents and criminal activity, and provide counter-terrorism patrols to our military installations, shipyards, nuclear power plants, and other high-value maritime assets.
For emergencies, boating accidents and to report violations call the Marine Police Dispatch Center toll free at (800) 541-4646.
For more information, check out the Virginia Marine Police website by clicking here
Click Here for a Printable Version of the Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday June 29, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
Program/Presentation – Mr. Tuck Bowie, President of The Terry Peterson Companies, will provide an update on the Point Chesapeake development project located on the old Duck-In property.
Officer’s Reports Secretary – David Williams; Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon
Old Business–
Bishard Development Update – City Council’s June 2nd meeting on proposed development between Citgo and Leaping Lizard.
NFIP Community Rating System – SDCC voted at May meeting to support the CRS program for Virginia Beach. City staff is working on the policy and City Managers are reviewing. This program has possibility to reduce flood insurance policy costs by 10% or 15%.
New Business –
Pedestrian Crossing Improvement near OPVRS – City Traffic Engineers plan to improve pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Shore Drive and East Stratford/Roanoke Ave.
Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop – Interim survey results. Time permitting, we will also hold an Issues Framing session to talk about advantages/disadvantages of this proposed service.
Community Concerns – Does your neighborhood/condo have any issues that have come up that need help or may be a warning to others?
Citywide Civic Engagement Opportunities –
Next SDCC Meeting – Monday July 27, 2015
Neighborhood Storm Readiness
As the city enters another hurricane season, we are reminded that we are vulnerable to nature’s furry. Most of us would like to place hurricane preparations on our “B” or “C” list of priorities because so many chores and duties take up our time. We may think that we are ready, or can be ready in just a short time, but you may be surprised at how much time it takes to prepare for a major storm. Just consider how long it takes you to pack for a trip or vacation, and that is something that you want to do. I know. I just got back from Brussels, and I am a planner.
Recently, the hurricane predictors estimated how many hurricanes the area might experience in the coming year. In my opinion, I think such a government endeavor misses the mark. It is not how many hurricanes that may impact you, but if one should hit our area. Consider that hurricane Andrew was the first hurricane that year to hit the east coast and that it was a Cat 5. South of Miami was devastated while the residents were obviously aware of a hurricane’s potential.
We can only do so much here in VB, but we can put together a basic plan for ourselves and family. The city cannot provide enough storm shelters to help out more than about 10% of the people in the most endangered flood prone areas. If you plan on evacuating the area, consider that it will be very difficult if done too late (within 36-48 hours or more before the onset of TROPICAL Force Winds).
So, if you cannot evacuate, your area floods and there are no shelters for you and your family, what are your options? Stay where you are or hope to find a friend in a safer area? I think this is the time to to consider such principle questions for your basic planning, not when the weather lady points out a developing tropical depression that is soon to be named a hurricane.
If you do anything for yourself and family, consider what you would need in a basic emergency kit for your home to provide three days of support. There are multiple sites to help with your list making and planning. SDCC will put more information on our website to help with your planning shortly.
From NOAA Hurricane Center website:
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center says the 2015 Atlantic hurricane season will likely be below-normal, but that’s no reason to believe coastal areas will have it easy.
And:
“A below-normal season doesn’t mean we’re off the hook. As we’ve seen before, below-normal seasons can still produce catastrophic impacts to communities,” said NOAA Administrator Kathryn Sullivan, Ph.D., referring to the 1992 season in which only seven named storms formed, yet the first was Andrew – a Category 5 Major Hurricane that devastated South Florida.
From an email:
Dear School, Community, and Media Partners,
Below is our official statewide Virginia State Parks press release for the June 6, 2015 Clean the Bay Day and National Trails Day events. However, I summarized our Hampton Roads programs and events for you. You can always find up to date event and program information, included guided hikes, guided kayak trips, crafts, fishing clinics, and more by visiting http://www.virginiastateparks.gov and clicking “What to Do”.
If you or any of your staff are interested in covering these programs for your media outlet, please feel free to contact me at staci.martin@dcr.virgnia.gov or 757-477-4046 so I can coordinate your visit. We sincerely appreciate your help in promoting these events to help keep our trails and waterways clean and healthy for outdoor recreation. (Please feel free to email me at staci.martin@dcr.virginia.gov to be removed from my event distribution list.)
First Landing State Park—VA Beach: 9 a.m. to 12noon Join volunteers all across Virginia in collecting trash and other debris in and around our local waterways. Volunteers will clean up areas around the Bald Cypress Swamps, Broad Bay, and of course the beach along the Chesapeake Bay. Meet at the Chesapeake Bay Center to register and pick up supplies.
False Cape State Park—VA Beach: Be a part of the Annual Clean the Bay & National Trails Day by getting outdoors and enjoying a day making a difference. Join park staff and volunteers in helping keep our beaches pristine by picking up shoreline debris or help spruce-up one of the many trails found within the park. Reservations are required. No charge. Call 757-426-7128 to reserve a spot.
Kiptopeke State Park—Eastern Shore: 9 a.m. – 12noon Come out and help us collect the items that the wind and waves have brought to Kiptopeke State Park. We will be picking up trash and marine debris on the beach, parking lots and trails. There is no entrance fee to the park and trash bags will be provided. Please tell the front gate staff that you are here for the clean up and they will direct you to the waterfront shed.
Chippokes Plantation State Park—Surry: Clean the Bay Day gets the public actively involved in improving the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay by removing trash and contaminants in the bay’s watershed. During 2014’s Clean the Bay Day, 6,000 volunteers picked up 110,000 pounds of trash along more than 450 miles of shoreline. Let’s do better! Chippokes will be offering the following programs to contribute to the event:
9:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
Beach Cleanup
Leave your mark on the quality of the park and the bay! See the contact ranger inside the visitor center to get started!9:00a.m.-11:30a.m.
Let’s Go Fishing!-Children’s Fishing Tournament ($2/person $6/family)
See the types of animals that call the James River home! Meet at the footbridge on College Run Trail.York River State Park—Williamsburg: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (various programs) Celebrate the outdoors by hiking the miles of multi-purpose and hiking specific trails along Taskinas Creek and the York River. We have a full slate of ranger guided activities to enjoy. Help maintain the shoreline with our Clean The Bay Day event. The June Kid’s Fishing Tournament takes place on Woodstock Pond. Experience something new in the natural world with our Roaming Ranger. Hike along an estuarine marsh on the Taskinas Creek Trek. Take a trip thru the past with our Historic Wagon Ride. Or, take a self guided adventure alone or with a group. See individual event listings for more information http://tinyurl.com/monn927.
Belle Isle State Park—Lancaster: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Shoreline Clean-Up – Camp Store – Help keep the marshes of Belle Isle State Park clean. We will take a hayride down Neck Fields Trail and clean up trash and debris, keeping the marshes and shorelines healthy and looking good. Wear sturdy boots or waders, we will get muddy! Remember to bring plenty of water. It is also a good idea to bring some sturdy work gloves. Registration is required.*
2 p.m. That’s No Stick in the Mud – Picnic Area – If you like to hike, then you need a good hiking stick. And the best hiking sticks are decorated to showcase your style and personality! These also make a great souvenir! We’ve got everything you need to make your hiking stick truly unique. We even supply the stick! $2
4 p.m. Survival Bracelets – Picnic Area -You may have seen them in the store or on T.V., you may even own one, but would you know how to use a paracord survival bracelet? We will discuss some of the many uses of these versatile and fashionable accessories. Then, make your own paracord survival bracelet! Registration is recommended.* $5 per bracelet.
*To register, call the park office at (804) 462-5030 or stop by the camp store.
Contact: Jim Meisner Jr., DCR Public Relations Specialist, (804) 786-8442, jim.meisner@dcr.virginia.gov
Current news release is located at http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/pr_relz_detail.shtml?id=2015-05-29-14-50-47-928503-d3e
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 29, 2015Celebrate National Trails Day and Clean the Bay Day
in a Virginia State Park, June 6(RICHMOND) – With more than 500 miles of trails, there’s no better place in Virginia to celebrate National Trails Day on June 6 than Virginia State Parks.
Whether hiking, biking, paddling or horseback riding, all state parks will offer special events or activities geared towards trails. State parks in the Chesapeake Bay watershed will also mark the 27th annual Clean the Bay Day with special activities.
National Trails Day is sponsored by the American Hiking Society.
Activities across Virginia include:
High Bridge Trail State Park in Farmville offers the annual 5K, “Run for Your Life.” Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane has a special horseback ride planned for riders who bring their own horse. Also at Sky Meadows, cyclists looking for a new challenge can join Element Sports of Winchester for a ride on the multi-use trails at the base of the Blue Ridge backcountry.
Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield is offering three different hikes throughout the day. Grayson Highlands in Mouth of Wilson will offer different experiences, including a 9-mile trek on the Appalachian Trail to Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia, and trail maintenance on the Cabin Creek Trail.
Natural Tunnel in Duffield offers a canoe trip on the Clinch River, a historic hike, a wild cave tour and a night hike to demonstrate different trail experiences. New River Trail State Park partners with Mike McMillion, owner and head Bike Mechanic of Pulaski Bikes LLC, for a demonstration of basic road and trail side maintenance.
State parks will also offer opportunities to help maintain trails and improve the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. At Staunton River Battlefield, in Randolph, there will be work on the initial layout and construction of a new trail around Mulberry Hill Pond. At James River State Park in Gladstone, float along the James River to Treasure Island. Visitors can earn a free wagon ride by collecting 15 pieces of trash. At First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, volunteers will clear debris from Bald Cypress swamps, Broad Bay and the beach along the Chesapeake Bay.
Read the details of these and other programs here: http://bit.ly/2015NTD. Some activities require advance registration.
Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
For more information about state park activities and amenities, or to make cabin or camping reservations, call the Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275 or visit http://www.virginiastateparks.gov.
# # #
Email posted unedited.
Gentlemen,
I wanted to let you know that the large, damaged Live Oak that we spoke about at the corner of Shore Dr. and Kleen St. was removed today. A Miss Utility ticket has gone in for both stumps to be ground, and we hope to be able to take care of removing them next week. I’m very sorry that this tree had to be removed due to extensive decay and structural issues, but I’m glad that removal was carried out without causing damage or harm. We’ll be planting a replacement live oak this fall, however it won’t be at this same site due to the proximity to the roadway at this intersection.
Best wishes,
Susan
Susan French
City Arborist, Landscape Management Division
Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation
ISA Certified Arborist #MA-4747ALandscape Management | 4141 Dam Neck Road | Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Phone 757-385-4076 | Fax 757-427-1895 | sfrench@vbgov.com | VBgov.com/parksConnect with Parks & Rec!
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Sign up for our email newsletters: VBgov.com/eNewsVirginia Beach Parks and Recreation is accredited by CAPRA,
the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association
We appreciate the work that went into trying to save this live oak.
Susan loves meeting people in the field to chat about live oaks, The City Tree, and any other tree for that matter!
#WeLoveShoreDrive 