Chairman’s Message 

VIRGINIAforever supporters,

This VIRGINIAforever update comes to you in the midst of an unparalleled modern crisis. COVID-19 has quickly and dramatically rewritten the rules for the way we interact, do our jobs, and live our day-to-day lives.  Based on what we are hearing from Governor Northam, these changes will likely last for some time.

As many of you are aware, this crisis is likely to have a profound impact on Virginia’s budget.  Revenues will almost certainly come in under previous projections, and available funds may need to be diverted to reflect the state’s response to the pandemic.  The overall situation is likely to remain highly fluid for the next few weeks, and the actual impact on VIRGINIAforever’s priorities is difficult to predict; with that in mind, we have decided that the Legislative Update article in this quarter’s newsletter should reflect the budget as passed.  At this point, any speculation on outcome would be premature.  As the situation develops, we will keep you posted; for now, we are continuing to closely monitor.

We are living through history, and living through history can be unpleasant.  At some point, though, this crisis will be just that: history.  Until that time comes, please stay safe, care for your loved ones, and remember to take advantage of Virginia’s natural beauty for some outdoor social distancing.

Best regards,

Matt Wells

VIRGINIAforever Chair

Getting to Know VIRGINIAforever Chair Matt Wells

The executive board of VIRGINIAforever elected Matt Wells to serve as its chair, effective January 1, 2020.   The following is a Q&A to get to know Matt.

Q: How did you become involved in VIRGINIAforever?

A: Dennis Treacy, former chair of VIRGINIAforever, reached out to me about joining.  He’s very persuasive, but in this case it was a pretty easy sell.  Natural resources are core to who WestRock is as a company, and preserving and protecting them is something we take very seriously.  It’s also something that I care about personally.

I also loved the concept of an organization that includes both businesses and environmental organizations.  Too often folks assume that we don’t have common interests, when in reality nothing could be further from the truth.  I’m a firm believer that we make better policy when we work together.

Q: What are your key priorities for VIRGINIAforever?

A: This organization has been blessed with fantastic leadership during its lifetime, so a lot of my focus will be on continuing to build on a solid foundation.  Last year we developed and published our Five-Year Funding Plan; we will continue to vigorously pursue the goals we’ve laid out there.

That being said, the political dynamic in Virginia has shifted dramatically in the past few months, so we need to take this opportunity to make sure we are positioned properly to effectively achieve our mission.  The first part of that will come as we begin a review of our strategic plan, which is our internal document that outlines what we hope to achieve from an organizational standpoint over the next few years.  Overall, my goal is to make sure that VIRGINIAforever is recognized as THE preeminent voice when it comes to natural resource funding advocacy, and that we continue to be a group that policymakers reach out to proactively for feedback and input on funding decisions.

Q: Why is it important for VIRGINIAforever and other likeminded groups to continue to advocate for funding for natural resources?

A: We’ve seen from a study commissioned by VIRGINIAforever that the Commonwealth lags behind its peers when it comes to natural resources funding.  That’s a problem, and it’s not one that’s going to fix itself.  Budget-making is about prioritizing, and lawmakers and Governors can only prioritize properly if they understand what the needs are and what the impact of the dollars spent will be.  Everybody wants clean water, vibrant forests, open spaces, and great parks, and natural beauty is a part of what makes the Commonwealth a great place.  However, it takes advocacy to make sure that those general policy objectives turns into real dollars in the budget.  Even when we have a Governor aligned with our priorities, we need a wide array of voices backing them up.

Q: When you’re not at work at WestRock or leading VIRGINIAforever, what do you like to do?

A: I’m on the road quite a bit for my job, so I get a fair amount of reading done in airports.  When I’m home, I have a 3½ year old; he does a pretty good job of keeping me on my toes, and when I can get out I like to fish and golf.

Legislative Update: 2020 General Assembly Boosts (Some) Natural Resources Investments

Legislators scale back Gov. Northam’s proposals, but still some bright spots

When Gov. Ralph addressed the General Assembly’s budget committees in December, he proposed record investments in natural resources. His proposed budget included $733 million in new funding, including $400 million for water quality programs, $40 million for land conservation, $133 million for state parks infrastructure, and $25 million for Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) increased staff for permitting, enforcement, and communications.  A significant amount of this new funding was in the form of debt.

Throughout the legislative session members of the General Assembly’s budget-writing committees expressed concern that the proposed level of new debt might be too much.

They also made clear their budget priorities included boosting the state’s Rainy Day Fund and other reserves, state employee and K-12 teacher salary increases, and higher education tuition controls. In the end, the General Assembly’s budget included several hundred million dollars to reserves, bringing it to a record $2.1 billion; nearly $600 million for state and local public employee salary hikes; and $135 million for tuition-freeze funds and undergraduate financial aid increases.

For several years, General Assembly budget writers have moved to reign in reliance on bonds based on briefings from the Treasurer. Virginia is one of 13 states with Triple A rating and the state has been careful maintain this standing. This issue did seem to influence the bonding request from the natural resource agencies.

Gov. Northam’s overall proposed new debt neared $1 billion – for everything from mental health hospitals to university facilities to prisons to state parks. To some, this made sense, given a mostly healthy economy and low interest rates. To the legislature, it was too much, given some economic uncertainties and a desire to preserve more debt capacity.

When the General Assembly adopted its budget on March 12, they’d trimmed some $500 million from the governor’s proposed capital projects. The General Assembly also significantly reduced the amount of cash the Governor proposed allocating to natural resources programs.

Here’s what VIRGINIAforever’s 5-Year Plan recommended, what the Governor proposed, and what the General Assembly ultimately adopted for natural resources spending.

• Water Quality Improvement Fund
  • VIRGINIAforever 5-Year Plan: $55 million per year
  • Governor’s proposal: $120 million (bonds)
  • General Assembly approved: $50 million (bonds)

• Stormwater Local Assistance Fund
  • VIRGINIAforever 5-Year Plan: $80 million per year
  • Governor’s proposal: $182 million (bonds)
  • General Assembly approved: $50 million (bonds)

• Alexandria CSO support
  • VIRGINIAforever 5-Year Plan: No specific recommendation
  • Governor’s proposal: $65 million (bonds)
  • General Assembly approved: $25 million (bonds)

• Oyster Reef Restoration
  • VIRGINIAforever 5-Year Plan: No specific recommendation
  • Governor’s proposal: $11.5 million (cash and bonds)
  • General Assembly approved: $11.5 million (cash and bonds)

• Agricultural BMPs
  • VIRGINIAforever 5-Year Plan: $100 million per year
  • Governor’s proposal: $89 million (cash) over biennium
  • General Assembly approved: $66.6 million (cash) over biennium, plus $4.5 million for technical assistance to the base budget

• Virginia Land Conservation Fund
  • VIRGINIAforever 5-Year Plan: $20 million per year
  • Governor’s proposal: $40 million (cash) over biennium
  • General Assembly approved: $20 million (cash) over biennium

• State Parks and other Infrastructure
  • VIRGINIAforever 5-Year Plan: $70 million per year for conservation lands; $115 million per year for public access projects
  • Governor’s proposal: $133 million (bonds)
  • General Assembly approved: $33.65 million (bonds)

Gov. Northam’s proposed budget included record investments in natural resources. This in itself was an accomplishment, driven in no small part by VIRGINIAforever’s and many other environmental and business organizations’ advocacy. But the large reductions adopted by the General Assembly demonstrate that we still have a long way to go in convincing legislators of the urgency and long-term benefits of the increased investment in natural resources that is the centerpiece of VIRGINIAforever’s mission.

A bright spot is that the $50 million appropriated to the stormwater fund, which is a dollar-for-dollar cost-share program with localities, is a record amount. The most previously appropriated was $35 million in 2013. Over the past half-dozen years, the General Assembly has appropriated $100 million to stormwater projects, which was matched by local governments.

Gov. Northam is currently reviewing the General Assembly’s amendments to his budget. The governor can propose additional amendments to the legislature’s adopted budget. The General Assembly returns to Richmond on April 22 for the one-day Reconvened Session, when legislators will consider – for a final time – amendments to the budget and other legislation as well as any vetoes the governor might propose.

Membership Update

In Q1 2020, VIRGINIAforever welcomed three members to our general board of directors: David Johnson of DuPont; Jason Eberstein of Enviva; and Mike Baum of Keep Virginia Beautiful.   Welcome and thank you for your support, David, Jason and Mike!

Remember to “Like” VIRGINIAforever on Facebook

VIRGINIAforever is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ourlandourwater. “Like” our page to stay in touch about VIRGINIAforever announcements as well as natural resources funding news from across the Commonwealth.  You are encouraged to “share” and “comment” on our content.

News from the Administration

Below please find a selection of recent natural resources-related news from the administration:

• Governor Northam announced $350,000 in grants from the Virginia Farmland Preservation Fund to help six localities protect their farm and forest land. The grants will be used as matching funds to permanently preserve working lands through local Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) programs. The grant recipients for fiscal year 2020 are Albemarle, Clarke, Fauquier, and Stafford counties, and the cities of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. PDR programs empower localities to limit development on priority farm and forest lands and provide an incentive to landowners who want to protect their working lands by voluntarily securing a perpetual conservation easement. Read more here.

• Governor Northam joined City of Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander and federal, state, and local partners to break ground on the Ohio Creek Watershed Project. The project is a collaborative effort to address the impacts of sea level rise in Hampton Roads. The Ohio Creek Watershed includes two residential, predominantly African American neighborhoods with civic leagues and a strong community identity. Historic Chesterfield Heights has over 400 houses on the Historic National Register, and Grandy Village includes a public housing community with more than 300 homes. A new park, to be named Resilience Park, will connect the Grandy Village and Chesterfield Heights neighborhoods and include a flood berm, a restored tidal creek and wetland, as well as a multi-use sports field and places for community gatherings and recreation. Read more here.

• Governor Northam announced that new state “port host community” grants will help Virginia’s oyster industry upgrade the Menchville Marina in Newport News, complete a pedestrian-friendly mixed-use development around Lambert’s Point in Norfolk, and redevelop the derelict site of the decommissioned former Cogentrix coal-fired power plant in Portsmouth. The City of Newport News owns Menchville Marina and will lease it to a consortium of four Virginia oyster companies, which have a combined 200 years of experience. They have committed to make needed improvements to the marina. The Mariner’s Museum and Christopher Newport University also will use the facility for hands-on educational programming about clean water, conservation, and the oyster industry. Read more here.

Northam’s Proposed Budget Highlights Natural Resources Investments

Historic investments proposed for water quality and land conservation

When Gov. Ralph Northam addressed the General Assembly’s budget and tax committees on December 17 to present his proposed biennial budget, he laid out ahead of everything else his environmental and renewable energy investments.

The budget includes $733 million in new funding for environment quality and renewable energy including heavy investments in Chesapeake Bay clean up efforts. This may be the most in new funding for water quality and land conservation that has ever been proposed in a single budget.

Secretary of Natural Resources Matt Strickler also noted VIRGINIAforever’s five-year strategic plan for natural resources investments and its longtime advocacy for helping pave the way for this historic new funding.

Water Quality

There’s $400 million for water quality projects and programs.

This includes $182 million in authorized bond funding for stormwater projects. (Previously, the most ever proposed for stormwater in a single budget is $35 million.) This new stormwater funding likely will be stretched out over numerous years. Considering that the state stormwater funds must have a dollar-for-dollar match from local governments, this will total nearly $400 million once implemented.

The budget also includes $120 million in authorized bonds for wastewater treatment plant upgrades, helping local governments remove nutrients from local streams and rivers. These state funds also will require a local funding match. On top of this, Alexandria Renew Enterprises – the wastewater treatment authority for Alexandria and part of Fairfax County – is slated to receive $65 million in authorized state debt to help with its $400-500 million state-mandated fix to its combined sewer overflow system. This is the most ever proposed at once for a CSO project.

State assistance to Virginia’s farmers for agricultural best management practices totals nearly $90 million over the biennium.

Land Conservation

And, for the first time, a Virginia governor is proposing the maximum for land conservation called for in state law. In 2013, the General Assembly passed a law requiring governors to invest $20 million annually in the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation. Northam is proposing the full $20 million for VLCF, which provides grants to local governments and others to preserve open-space lands, working farmlands, forests, and key historic lands.

State parks also will see a big investment – $144 million for new infrastructure. Additionally, there’s another $6.5 million proposed for additional lands for natural area preserves and $14.5 million for wildlife management areas and more boating access to rivers.

State Agency Staff Investments

New to VIRGINIAforever’s advocacy efforts is state agency staffing. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and other environmental agencies have lost significant funding over the last decade for staff, which has hampered their permitting and environmental protection responsibilities. Northam proposed nearly $40 million for additional personnel at DEQ, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and other agencies.

What’s Next?

Well, as the saying goes, “the governor proposes, and the legislature disposes.” VIRGINIAforever will ramp up its legislative lobbying when the 2020 General Assembly convenes in January.

VIRGINIAforever’s membership – environmental advocates, outdoor enthusiasts, and the business community – will have to highlight to legislators these historic investments in natural resources and encourage their strong support.

The General Assembly convenes on January 8 and adjourns on March 7.

Annual Budget Briefing on Natural Resources Funding: Cabinet Secretaries Share Details on Governor’s Introduced Budget

On December 17, VIRGINIAforever held its Annual Budget Briefing on Natural Resources. Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources Matt Strickler and Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring presented details on natural resources-related components of Governor Northam’s introduced budget. Representatives from agencies that fall under these two secretariats were also in attendance and helped answer questions from the audience.

Leadership Update: VIRGINIAforever Elects Officers

At its annual meeting in December, VIRGINIAforever elected the following to serve as its officers for 2020-2022:

• Chair – Matt Wells, WestRock
• Vice Chair* – Kendall Tyree, Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
• Secretary/Treasurer – Kyle Shreve, Virginia Agribusiness Council
• At-Large Member* – Nikki Rovner, The Nature Conservancy
• At-Large Member – Mandy Tornabene, Dominion Energy

* Denotes member is serving second term in this role

Please extend a warm welcome to our new leadership committee.

A huge thank you goes to Dennis Treacy for his leadership and service in his chairman role over the past four years.

Remember to “Like” VIRGINIAforever on Facebook!

VIRGINIAforever is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ourlandourwater. “Like” our page to stay in touch about VIRGINIAforever announcements as well as natural resources funding news from across the Commonwealth. You are encouraged to “share” and “comment” on our content.

VIRGINIAforever Releases Five-Year Funding Plan

In mid-September, VIRGINIAforever released the newest edition of its Five-Year Funding Plan, The Path Forward. This plan sets forth investments needed to accomplish the Commonwealth’s land conservation and water quality improvement goals from 2021 through 2025. These investments, which are critical to ensure that our natural resources stay protected today, tomorrow and into the future, include the following:

Enabling land conservation and public access in the Commonwealth

• $20 million per year for land conservation grant programs
• $70 million bond for conservation agency land acquisition
• $75 million per year for Land Preservation Tax Credits
• $115 million in bonds for public access projects

Ensuring water quality in the Bay, its tributaries and other waterways

• $55 million per year for wastewater treatment plant upgrades
• $80 million per year for stormwater projects
• $100 million per year for Agricultural BMP cost share

Supporting resilience programs that benefit Virginia’s land and water

Increasing funding for natural resources-related state agencies to ensure efficient execution of all critical functions

As the only statewide group that focuses on natural resources funding, VIRGINIAforever and its members – who together, created this Five-Year Funding Plan – agree that critical funding is needed to protect our natural resources so that Virginia can remain a top state to work and play. Please consider how you can advocate for the investments in this plan and ensure that Virginia’s natural resources are prioritized and protected. Read the full plan here.

Upcoming Event: 2019 Bridge Builder Celebration is October 10

On October 10, VIRGINIAforever will hold its Annual Bridge Builder Celebration, which brings together the business and environmental communities to honor an individual who has demonstrated leadership in the protection of Virginia’s natural resources. This year, we will honor Delegate David Bulova, a long-time champion of Virginia’s land and waterways. An environmental planner by profession, Delegate Bulova is uniquely qualified and motivated to fight for environmental issues in the General Assembly. He has spearheaded a number of important legislative issues, and he is most deserving of this award. We will be joined at the event by Matt Lohr, the 16th Chief of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Chief Lohr, who is our featured speaker, is a fifth-generation farmer, he has spent his life working for the betterment of agriculture and stewardship on working lands. Chief Lohr served as Virginia’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services from 2010 to 2013 and in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2006 to 2010. Sponsorships and tickets are still available. For more information on the event, please click here.

Legislative Update – ’Tis the Season: Natural Resources Budget Planning

It’s in the summer and early fall that state agencies and the Governor’s office plan the state budget for the next year or two years. It’s also this time when VIRGINIAforever engages with state agencies and the Governor’s office to push for more natural resources funding.

In June and July, agencies put pencil to paper, sketching out their operational and capital needs for the coming year or biennium. Agency directors and their budget teams prepare down-to-the-dollar estimates and the justifications for them, and then present their spending plans to their secretariats and the Governor’s budget team.

In August, September, and October, the Department of Planning and Budget works with secretaries and the Governor’s staff, going over every proposed budget line item. Agency budget requests are matched against projected revenue. The Governor sets priorities among the many requests, not all of which can be met. The Governor and budget staff will meet for many hours a day for days and weeks on end.

In November, the budget-planning process begins winding down. Final decisions are made. In early December, the latest revenue projections are checked and the budget (quite literally) goes to press. In mid-December, the Governor appears before the General Assembly’s finance (revenue) and appropriations committees and presents his budget blueprint.

VIRGINIAforever is likewise engaged every step of the way. In the summer, VIRGINIAforever meets with a half-dozen natural resources agencies to discuss our budget priorities and theirs – advising on our water quality and land conservation goals, better understanding their needs and aims, and determining how much it all aligns. VIRGINIAforever also meets with the Governor’s office – the natural resources secretariats and policy staffs – to lay out our goals and how they improve the quality of life and economy for all Virginians, all in hopes of influencing the newly prepared budget.

In 2019, VIRGINIAforever has done all of this. Our early focus was preparing VIRGINIAforever’s new Five-Year Plan (2021-2025). Meetings with state agencies provided a basis for the new natural resources investment blueprint for conserving additional lands, creating new state parks, supporting farmers’ conservation practices, and improving local streams and rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.

Presenting that new five-year plan to the Governor’s office and General Assembly members is underway. The meetings are many, and the dialogue is good.

We are proud that VIRGINIAforever’s plan is always recognized for its depth. The Governor’s office and lawmakers often use it as a guide for their own budget discussions.

VIRGINIAforever will continue engaging with the Governor’s budget-planning team over the next couple of months and look forward to the new biennial budget being presented in mid-December. Our Five-Year plan will then guide our engagement with the General Assembly when it convenes in January 2020.

VIRGINIAforever Welcomes New Board Members

In the third quarter of 2019, VIRGINIAforever welcomed several new organizations to the board.

Reed Smith LLP has joined the executive board. Dennis Treacy, who previously served as an individual member on the executive board, will represent Reed Smith. Dennis will continue serving as chair of VIRGINIAforever.

Two new members joined our general board: Chesapeake Conservancy, represented by Reed Perry; and Alliance for the Shenandoah, represented by Kate Wofford. Welcome, Reed and Kate!

To learn more about becoming a member of VIRGINIAforever, contact Ginny Boland at gboland@mwcllc.com.

VIRGINIAforever Member News: Luck Companies Issues Impact Report

In July, VIRGINIAforever member Luck Companies issued its new Impact Report, a summary and assessment of the company’s growth and sustainability efforts. Of note, the report highlights Luck’s stormwater management programs across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, which include high-quality soil blends, ball field mixes and erosion control materials. Luck is the nation’s largest privately-held, family-owned producer of crushed stone, sand and gravel. Read the Impact Report at https://www.luckimpactreport.com/.

News from the Administration

Governor Northam Joins Regional Partners in Reaffirming Shared Goals for Chesapeake Bay Restoration. Earlier this month, Governor Northam joined representatives from the seven Chesapeake Bay watershed jurisdictions, the Chesapeake Bay Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the annual meeting of the Chesapeake Executive Council. In his remarks to the Council, Governor Northam emphasized the importance of the upholding the regional state-federal partnership that has shaped efforts to restore the water quality and living resource of the Chesapeake Bay watershed since its inception in the early 1980s. Read more here.

Governor Northam Announces Virginia Farmland Preservation Fund Surpasses 100 Conservation Easements. Last month, Governor Northam announced that more than 100 conservation easements for working farms and forests have been secured through the Virginia Farmland Preservation Fund. By providing matching funds to support local Purchase of Development Rights programs, the Fund enhances the viability of Virginia agriculture and forestry by empowering individual localities to limit development on the farmland and forestland that each community has deemed a priority for conservation. Read more here.

Governor Northam Announces Release of Virginia’s Final Chesapeake Bay Restoration Plan. In August, Governor Northam released the final restoration plan for Virginia’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal rivers. The clean-up plan, referred to as the Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP), will guide local, state, and federal actions through 2025 and is designed to meet the Commonwealth’s commitments to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution and restore the health of the Bay and its tributaries. Virginia’s Phase III WIP lays out over 50 targeted state initiatives to support the efforts necessary to achieve the Commonwealth’s restoration goals by 2025, placing a strong emphasis on sustained funding and increased technical capacity across all sectors. This strategy is intended to systematically close the outstanding gaps during the final phase of restoration and enable the Commonwealth to reach its pollution reduction targets. Read more here.

Commonwealth of Virginia and The Nature Conservancy Partner to Permanently Protect 22,856 Acres in Southwest Virginia. Governor Northam announced a partnership between The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF), and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to permanently protect 22,856 acres of forest land in Russell County in southwest Virginia through the largest open space easement ever recorded in the Commonwealth. The announcement of this partnership comes on the heels of TNC’s Cumberland Forest Project, which recently acquired a quarter-million acres in the Central Appalachian coalfields of Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Read more here.

Governor Northam Announces New Office of Outdoor Recreation. During an event held at Carvins Cove Natural Reserve, Governor Northam announced the creation of an Office of Outdoor Recreation to lead efforts to promote the outdoor recreation industry in Virginia and recruit new outdoor businesses to the Commonwealth. The outdoor recreation industry contributes nearly $22 billion annually to the Virginia economy, and employs more than 197,000 Virginians. Virginia will be the 15th state in the nation to establish an office or task force dedicated to strengthening the outdoor industry, and the third on the East Coast. Read more here.

Governor Northam Announces Launch of James River Buffer Program. In July, Governor Northam announced the launch of the James River Buffer Program, a partnership between the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) and the James River Association (JRA) to establish over 900 acres of “riparian forested buffers” in the Middle James region of the river. This initiative to restore river and streamside forest buffers springs from the Virginia Environmental Endowment’s (VEE) James River Water Quality Improvement Program grant awarded to VDOF ($750,000) and the JRA ($1.45 million). Read more here.

Governor Northam Announces Record $73 Million in Funding for Improved Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program. Governor Northam announced the availability of $73 million to protect water and soil health through the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program, which represents the largest-ever investment of state funding to assist farmers implementing conservation practices. The program has been updated to provide greater flexibility and reduce barriers to farmer participation. The cost-share program is a partnership between the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and Virginia’s 47 soil and water conservation districts. Read more here.

Reminder: “Like” VIRGINIAforever on Facebook!

VIRGINIAforever is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ourlandourwater. “Like” our page to stay in touch about VIRGINIAforever announcements as well as natural resources funding news from across the Commonwealth. You are encouraged to “share” and “comment” on our content.

VIRGINIAforever Preparing for 2020 General Assembly

State’s strong economy may aid in natural resources spending proposals

The 2019 General Assembly approved investments in Virginia’s natural resources, including $10 million for stormwater improvements, $4.5 million for land conservation, and $90 million for agricultural BMPs.

Since the legislature’s adjournment in late February, VIRGINIAforever board members and staff have continued meeting with state environmental agencies to discuss investment priorities for the 2020 General Assembly session. These meetings often have been in conjunction with VIRGINIAforever’s work to prepare a new Five-Year Strategic Plan.

Virginia’s economy remains strong – May’s unemployment rate was 3% – and state revenues are running ahead of projections. Last month’s General Fund revenues were up 22.5% over a year ago. On a fiscal year-to-date basis, revenues are up 7.9%, or more than double the 3.3% projection.

The state’s 2019 fiscal year ends on June 30. In July, Gov. Ralph Northam will report FY2019’s final results. If there is a year-end surplus, the Water Quality Improvement Fund will receive 10% of it.

In August, Northam will provide the General Assembly budget committees an update on Virginia’s economy as well as preliminary insights to his budget plans and other emerging policy priorities. The governor has pledged to make natural resources investments among his highest budget priorities.

VIRGINIAforever will meet this summer with the Northam administration to advocate for certain water quality, land conservation, agricultural BMP, and other environmental spending priorities.

Stay Tuned: 2019 Bridge Builder Celebration Plans to Be Announced Soon!

Each year, VIRGINIAforever holds the Bridge Builder Celebration, which brings together the business and environmental communities to honor an individual who has demonstrated leadership in the protection of Virginia’s natural resources. Plans are quickly coming together for this year’s event, which will be held in the fall. Stay tuned for more information including a save-the-date. Sponsorship opportunities will be available. Learn about our past honorees here.

VIRGINIAforever Welcomes Tyson Foods to Executive Board

In the second quarter of 2019, VIRGINIAforever welcomed Tyson Foods to our executive board. Doug Baxter, who is the Area Environmental Manager at the company’s Glen Allen plant, will be Tyson’s representative to the board.

To learn more about becoming a member of VIRGINIAforever, contact Ginny Boland at gboland@mwcllc.com.

News from the Administration

Virginia Land Conservation Foundation Announces Revised Criteria to Align Conservation Initiatives. Earlier this month, Governor Northam announced that the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) Board of Directors adopted new grant criteria and announced that grant applications are being accepted for the fiscal year 2020 grant cycle. A total of $5.27 million in grant funding is available for land acquisitions and protections in four categories: farmland and forest preservation, historic area preservation, natural area protection, and open spaces and parks. Read more here.

Governor Northam Designates May 19–25 as Virginia Agriculture Week. Governor Northam issued a proclamation declaring the week of May 19–25, 2019 as Virginia Agriculture Week in the Commonwealth. Throughout the week, the Governor and members of Northam administration visited sites across Virginia highlighting a variety of farming operations, agriculture research and technology, local food systems, and agribusinesses, as well as the agricultural sector’s enormous economic impact in the Commonwealth. Read more here.

Governor Northam Signs Executive Order Transferring Virginia Museum of Natural History to Secretary of Education. In May, Governor Northam signed Executive Order Thirty-One, transferring responsibility and oversight of the Virginia Museum of Natural History (VMNH) from the Secretary of Natural Resources to the Secretary of Education. Founded in 1984 and located in Martinsville, Virginia, the VMNH was established to investigate, preserve, and exhibit various elements of natural history found in Virginia and other parts of the United States and the world. The state museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, encourages and promotes research in the varied natural heritage of the Commonwealth and beyond. Read more here.

DEQ Awards $20 Million for Stormwater Enhancements. In April, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality awarded 15 localities across the commonwealth with $20 million from this year’s Stormwater Local Assistance Fund (SLAF). The SLAF program, managed by DEQ, provides matching grants to localities for improvement projects that implement cost-effective best management practices. This year’s awards will support 24 projects that will reduce water pollution across the state. Read more here.’

Reminder: “Like” VIRGINIAforever on Facebook!

VIRGINIAforever is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ourlandourwater. “Like” our page to stay in touch about VIRGINIAforever announcements as well as natural resources funding news from across the Commonwealth. You are encouraged to “share” and “comment” on our content.

2019 General Assembly Boosts Spending on Water Quality, Maintains Spending on Land Conservation

Ag BMPs is the big winner

The 2019 General Assembly adjourned its legislative session on February 24, having taken up more than 3,100 bills and resolutions and amended the second year of the state’s biennial budget.

VIRGINIAforever principally focuses on the General Assembly’s budget – its proposed investments in water quality and land conservation initiatives.

As the General Assembly kicked off in January, VIRGINIAforever was fully behind Governor Northam’s proposed budget amendments to invest $50 million in the Stormwater Local Assistance Fund to assist local governments in reducing stormwater pollution, $90 million (including $74 million from the Water Quality Improvement Fund) for agricultural BMPs and technical assistance, and $11 million in land conservation funding. VIRGINIAforever also supported new funding for state regulatory agencies’ staffing needs for permitting, oversight, and stakeholder communications.

The governor’s proposals represented unprecedented single-year spending in natural resources, and VIRGINIAforever worked with the governor’s staff, state agencies, and legislators to support it.

The General Assembly worked to balance the governor’s proposed budget amendments – not only in natural resources, but in education, public safety, and healthcare, among other areas – and to consider some level of tax relief in light of certain recent federal tax code changes.

When the General Assembly adjourned in late February, it had reworked Governor Northam’s proposed budget. Legislators reduced the governor’s spending proposals in stormwater and land conservation, reworked his agricultural BMP proposal, and eliminated most increases in state agency staffing.

The General Assembly’s final budget includes the following:

• $10 million for the Stormwater Local Assistance Fund
• $4.5 million for the Virginia Land Conservation Fund; this was existing funds, and additional proposed funding was eliminated
• $90 million from various sources for agricultural BMPs, including $74 million from the Water Quality Improvement Fund
• $800,000 for the Department of Environmental Quality for IT upgrades to aid in stakeholder engagement and other improvements

The 2019 General Assembly invested less than usual in stormwater pollution reduction, but a hefty amount in other water quality programs. It did not invest what it arguably should have in land conservation. And agricultural BMP investments was the big winner.

The General Assembly returns to Richmond on April 3 for its one-day Reconvened Session to consider the governor’s proposed amendments and vetoes to legislation and amendments to the budget.

VIRGINIAforever will continue working with the Governor’s Office, General Assembly members, and environmental agencies to press the need for additional natural resources spending.

 

VIRGINIAforever Embarks on Five-Year Funding Plan Updates

In 2013, VIRGINIAforever underwent a multi-phased process to highlight the recent accomplishments of Virginia’s land and water strategies and to propose five-year funding goals for the state to invest in the Commonwealth’s future. This exercise resulted in VIRGINIAforever’s Five-Year Funding Plan, which covered years 2015 through 2019.  With that plan expiring, VIRGINIAforever is now embarking on a mission to develop a new set of funding goals for the years 2020 through 2024.  A workgroup, led by executive board member Nikki Rovner of The Nature Conservancy, is diligently meeting with agency heads, NGOs and other interested parties to determine needs and how VIRGINIAforever can support these needs. The culmination of this research will be a published report to used as VIRGINIAforever’s legislative priorities moving forward.  The plan will be finalized and shared in late-summer. Stay tuned for more information.

VIRGINIAforever Welcomes New Members

In the first quarter of 2019, VIRGINIAforever welcomed the following new members on our general board:

• Bruce Wingo as an individual member
• Virginia State Dairymen’s Association, represented by Eric Paulson
• Virginia Cattlemen’s Association, represented by Jason Carter

To learn more about becoming a member of VIRGINIAforever, contact Ginny Boland at gboland@mwcllc.com.

News from the Administration

Governor Northam Announces $1.4 Million in Grants to Support Restoration of Brownfield Sites. On February 27, Governor Northam announced approximately $1.4 million in Virginia Brownfields Restoration and Economic Redevelopment Assistance Fund (VBAF) Site Remediation Grants for eight localities in the Commonwealth. VBAF was established to provide either grants or loans to local governments to promote the restoration and redevelopment of brownfield sites and to address environmental problems or obstacles to reuse in an effort to effectively market to new economic development prospects. Read more here.

Governor Northam Announces Legislative Proposals to Improve Environmental Quality and Strengthen Protection of Virginia’s Natural Resources. On January 3, Governor Northam announced a legislative package focused on improving environmental quality and management of natural resources in Virginia. The package includes the Coastal Protection Act, the Water Quality and Safety Act, the Stormwater Local Assistance Fund Amendments Act, and two bills designed to reduce conflicts between shellfish growers and other users of tidal waters. Read more here.

Governor Northam Announces Over $600,000 in Farmland Preservation Grants. On January 17, Governor Northam announced the recipients of fiscal year 2019 farmland preservation grants. Six localities have been awarded a total of $633,831 from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (VDACS) Office of Farmland Preservation. The funds will be used to permanently preserve working farmland through local Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) programs. PDR programs compensate landowners who work with localities to preserve their land permanently by voluntarily securing a perpetual conservation easement. Read more here.

Governor Northam Proposed New Investments in Natural Resources

Includes significant long-term funding commitment for Ag BMPs, stormwater pollution controls

By Preston Bryant, VIRGINIAforever lobbyist

The 2019 General Assembly convenes on January 9 and is scheduled to adjourn on February 23. This is the so-called “short session,” where principal focus is often less on major policy changes on more on budget amendments.

Governor Northam has proposed budget amendments that significantly invest in natural resources. His focus is on water quality and land conservation.

Budget proposals to improve water quality include $90 million per year in each of the next five years for the agricultural best management practices (BMPs) cost-share program, technical staff assistance in implementing the BMPs, and other non-point source water quality programs, and $50 million per year for the next five years for the Stormwater Local Assistance Fund to assist local governments in planning and constructing stormwater control infrastructure. This amounts to nearly $775 million in state water quality improvements from FY2020 through FY2024.

It also should be noted that SLAF is a dollar-for-dollar match program. The proposed $250 million state investment will have to be matched by local governments, thus creating $500 million for stormwater infrastructure over the next five years.

Additionally, the Water Quality Improvement Fund received $73 million for point-source and certain other non-point source investments.

The governor also proposed $25 million in state financial assistance for the City of Alexandria’s combined sewer overflow project, which will dramatically reduce pollution into the Potomac River during heavy rainfall events.

The Virginia Land Conservation Foundation is slated to receive $5.5 million in FY2019 and $5.5 million in FY2020. VLCF will make $11 million in grants to preserve open-space lands, farmlands, forests, and historic properties.

VIRGINIAforever worked with Secretary of Natural Resources Matt Strickler and Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring, as well as their key state agency directors, during 2018 to identify opportunities for strategic investments in water quality and land conservation.

Additionally, Governor Northam is proposing an additional $2.5 million in Department of Environmental Quality staffing to better regulate and enforce water quality standards.

VIRGINIAforever Holds Annual Budget Briefing on Natural Resources Funding

VIRGINIAforever held its annual Budget Briefing on December 17 at McGuireWoods in downtown Richmond.  The event included presentations by Secretary of Natural Resources Matt Strickler, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring, Director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality David Paylor, Director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Clyde Cristman, and Director of Finance and Planning for the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Darin Moore. Many other agency representatives and state officials attended, in addition to VIRGINIAforever board members. Thank you to the presenters for a terrific funding overview and informative question and answer period.

VIRGINIAforever Leadership & Member Update

VIRGINIAforever held its annual member meeting in December, which included officer elections and a membership update. Congratulations to Matt Wells of WestRock, who will assume the position of Secretary/Treasurer effective January 1. Many thanks to Pam Faggert of Dominion Energy for her service in this role. Also, congratulations to Kyle Shreve of the Virginia Agribusiness Council who will become an at-large member of the Leadership Committee.  Dennis Treacy (chair), Kendall Tyree of the Virginia Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts (vice chair) and Nikki Rovner (at-large) will each continue in their roles.

It was announced that we’re welcoming two new emeritus members – Bob Dunn, who is a past chair of VIRGINIAforever, and Henry Long, a past Secretary/Treasurer.  They both served with distinction for many years on the executive board.

Additionally, the member development committee shared that the following joined the general board in 2018:

• Hobey Bauhan of Virginia Poultry Federation
• Pat Coady of Seale & Associates
• Carrie Dorsey of the Garden Club of Virginia
• Katie Frazier now with Farm Credit of the Virginias
• Adrienne Kotula now as individual member
• Mike Rolband of Wetland Studies & Solutions
• Ellen Shepard of VAULT
• Ginny Snead now with AMT Engineering

Interested in becoming a member of VIRGINIAforever?  Email info@virginiaforever.org.

In Case You Missed It:  VIRGINIAforever Applauds Governor Northam’s Proposal to Make Major Investments to Protect Virginia’s Water Quality and Accelerate Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

Earlier this month, after Governor Northam announced proposed major investments to protect Virginia’s water quality, VIRGINIAforever issued the following statement of support:

VIRGINIAforever, an organization dedicated solely to advocating for increased state funds for water quality and land conservation, strongly applauds today’s announcement by Governor Ralph Northam, which includes the largest Bay-related proposed appropriation by a sitting Virginia Governor. This effort is welcome news, shows the true dedication of this administration to the environment, and is a significant first step towards our stated goal of increasing Virginia’s overall commitment to natural resources of less than 1 percent to more than 2 percent of the state budget.

VIRGINIAforever chairman Dennis Treacy asked that all VIRGINIAforever supporters join him in thanking the Governor and his administration for this strong commitment.

Reminder: “Like” VIRGINIAforever on Facebook!

VIRGINIAforever is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ourlandourwater.   “Like” our page to stay in touch about VIRGINIAforever announcements as well as natural resources funding news from across the Commonwealth.  You are encouraged to “share” and “comment” on our content.

Natural Resources News and Announcements from the Administration

•  Governor Northam Announces Department of Forestry to Receive Federal Grant to Assist in Water Quality Efforts.  On December 6, Governor Northam announced that the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is providing a grant of $850,000 for a regional multi-state proposal led by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for water quality efforts in several localities within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) and Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), in cooperation with other key partners such as local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, will lead these efforts in the Shenandoah Valley through riparian forest buffers and other innovative livestock stream exclusion practices. Read more here.
• Governor Northam Announces Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund Planning Grant Awarded to Shenandoah County. On December 4, Governor Northam announced a grant for Shenandoah County from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund to help develop a new economic development strategic plan. The AFID planning grant program incentivizes local governments to promote agriculture and forestry and incorporate the needs of these industries into their overall economic development efforts. The $10,000 award leverages an additional $25,000 in local funds needed to complete the robust new plan.  Read more here.
• Governor Northam Celebrates Grand Opening of Virginia’s 38th State Park. On November 8, Governor Northam officially opened Widewater State Park in Stafford County, the Commonwealth’s 38th state park. Widewater State Park covers 1,100 acres, including two miles of water frontage along the Potomac River and Aquia Creek. The property was originally purchased by Dominion Energy as a site for a proposed power plant. The property was later approved for development of 700 residential units, a resort conference center and extensive infrastructure. Dominion sold the property for $1 million less than the assessed value in 2013. The Trust for Public Land and Stafford County assisted in the transaction. Read more here.

Former VIRGINIAforever Chairman Bob Dunn Receives Prestigious Gerald McCarthy Award

In June, the Institute for Environmental Negotiation (IEN) at the University of Virginia announced that Bob Dunn, immediate past chairman of VIRGINIAforever, was selected to receive the 2018 Gerald P. McCarthy Award for Leadership in Environmental Conflict Resolution. The McCarthy Award is presented annually to an individual who demonstrates leadership in preserving and protecting the Commonwealth’s environment through collaboration.

In September, the award’s namesake Jerry McCarthy made a special presentation at the VIRGINIAforever executive board meeting, where Bob accepted the award.  In his remarks, Jerry noted that Bob is a dedicated, passionate proponent for natural resources protection and environmental stewardship. Throughout his career and his retirement, he established himself as a steadfast leader in consensus-driven decision making.

Notably, Bob served as Environmental Affairs and Community Relations Manager for DuPont for 39 years, where he was the company’s primary liaison to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. During a time when the world’s largest chemical corporations were struggling with environmental compliance, Bob was instrumental in the conception and implementation of sustainability plans for the benefit of the communities where their plants operate, as well as the interests of customers, employees and shareholders.

Congratulations to Bob and a special thank you to Jerry for the personal presentation.

 

Government Affairs Update: VIRGINIAforever Preparing for 2019 General Assembly

The 2019 General Assembly session is quickly approaching. Legislators have wasted no time gearing up for it – they began introducing bills and resolutions in July 2018. In years past, House of Delegates and Senate member have introduced approximately 3,000 pieces of legislation, and the upcoming session will likely be no different.

VIRGINIAforever monitors legislation that may impact how state funds are appropriated and spent on natural resources, especially on water quality and land conservation – and we pay especially close attention to the Governor’s and General Assembly’s proposed budget actions.

The coming fiscal year is shaping up to be one where state funds are more plentiful than in years past. The Commonwealth finished FY2018 with a $550 million surplus. That’s good. It also means that if the Governor and General Assembly remain faithful to past practices, approximately $55 million (10% of the surplus) should be deposited into the Water Quality Improvement Fund (WQIF), which is used to invest in improvements in locally-owned wastewater treatment plants and/or best management practices to reduce agricultural and stormwater runoff. VIRGINIAforever will, of course, advocate that the Governor and legislature make this WQIF deposit.

In the months ahead, VIRGINIAforever also will monitor Virginia’s natural resources agencies’ needs for additional staffing to administer and enforce environmental programs. Such agencies as the Department of Environmental Quality, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and the Department of Forestry have had staffing levels significantly reduced over the past decade. Additionally, the Virginia Outdoors Foundations, a quasi-state agency that’s responsible for the vast majority of the state’s conservation easements, has seen a sizeable reduction in state appropriations for its operations. VIRGINIAforever is considering developing a policy position to more actively support an adequate level of funding for agency staffing so that their missions can be met and our natural resources promoted and protected.

Last, VIRGINIAforever heartily applauded Governor Ralph Northam’s commitment in April 2018 to increasing – actually, tripling – the amount of General Fund revenues dedicated to natural resources. Currently, approximately 0.6% (roughly $300 million) of state tax dollars go to natural resources; the Governor wants to boost that to 2.0% (nearly $1 billion). Getting to the “2% goal” has long been discussed – but Governor Northam is the first governor to state it as a major priority. VIRGINIAforever looks forward to working with the Northam administration on this unprecedented initiative.

 

Mark Your Calendar: 2018 Bridge Builder Celebration to Recognize the Honorable Tayloe Murphy, Feature Keynote Remarks from the Honorable Kirk Cox

Each year, VIRGINIAforever holds its Bridge Builder Celebration in Richmond to recognize outstanding stewards of Virginia’s natural resources.  The Bridge Builder Award will be presented to the Honorable Tayloe Murphy, former Secretary of Natural Resources and former member of the Virginia House of Delegates, for his leadership in the protection of natural resources.

The event is Tuesday, October 23 at WestRock.  The reception begins at 6 pm, followed by remarks, dinner and an awards presentation.  See details here {link to digital version of invite here}.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. If you’re interested in sponsoring or attending, please contact Ginny Boland (gboland@mwcllc.com or 804-775-1907) for ticket information.  We hope to see you there!

 

VIRGINIAforever Welcomes New Members

In the third quarter of 2018, VIRGINIAforever welcomed the following:

• Stewart Leeth is representing Smithfield Foods on the executive board;
• The Garden Club of Virginia is now a member of the general board, represented by Carrie Dorsey; and
• The Virginia Poultry Federation is now a member of the general board, represented by Hobey Bauhan.

 

Reminder: “Like” VIRGINIAforever on Facebook!

VIRGINIAforever is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ourlandourwater.   “Like” our page to stay in touch about VIRGINIAforever announcements as well as natural resources funding news from across the Commonwealth.  You are encouraged to “share” and “comment” on our content.

Natural Resources News and Announcements from the Administration

• Governor Northam to Celebrate Public Lands Week. Governor Ralph Northam and members of his administration celebrated Public Lands Week, which began with National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 22. Established in 1993 as a day of volunteer service to help restore the country’s public lands, this year marks the 25th Anniversary of National Public Lands Day. The celebration will conclude on Sunday, September 29 with the 2nd annual Virginia Public Lands Day, showcasing the public lands of Virginia and honoring the Commonwealth’s natural heritage. Learn more here.
• Secretary of Natural Resources Matthew J. Strickler Convenes Work Group to Promote Sustainable Growth of Virginia’s Clam and Oyster Economy. On August 16, Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources Matthew Strickler convened the Aquaculture Work Group to develop consensus-based recommendations to promote the sustainable growth of Virginia’s clam and oyster aquaculture industries. The work group is comprised of leaders from the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates, as well as diverse representatives from the shellfish industry, local governments, waterfront property owners, and the conservation community. Read more here.
• EPA Assessment of Virginia’s Efforts on Chesapeake Bay Restoration Shows Progress. This summer, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued the 2018 evaluation of ongoing efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay. The report showed that Virginia achieved its mid-point goals for reducing both nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, with additional effort identified for the sediment pollution goals. Governor Northam stated: “A ‘Green Light’ designation from the Environmental Protection Agency signals that Virginia’s programs for reducing nutrient inputs to the Chesapeake Bay from farmland, municipalities and developed lands, and waste treatment plants are working effectively.” Read the Governor’s full statement here.
• Governor Northam Secures Long-Term Partnership for Protection of Virginia’s Coastal Resources. Earlier this month, Governor Northam announced the Commonwealth of Virginia sought and received authorization from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to continue the Commonwealth’s partnership with the agency through the Virginia Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Program in perpetuity. Through a “transmittal letter,” Governor Northam replaces the need for Executive Orders that each new governor would have to sign to continue this federal-state partnership. Read more here.

VIRGINIAforever Hosts Roundtable with Secretaries of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Forestry

In conjunction with the summer meeting of executive and general board members, VIRGINIAforever facilitated a roundtable discussion with Matt Strickler, Secretary of Natural Resources, and Bettina Ring, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry.  The discussion focused on priorities for the secretariats and how the natural resources community can work together to increase funding for land conservation and water quality improvement in the Commonwealth. Thank you to Secretary Strickler, Secretary Ring and VIRGINIAforever members for a robust and educational discussion.

Legislative Session Recap: VIRGINIAforever Helps Secure New Water Quality, Land Conservation Funding in 2018 General Assembly

–But we have work to do on the land conservation front.– 

The 2018 General Assembly was one of the longest on record, extending past its scheduled mid-March adjournment to late May. Thus, the State’s new two-year budget – and knowing what natural resources funding would be – was very late being finalized.

But good things come to those who wait. This year, VIRGINIAforever saw a number of its budget wishes fulfilled, especially in water quality.

More Money for Water Quality

VIRGINIAforever successfully lobbied for $20 million to be invested in the Stormwater Local Assistance Fund (SLAF), a State grant program to help localities design and construct new or renovated stormwater facilities. A coalition including the Virginia Municipal League, the Virginia Association of Counties and numerous individual localities was assembled to lobby for new SLAF investments. This $20 million is on top of the $80 million in SLAF funding VIRGINIAforever has helped secure over the past five years.

Additionally, VIRGINIAforever joined the agriculture industry and soil and water conservation districts in lobbying for a new revenue stream for agricultural BMPs – specifically, about $2.6 million per year from unrefunded marine fuels sales taxes. (This is money that’s sitting in an account and is rarely touched.)

Other water quality funds that were proposed and which VIRGINIAforever supported included $22.5 million for the Water Quality Improvement Fund to support nonpoint source projects, $17 million for Ag BMP cost-share (programs partnering with farmers and others to reduce agricultural runoff to local streams and rivers) and $2.4 million for soil and water conservation districts to provide technical assistance to the ag community.

Some New Funding to Land Conservation Programs, Some Program Cuts Avoided

In recent years, the General Assembly has had a tougher time getting behind significant new investments in land conservation programs and initiatives.

While the General Assembly did not approve any new funding this year for the Virginia Land Conservation Fund, they did provide $4.5 million to VLCF next year. VLCF works with landowners to preserve forestlands, working farmlands, historical lands, and open spaces.

Also this year, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation – the State’s leading land conservation agency – was slated to see a $2 million cut to their operational funds. VIRGINIAforever joined with Virginia’s United Land Trusts and others to protest such a devastating budget cut. In the end, VOF only saw a $250,000 budget cut in each of the next two years.

No matter how it’s sliced, the General Assembly is generally more agreeable to additional water quality investments than land conservation investments. And therein lies one of VIRGINIAforever’s lobbying and public education goals in the years to come.

VIRGINIAforever Welcomes New Members

In the second quarter of 2018, VIRGINIAforever welcomed Seale & Associates, represented by Pat Coady on the general board.  In other board member news, Kyle Shreve is now representing the Virginia Agribusiness Council on the executive board.  For information on becoming a member of VIRGINIAforever, please contact Info@virginiaforever.org.

VIRGINIAforever Presents at Environment Virginia

Hosted by Virginia Military Institute, Environment Virginia is the state’s premier natural resources meeting, featuring presentations highlighting trends and news impacting the Commonwealth’s land, water and air. This spring, VIRGINIAforever members along with several partners participated in a presentation and panel at Environment Virginia titled “Virginia Natural Resources Funding.” Moderated by VIRGINIAforever lobbyist Missy Neff and led by Jim Regimbal of Fiscal Analytics, the presentation focused on a study commissioned in 2017 by VIRGINIAforever with a grant from the Virginia Environmental Endowment. The study found that Virginia has been spending about one percent of available state revenues on natural resources, ranking near the bottom when compared to other states. Panelists included Pam Faggert of Dominion Energy; Matt Wells of WestRock; Peggy Sanner of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation; and Joseph Maroon of the Virginia Environmental Endowment.

Reminder: “Like” VIRGINIAforever on Facebook!

VIRGINIAforever is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ourlandourwater.   “Like” our page to stay in touch about VIRGINIAforever announcements as well as natural resources funding news from across the Commonwealth.  You are encouraged to “share” and “comment” on our content.

Natural Resources News and Announcements from the Administration

• Governor Northam Engages Local Communities in Chesapeake Bay Restoration. Earlier this month, Governor Northam kicked off a new phase of Virginia’s efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries. Working with local communities, elected officials and technical experts, Virginia will prepare a third phase of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan to ensure that pollution control measures to reduce excess nutrients and soil runoff are in place no later than 2025. Read more here.
• Governor Northam Issues Proclamation Recognizing Dam Safety Awareness Day in Virginia. Governor Northam issued a proclamation recognizing May 31 as Dam Safety Awareness Day in Virginia. The Governor encouraged Virginians to increase their knowledge about dams and understand the risks associated with improperly constructed or maintained dams. The day coincides with National Dam Safety Awareness Day, which commemorates the nation’s worst dam-related disaster—the May 31, 1889, failure of the South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Read more here.
• Governor Northam Announces New, Innovative Land Conservation Strategy. In April, Governor Northam announced a new land conservation strategy that will focus resources on preserving lands with the highest conservation value for the Commonwealth. Working with state agencies and partners, the administration will first prioritize permanent protection of the top two percent of lands with the highest conservation value, with the goal of achieving protection of the entire top ten percent within the next ten years. Learn more here.
• First Lady Pamela Northam Celebrates Earth Day 2018. In celebration of Earth Day 2018, First Lady Pamela Northam planted flowers around a LOVE artwork display at the Executive Mansion. The LOVEwork planter was onsite when the Executive Mansion joined Virginia’s Historic Garden Week for 2018 Garden Day in late April. Read more here.

Virginia Natural Resources Funding Tied Up in Budget Stalemate

The 2018 General Assembly adjourned its regular session on March 10 without having adopted a new two-year budget. That means VIRGINIAforever’s aims for increased funding for land conservation and water quality also are unresolved.

The House of Delegates and Senate are in a standoff over whether to expand Medicaid. That’s a more than $400 million question. Until that major conflict is resolved, all other differences between the House and Senate budget versions cannot be hammered out – including natural resources funding.

When the General Assembly adjourned on March 10, the House and Senate budget versions were a mixed bag for VIRGINIAforever. The House and Senate cut at least $3.0 million for the Virginia Land Conservation Fund, and the Senate cut $2.0 million from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. The Senate approved $20 million for the Stormwater Local Assistance Fund, but the House did not. And both the House and Senate budgets maintained funding for the Agriculture Cost Share program, with the Senate also approving a new funding mechanism to help stabilize funding for Ag BMPs.

Clearly, though, among VIRGINIAforever priorities, it was funding for land conservation that was hurt the most.

Governor Ralph Northam has called the General Assembly back into session on April 11 so legislators can renew their work to adopt a new 2018-2020 budget.

VIRGINIAforever’s budget priorities for the April 11 special session are these:

• Land Conservation. – Restoring $4.5 million to the Virginia Land Conservation Fund – as recommended in the Governor’s original budget – to preserve forestlands, working farmlands, historical lands, and open spaces. Also, restore the $2.0 million cut from VOF.
• Stormwater Funding. – Authorizing $20 million in Virginia Public Building Authority bonds for the Stormwater Local Assistance Fund to help localities tackle urban and suburban runoff.
• Agricultural BMPs. – Maintaining funding for the Ag Cost Share program and Technical Assistance as recommended in the Governor’s budget. Also, allowing unrefunded marine fuel sales taxes to be deposited into the Water Quality Improvement Reserve Fund to help stabilize funding for Ag BMP practices.

VIRGINIAforever’s business, environmental, and outdoors enthusiasts should stay engaged with House and Senate budget negotiators to encourage support for these important land conservation and water quality priorities.

VIRGINIAforever Welcomes New Members

In the first quarter of 2018, VIRGINIAforever welcomed the following new members:

• AMT Engineering, represented by Ginny Snead on the general board
• Wetland Studies and Solutions, represented by Mike Rolband on the general board

In other board member news, the following changes have taken effect:

• Virginia Association for Parks (VAFP) is now represented on the executive board by VAFP president Tim Kennell
• Capital Region Land Conservancy (CRLC) is now represented on the general board by CRLC president Brian Watson
  

For information on becoming a member of VIRGINIAforever, please contact Info@virginiaforever.org.

VIRGINIAforever Initiates Emeritus Board to Recognize Members Who Have Served with Distinction

To honor former board members who served with distinction and excellence, VIRGINIAforever has initiated an Emeritus Board.  Carol Wampler, who has been a member of the VIRGINIAforever executive board since the organization’s inception and a former committee chair, and Johnny Finch, former president of the Virginia Association for Parks and a long-standing member of the VIRGINIAforever executive board, were unanimously approved as the inaugural Emeritus Board members.  Thank you to Carol and Johnny for your leadership and significant contributions to VIRGINIAforever.

VIRGINIAforever to Participate in 2018 Environment Virginia Symposium

Each year, the environmental and business communities convene at the state’s premiere natural resources meeting – Environment Virginia.  Hosted by Virginia Military Institute, the symposium features presentations highlighting trends and news impacting the Commonwealth’s land, water and air. This year, VIRGINIAforever members, along with several partners, will participate in a presentation and panel titled “Virginia Natural Resources Funding.”

Moderated by VIRGINIAforever lobbyist Missy Neff and led by Jim Regimbal of Fiscal Analytics, the presentation will focus on a study commissioned in 2017 by VIRGINIAforever with a grant from the Virginia Environmental Endowment.  The study found that Virginia has been spending about one percent of available state revenues on natural resources, ranking near the bottom when compared to other states. VIRGINIAforever’s summary and assessment of the report can be found here and the full report can be viewed here.

Panelists include Pamela Faggert of Dominion Energy; Matt Wells of WestRock; Peggy Sanner of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation; and Joseph Maroon of the Virginia Environmental Endowment. Learn more about Environment Virginia here.

Reminder: “Like” VIRGINIAforever on Facebook!

VIRGINIAforever is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ourlandourwater.   “Like” our page to stay in touch about VIRGINIAforever announcements as well as natural resources funding news from across the Commonwealth.  You are encouraged to “share” and “comment” on our content.