The Farm Upstream
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon in Craig County touring Cove Branch Farm. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains at the western reaches of the James River watershed, the farm is flanked by the wooded slopes of Jefferson National Forest. Like many in Virginia, Cove Branch Farm is a family enterprise, with two generations working side by side. And like many farmers, the Barnes family operates a multi-faceted enterprise: grass-fed cattle graze beside acres of timberland, and on many days the smell of coffee roasting in the barn wafts across the landscape.

By opting to keep their steeper slopes in forest and converting their cattle to an all-pasture diet well before it was fashionable, the Barnes family has adhered to the notion that J. Russell Smith first advanced in the 1920s: that “farming should fit the land.”  Despite the apparent obviousness of that statement, American agriculture spent most of the twentieth century trending toward uniform, industrial-scale monoculture.  The notion of place-based agriculture was dismissed as a quaint pre-modern relic, sometimes with disastrous results.

Since the 1980s, farmers, government agencies, and nonprofits have spent billions of dollars and millions of man hours replanting riparian buffers and restoring wetlands that were destroyed or drained in the name of productivity.  We have learned that farms really are working lands, even when no crops are growing.  They are productive when they filter our water supply, when they sequester carbon, and when they provide habitat to migratory birds and other wildlife.

That is why it is vital that we continue to invest in conservation through the federal Farm Bill and through state cost-share programs, and why it is important that Virginia conserve the best of its working lands through easements and PDRs.  Finally, as we confront the challenge of global warming with the promise of a new generation of biofuels, we must not fail to fit the farming to the land.

Best,
Nathan Lott
Executive Director

STATE PROTECTS THREE SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA SITES
The sites are among 15 to be funded by the state's conservation program
June 22, 2007 - Roanoke Times
A historic Pulaski County farm with connections to Mary Draper Ingles that stretches for a mile along the New River is among 15 sites marked for protection by the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation. So are 232 Montgomery County acres, known as Sweet Spring Hollow, that hold plants so rare they're found nowhere in the world outside of four Virginia counties. Nearly 180 acres at the head of the Bullpasture River Gorge in Highland County are on the list, too. - BY TIM THORNTON

Mirant Alert - Dilution is Not the Solution to Pollution
CONTACT GOVERNOR KAINE TODAY
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality announced this week that it intends to approve a stack merger project for the Mirant power plant in Alexandria without requiring a permit under the Clean Air Act.   The stack merger will combine the pollution from the five existing boiler stacks into two plumes, dispersing Mirant's pollution throughout the D.C. metro area. DEQ’s action will also short-circuit the State Air Pollution Control Board’s May 23rd decision to refuse the stack merger as well as deny Alexandrians’ their statutory right to public participation in the permit process. The City of Alexndria maintains that implementing the stack merger without a permit is illegal.
TAKE ACTION:
1) Call Governor Kaine Today and ask the Governor to protect our health by opposing DEQ's intended stack merger without the required permit.
Governor Kaine's phone number:  (804) 786-2211,  (fax: (804) 371-6351).
When you call, a recorded menu will follow.  Ignore the menu and dial "0".
A Governor's aide will answer.  Tell him (her) that you would like to leave a message for the Governor regarding the DEQ's intended approval of Mirant's stack merge without requiring a permit and ask to be transferred to Governor Kaine's Counsel: Larry Roberts or Mark Rubin.  Leave your message on either of their answering machines.
More Information: contact Ana Prados at ana_prados@yahoo.com
2) Attend a CITIZEN'S RALLY TOMORROW, Saturday, June 23rd at 4:00 pm
A rally will be held this Saturday:
-- In outrage at Mirant and the Department of Environmental Quality;
-- To oppose the Mirant Power Plant stack merger;
-- To call on the governor to help citizens -- not Mirant; and,
-- To support local government.
Location: Marina Towers, on 501 Slater’s Lane, Alexandria adjacent to the plant(right at the last traffic signal in direction of the airport)
For More Information on the Rally: Contact Ernest Lehmann at ernie265@hotmail.com

Conservation Issues in Virginia: The Facts and How They Fit Into Your Message
Dates and Locations:
Tuesday, June 26, Jefferson Madison Regional Library, 201 E. Market Street, Charlottesville
Thursday, June 28, Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise Street, Sterling
Each Session Runs from 6 - 8 PM
The Virginia League of Conservation Voters – Education Fund is offering three education sessions to help current and future public policy makers become more comfortable and familiar with conservation issues. Each evening will include a light dinner and presentation by former Delegate Jim Dillard on issues concerning growth and development, the Chesapeake Bay, and climate change as it relates to these matters.
For more information or to reserve your spot in the meeting of your choice, please contact Moira Holdren by phone at 804-225-1902 or via email at mholdren@valcv.org.
Sessions are free of charge

Coalition for Smarter Growth Hosts Workshop -
Tysons Transformed:  Design and Transportation Essentials for a Vibrant Community
When: June 26, 6:30pm Refreshments, 7:00pm Program
Location: George Mason High School, 7124 Leesburg Pike (Route 7), Falls Church, VA (West Falls Church Metro Station)
With the right design and transportation plan, Tysons Corner will integrate Metrorail and new growth to become a truly great place. This forum is designed to help you participate effectively in the second round of public input workshops. Come learn the essentials of transportation and design, and to ask the experts your questions during the extended Q & A period.
RSVP to rsvp@smartergrowth.net.  This event is free of charge
*Location Details
Drivers: Go to George Mason HS Entrance #27, which is off Haycock Rd. just across from the Giant.
Metro Riders: Volunteers will be at the Metro to help direct you to the school. 

GreenMatters – Designing new homes | Renovating Old Homes
Topics:
July 11 - Workshop on residential energy audits
August 29 - Workshop on LEED building
Location: workshops are held at Habitat’s ReStore on Harris Street in Charlottesville.
Piedmont Housing Alliance and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville have teamed up for a two-year series of free, 90-minute workshops to tell you everything you need to know about ‘going green” in designing new homes or renovating old ones.
For more information: call Ryan Jacoby at (434) 293-6331 or visit www.greenmatters.info

CAPITOL REGION LAND CONSERVANCY - Outreach Coordinator
Location: Richmond, VA
Part Time Position (up to 80 hours a month, expenses paid)
The mission of CRLC is to promote the conservation of the capital region’s historically significant land, scenic natural areas and ecologically sensitive land, water and wildlife resources.   CRLC serves the City of Richmond and the Counties of Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, Goochland, Powhatan, New Kent, and Charles City.  The purpose of this position is to implement a comprehensive community outreach and education program to promote conservation easements in the metro Richmond region and to further CRLC’s mission.  
Primary responsibilities:
1) Establish county-based volunteer groups focused on land conservation,
2) Develop, manage, and implement work programs for county-based volunteer groups;
3) Educate individual landowners, community groups, policymakers, and the general public about conservation easements and CRLC’s mission.
4) Assist with developing conservation priorities and strategies
5) Assist with general management and administrative duties of the organization. 
6) Work with partners to research alternative easement holders
Qualifications:
Experience organizing and motivating volunteer groups; Familiarity with skills and strategies for effective community outreach and organizing; Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, and ability to represent CRLC to a wide range of audiences including community residents, land owners, government officials and partner organizations; K nowledge of conservation easements and the associated tax benefits (preferred but not required.); Self-motivation and capacity to work independently; Strong interpersonal skills; An understanding of growth patterns in the Richmond area; Interest and commitment to conservation
More Information: Visit www.capitalregionland.org
To Apply: Send resume and cover letter to: CRLC, P.O. Box 17306, Richmond, VA 23226
or
e-mail bill@capitalregionland.org

CIVIL WAR PRESERVATION TRUST - Historic Land Acquisitions
The Civil War Preservation Trust is the nation's largest organization dedicated to preserving important Civil War sites. The Trust is looking for an Associate who will be dedicated to accomplishing the acquisition and preservation of the country's most important historic sites.
Responsibilities:
The Associate will manage all aspects of the land acquisition process, including initial contact, site analysis and historic relevance, contract offers and negotiations, approval presentation, due diligence and feasibility analysis, and closing. Additionally, the Associate will assist in the funding process, working with local groups and state and federal funding sources.
Qualifications:
A BA/BS is required. Experience dealing with landowners, farmers, and small business owners and negotiating agreements is desirable. You must have good negotiation, communication, and technology skills, along with strong problem solving abilities. An interest in American history and its preservation is essential.
To Apply: Please forward a cover letter and resume via e-mail to Tom Gilmore at tgilmore@civilwar.org
Or Mail To: Thomas M. Gilmore, Director of Real Estate, Civil War Preservation Trust, 1331 H Street, NW Suite 1001, Washington, DC 20005

CIVIL WAR PRESERVATION TRUST - Webmaster/Information Technology Specialist
CWPT is looking for a computer and web savvy individual for an immediate opening in its external communications division.  The webmaster/information technology specialist will be responsible for maintaining the organization’s computer network, creating and implementing innovative graphic design for our website.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate must have a bachelor’s degree, 1-3 years of professional experience, strong computer skills and a passion for American history/preservation.  Proficiency with word-processing, spreadsheet and database software is a requirement as well as written and verbal communication and presentation skills and the ability to work effectively in high-tension situations and maintain composure under pressure. Interpersonal skills are essential.  Experience with Microsoft exchange servers, Macromedia Dreamweaver, and Adobe graphics software a plus.  Salary is commensurate with experience.  Occasional travel may be required.
To Apply:
Please forward cover letter, resume, salary requirements and three references to:  WEBMASTER/IT OPENING at preservationjobs@yahoo.com. 

CIVIL WAR PRESERVATION TRUST- Grants Associate
The Grants Associate will be responsible for expanding CWPT's use of funding available for battlefield preservation from federal, state and local government entities, as well as other non-profit organizations. The Associate will make presentations to representatives from varying levels of government and other organizations, maintain detailed records and tracking, research and recommend new grant sources, and facilitate prompt reimbursement of grant awards (totaling several million dollars per year).
Qualifications
A BA/BS is required, as well as 2-3 years of professional experience. Strong initiative, interpersonal, presentation, and computer skills are required. An interest in American history and its preservation is essential. Salary is commensurate with experience.  Moderate travel is required.
To Apply: e-mail letters and resume to developmentresumes@civilwar.org.

PIEDMONT ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL- Loudoun County Field Officer/Campaign Director
Location:   Leesburg, Virginia
PEC is 30 year-old non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the Virginia Piedmont's rural economy, natural resources, history and beauty. PEC provides technical expertise and organizing support to citizen groups and government officials on land use policy, land conservation, transportation, air and water quality, historic preservation and environmental issues.
Areas of Responsibility
Develop and execute strategies to engage citizens, organizations, and regional media in land use and conservation, transportation planning, community development, and natural resource protection. Work with officials to create open, transparent opportunities for community planning with their constituents; Write strategic plans to address critical community issues, field organizing, earned media, etc, including goals and metrics; Raise funds for new suburban and rural initiatives in one of the fastest growing counties in the nation; Monitor issues of importance to the Loudoun communities, through attendance at public hearings, meetings with state and local elected officials and staff, and reading county documents; Monitor local press and blogosphere to keep current with community issues and concerns and the way issues are being framed and debated by reporters, bloggers, and citizens; Create and implement internet and traditional media strategy, extending campaign’s direct interaction to growing number and diversity of citizens, online and in the community; Engage and develop capabilities of core citizen activists in community planning; build volunteer leaders and number of activists on multiple issues;  Create and implement strategies to engage diverse constituencies; Lead, build, and organize coalition of 17 citizen groups and nonprofit organizations around geographic and issue-based campaigns; Write clear, persuasive emails to citizens in suburban and rural Loudoun with timely turnaround; Provide an overview of the land use policies and regulations for both the built and natural environment in Loudoun County; Monitor local land use activities by regularly attending meetings of the Loudoun County Planning Commission, the Board of Supervisors and other county and community meetings on related land use issues; Develop analyses of the impacts of zoning and policy changes on long term community goals; Provide technical assistance and information upon request to local citizens and public officials on matters relating to the comprehensive plan, zoning regulations, transportation, air and water quality, and land conservation; Organize effective community participation in critical local land use issues
Qualifications
Qualifications preferred: grassroots organizer with strong record of access in creating and running issue advocacy campaigns.  Candidate should have strong experience in digital and traditional media and excellent public relations, communication, and project management skills. 
Expertise Needed: Bachelors or equivalent experience, Grassroots organizing, Internet production, Interactive marketing, Background in strategic planning, maintain good media relations, prior experience with fundraising, strong oral and written communication skills, excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, willingness to work extended hours (including some weekends and evenings), ability to work independently, familiarity with Loudoun County and Virginia land use issues preferred, knowledge of smart growth principles and their applications at the local level preferred, prior experience in land use advocacy and law, and land conservation preferred
Compensation
Salary commensurate with experience; excellent benefits package including health, disability and term life insurance, employee pension plan [403(b)], annual and sick leave.
To Apply:
Send a cover letter and a resume with 2 references to Dawn Wilmot, Assistant to the President, PEC at dwilmot@pecva.org or
P.O. Box 460, Warrenton, VA 20188

LET YOUR LEGISLATORS KNOW HOW IMPORTANT CONSERVATION IS TO YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY!
Join other individuals as citizen lobbyists and convey key conservation issues to your representative.
If you are interested in building a relationship with your legislators and learning how to make sure conservation is their priority--join a Legislative Contact Team!
For More Information Contact:
Suzanne Ankrum, Program Coordinator
Virginia Conservation Network
Phone: (804) 644-0283
Email: suzanne@vcnva.org