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VCN
NEWS
A
PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGINIA CONSERVATION NETWORK
Fall
2004
Letter
from the President
Dear Friends,
We are approaching one of the busiest times of the year
for VCN. Over the summer, VCN members have worked hard
on developing the basis for our common environmental agenda
for the 2005 General Assembly Session. The work that is
being done will continue into and through out the session.
Our efforts will ensure that we are addressing key environmental
issues with a consistent, strong message.
In order for us to change policy and influence legislation,
members of the General Assembly need to hear the same
message repeated consistently, constructively and frequently.
Through the influence of VCN’s many, many grassroots members
we are seeing legislators that represent the whole range
of political perspectives sponsor environmental legislation.
This is positive for the environment because the environment
is not a partisan issue.
VCN’s work is possible because of the support of its
many members who are committed to preserving and protecting
our farm and forest land, having air that is breathable
and water that is drinkable and swimable.
We are also gearing up for VCN’s annual fund drive. The
financial support we get from our friends is essential
to our work to protect and preserve Virginia’s natural
resources. When you receive your letter asking for support,
please give generously and help us continue our work to
protect and preserve “….a country that may have the prerogative
over the most pleasant places known, for large and pleasant
navigable rivers, heaven and earth never agreed better
to frame a place for man’s habitation…” so Captain John
Smith wrote almost 400 years ago when he arrived on Virginia’s
shores. We must do our best to protect this “most pleasant
place” for the next 400 years.
Martha Wingfield, VCN President
LEGISLATIVE
FORUMS-FALL 2004
This is the third year we are sponsoring Legislative
Forums. The Forums provide an excellent opportunity to
strengthen personal contacts with your legislator.
The first part of the evening is an informal reception
where members of local Legislative Contact Teams (LCTs)
have an opportunity to talk with their legislators. The
program that follows is a joint presentation by Virginia
Conservation Network and the Virginia League of Conservation
Voters Education Fund. This year’s program is titled “Greening
the Budget.”
Interested in being a LCT? Go to www.vcnva.org/lct.htm.
Join us at the Legislative Forums:
Southwest and Southside: Wed., Nov.
3, 5:30-7:30PM, SmithLewis ARCHITECTURE, 18 W. Kirk Ave,
Roanoke
Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont: Thurs.,
Nov. 4, 5:30-7:30PM, Belle Grae Inn, 515 Frederick St,
Staunton
Fredericksburg and surrounding areas: Mon.,
Nov. 8, 5:30-7:30PM, Ferry Farm, 268 Kings Hwy., Fredericksburg
Central Virginia: Tues., Nov. 16, 5:30-7:30PM,
Capital Ale House, 623 East Main St., Richmond
Northern Virginia: Wed., Nov. 17, 5:30-7:30PM,
Whitlow’s on Wilson, 2854 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington
Tidewater: Tues., Nov. 30, 5:30-7:30,
Virginia Zoo, 3500 Granby Street, Norfolk
Executive
Director’s Column David J. Kovacs, AICP
We have just completed a very successful VEA held, this
year, in concert with member organization PEC (see page
4). We intend to continue working with member organizations
and taking VEA to different regions of the Commonwealth
to spread the message about the protection of Virginia’s
environment.
We are moving into preparations for the 2005 legislative
session so this is a particularly busy time of the year
for us. We hope to see many of you at the legislative
forums that are now being held (page 1 story). See page
3 for information on anticipated legislative issues and
our annual workshop and lobby day.
Our annual cycle of environmental policy research, education,
and advocacy certainly creates a vibrant atmosphere and
brings together a lot of folks, each adding their unique
skills to the program. This year we have had more involvement
in the work groups and will be issuing more white papers
than ever before! Check out our website at the end of
November when all this information will be posted.
The energy within VCN continues as we added 8 new members
in 2004 and have had some older member organizations come
current with their dues. We now stand at a membership
total of 109. Membership letters will be sent out in November,
so plan now to renew and increase your membership level.
Speaking of members and donors, we have now fully converted
to an annual fund listing and the insert for 2004 is provided
with this newsletter. If you are not listed as an individual
donor or if your organization is not listed, take action
now by going to our website and either donate or make
an application for membership. See page 7 for information
about our new “Friends of the Network” programs.
I hope to see you at the Forums and at the December workshop!
- - - - - David
New
2004 VCN Members
Arlington Coalition for Sensible Transportation ****
Chatham Garden Club **** Coalition for Smarter Growth
**** Garden Club of Northern Neck **** Save Crow’s Nest
**** Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust **** Wintergreen
Nature Foundation
The theme for 2005 will be the celebration of 35 years
of service by VCN and its predecessor organization the
Conservation Council of Virginia (CCVA). We will look
at our history, note the landmark action in 1971 to amend
the Virginia Constitution to add Article XI (the conservation
function), witness significant events, and honor some
of the environmental pioneers of the movement.
The event will be held in the Omni Hotel in downtown
Richmond on April 28, 2005. Seating will be limited. For
more information or to assure seating, call or send a
message to the VCN office and ask that a place be reserved
for you. Details will be posted soon on our website.
Local
Water Supply Planning
Regulations Advance In 2003, SB 1221, which directed
the preparation of regulations to guide the process of
creating local water supply plans was passed. Those regulations
have been developed by a Technical Advisory Committee
(TAC) and will go to the State Water Control Board in
December at which time, the SWCB will consider opening
them for public comment and initiating the formal approval
process.
This is a very significant milestone as all parties of
the TAC agreed that water supply planning is more than
treating water as a commodity and address it as the wise
use and protection of our water resources. VCN members
were well represented on this TAC including: Patti Jackson
from the James River Association; Judy Dunscomb of The
Nature Conservancy; Chris Miller of PEC; Kay Slaughter
of SELC; and David Kovacs of VCN itself.
LEGISLATION
AND REGULATIONS REPORT
The VCN Legislative Committee and Board is now preparing
for the 2005 General Assembly Session. The Session will
begin on Wednesday, January 12th. This is a short session
(45 days) which should adjourn on February 26th.
The Board will meet on November 16th to set VCN Legislative
Priorities for the 2005 Session and to form statements
of position on several issues. Soon thereafter, the priorities
and positions will be posted on the VCN website.
Carry-over legislation: Over the summer, VCN workgroups
have monitored eight carried-over bills on which VCN took
a position in 2004. These bills address: Air emission
reduction (Virginia Clean Smokestack bill); Solid Waste
Disposal Fees; Preservation Tax Credits; Adequate Public
Facilities (2); Impact Fees; Tolls on I-81; and the study
of proffers.
Statements of Position: The VCN Board has already issued
a statement of position or has taken action on four issues
in the legislative and regulatory arena.
An item that appears ripe for the 2005 Session is that
of transportation funding. On September 22nd, VCN sent
a letter to Governor Warner on this subject and outlined
a 7-point program. Please see page 5 for more information.
The Board also issued a statement of position in support
of "flush fee" legislation in the 2005 Session.
The request for support came from member organization,
Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The fee, tied to users on community
sewer systems and septic systems, would be dedicated to
reducing point source (treatment plants) nutrient pollution
and nonpoint source (stormwater runoff) nutrient pollution.
In August, the Board asked Governor Warner to earmark
the net proceeds from the recent (June 2004) auction of
nitrogen dioxide (N0x) allocations to fund air quality
monitoring and evaluation in the Commonwealth and for
measures to improve air quality in areas designated by
the U.S. EPA as non-attainment areas.
Also in August, the Board communicated to the State Water
Control Board that the Commonwealth should consider and
adopt a state policy on nutrient trading consistent with
the nutrient trading principles and guidelines of the
Chesapeake Bay Program’s Nutrient Trading Workgroup (2001)
VCN LEGISLATIVE WORKSHOP SATURDAY, DECEMBER
4TH
Save the date and attend the annual VCN Legislative Workshop.
Registration will start at 9:00 with light refreshments
and the program will start at 9:30. The keynote speaker
is slated to be Delegate Jack Reid. The workshop will
be held in the General Assembly Building in Downtown Richmond.
Participants will receive the booklet of white papers,
VCN Priorities, and fact sheets on known legislation.
This is a “must” event for LCTs and those who will be
engaged during the upcoming session. For those who aren’t
familiar with the ins and outs of the Session, a short
briefing workshop will be also offered.
Visit the VCN website for more information and early
registration.
VCN LEGISLATIVE DAY MONDAY, JANUARY 17, 2005
The VCN Legislative (Lobby) Day will be held at the Valentine
Museum in Downtown Richmond. This was an excellent venue
last year when 200 individuals participated. The program
will start at 10:00 and conclude with strategy meetings
over lunch. The afternoon will be used for one-on-one
meetings your legislators.
THE
VIRGINIA ENVIRONMENTAL ASSEMBLY AND RECONNECTING VIRGINIA
The Virginia Conservation Network held the Virginia Environmental
Assembly (VEA) in conjunction with the Piedmont Environmental
Council’s annual meeting on Saturday, September 18. Despite
the threat of tornados and hurricanes over 300 people
attended the event from every corner of the state. There
were people from Winchester to Clintonwood from Lexington
to Irvington from Alexandria to Virginia Beach.
Directors and members of both organizations, and other
special guests, including state and local officials, heard
from renowned transportation innovator and keynote speaker
Hank Dittmar of Reconnecting America. Combining a national
and international perspective with specific examples from
I-81, the City of Charlottesville, and the I-95 corridor,
Dittmar provided a comprehensive look at the connection
between land use, the Commonwealth’s major rail and road
transportation corridors and our environment.
Mr. Dittmar noted, “Virginia has an amazing opportunity
to make transportation and development decisions that
are fiscally sound and create vibrant, healthy, and desirable
communities. But the state must seize this chance and
not be tempted to follow the status quo that has lead
other states to the pattern of traffic choked communities
with irresponsible debt that become unattractive for companies,
residents and tourists. Virginia is fortunate to have
thoughtful people ready to assist because they understand
the value of Virginia’s history, culture and landscape.”
Lieutenant Governor Tim Kaine addressed the gathering
with a response to this new vision for Virginia’s overtaxed
transportation infrastructure. He commended the Commonwealth’s
conservation community for its dedication to protecting
Virginia’s public health, history and communities, including
its investment in a new transportation vision, Reconnecting
Virginia. He noted his concern that poorly planned land
use lies at the core of our transportation problems and
threatens the fiscal health, quality of life and competitiveness
of the Commonwealth. “We need to put land use planning
and transportation planning together,” he said.
Reconnecting Virginia presents a sharp contrast to the
Virginia Department of Transportation’s VTRANS 2025 plan.
VTRANS plan focuses most of its emphasis on roads despite
the citizen input and polling information that identified
the need for more coordinated multi-modal planning, more
transportation alternatives in both urban and rural areas,
more coordination among the transportation agencies, and
most importantly, more coordination be
tween transportation and land use. Highway construction
has enormous impacts on communities, often destroying
the character of the localities they bisect. Many studies,
including VDOT’s own, show that congestion increases after
new highways are built.
“While Virginia develops its 20-year transportation plan,
we have a chance to shift away from business as usual,”
said Martha Wingfield, Chair of the Virginia Conservation
Network Board of Directors. “This gathering represents
a bi-partisan group of concerned citizens whose spectrum
of involvement extends statewide throughout many different
communities.”
Members of the press and citizens of all ages attended
the one-time conjunction of VCN’s annual Virginia Environmental
Assembly and PEC’s 2004 Annual Meeting. The event featured
a day-long children’s program and twelve workshops on
issues such as transportation, land conservation, watershed
protection, historic preservation innovations, agriculture,
and green building and sustainable design.
The joint meeting took place at the Barboursville Ruins
on the grounds of the Barboursville Winery in Madison-Barbour
Rural Historic District of Orange County, Virginia. The
site was the home of James Barbour, governor of Virginia
from 1812 to 1814.
VCN BOARD’S POSITION ON TRANSPORTATION
FUNDING
At the VCN Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors established
a statement of position on transportation funding through
a four-page letter sent to Governor Mark Warner. This
topic is likely to be the main issue of the 2005 Session.
The complete letter is on the Issues and White Papers
page of the VCN website.
The Board stated that VCN cannot support increased funding
for transportation without state and local action to address
the inefficient land use (suburban sprawl) that is the
primary contributor to traffic congestion in the Commonwealth.
The letter contains a seven-point program to this end
and addressing:
* Tying transportation funding to measurable performance
criteria;
* The need for a build-out analysis along critical corridors
and communities;
* Tying funding to changes in land use and demand management
programs that reduce land consumption and per capita VMT
and vehicle trips;
* Focusing on repairing and increasing operational efficiency
before spending billions on new roads;
* Shifting significant funding to transit, freight rail,
walking, and bicycling to move Virginia toward a more
balanced transportation program;
* Redirecting funding from construction of a majority
of bypass highways and focus on access management, corridor
preservation, and other alternatives; and,
* Reforming the Public-Private Transportation Act.
The position was developed by the VCN Smart Growth and
Transportation work group which has been working on this
subject since its formation. The position is based on
the position that scattered, low-density development is
the root cause of the steady increase in traffic congestion
seen across Virginia. “Without addressing inefficient
development patterns, no amount of money can build or
widen enough roads to tame congestion,” said Stewart Schwartz,
Director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth and work
group participant.
“Ours is a fiscally conservative position that stands
in stark contrast to those who are calling for an increase
in spending without addressing the underlying causes of
traffic congestion or setting clear performance standards,”
said Skip Stiles, VCN Vice President and Board Member
from the Hampton Roads region.
VCN has advocated reform of VDOT and changes in the Commonwealth’s
approach to transportation funding for years. “While positive
changes have occurred at VDOT and its operating policies,
Virginia continues to pursue an outdated approach to funding
that focuses on road construction as the solution to virtually
every transportation problem and largely ignores the link
between transportation and land use,” stated Martha Wingfield,
VCN President and resident of Hanover County in the growing
metro-Richmond Area. “This approach is extremely costly
to taxpayers, destroys natural and rural areas, spurs
sprawl development, increases air and water pollution,
limits people’s transportation choices, and increases
energy dependence, while doing little to relieve congestion
in the long term.”
The VCN program fits within the vision of the “Reconnecting
Virginia” plan presented by Hank Dittmar of Reconnecting
America at the Virginia Environmental Assembly.
VCN
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ANNUAL MEETING UPDATE
At the VCN annual meeting, once again held in conjunction
with the Virginia Environmental Assembly (VEA,) five new
members were elected to VCN Board of Directors. This brings
the Board membership to twenty.
James A. Bacon:Mr. Bacon publishes the Bacon’s Rebellion
web site and authors the column by the same name. Raised
in Washington, D.C., and Norfolk, he attended the University
of Virginia and has spent virtually his entire adult life
in the Old Dominion. He now lives in Richmond. He has
eight years experience as a reporter and seven years experience
in publishing completing this arena as the CEO of Virginia
Business. Among the Guiding Principles of Bacon’s Rebellion
is “any proper accounting of the general welfare must
include the health of the environment”.
John Eckman:Mr. Eckman has recently become the Executive
Director of the Valley Conservation Council. He has a
background in non-profit conservation and education organizations
for the last 15 years. He has had a focus in helping rural
people consider their options in the face of changing
economic, social, and environmental conditions. He is
a Valley native and a former earth science teacher.
Howard Kittell:Mr. Kittell’s background is in non-profit
and government administration, historic preservation,
and urban planning. His interests lie in the conservation
and viable reuse of historic buildings and communities
and preservation of open space. In 1998, Mr. Kittell became
the first executive director of the Shenandoah Valley
Battlefields National Historic District. He is currently
the Executive Director of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields
Foundation which is the successor organization to the
District.
Margaret B. O’Bryan: Mrs O’Bryan has a lifelong love
for birds and other wildlife and has put those interests
to work through activity with the Audubon Society. She
was one of the founding members of the Richmond Audubon
Society and was one of its first presidents. She lives
in Mechanicsville, VA.
Harrison B. Rue: Mr. Rue is the Executive Director of
the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission located
in Charlottesville. He is a planner, builder, developer,
training, and founder of the Citizen Planner Institute.
Mr.
Rue has more than 30 years of hands-on experience in
construction, real estate development, planning and design,
transportation, historic preservation, community organizing
and facilitation.
Leaving the Board were Anne Alexander Marshall who served
for the last five years and was Vice-President twice;
Jo Ann Spevacek who served for the last four years and
was the Secretary in 2003; Kay Slaughter who served with
VCN for the past seven years and was with CCVA prior to
that. She was the VCN President for two years; Carl Fisher
submitted his resignation in January and previously served
for three years.
ANNUAL MEETING REPORT
Executive Director David Kovacs presented an accounting
for VCN activity since the annual meeting held last year
in Roanoke. He highlighted the progress on the eight immediate
organizational challenges that were identified at that
time. The most significant progress was in the following.
Establishing a long-term program: VCN’s has clearly defined
its current work as two major campaigns: one being “Environmental
Policy Research” and the other “Education & Grassroots
and Organizational Capacity Building”. The Board has endorsed
two initiatives for further development. These are “Sustainable
Virginia” and a “Regional Focus for the Environment”.
Role of Board Committees: Following last year’s amendments
to the VCN Articles and Bylaws, the Board established
5 standing committees. Their work truly makes the VCN
Board a “working board”.
Enhancing the image and influence of VCN: This is truly
one of the successes over the past year. After changes
to allow VCN to take positions on issues and legislation,
our visibility greatly increased as the 2004 VCN Priorities
were widely disseminated, positions were taken on more
than 35 issues and bills, testimony was provided at hearings,
letters were written to committees, and our communications
program spread information to our member organizations
and conservation-minded individuals. Our enhanced image
is reflected in our presence on advisory committees and
in our ability to meet with officials on matters of environmental
policy and regulations. It is also reflected in new organizational
memberships and a solid cadre of donors in our annual
fund drive.
Other highlights: •Modifications to the VCN website to
make it quite useful and user friendly. Check it out at
www.vcnva.org
•Significant increase in the number of LCT participants.
This program is conducted in concert with the Virginia
League of Conservation Voters Education Fund.
•Increased funding from our long-term funders Prince
Charitable Trusts and the Agua Fund
•First time funding from the Chesapeake Bay License Plate
income program
•VCN appointments to the APF study committee and the
State Housing Commissions study of regulatory and financial
issues for affordable housing
•Conducting six specialized training programs during
the summer of 2004.
FRIEND
OF THE NETWORK & CORPORATE DONOR PROGRAMS
The VCN Board established a “Friend of the Network” for
individual donors. These “friends” are vital to the financial
viability of VCN. In 2003, they provided 18% of our revenue.
A “Friend of the Network” receives our print newsletter
and, if desired, is added to our email information system.
An especially designed “Friend of the Network” card and
decal have been created for the program.
The Board also established a program of non-voting membership
for corporations, businesses, agencies and other groups
who do not meet VCN’s voting membership criteria. Such
groups have contributed in the past as program sponsors
and exhibitors but now they will have new recognition
with a special designation in our annual listings.
Levels under which donations and gifts will be recognized
are: ?$2,500 Sustainable Virginia Level ?$1,000 Stewardship
(Friend) Level ?$ 250 Conservation (Friend) Level ?$ 50
Friend of the Network Level ?$ 1- 49 Supporter Level
2005
Annual Fund Drive is Underway
Our request for your participation in VCN’s 2005 Annual
Fund will soon be in your mailbox. Become a “Friend of
the Network” and contribute generously!
But why wait! Go to the VCN website where you can donate
on-line. Just click on the “Donate Now” icon.
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VCN's mission is to protect the Commonwealth's air, lands,
and waters for the benefit of the people, as guaranteed
by the Virginia Constitution.
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