Policy on the #NNK

The State Health Commissioner’s Advisory Council on Health Disparity and Health Equity meets Tuesday, July 12 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. The public may attend the meeting and offer comments at the end. The meeting takes place IRL (Monroe Building, Main Conference Room, 101 North 14 Street, Richmond) and virtually . More information about the meeting is available from Augustine Doe, Health Equity Specialist, via phone (804-864-7436) and email . Items on the meeting agenda (PDF) include the State Health Commissioner's update, COVID presentations, presentations about the disability community and mental health, and updates from the Office of Health Equity. According to the National Institues of Health , Health disparities are preventable differences in health status and outcomes that adversely affect certain populations. Research on health disparities examines the influence of environment, social determinants, and other underlying mechanisms leading to differences in health outco...

These Farms Are Living a Double Life discusses the experiment taking place at Hofgemeinschaft Heggelbach : solar and farming on the same land at the same time. Hofgemeinschaft Heggelbach is "the farming community built Germany’s biggest solar installation under which crops can grow, a method known as agrophotovoltaics (APV)." "Steel columns holding 720 gleaming panels comprising 27,000 square feet of state-of-the-art solar technology." The Rich Earth Institute , on the other hand, moved years ago to implementing the idea of urine as fertilizer idea. Learn more in Meet the Peecyclers. Their Idea to Help Farmers Is No. 1. Writes journalist Catrin Einhorn, "Human urine, Mr. Sellers learned that night seven years ago, is full of the same nutrients that plants need to flourish. It has a lot more, in fact, than Number Two, with almost none of the pathogens." As Einhorn discusses, the need now for alternatives to traditional fertilizer is an imperative gi...

The CMAC met June 8; the primary purpose of the meeting was to discuss potential management measures for the upcoming crabbing season. The discussion was predicated on the preliminary 2021-22 Chesapeake Bay Winter Crab Dredge Survey results and preliminary 2021 Virginia harvest data. Potential management measures raised during the May CMAC meeting included "lower bushel limits, season reductions, recreational 5-pot season reduction, changes to the agent and license transfer systems, pot tagging, and peeler pot bushel limits." (Source: May 23, 2022 CMAC meeting minutes (PDF)) Watch the CMAC meeting on YouTube . Subscribe * indicates required Email Address *

Jobs in Virginia State Parks : Seasonal and full-time jobs are available Town of Warsaw: Chief of Police Northumberland County Sheriff's Office: Part-time Communications Officer Northumberland County: Variety of job openings Richmond County: Variety of positions including code compliance officer Town of Kilmarnock: Police/public safety officer Westmoreland County: Variety of jobs Northumberland County Public Schools employment opps Jobs at Colonial Beach Public Schools Employment opps at Richmond County Public Schools

Earlier this month, Colorado State University’s Tropical Weather & Climate Research Group updated their hurricane predictions for the 2022 season ( CSU June 2, 2022 predictions ): “ We have increased our forecast and now call for a well above-average Atlantic basin hurricane season in 2022. ” The Tropical Weather & Climate Research Group explains their conclusions in the June 2 update of Extended Range Forecast of Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity and Landfall Strike Probability for 2022 (PDF). Additional forecast updates will be released July 7 and August 4. As was mentioned in the blog post Experts predict increased activity this hurricane season (June 1-November 30, 2022) , CSU is calculating local impacts along the Gulf and east coasts . Colorado State University has calculated probabilities for Lancaster and Northumberland counties and they are found in CSU Tropical Cyclone Impact Probabilities - NNK . The good news is that CSU predicts Lancaster and Northumberl...

As is shown above, NNSWCD has moved to a new space. Their new physical address is 5585 Richmond Rd., Warsaw. Their mailing address―P.O. Box 220, Warsaw, VA 22572―and phone number―(804) 313-9102―remain the same. In other news from the org, they are introducing their new space with an Open House Wednesday, July 6 from 10:00 am-2:00 pm. Deets are in the image below and in the Open House FB post . NNSWCD is also conferring with farmers/owners of agricutural land about Virginia’s Agricultural BMP CostShare (VACS) program . VACS, administered locally by NNSWCD, offers more than 70 conservation practices that cover the full spectrum of agricultural operations. Whether you grow crops, raise livestock or produce poultry, there are BMPs that can benefit each and every farmer/agricultural land owner. The 2022/2023 program year begins July 1 and demand for assistance can be great, so the org encourages timely applications. Applications must be submitted by appointment between Tuesday, Jul...

In their June 2022 newsletter, the VIMS Center for Coastal Resources Management wrote about the state's new definition of living shoreline, explaining that the amended law expands the materials which can be used in a living shoreline. From Chapter 333, An Act to amend and reenact § 28.2-104.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to living shorelines. [H 1322] Approved April 11, 2022 : As used in this section, unless the context requires a different meaning: "Living shoreline" means a shoreline management practice that provides erosion control and water quality benefits; protects, restores, or enhances natural shoreline habitat; and maintains coastal processes through the strategic placement of plants, stone, sand fill, and other structural and organic materials. When practicable, a living shoreline may enhance coastal resilience and attenuation of wave energy and storm surge. "Other structural and organic materials" means materials or features that provide ad...

In Invasive species can quickly upset nature’s balance , VPM reports the spotted lanternfly has landed in Virginia and has ecologists, business owners, and others dealing with the havoc wrought: One example is the spotted lanternfly , a newcomer that arrived in Pennsylvania in 2016 and has already infested more than 200 square miles in Virginia. Native to East Asia, it feasts on fruit crops and has a particular fondness for grapes, which has sent vineyards all over the East Coast scrambling for solutions. The spotted lanternfly is also found on other plants around the home, inside and out. From Virginia Cooperative Extension , "The spotted lanternfly has also been reported on a range of ornamentals around the home and in the landscape; in high numbers, the insect can become a nuisance pest to homeowners." Homeowners and businesses should report sightings of the spotted lanternfly to their local extension office . Image: Young Spotted Lanternfly on Fox Grapes in Berks Cou...

The Blue Crab Advisory Committee of the Potomac River Fisheries Commission (PRFC) is meeting Wednesday, July 13 from 6:00-9:00 pm. The committee will discuss a management response to the most recent Bay-wide winter dredge survey results which have shown low levels of Blue Crab reproduction the past three years and declining metrics of abundance for both adult female and male crabs. The advisory committee will share it's thoughts and/or recommendations with the commission in advance of their meeting later in July. The meeting will be held in person and virtually and the public is invited to attend. See the Facebook July 13 event page for details. The Potomac River Fisheries Commission (PRFC) is holding a special meeting Thursday, July 28 from 1:00-4:00 pm to discuss and implement a management response related to the results of the annual Chesapeake Bay winter dredge survey carb survey. The survey indicated two consecutive poor years of reproduction, and declining metrics...

On June 13, Governor Youngkin announced 11 grants to support local food and farming projects across the state . The total $214,000 is supporting a variety of projects in rural and urban areas, from a food truck to a commercial kitchen to shellfish processing. One of the 11 grants goes to Westmoreland County: Craft Beverage Support, Westmoreland County $25,000 Westmoreland County is pursuing the tourism- and local food-focused community development strategy of recruiting a new brewery and pub to downtown Montross. A vacant, former retail facility will be renovated into the new home of Northern Neck Brewing Company with the goal of creating a family-friendly destination for tourists and residents alike. Funding will be used to purchase brewery equipment and will leverage nearly $250,000 in additional investment to create a new brewery and pub focused on locally sourced produce, meat, and seafood. The announcement kicks off Virginia Ag Week. About the grant program: Crea...

There's much to be concerned about these days. The environment. The state of education of children, youth, and young adults. The climate. Energy. Privacy. ‘Elder power’ a force in Virginia as more retirees step up climate action game tells and important story about how older Americans are taking action on issues they care about with Third Act . RICHMOND, Va. — Bill Muth still remembers the angst that enveloped him one day in October 2018 while he listened to a radio broadcast about the anticipated onslaught of planetary havoc from climate change. “Phew!” the Virginia Commonwealth University literacy professor fumed on his long-ago drive home to Richmond from Washington, D.C. “I hadn’t been paying close enough attention. I was absolutely floored.” The shock of that United Nations report motivated Muth to begin folding carbon pollution themes into lessons and assignments he designed for teachers. It also gave him an inkling that he likely wouldn’t be settling into a quiet ret...

Dolphins are on the agenda Wednesday, June 22 at 7:00 pm during the Bay Journal Chesapeake Dolphins reader event. During the free webinar, Chesapeake dolphin scientists will answer reader and Bay Journal questions. Register for the event and learn what it’s like to study these fascinating marine mammals. Photo: Dolphins Jumping over the Sea by Tim Hartelt

Yale Climate Connections says “. . . you should ignore [the many hurricane models] in favor of the National Hurricane Center forecast.” That's right. YCC, in The most reliable hurricane models, based on their 2021 performance asserts, “it is very difficult for any one model to consistently beat the NHC forecasts for track and for intensity.” That's about all in this article that I understand (!). For the people with skills, the rest of the YCC article should be interesting, as will the sources of free model data provided toward the end. About Yale Climate Connections : nonpartisan, multimedia service providing daily broadcast radio programming and original web-based reporting, commentary, and analysis on the issue of climate change, one of the greatest challenges and stories confronting modern society. Yale Climate Connections is an initiative of the Yale Center for Environmental Communication (YCEC), directed by Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz of the Yale School of the En...

Yankee Point Marina , located in Lancaster County, is holding a Vessel Safety Check Day with the USCG Auxiliary Saturday, June 18 . The safety check is free and there are no consequences if you don't pass. All participants will receive free dockage for the day too, helpful if repairs have to be made. Learn more and register .

The Department of Environmental Quality's environmental impact review team is reviewing Amendment 22 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan and invites the public to do the same. The deadline for comments is July 1; comments should be emailed to John Fisher . Read the accompanying letter from NOAA to DEQ . From the letter: We request your review of the subject regulatory action, with regard to its applicability to the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program (CZMP). We have preliminarily determined that the subject proposed rule is consistent with the enforceable policies of the Virginia CZMP, and request your concurrence. The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) adopted Amendment 22 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) at its December 2021, meeting and the Council submitted Amendment 22 to us on May 1, 2022, for review and approval. Details of this action, including a draft environme...

Are you 17 and will turn 18 before Tuesday, November 8? Register to vote. Now. Everyone's vote matters. You can register online or in person. Image: Protester Holding Sign by Artem Podrez .

The USDA is making food benefits available to eligible schools and students retroactively for the 2021-22 school year. The change to the P-EBT (Pandemic EBT) program recognizes that children and youth who were out of school as a result of the pandemic—through quarantines, isolation, temporary school closures, etc.—should receive compensation for free food they missed out on due to closures. As of May 30, the following schools on the Northern Neck have been approved: Northumberland County's three schools (elementary, middle, and high) (eligibility began August 1, 2021) Lancaster County's three schools (primary, middle, and high) (eligibility began August 23, 2021) Westmoreland County Public Schools' four schools (two elementary, middle, and high) (eligibility began August 9, 2021) Colonial Beach School District's two schools (elementary and high) (eligibility began August 9, 2021) Richmond County Public Schools' two of three schools (elementary/middle ...

In Commercial solar is not always super green, say advocates and Virginia energy experts , we talked about the recommendation of some environmentalists and solar industry members to site commercial solar farms on brownfields. The gap in the post was brownfield sites. DEQ's Virginia Brownfields Dashboard in Beta partially closes that gap. Learn more about brownfields from DEQ .

Government meetings, events Town of Kilmarnock Town Council committees meet Monday, June 6 (PDF) starting at 3:00 pm. Meetings are held at the Kilmarnock Town Hall (1 N. Main St.) The Lancaster County Wetlands Board meets Thursday, June 9 at 9:30 am in the BOS Meeting Room (County Administration Building, Main Floor, 8311 Mary Ball Rd, Lancaster, VA ) and virtually. See the June 9 public hearing sked and remote access instructions . The Town of Kilmarnock Planning Commission meets Monday, June 13 at 7:00 pm at the Kilmarnock Town Hall (1 N. Main St.). The Kilmarnock Town Council seeks public comment on the proposed body camera policy (PDF). The deadline for comments is June 18. Deliver comments via email , phone (804-435-1552 option 1), or in person at Town Hall, 1 North Main St. The Town Council will hold a public hearing on the proposal Monday, June 20 at 7:00 pm. The hearing takes place at Kilmarnock Town Hall (1 N. Main St.). The Kilmarnock Town ...

Virginia Black Farmer Directory The directory interface is interactive, featuring a map and filtering capability. Unfortunately, there is only one black farmer listing on the NNK and that is Haynie Farms LLC in Reedville. No matter, this is an important resource, described by the developers as . . . cumulative project and effort to centralize black farmer unity and resources. We hope that this directory serves as a resource for connecting black farmers with consumers, wholesalers, markets, and other farmers. We strive to capture farmer stories and portray farmers the way they would like. We also strive to give voice to those that have been systematically oppressed in their relationship with the land. Public comment sought on a variety of farm and ranch topics NNK farmers and ranchers should participate in the USDA's public inquiry on the topic of farmers’ and ranchers’ growing concerns regarding seeds and agricultural inputs, fertilizer, and retail markets. The July 9, 2021 E...

Government meetings, events The Board of Zoning Appeals meets Tuesday, June 7 at 7:00 pm in the Sheriff's Office conference room (195 Judicial Pl, Heathsville, VA). See meeting agendas and minutes . The Northumberland County School Board will meet Monday, June 13 at 6:00 pm in person and virtually. Learn more about the meetings online . The Wetlands Board meets Tuesday, June 14 at 7:00 pm in the Sheriff's Office conference room (195 Judicial Pl, Heathsville, VA). See Wetlands Board meeting agendas and minutes . The Northumberland County Planning Commission meets Thursday, June 16 at 7:00 pm in the court building (220 Judicial Pl., Heathsville, VA). See Planning Commission meeting agendas and minutes . The Economic Development Commission is scheduled to meet Tuesday, June 21 at 6:00 pm. Call (804) 580-7666 for meeting details. Events, announcements, programs The Northern Neck Master Gardeners Northumberland Help Desk takes place Tuesda...