Policy on the #NNK

A Chesapeake Perspective is a series from Coastal Conservation Association Virginia and partners; it offers “thought-provoking seminars sure to spark innovative and move forward solutions to some of the most pressing issues confronting Chesapeake recreational anglers.” (Source: CCA Maryland ) The partners kicked off the 2023 season in April with Opportunities and Impacts of Invasive Fish (also below). About the topic, Rudow’s Fishtalk writes , “The Chesapeake Bay’s health faces many challenges, and in the past decade one of the biggest impacts is the proliferation of invasive species including snakeheads, blue catfish, and flathead catfish.” The experts presented basic info and answered questions related to how these fish are impacting native fish and crab populations as well as the environment more broadly. The September 21 live and virtual session will consider habitat preservation and restoration. Learn more and/or register for the session .

The 2026 commemoration has begun according to Virginia 250 . In March, close to 300 people from 24 states met in Williamsburg to discuss what Americans would like to see during the 250th commemoration of the nation in 2026. Plans on the local, state, and national levels will be made up until, and likely through, 2026. While plans are being made, the Northern Neck can recognize the role this area played in history. For example, residents and visitors may want to visit historical sites, some of which are shown to the right. From the top, clockwise: Stratford Hall, George Washington Birthplace National Monument, Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett’s Tavern, Historic Christ Church and Museum, and Menokin. Relevant sites are listed on the Virginia 250 interactive map and their list may be searched . Historic Christ Church and Museum (Weems, Lancaster County) Heathsville Blacksmith Forge (Heathsville, Northumberland County) Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett’s Tavern (Heathsville, Northumberland C...

Westmoreland County residents and property owners are encouraged to participate in the household hazardous waste (HHW) fall collection Saturday, September 30, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm . The collection takes place at the A.T. Johnson Human Services Building (18849 Kings Hwy, Montross) in the parking lot, rain or shine. The first 100 pounds of HHW are free; after that, the fee is $1.05/lb. and will be collected by the county on-site. Cash and checks will be accepted. Items which can be dropped off: Household chemicals such as oil-based paint, cleaners, solvents, old or used petroleum products (including mower and boat gas), pool chemicals, anti-freeze, and pesticides Rechargeable batteries Used florescent and CFL bulbs Items which cannot be dropped off: Electronics of any kind Ammunition Radioactive materials Tires Car batteries Medical waste Prescription drugs (see below) Latex paint (latex paint does not present a danger to the environment and can be ...

The homeowner- and renter-focused community waste collection on Saturday, September 23 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm takes place at the Lancaster County Courthouse (8265 Mary Ball Rd, Lancaster in the parking lot), rain or shine. Items which can be dropped off: Household chemicals such as oil-based paint, cleaners, solvents, old or used petroleum products (including mower and boat gas), pool chemicals, anti-freeze, and pesticides Rechargeable batteries Used florescent and CFL bulbs Electronic items such as vape pens, TVs, printers, computers, monitors, cell phones, telephones and telephone systems, and electronic circuit boards and components, stereo equipment, and games Items which cannot be dropped off: Ammunition Radioactive materials Tires Car batteries Medical waste Prescription drugs (see below) Latex paint (latex paint does not present a danger to the environment and can be safely disposed of once the paint has dried in the can) There is no char...

Between 2014 and 2018, 9,548 treed acres on developed land were lost (net) in Virginia. The Northern Neck counties of Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland accounted for 707 acres, or 7% of the treed acres lost. In alpha order, the net losses by NNK county were: Lancaster County: -124 Northumberland County: -114 Richmond County: -250 Westmoreland County: -219 (Source: Are we trading trees for concrete? Efforts to slow the loss of tree canopy and gain of impervious surfaces are taking root across the watershed ) The loss of treed acres is a big deal, especially in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The Chesapeake Bay Program writes, The data finds that structures (e.g., buildings) contributed to 31.6% of the net increase in impervious surfaces, while roads only contributed to 4.2%. However, other types of impervious surfaces, such as driveways, parking lots, runways, rail lines, etc. saw the highest increase from 2013-2014 to 2017-2018 at 64.3%. This percenta...

The Northumberland County Board of Supervisors has called a special meeting for Thursday, August 24 at 5:30 pm at the Northumberland County Courts Building (220 Judicial Place, Heathsville). The meeting agenda includes a discussion of the vacant seat (District 5), formerly held by Ronnie Jett; and several appointments.

State funding is available to boost economic activity, travel, and overnight stays September 2023 through May 2024 to support small tourism-related businesses . This nine-month period is referred to as the shoulder season or off season. The Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) 2023-2024 Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program (MMLP) competitive grant program opens August 22 and closes September 28. The maximum award for individual tourism-oriented businesses with fewer than 20 employees is $5,000. The max for organizations such as chambers is $10,000. Virginia Tourism Corporation points out that the MMLP is a “great program for winter holiday marketing campaigns and shoulder season initiatives such as new Restaurant Weeks.” On the Northern Neck, the sole restaurant week is Virginia’s River Realm Restaurant Week; it took place January 21-31, 2023 in the eight River Realm towns, including Kilmarnock, White Stone, Irvington, and Urbanna. (Source: Save the Date: The 2023 Virginia Res...

Virginia’s food system supply chain can use an upgrade or two (or five!) and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is going to apply for federal funding to enable at least some of them. The federal funds will be dispersed throughout the state via competitive grants. VDACS wants input from the public to frame the supply chain infrastructure grant program. VDACS is collecting info via an online survey ; it will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. The deadline to participate in the survey is 11:59 pm Friday, August 18. VDACS writes in the survey introduction, Most of the funding will be distributed as grants to individual farms and food businesses. Grant recipients are required to contribute 50% of the total proposed project cost as a match to federal funding. For historically underserved farmers and ranchers, or for other businesses that qualify under SBA categories of small disadvantaged business, women-owned small business, or veteran-own...

Not sure what is more compelling. The intro on FB or the vid. You decide. Great story about a man using unorthodox methods to save a species. Instead of playing pickle ball or hanging out at wineries, he's spending his retirement figuring out ways to keep the mess we have created from destroying an animal that has been around for 250 millions years.