Policy on the #NNK

Earlier this week, the Northern Neck Planning District Commission (NNPDC) released the press release “Visitor Spending Reached $186 million in the Northern Neck in 2022 -Virginia reached $30.3 billion in visitor spending, returning to pre-pandemic levels.” (Full release is at bottom.) In fact, the regional impact was greater when you add in the indirect and induced impact of $89.2 million. The release was reporting on the five counties―King George, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland―represented by the planning district. This blog, however, routinely discusses policies in the four counties of Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland. The direct spending in these four counties in 2022 was $149.2m and $65.3m in indirect and induced impact. Details by county related to direct and indirect spending in the five counties are in Tourism Spending on the NNK, 2022 . The data was pulled from 2022 Direct Visitor Impact for Virginia Localities (.xlsx) and 20...

The Town of White Stone, in Lacaster County, has a new and improved website . It’s super clean, well organized, and reflective of those who live and work in this small Lancaster County town.

FEMA and the FCC will test the nationwide emergency alert systems Wednesday, October 4 at approximately 2:20 pm. What this means: test messages will be sent to all televisions, radios, and mobile phones. From the press release : All wireless phones should receive the message only once. The following can be expected from the nationwide WEA test: * Beginning at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET, cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message. * For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” * Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.” Important inform...

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, comparable to rain forests and coral reefs. (EPA) Defending Virginia’s Wetlands: Why we need them and what you can do to protect them , a free event from Chesapeake Bay Foundation, is scheduled for Tuesday, October 3 , 6:30 - 8:00 pm. There are many wetlands on the Northern Neck. You can find them on the US Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory ’s NWI mapper . Details about the webinar It’s hard to overstate the value of wetlands to people, our economy, and our environment. Virginia's wetlands, which have been under state protection since 1972, are at risk. During this webinar, we'll will share the value of wetlands—from protecting people and property and slowing shoreline erosion to providing groundwater recharge and habitat for birds, mammals, fish, and shellfish. We'll also discuss the protections Virginia's wetlands currently receive in state law, the agencies responsible...

Several projects on the Northern Neck are included in the draft Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund Intended Use Plan (PDF): Town of Kilmarnock: $17,525,500 requested, $7m funded, principal forgiveness amount TBD . Town of Kilmarnock Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Phase 2: This project will make improvements to the Town of Kilmarnock Wastewater Treatment Plant, specifically replacement of the influent screen, grit removal system, pump station, and aerobic digester blower and diffuser, new SCADA system, improvements to the equalization basins, conversion of biological reactors, chemical feed upgrades, and miscellaneous improvements. Town of White Stone: $750,000 requested, $750,000 funded, principal forgiveness amount $0 . This project will install a new force main collection system in downtown area and the adjacent residential areas to new 40,0000 gpd WWTP. The collection system will replace aging septic systems, of which most have already failed at least once. The...

Investing in America: Climate Action Funding Resource Guide , similar to the Investing in America: Climate Action Funding Fair held in August 7-11, supports EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program. The guide directs the public to federal funding opps for the development of climate action plans. Resources are grouped in several categories: agriculture, natural, and working lands; commercial and residential buildings; electricity generation; industry; tribal programs; transportation; and waste and materials management. In addition, the guide provides links to funding trackers. For those interested in the August event, presentations and recordings are available for review (use the link above).

The Richmond County Fall 2023 Household Hazardous & Electronic Waste (HHW/E-Waste) collection takes place Saturday, October 21 , 9:00 am - 2:00 pm at Rappahannock Community College (Parking Lot at 52 Campus Dr, Warsaw). The event will be held rain or shine. The event is open to Richmond County residents and property owners. You will be required to show the red county convenience center pass. What you can dispose of: spent fluorescent bulbs, unwanted pesticides, antifreeze, rechargeable batteries, cleaners, oil-based paint, stains, solvents, old/contaminated fuels or petroleum products, and household chemicals. Also allowed are various electonics: CPUs and laptops, mainframes, peripherals; monitors – CRT and flat screens; telephones; cell phones; fax machines; printers and copiers; TVs; banking and financial equipment; electronic circuit boards/components; stereo equipment; gaming systems; PDAs; and vape pens/batteries. Not allowed: latex paint (non-hazardous), automotive bat...

In 2022, Lynnhaven River NOW was awarded $2.9 million to remove marine debris (boats) and work on an abandoned and derelict vessel removal and prevention program for the state. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has announced the public comment period of September 18 - October 12 for the NOAA project #23-137F, Lynnhaven River NOW: Removing Abandoned and Derelict Vessels in Coastal Virginia. While the majority of debris is not on the NNK, there are two locations at which six vessels are proposed for removal: Five vessels at Kinsale Harbor Marina on the Yeocomico River (Westmoreland County) and one vessel at Carters Cove Marina on Carters Cove, Rappahannock River (Lancaster County). According to the Environmental Impact Review public notice , The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Debris Program is funding a project by Lynnhaven River NOW to remove abandoned and derelict vessels in Coastal Virginia. At least 100 vessels equaling approximately 250-3...

Not sure how much more clear it can be: Natives are the most desirable plants. They are the bedrock of a healthy and diverse environment in which flora and fauna will flourish. The blog post Virginia Mercury: State to allow invasives while educating about the value of native plants has links to sites where you can learn more about natives and where you may buy native plants.

It’s here, the Northumberland County Fall 2023 Household Hazardous & Electronic Waste (HHW/E-Waste) collection event! Saturday, October 28 , 9:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Northumberland County Public Schools middle school bus parking lot (Route 360 in Heathsville). The event will be held rain or shine. The event is open to Northumberland residents and property owners. What you can dispose of: spent fluorescent bulbs, unwanted pesticides, antifreeze, rechargeable batteries, cleaners, oil-based paint, stains, solvents, old/contaminated fuels or petroleum products, and household chemicals. Also allowed are various electonics: CPUs and laptops, mainframes, peripherals; monitors – CRT and flat screens; telephones; cell phones; fax machines; printers and copiers; TVs; banking and financial equipment; electronic circuit boards/components; stereo equipment; gaming systems; PDAs; and vape pens/batteries. Not allowed: latex paint (non-hazardous), automotive batteries, tires, radioactive ...

CCA Virginia― Coastal Conservation Association Virginia ―is doubling down on the fun in Irvington twice this month. Reef ball building sessions are being held Wednesday, September 20 , Thursday, September 21 , Tuesday, September 26 , and Wednesday, September 27 at Chesapeake Academy. CCA Virginia writes in their email invitation to the event, We had so much fun at our successful August reef ball build in Irvington we decided to do it again. Twice! Once deployed, three-dimensional reef balls help rebuild Chesapeake fish habitat, improve water quality and enhance recreational fishing. That means that YOU will be helping to rebuild Chesapeake fish habitat. Go you! Both events are hosted by Tackle Cove Outfitters and ReFuel Irvington .

UPDATE 9/19/23, 1p NOAA has announced the public comment period has been extended to October 21 . And, they have added two listening sessions in October, Wednesday, October 4 and Wednesday, October 18 . Original post NOAA is asking the public to provide feedback on the ways that the federal agency provides and engages individuals, organizations, and communities in the distribution of climate data, information, science, and tools. Collectively, this information is referred to as “climate services” for the purpose of the current request for information (RFI). What?!!!! NOAA wants to know what kind of information and technical support communities—particularly historically underserved, Tribal, and Indigenous communities—need to make decisions about climate preparedness, adaptation, and resilience planning. NOAA is especially interested in “hearing from communities that it may not engage with regularly, including but not limited to”: Community and city planners Community or...

Virginia Cooperative Extension-Northumberland County, @VCENorthumberland on Facebook , is conducting a community needs assessments to determine priorities for VCE programming in the coming years. Northumberland County residents are encouraged to complete the survey which asks people to prioritize issues and make comments on the direction of VCE programming. VCE estimates completion time to be 10 minutes. Take the survey . Share the link, https://tinyurl.com/northumberlandsurvey .

Northumberland Public Library has announced in their fall newsletter that their new mobile library is undergoing finishing touches and will be on the road soon. The official hitting the road day celebration is Wednesday, September 13 at 3:30 pm at the Boys and Girls Club (8200 Northumberland Hwy, Heathsville).

Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland County residents may get their well (well, spring, cistern) water tested for contaminants Saturday, October 11 through the Virginia Tech Virginia Household Water Quality Program. Testing “includes analysis for 14 chemical and bacteriological constituents” such as health-impacting contaminants lead and E. coli . The test results are confidential. Registration is required and the number of tests limited. Head over to 2023 Drinking Water Clinics Upcoming Events for county contact information.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 28 , 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. County sheriffs will be collecting drugs to keep them out of the water supply and the hands of those for whom they are not prescribed. People are encouraged to dispose of prescription drugs and paraphernalia (no liquids or needles) safely. This means dropping them off at sheriffs’ offices. Each office handles intake a little differently but what is common across the four on the NNK is that disposal is anonymous. Lancaster County Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office: 8293 Mary Ball Rd, Lancaster The service is free and anonymous. The SO only accepts pills. To dispose of them, talk to a communications officer when you enter the building, show them what you have (they need to make sure there is no liquid or sharps), and they’ll take them from there. So they see you, but they don’t ask for any personal information. This service is available year round. Northumberland County Northumberland...

NAPS, the Northumberland Association for Progressive Stewardship , is hosting a cleanup of the lower Great Wicomico River and its tributaries Sunday, September 24 from Noon to 3:00 pm. Volunteers will be fed and receive a free t-shirt and reusable grocery bag in thanks. Registration is required. Head over to the NAPS website for more details and to sign up .

The notice : Notice is hereby given that Applications are being accepted for filling a vacancy on the Northumberland County Board of Supervisors for District 5. The remaining members of the Board of Supervisors are authorized to appoint a qualified voter of District 5 to complete the remainder of the term which expires December 31, 2023. The Board of Supervisors invites qualified voters of District 5 to apply. Persons interested in being considered for this appointment must submit a cover letter, resume, and completed application to the County Administrator by 12:00 p.m. on September 8, 2023. Prospective applicants should keep in mind that the position of County Supervisor requires filing a Statement of Economic Interest disclosing any financial interests and taking an Oath of Office. After review of the applications, the Board may call individuals in for further interviews prior to making the appointment. The general election to be held on November 7, 2023, will determine who...

Invasive plants have spread all over Virginia. Some groups say that needs to stop. is a reminder that natives are the best option. It’s not difficult to determine which natives to plant where thanks to several resources: Virginia Native Plant Guides from the Virginia Native Plant Society: The guides are by region/county Virginia Native Plant Finder by the Department of Conservation and Recreation: The database is searchable by light, area, height, and a number of other features Native Plant Nurseries from the Virginia Native Plant Society: The list is searchable and the entire list may be downloaded in Excel or CSV file Plant Virginia Natives : The content on this site is soup to nuts. The organization explains the basics and offers learning opps for those wanting to know more. Virginia Invasive Plant Species List (PDF) by the Department of Conservation and Recreation: The list includes the scientuific and common names, invasiveness rank, and area where plants are fo...

Flat Blue Crab ( Facebook , Instagram ), the Northumberland County small biz booster, is encouraging all businesses and organizations on the NNK which operate seafood festivals to make sure their event is on the Virginia Seafood events calendar . Events can also be promoted on social and in physical locations. (Crowdsourced) Flyer posting locations/outreach sites (on the #NNK) is designed to help make that work a little easier and way less time consuming. From the instructions page: How to use this community-created and -maintained resource All are welcome, and encouraged, to make use of the information contained in this list. There are few simple guidelines for usage, designed to ensure everyone benefits. 1. If you want to download this list, click on “File” and you’ll see the “Download” option. Downloading is a good option for those who want to track outreach, use the info for multiple projects, etc. 2. If you have additions or changes, please make them! We’re interest...