Policy on the #NNK

The problem of abandoned fishing gear is not new. Environmentalists, researchers, and others have done research on and recovery of such fishing gear going back decades. There have been professional interventions and citizen scientist ones, including crab pot removals as shown in “Derelict crab pot removals (2008-2021).” (Source: Derelict crab pot removals -- 2008-2021 ; 2019-2021, blue and 2008-2015, red) The research on the problem and solutions associated with abandoned fishing gear is extensive, including Ecological and Economic Effects of Derelict Fishing Gear in the Chesapeake Bay -- 2015/2016 Final Assessment Report by VIMS, Versar, CSS-Dynamac, Global Science & Technology. From the report: Derelict fishing gear represents a major challenge to marine resource management: whether through deliberate abandonment or through accidental loss, derelict traps in particular have significant negative effects both economic (e.g., reduced fishery harvest from ghost fishing and ...

The value of volunteer time in Virginia went up in 2023 to $33.38 from $32.59 in 2022, according to Independent Sector in Value of Volunteer Time . IS works with the Do Good Institute at the University of Maryland to prepare the annual analysis. IS explains the value of the value : Putting a dollar value on volunteer hours will never do justice to their true worth, but it is just one way for us to show the contributions individuals and organizations have made in our communities. The estimate helps acknowledge the millions of individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and energy to making a difference. Charitable organizations frequently use this estimate to quantify the enormous value volunteers provide.

Saturday, June 1 is National Trails Day® and it’s a great reason to get outside on the Northern Neck. The National Park Service is sponsoring Meeting of the Trails: National Trails Day Meetup on the Potomac River 10:00 am - 3:00 pm at George Washington Birthplace National Monument (1732 Popes Creek Rd, Colonial Beach; head to the “Memorial Area,” past the monument to the right). NPS and a number of outdooor organizations will be sharing information about their work along the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail and encouraging the public to get involved. In addition, family-friendly activities will be part of the day. Entrance to George Washington Birthplace National Monument is fee-free. The tabling orgs will include: Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin Northern Neck National Heritage Area Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Potomac Riverkeeper Star-Spangled Banner National Historic...

The National Hurricane Center has started issuing four Tropical Weather Outlooks each day May 15 through November 30. The every-six-hour updates discuss significant areas of disturbed weather and their potential for development during the next 7 days, including a categorical forecast of the probability of tropical cyclone formation during the first 48 hours, and during the entire 7-day forecast period. The 48 h and 7-day probabilities of formation for each disturbance are given to the nearest 10% and expressed in terms of one of the following categories: low probability of development (0-30%), medium probability (40-60%), and high probability of development (70-100%). ( Source )

Rural Assembly Everywhere: Nurturing Thriving Communities takes place virtually August 1 and you are invited. The Rural Assembly event will focus on the ways that advocates, organizations, and informal groups are enriching communities and celebrate the many ways differences are already being made. What is The Rural Assembly? The organization is a vibrant movement of people advocating for a more equitable and diverse nation. We recognize the pivotal role rural America plays in shaping our country’s narrative and decisions. Our focus is on amplifying diverse rural voices across a range of platforms, from local to national, including media, policy, and convening forums. Our mission is to empower and amplify rural voices by providing a platform for sharing stories and challenging existing stereotypes. For more than a decade, the Assembly has built relationships within and across local to national leadership, with people and places who represent the rich diversity of the ru...

Edit: IF you are going to use paper towels, use only one sheet.

Not policy-related, but useful and cool: Reverse Dictionary - 'When you cannot think of something you want to say' . Definitely bookmarkable.

Northumberland County will receive the bulk of the $20,000 in DRIVE Outdoor Tourism Development Program recently awarded by the state. Northumberland County projects will receive $15,000 of the $20,000 award. The balance will go to Richmond County. Northumberland County’s projects are long-lasting, going toward parking improvement and expansion. The Richmond County project, Menokin ’s Power of Place Conservation Festival will add to the current kayak experiences offered by the nonprofit . Menokin’s Power of Place Conservation Festival Celebrate conservation advocacy through kayaking, hiking, and an ecological educational festival, with music, films, food and fun for the whole family. The nine-mile kayak race down Cat Point Creek starts at 8:00 am. Northern Neck Tourism Commission press release Northern Neck Tourism Commission Receives $20,000 in DRIVE Outdoor Tourism Development Program Contact: Northern Neck Tourism Commission, Lisa Hull, (804) 333-1919 lhull@nnp...

White Stone Methodist Church (118 Methodist Church Rd, White Stone) is holding a computer and mobile phone recycling event Saturday, May 11 , 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. County residency not required. Items accepted: phones, tablets, PCs, desktops, cables, monitors, servers, keyboards, mice, other computer parts, and other electronics. Printers and televisions not accepted. The church is working with Tech For Troops , a nonprofit located in Richmond. Tech for Troops will collect the electronics and then clean and repair them before giving to veterans and their families free of charge. The church will also have a bake sale with proceeds going to Tech for Troops. Attendees are encouraged to visit the Thrift Shop as well. For more information, email the church.