AGENDA DATE: 1/15/2020
TITLE:
Title
Resolution for Scenic River Designation for James River
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Adopt resolution supporting State Scenic River designation for the James River from the Town of Scottsville to the boat launch one mile upstream of Warren
ITEM TYPE: Consent Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Henry, Kamptner, DeLoria, Crickenberger, Mahon
PRESENTER: NA
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: At the request of the County of Albemarle and the Town of Scottsville, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) conducted an evaluation of the James River from the Town of Scottsville to the boat launch one mile upstream of Warren. The evaluation criteria for Scenic River designation include stream corridor vegetation; streambed and stream flow modifications; human development of visual corridor; historic features; landscape; quality of fishery; rare, threatened or endangered species; water quality; parallel roads; crossings; and special features affecting aesthetics.
Attachment A is the 2019 James Scenic River Report with information from DCR describing the process in making the determination and includes the impacts of a Scenic Stream designation. The next step in the designation process would be for the Board of Supervisors to adopt a resolution supporting the designation. If the resolution is adopted, the County, upon the recommendation of the Director, DCR would then request the General Assembly adopt legislation to make a formal designation in the 2020 session.
The Board may hold a public hearing on the proposed designation, but a public hearing is not required.
This request began as a larger community effort involving Buckingham County, Fluvanna County, and the Town of Scottsville joining to represent a portion of the river designated as the Middle James. Attachment B is the DCR's qualification letter.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Rural Area Character: Preserve the ...
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