AGENDA DATE: 7/21/2021
TITLE:
Title
Stream Health Initiative Phase II
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Work session to discuss strategies for improving stream health in the Rural Area and to receive Board direction regarding strategies to continue developing during the next stage of the Stream Health Initiative project.
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Kamptner, Herrick, Filardo, McCulley, Pohl, Rapp, Maliszewski, Biasiolli
PRESENTER (S): Kim Biasiolli, Frank Pohl
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: In 2017, the Albemarle Board of Supervisors directed staff to develop strategies for improving stream health in the county; this project is referred to as the Stream Health Initiative. Phase I (2018-present) focused on development-related issues and strategies for improving stream health, and resulted in the development of thirteen specific proposals. In a public hearing on April 21, 2021, the Board voted to adopt an ordinance to amend the Water Protection Ordinance and to address a subset of these proposals; work on the remaining proposals is phased due to staff resource needs and continues in parallel with Phase II.
Phase II of the project has a Rural Area focus. The goal of Phase II is to develop strategies for improving stream health that are supported by the communities, landowners, and organizations that live and work in the Rural Area, using a collaborative and inclusive process. Phase II project updates were provided to the Board on November 18, 2020 and April 7, 2021.
The Phase II public engagement process has been underway since January 2021 and resulted in the development of 16 strategies with a potential for further consideration.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Natural Resources Stewardship - Thoughtfully protect and manage Albemarle County’s ecosystems and natural resources in both the rural and development areas to safeguard the quality of life of current and future generations.
DISCUSSION: A summary report is provided as Attachment A, which provides a detailed project update on Phase II of the Stream Health Initiative. This includes progress made during the Define Stage (April-June 2021), as well as the overall project timeline, public engagement efforts, and next steps. Results of the Define Questionnaire are provided as Attachment D.
Over forty strategies were identified by the Stream Health Work Group. Table 1 (Attachment B) lists strategies determined, through staff analysis and stakeholder discussions, to have potential for further consideration. Table 2 (Attachment C) includes strategies not recommended for further consideration.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budget impact at this time. Future staffing recommendations and decisions regarding stream health policy and programs to be implemented will be considered during the FY 23 budget process.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board identify any strategies listed in Table 1 (Attachment B) that the Board does not support for further development. Staff further recommends that the Board direct staff to initiate proposal development or continue to assess opportunities for the remaining strategies, as indicated in the ‘Next Steps’ column of Table 1.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Report - Stream Health Initiative Phase II Project Update
B - Report - Table 1. Strategies for Further Consideration
C - Report - Table 2. Additional Strategies not Recommended for Further Consideration
D - Report - Define Questionnaire Results