Stevie Ross

The board approved technical committee reports, including various conservation plans, funding approvals, payments, and cancellations for Best Management Practice (BMP) participants and locally funded applicants. Personnel matters were discussed in a closed session. Directors and staff provided reports covering activities such as retirement celebrations, legislative updates, educational workshops, outreach efforts, dam inspections, and progress on conservation programs. Reports from agency representatives included updates on Environmental Quality Incentives Program applications, grant deliverables, and administrative operational matters.

The meeting commenced with introductions, including Delegate-Elect Karen Hamilton and new District Conservation Specialist Jack Bourdon. The agenda was approved after moving the Technical Committee Report to an active agenda item. Key discussions centered on the Technical Committee Report, which involved reviewing and recommending for approval several Conservation Plans and approving multiple Best Management Practice (BMP) applicants for funding across various categories, including Locally Funded, Mountain Run, Muddy Run, Lower Hazel River, Upper Hazel River, Upper Rapidan River, and Upper York River initiatives. The Technical Committee also approved payments for certain BMP participants, approved one BMP participant for an increase, and cancelled one BMP participant application. Additionally, the Committee reviewed the Annual Plan of Work, provided updates on dam maintenance (Ruby Run and Beautiful Run #6), discussed the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP) review process, and reviewed progress on contracts with expiring End of Lifespans. Jarvis AgriServices, LLC presented on nutrient management planning services. The Board also delegated authority to the Technical Committee Chairman to approve cost share payments and tax credits through the end of the calendar year, and approved allowing Ruby Run representatives to develop final plans for sewer line construction near Merrimac dam, incorporating concerns regarding the tree buffer and dam proximity. The Board then convened a Closed Session to discuss Personnel Matters, subsequently certifying that only lawfully exempted matters were discussed, and accepted recommendations from the Personnel Committee. Director reports included updates on the James River Basin Award, the District's Annual Banquet success, the Well Water/Septic Program outreach, attendance at environmental meetings, and updates on committee activities.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and review of handouts, followed by the adoption of the modified agenda. Key discussions included approving the Associate Director Job Description and the Operations Committee Report. The Technical Committee Report involved extensive review and recommendations for Board approval concerning numerous Conservation Plans, approval of funding for various BMP applicants across multiple counties (Culpeper, Madison, Orange, Rappahannock), approval for payment for other BMP participants, and approval for increases and cancellations of several BMP practices. The Committee also approved funding for Locally Funded, Mountain Run, Muddy Run, Lower Hazel River, Robinson River, Upper Hazel River, and Upper York River residential applicants, as well as VCAP practices for funding and payment, and one VCAP practice cancellation. The District Manager provided an update on dams, including upcoming owner workgroup meetings, annual inspections, and dam mowing advertisements. The Board granted authority to the Technical Committee Chairman to approve a payment for Glenmary Farm Holdings LLC. The Board convened in Closed Session to discuss Personnel Matters and subsequently accepted the Personnel Committee's recommendations. Director reports covered zoning discussions, impacts of snowstorms, legislative meetings, and updates regarding the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) review of the Agricultural BMP Cost-Share Program. Staff reports detailed ongoing VCAP funding discussions, updates on the Annual Banquet venue search, newsletter distribution, rain barrel sales, MWEE schedule, staff completion of NMP Training and EJAA reviews, updates on Rex Rexrode's retirement, Virginia Soil Health Coalition meeting outcomes, and monitoring of House Bill 1435 regarding cost-share funds for small farms. Agency reports included DCR reminders on training completion and upcoming meetings/workshops, and an NRCS overview of programs like EQIP, CSP, and the new Regenerative Pilot Program (RPP), alongside information on storm damage relief funds. Finally, the schedule for February committee meetings and the location/time for the March Board Meeting were confirmed.

The Board meeting included the approval of the agenda, which was modified to place the Technical Committee Report and Operations Committee Report as primary agenda items. The Technical Committee Report recommended approval for several Conservation Plans and approved funding for numerous BMP applicants across Madison, Greene, Orange, and Culpeper counties, along with approving increased payments for certain BMP participants. The District Manager provided an update on dam repairs for the Beautiful Run sites. The Operations Committee accepted the resignation of a Director and recommended an Associate Director for appointment to fill the vacancy. The Board convened a Closed Session to discuss Personnel Matters, followed by accepting related recommendations. Director reports covered topics such as cover crop adoption rates, recognition for years of service, and potential budget impacts on VCAP funding. Staff reports detailed work on erosion control requirements in Orange County, conservation workshop attendance, tree sale status, and updates on personnel changes within the District and NRCS.

The meeting included reports from the Technical and Operations Committees, covering conservation plans, BMP funding approvals and payments, and budget amendments. The Technical Committee addressed variance requests and updates on dam reseeding and permitting processes. The Operations Committee discussed reinvesting certificates of deposit and changes in banking and FOIA officer roles. Director and staff reports covered data centers, agricultural observations in Europe, upcoming workshops and webinars, EJAA reviews, and VCAP budget updates. The meeting also acknowledged Greg's upcoming retirement and his contributions to the District.