Thomas Jefferson Soil And Water Conservation District

This guide outlines the vision and mission of Piedmont Natives to bring native plant landscapes to the forefront of design, development, and installation in the community, promoting stewardship of the Virginia Piedmont through ecologically diverse and cost-efficient landscaping. Its four main goals include introducing the beauty of native plants to new audiences, supporting nurseries in stocking key species, cultivating understanding of their history, and illustrating optimal growing conditions for various sites. The plan aims to enhance local landscapes, support pollinators and wildlife, and foster regional economic vitality.

The meeting addressed several key issues, including the certification for conducting electronic meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and updates to the remote participation policy. The board discussed the resignation of the Education Coordinator and ongoing recruitment efforts for a Conservation Specialist. They also considered the Small Herd Initiative MOU with DCR, modifications to the Operations Committee policy language, and the addition of an advisory member status to committees. Further discussions covered a disability accommodations policy, vaccination and testing policies, and resuming in-person meetings. The board also reviewed the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, the Annual Plan of Work, and reports from various committees such as Agriculture, Water Resources, and Dam Committees. The meeting also included updates from cooperating agencies like DCR and NRCS.

The meeting included a website update presentation and feedback, a report on the foundation's work on the easement program, and a discussion regarding a 2017 spot check violation and repayment deadline extension. The board discussed and approved the Annual Plan of Work and Strategic Plan. Updates were provided on the Recertification Program, and the Chairman was authorized to sign the grant agreement. The board also reviewed and approved the report of the Water Resources Committee, the monthly financials, and the dedicated reserves. The board was briefed on the dam safety trailer obtained from DCR and the new part-time district staff member. The board also discussed registration and hotel reservation details for the annual conference and decided on members for the nominating committee. Cooperating agencies provided reports, and staff reported on the Management Analyst transition.

The board meeting included updates and action items such as the DEQ agriculture program updates, annual report, personnel and operations committee report, agriculture committee report, education and water resources committee report, secluded property update, strategic planning, holiday dinner, and December board meeting date. The board discussed permitting, inspections, and complaint procedures related to environmental quality, particularly concerning concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and poultry farms. They also discussed the District's lease ending in June 2024 and the potential relocation of the office. The Agriculture Committee recommended approval of VACS projects and cover crops, while the Education and Water Resource Committee recommended approval of septic and CAP projects.

The meeting addressed a range of topics including the dam bidding process, desktop procedures, policy manual, annual work plan, and clean water award update. Discussions also covered WIP III updates, posting a Louisa Board of Director vacancy, legislative committee updates, agriculture committee projects, water resources committee projects, finance/budget committee reports, and dam committee research on decommissioning. Additionally, the agenda included discussion items such as awards program deadlines and VASWCD annual meeting information.