Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

1.01

Grantee:

Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program at the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

Project Title:

Coastal Program Management

Project Description:

This task covers management of all aspects of the Program. It funds the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program (CZM) Program Manager (Manager), two Coastal Planners (Planners) and the Grants Coordinator/Outreach Specialist. As directed by the Manager, all staff work on project development, monitoring, and reporting for all grants (Sections 306/306A, 309, 309 Projects of Special Merit, other competitive proposals), as well as supporting reprogramming, extensions, and other award actions.

The Manager supervises all program staff, and will manage a new Coastal Planner position funded under the Inflation Reduction Act that is expected to be hired prior to this award start date.  The Manager chairs the interagency Coastal Policy Team (CPT), holding at least two meetings annually, and works to engage and understand CZM network partners needs and priorities as they relate to program and funding strategy. The Manager oversees CZM Program policy development, program changes, grants, development of communication/outreach materials, and GIS efforts. The Manager is responsible for guiding activities under all tasks with support of the coastal planners.  The Manager serves on the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean’s (MARCO)’s Management Board, and MARCO’s Mid-Atlantic Ocean Planning Committee (Mid-A OPC), and workgroups. The Manager will participate in other collaborative opportunities where relevant to CZM program goals and strategies

Planners will assist with CPT meetings and will coordinate and lead CZM contributions to quarterly Planning District Commission (PDC) meetings within their respective regions. They will serve as project managers for all tasks not covered by the Program Manager, and coordinate with the program manager to ensure all products and tasks achieve satisfactory. During proposal development, Planners will advise and support subrecipients in developing scopes of work that maximize opportunities for collaboration and iterative progress towards program goals and strategies. They will represent CZM at various meetings and conferences. Planners will actively support through facilitation and technical/advisory input efforts like the Virginia Ocean Plan (VOP) development, Virginia Marine Debris Reduction Plan implementation, Beneficial Reuse of Dredge Materials Guidance process, and other stakeholder and partner engagement opportunities that will be ongoing during this award period. In addition, Planners each have specific regional and topical focus areas and responsibilities that vary annually.

The Grants Coordinator/Outreach Specialist will maintain and operate the grants database and address administrative issues with grantees. Duties include 1) coordinating with subrecipients, NOAA, and other partners involved with CZM awards at all major milestones of the award cycle 2) developing and entering data and other materials for proposal development and submission, 3) report/outreach material production, 4) coordinating performance measures and preparation of Section A and B reports, 5) entering each project’s data into the VA CZM database 6) other tasks as requested. Also works with the Outreach Coordinator to develop/disseminate program information and represents CZM at outreach events.               

A temporary part-time wage employee will be hired to scan CZM program historic paper files and upload them to DEQ’s Electronic Content Management (ECM) system, which will allow the program to efficiently comply with agency retention schedules.

The new Enhancement Program Assessment and Strategy cycle will begin in October 2026. To prepare for the next cycle, CZM will develop the Virginia Coastal Management Program’s 2026-2030 Assessment and Strategy during this award period. We will work closely with OCM to develop the Assessment and Strategy in accordance with the revised June 2024 Section 309 Program Guidance. Additional detail on this task is described in Product #6.

Federal Funding:

$580,064

Project Contact:

Ryan Green; 804-698-4258; tim.green@deq.virginia.gov

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 3/31/26; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

1.02

Grantee:

Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program at the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

Project Title:

Virginia CZM Program Outreach & Social Marketing

Project Description:

This task funds the Virginia CZM Program Outreach Coordinator position.  This position coordinates implementation of a Virginia CZM Outreach Strategy using short-term communication plans which emphasize audience focused messaging and strategic outreach delivery. The coordinator also works with program staff and partners to research, design and deliver Community-based social marketing strategies. The goals of using these two approoaches are to effectively communicate key CZM messages to the program’s various target audiences; raise awareness and increase understanding of coastal resource issues; encourage stewardship of Virginia’s coastal resources and change behaviors that impact these resources; and, heighten the Virginia CZM’s visibility and unique position to coordinate solutions to cross-cutting coastal challenges.  The coordinator works with the Virginia CZM Program manager and staff and partners to produce, revise and maintain new and existing print and digital media, and to plan and deliver hosted or co-sponsored exhibits, events and training.

During this grant year, Virginia CZM will working on a comprehensive evaluation of the program’s Outreach Strategy goals, audiences, messages and current communications and outreach tools. This will include a survey and interviews with members of the Virginia Coastal Policy Team and other partners that have or may in the future be part of the audience for these efforts. For over 30 years, the program has published first a newsletter and then a printed magazine, Virginia Coastal Zone Management. While this publication has been very appreciated and impactful, we may find that the staff investment and increased costs of printing and mailing outweigh how effective this mode of communication currently is at reaching our intended audiences.  An evaluation wil clarify which outlets – particularly the digital tools at Virginia CZM’s disposal – should be the central focus of our strategy.  We also will continue to identify opportunities for CBSM-based strategies, and applying CBSM techniques proven to be effective at not only raising awareness but changing behaviors.

Federal Funding:

$170,477

Project Contact:

Virginia Witmer; 804-659-1912; virginia.witmer@deq.virginia.gov

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

1.03

Grantee:

Virginia Commonwealth University

Project Title:

Coastal Management GIS Support and Coastal GEMS Maintenance

Project Description:

This task supports one quasi full-time time staff position (Coastal GIS Coordinator at 85% time) that is contracted through Virginia Commonwealth University to provide GIS support to the Virginia CZM program and the partial time of two additional VCU staff required to host and maintain the Coastal Geospatial and Educational Mapping System (Coastal GEMS), perform data/software updates, and perform grant/project management.

Coastal Management GIS Support: The Coastal GIS Coordinator provides support to the Virginia CZM Program to ensure that GIS needs are met; that policy and planning functions have adequate GIS support; that open grants involving GIS products are properly managed and implemented; and that Virginia CZM’s Coastal GEMS remains a valuable tool to Virginia’s coastal community. This staff position will support the following activities:

• Work with VCU staff and others to ensure the maintenance and enhancement of Virginia CZM’s Coastal GEMS
• Organize Coastal GEMS training programs for state/local government users and others
• Advise CZM project managers and grantees on grants involving GIS data development, mapping, and NOAA’s data sharing policy
• Perform GIS calculations and searches and produce GIS map products, as needed by the CZM Program and its partners
• Work with VEVA partners to coordinate updates to VEVA component models and run final Coastal VEVA model utilizing updated component models.

Participate in the Virginia State GIS Users’ Group and keep up-to-date on, or become involved in, other GIS-related developments in Virginia

Federal Funding:

$148,185

Project Contact:

Nick Meade; 804-659-1910; nick.meade@deq.virginia.gov

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

2

Grantee:

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

Project Title:

EIR & Federal Consistency

Project Description:

• Conduct federal consistency reviews of activities that can affect Virginia's coastal uses and resources pursuant to the CZMA and the federal consistency regulations.
• Periodically submit routine program changes, as needed.
• Participate in the existing program revision efforts (enforceable policies, listed activities and geographic location descriptions)
• Participate in submittal preparation for program revisions (enforceable policies, listed activities and geographic location descriptions)
• Coordinate Virginia's review of environmental documents for development of federal and state facilities and actions in Tidewater, Virginia which require federal approvals or assistance.
• Continue to update Virginia's EIR manual and federal consistency information packages as necessary to reflect legislative and policy changes.
• Provide interpretation of federal consistency requirements to federal agencies, applicants for federal permits, approvals, or funding, and consultants preparing consistency determinations or certifications. 
• Provide technical assistance to state reviewers and local government officials on the use of federal consistency and conduct group trainings (when there are opportunities to do so) at workshops sponsored by other agencies.
• Maintain and update the EIR/Federal Consistency website.
• Ensure public participation in the review of federal consistency documents to include publishing notices of consistency reviews in appropriate media such as DEQ’s website, OEIR’s program newsletter, local newspapers and holding public hearings when necessary
• Maintain files in DEQ’s Enterprise Content Management (ECM) system
• Conduct site visits as necessary.

Federal Funding:

$213,691

Project Contact:

Bettina Rayfield; 804-659-1915; bettina.rayfield@deq.virginia.gov

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

3

Grantee:

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

Project Title:

Stormwater Local Assistance Fund – Fairfax County – Dogue Creek Tributary at Greendale Golf Course – Stream Restoration

Project Description:

In order to reduce pollution from stormwater runoff, the Virginia General Assembly created and set forth specific parameters for the administration of the Stormwater Local Assistance Fund (SLAF) in 2013. The purpose of the SLAF is to provide matching grants to local governments for the planning, design, and implementation of stormwater best management practices that address cost efficiency and commitments related to reducing water quality pollutant loads. In accordance with that legislation, the State Water Control Board approved guidelines for implementation of the program. The guidelines call for annual solicitation of applications, an application review and ranking process, and the authorization of a Project Funding list by the DEQ Director. One of the projects selected is proposed as this Task 3 match-only project.

The Dogue Creek Tributary at Greendale Golf Course stream restoration project will restore approximately 1,939 linear feet (LF) in the Dogue Creek watershed using Natural Channel Design. Stream restoration work will terminate at a wet pond stormwater facility. The scope of work also includes dredging of the wet pond to restore capacity and provide water quality benefits. The need for stream restoration and pond dredging was identified in the Dogue Creek Watershed Management Plan (WMP) adopted by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 2011. The WMP was initiated by the County as part of a multi-year, multi-objective program to preserve and restore the County’s natural environment and aquatic resources. Except for the upper most 300 LF, the channel is a perennial jurisdictional stream, intercepting the groundwater table and flowing year-round. This unnamed tributary of Dogue Creek is severely degraded due to urbanization and the high impervious area of the contributing drainage area. A 2019 Bank Assessment for Non-point source Consequences of Sediment (BANCS) estimated 681.6 tons of sediment erode from the project’s stream banks every year. If left alone, based on the channel evolution model, this channel will continue to erode and widen in cross section dimension resulting in further bed and bank instability and increased sediment and nutrient loads downstream.

Restoration objectives include improving water quality within the reach by reducing sediment yield, providing floodplain reconnection, increasing groundwater recharge, increasing flow attenuation, and improving and stabilizing storm drain outfalls as necessary. By enhancing aquatic habitat, riparian buffer and wetland areas, ecological uplift may be achieved throughout the corridor. Proposed dredging of this wet pond will remove approximately 3,700 cubic yards (CY) of sediment, increase water retention time, and thereby increase water quality benefits. Calculated water quality benefits for the Dogue Creek Tributary at Greendale Golf Course stream restoration and basin dredging project include the annual reduction of 83.3 pounds of total phosphorus (TP), 517.7 pounds of total nitrogen (TN), and 340.8 tons of total suspended sediment (TSS). These benefits help achieve the reductions required in the Chesapeake Bay TMDL and are in support of compliance with Fairfax County’s Chesapeake Bay TMDL Action Plan, and align with several Virginia CZM program goals.

The project is currently at 95% design. Based on funding and scheduling considerations to limit interference with golf course operations, construction is anticipated to begin in November 2024 and be completed by March 2026. 

The total project cost is $3,643,800. The state share of that cost is $1,628,900, and $909,149 of the state share will be used as match for the Virginia CZM award.

Federal Funding:

$0; Match only - $909,149

Project Contact:

Karen Doran; 804-836-5912; karen.doran@deq.virginia.gov

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 3/31/26; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

4

Grantee:

Virginia Marine Resources Commission

Project Title:

Permit Review and Compliance

Project Description:

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission’s Habitat Management Division manages, via a regulatory permit program, submerged bottomlands, tidal wetlands, sand dunes and beaches in order to preserve and protect Virginia’s natural resources and the habitats our saltwater fisheries depend on.

Responsibilities in implementing core permit functions are:

• Issuing permits for encroachments in, on or over State-owned submerged lands (recently approximately 2,740 applications have been processed annually and  permits are issued for encroachments over State-owned submerged lands), and
• Regulating the use of development of tidal wetlands and coastal primary sand dunes.

The goal of this effort is to eliminate unnecessary impacts to submerged lands, tidal wetlands, dunes and beaches and to maintain a permit review process based on public interest review procedures consistent with the public trust doctrine that fairly balances private use of State-owned submerged lands and the need to preserve habitat for sustainable fisheries.

Tidal wetlands and coastal primary sand dune programs may be administered by local wetlands boards if the locality has adopted the model ordinances (35 have chosen to do so); however, the VMRC retains oversight and reviews all local board decisions.  These programs protect approximately 213,000 acres of vegetated tidal wetlands and provide for the regulatory management of 10,000 miles of tidal shoreline including all primary sand dunes and beaches throughout Tidewater Virginia. The Commission’s permit review program is conducted by 8 equivalent Environmental Engineer positions. Each Environmental Engineer is assigned a specific geographic territory. They conduct application reviews, correspond with applicants and other concerned citizens, conduct site inspections, coordinate application reviews with other agencies, prepare project briefings, present contested cases to the full Commission at public hearings and draft permit documents. In addition, they assist local wetlands boards with their wetland management responsibilities and attend all wetland board meetings in order to conduct the required review of wetland board actions.

The Environmental Engineers will also document losses and conversions of submerged land, wetlands and dunes/beaches associated with all proposed shoreline stabilization projects. Proposed and permitted losses, as well as habitat conversions, will be recorded within the existing VMRC permit tracking database. This was initiated for projects beginning in 2013. This is intended to track impacts associated with traditional shoreline projects as well as proposals utilizing living shoreline techniques.

As a result of a previous survey, a comprehensive permit compliance and inspection program was developed and will continue to be implemented through this project. VMRC staff will inspect new construction projects permitted by the Commission, along with a representative sample of wetlands and dunes projects permitted by the local boards.  The goal of the program is to continue to maintain and improve permit compliance rates that have increased from approximately 50 percent, when this program began, to current rates of approximately 90 percent of projects that are in complete compliance. This also includes a goal of reducing the number of projects found to be in moderate compliance and reducing the number of projects for which compliance cannot be determined.

In addition to support for ongoing permit review responsibilities, the workload resulting from the compliance inspections and recording efforts will be offset by one Environmental Engineer position. A program support technician will assist with compliance inspections and compile data generated by the Engineers and ensure its entry into our permit tracking database.  In addition to administrative and clerical duties associated with permit review, the office service specialist will support the clerical duties associated with permit review and compliance monitoring.

Federal Funding:

$181,200

Project Contact:

Randy Owen; 757-247-2251; randy.owen@mrc.virginia.gov

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

5

Grantee:

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation - Division of Natural Heritage

Project Title:

Habitat Conservation/Locality Liaison

Project Description:

The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Division of Natural Heritage (DCR-DNH) Locality Liaison works with localities, Planning District Commissions (PDCs), and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to help protect natural heritage resources (rare plants, animals, exemplary natural communities and geologic features) by providing access to biodiversity information and DCR-DNH consultative services.  A key service is review of projects to identify and recommend mitigation for potential impacts to natural heritage resources.

Conservation data layers displayed within Natural Heritage Data Explorer (NHDE) website-Version 2.23 (www.vanhde.org) will undergo updates and/or new conservation data layers will be developed, potentially to include a biodiversity hotspot map. The Locality Liaison will include new features or functionality of the upgraded website into training. The Locality Liaison will continue to work to make it available to localities, PDCs, land trusts and others through bi-monthly training. By subscribing to the Natural Heritage Data Explorer (NHDE) website, localities and PDCs can access conservation sites and other natural heritage resource information including predicted suitable habitat layers, which are useful both for project review and for conservation planning. Digital geospatial datasets will also continue to be available for incorporation into local GIS systems through our subscription service.  The Locality Liaison will work consultatively with locality planners to incorporate natural heritage resource concerns into local comprehensive plans and permitting processes.  The Locality Liaison will also assist localities and local conservation partners to identify habitat conservation opportunities using tools such as ConserveVirginia, Virginia ConservationVision and the Virginia Ecological Value Assessment (VEVA). An overall goal of the DCR-DNH Program is that 100% of the counties and cities throughout the Virginia Coastal Zone will continue to have access to Natural Heritage information by the end of the grant cycle. The percentage of localities with Natural Heritage information is 100% within the Coastal Zone of Virginia. DCR-DNH will strive to maintain updated license agreements with localities so that locality access to DCR-DNH data remains current. DCR-DNH will also continue to provide updated natural heritage information to all PDCs and interested land trusts in the coastal zone region through NHDE and/or ArcGIS shapefiles, with the goal of reaching 100% of appropriate and relevant land trusts in the coastal zone. Solar native pollinator habitat tools developed through the Virginia Pollinator Smart Program will continue to be promoted to encourage sustainable development of renewable energy projects in the coastal zone, including the development of a Virginia native seed industry and Pollinator Smart signage for certified facilities.

Federal Funding:

$56,600

Project Contact:

Rene Hypes; 804-371-2708; rene.hypes@dcr.virginia.gov

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

6

Grantee:

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Project Title:

Tidal Wetlands Management Technical Support

Project Description:

This project provides operational support for tidal wetlands management technical support provided by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Center for Coastal Resources Management VIMS-CCRM.  The proposed project will build on previously funded projects by continuing advisory service related to tidal shoreline management.  This addresses an identified, ongoing need to maintain relevant outreach and training programs related to tidal shoreline management.  

Multiple types of shoreline decision-makers in coastal Virginia are targeted for delivery of management tools and resources to facilitate better-informed decision making.  Shoreline management tools and resources are periodically updated, revised, and expanded based on new scientific understanding plus law and policy amendments.  In order to provide the most current shoreline management science and policy to decision makers, outreach delivery methods need to be adaptive for new content and new technology, including web sites, locality-specific portals, training programs, and social media campaigns.  Additionally, tracking permitting decisions is necessary to inform adaptive shoreline management decisions, cumulative impacts, and climate resiliency.

The project objectives are:  

1) Education/Outreach: Provide a shoreline management workshop on the VIMS campus or a virtual webinar to reach a geographically broad audience. Produce and distribute CCRM E-Newsletters on current shoreline management topics.  Incorporate recent shoreline research and outreach information into VIMS-CCRM management tools, training, and outreach programs. 

2) Technical Guidance Support:  Provide shoreline management advice to various shoreline stakeholders, as requested.  Continue to maintain the VIMS-CCRM tidal shoreline permit database derived from public records.  Continue to maintain an historical permit record archive.

Federal Funding:

$47,550

Project Contact:

Karen Duhring; 804-684-7159; karend@vims.edu
Christine Tombleson; 804-684-7912; christine@vims.edu

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

7

Grantee:

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Project Title:

2024 Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Distribution and Abundance Survey

Project Description:

Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) is a critical living resource in Chesapeake Bay and on the Seaside of Virginia’s Eastern Shore that has undergone rapid and dramatic fluctuations in distribution and abundance over the last two decades, and, particularly in Chesapeake Bay, is being subjected to declines in water quality and to ever increasing pressure from recreational, commercial, and industrial demands. Because SAV is dependent on good water quality to which it responds over short time scales, it can be an important indicator of water quality.

In 2024, VIMS will continue the annual SAV survey program, begun in 1984, by mapping SAV in the shoal areas of the entire Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries as well as the Seaside Bays of Virginia’s Eastern Shore from digital aerial imagery acquired during late spring to late summer. Note that this grant does not cover costs of conducting or acquiring the aerial survey data but does cover personnel costs at VIMS to analyze the data and prepare maps.

Digital aerial photography will be acquired at a photographic scale of approximate 1:24,000, following guidelines that address tidal stage, plant growth, sun angle, turbidity, wind, atmospheric transparency, sensor operation and land features to allow for acquisition of photographs under near optimal conditions.

Ground data on species distribution and abundance will be collected by participating agencies and citizen groups from as many of the mapped segments as possible and included in the final report.

The digital aerial imagery will be evaluated for SAV signatures using all available information.  Photographs containing SAV signatures will be orthographically corrected and mosaiced by USGS 7.5 minute topographic quadrangles using Orthobase and Imagine image processing software.

The perimeters of all SAV beds mapped from the 2024 aerial photography will be delineated on-screen using ArcInfo geographic information system (GIS) software and stored in an ArcInfo GIS database.  A final report will include maps of all SAV beds, and areas of these beds, as well as any ground truth information submitted to VIMS.  The report will be published on the VIMS web site, as in past years.  SAV polygons will also be available on the VIMS SAV interactive web site (https://www.vims.edu/research/units/programs/sav/access/index.php).

Federal Funding:

$78,000

Project Contact:

Chris Patrick; 804-684-7399; cpatrick@vims.edu

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 12/31/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

8

Grantee:

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation - Division of Natural Heritage

Project Title:

Healthy Waters Program in the Coastal Zone

Project Description:

Funding through this grant will be used to support the implementation of the Virginia Healthy Waters Program (HWP) within the Natural Heritage Program (NHP) at the Virgnia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) as it applies to advancing the identification, interpretation and conservation of the highest priority aquatic communities. Through a partnership with the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), the VCU will provide for a Natural Resources Program Manager/Policy Analyst to serve as the HWP Manager and an Environmental Specialist to serve as the HWP Field Coordinator. The HWP Manager will oversee the administration and management of the HWP, informing the development of tools and products of the DCR NHP such as Element Occurences (EO’s), Stream Conservation Units (SCU’s), INteractive Stream Assessment Resource (INSTAR) data, Coastal GEMS, and ConservationVision Watershed Model, ConserveVirginia (see Extended Project Description for more details), and supervise the HWP Field Coordinator to work in the Coastal Zone of Virginia. The HWP Manager will work with both the DCR NHP and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to fully implement the HWP to achieve lasting aquatic-based land conservation benefits for the Commonwealth. The HWP Field Coordinator will directly work in the field with conservation agencies, land conservation organizations, Planning District Commissions and private landowners to advance conservation efforts for those aquatic resources characterized as ecologically healthy aquatic resources.

The DCR will implement a grant agreement with VCU Life Sciences Department and the Rice Rivers Center for the Natural Resources Program Manager/Policy Analyst and Environmental Specialist. Both positions will be housed in the DCR NHP, have full access to the facilities, provided equipment, vehicles, and continue to integrate the skills and abilities of VCU to the DCR. The positions serve to liaise between DCR and VCU to promote joint, applied research, and outreach projects, where feasible. For the HWP Manager, this includes the oversight of programs, projects, grants and grant budgets, providing technical support to DCR NHP and CZM, as it relates to coastal zone ecology, management, land conservation, and restoration activities. For the HWP Field Coordinator, this includes working directly with the DCR NHP Land Conservation Section, Data Management, Assessment and Environmental Review to advance land conservation efforts supporting ecologically healthy aquatic resources and build on-the-ground capacity that will lead to lasting conservation of ecologically healthy resources. 

Virginia’s commitment to the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Program goal of 100 percent of state-identified, ecologically healthy waters and watersheds remain healthy, by 2025, poses a unique challenge and opportunity. This goal was set by the Chesapeake Bay Program Healthy Watersheds Goal Implementation Team (GIT) and for Virginia is based on INSTAR data and the identified Healthy Watersheds in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. To achieve that goal, field capacity, combined with resources from USEPA Section 319 and Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant (CBIG), support the on-the-ground measures needed to advance those conservation actions from planning tools into tangible implementation. Such measures may include the application of agricultural or forestry best management practices to meet local TMDL WIP measures in impaired but ecologically healthy waters.

Both positions will also continue to participate in state, local, or federal work groups as needed with regard to water quality protection and restoration issues as the DCR deems necessary. In addition, the HWP Manager will prepare semiannual and annual reports and other documents and include those actions by the HWP Field Coordinator in the coastal zone.

Federal Funding:

$30,500

Project Contact:

Todd Janeski; 804-371-8984; todd.janeski@dcr.virginia.gov

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

9

Grantee:

Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission

Project Title:

Ecotourism Booster

Project Description:

The Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program (Virginia CZM) has a long history of supporting ecotourism focused projects that promote public access, support coastal economies, and spread critical awareness of coastal habitats and species, all of which align with Virginia CZM’s program goals. Relevant to this proposal, Virginia CZM has supported the development of projects like Virginia Water Trails and the Virginia Certified Ecotour Guide Program. These programs have each evolved through several partnerships and been tremendously successful.  They do however require ongoing focus and investment.  This proposal will provide specific support for these two programs as described below.

The Virginia Water Trails webpage provides a portal for the public to identify water trails for recreational paddling. Participating planning district commissions (PDC) developed networks of water trails within their region.  Accomack-Northampton, Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck PDCs participated in the initial development process, and Plan RVA was added subsequently. This project will result in the addition of another PDC, the George Washington Regional Commission (GWRC), which represents the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. GWRC will work with regional partners to identify river trails and with Consociate Media to develop the webpages and content.  Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission (MPPDC) currently maintains the website under of memorandum of understanding with participating PDCs and in accordance with that GWRC will contribute to the ongoing maintenance of the page annually.

Additionally, this project will pilot user interface enhancements for a specific water trail in the Middle Peninsula. These enhancements will be incorporated into the Virginia Water Trails website so users may experience a video ride along of a paddle along the trail, as well as additional cultural and historical information and products. The videos will allow users to experience the water trail from their device before getting in the water, which is anticipated to both enhance the overall maritime safety associated with paddling the trail but also to drive more traffic to the Virginia Water Trails website as the videos will be used for promotion via the Virginia Water Trails social media outlets, digital blogs, etc. This pilot will be useful for prototyping and evaluating the level at which the public engages the website as result of these experiential improvements, and how PDCs may choose to implement these tools in the future. 

This proposal will also support the Virginia Certified Ecotour Guide Course in two ways. First, there are no commitments in place by any state agency or PDC to continue offering the course after the conclusion of the calendar year 2024 course. To avoid a lapse in the offering of this important course which both allows new and renewed certification of guides, the proposed project will include contractual funding to cover the cost for the calendar year 2025 course. However, to ensure the long-term sustainability of this course, a workgroup will be convened with stakeholders including previous coordinators of the course, course participants, staff from the PDCs partnering in the Virginia Water Trails website, staff from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), and others as identified. The goal of this workgroup will be to identify and seek commitment for implementation of a sustainable model for the course as well as to develop a plan for successfully transitioning the course to the new model. This effort will consider a range of models based on the input from stakeholders.

Federal Funding:

$29,836

Project Contact:

Curt Smith; 804-384-7509; csmith@mppdc.com

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

10

Grantee:

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Project Title:

Re-Envisioning Shoreline Change Rates in Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay

Project Description:

Over 20 years ago, the Shoreline Studies Program (SSP) began developing a database of shore evolution in Chesapeake Bay. SSP developed a method for determining shoreline change using historic and recent aerial imagery in ArcGIS for all of Virginia’s tidal localities in Chesapeake Bay, southeast ocean coast, and the oceanside of the Eastern Shore. Historical aerial images taken between 1937 and the 1990s from the SSP image archive were rectified, mosaicked, and the shorelines digitized. The shorelines were also digitized using publicly-available imagery taken between 1994 and 2021. Through the 2000s, SSP partnered with CZM to create the core of the dataset. Additional funding was provided to update the datasets as additional imagery came available and to create an online viewer (https://www.vims.edu/research/units/programs/ssp/gis_maps/).

SSP has used the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) by the US Geological Survey to calculate the end point rates (EPR) and linear regression rates (LRR) of shoreline change at 10 m intervals along Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay tidal shoreline. However, DSAS runs in Esri ArcGIS, which has been replaced with ArcPro. DSAS is not compatible with ArcPro, so a new method is needed to update the viewer.

EPR and LLR show how the shoreline is changing, but newer research and methods allow us to ask new questions and to get more information from the existing datasets. As sea-level rise is accelerating in Chesapeake Bay, many stakeholders are interested in knowing what the most recent rates of change are and how that relates to the long-term rate of change. The historic imagery and shoreline change rates are regularly used not only in SSP’s research and shoreline management planning for private, local, regional, state, and federal entities, but also by other researchers. In addition, many other stakeholders including local, state, and federal permitting agencies; local and state managers; consultants and contractors; and private landowners use the data.

SSP has calculated the rates of change for the different time periods for several, site-specific projects, and researchers have noted that erosion rates vary significantly. With mixed-use interventions along the coastline, reliably estimating future shoreline change based on historical records requires careful attention to the quality, spatial and temporal coverage of the data. Determining where these differences occur around the Bay in varying environments (marsh, upland, residential, agricultural, protected, etc.) allow planners, managers, designers, contractors, and permitting agencies to understand how and why rates are changing which is critical to protecting habits and increasing overall coastal resiliency.

One way to answer questions about changes in the rates of shoreline erosion and accretion over time is to assume that a change has occurred and then to estimate the timing and extent of the modeled change points. Piecewise regression is a machine learning method for fitting separate models to partial sets of observations and to determine the relationship of those models. For a small pilot project on the York River, an interrupted time-series analyses (Xiao et al., 2021) was modeled for shore change through time and to determine an intervention or change-point between early and later rates of change (Figure 1).

This project will digitize the shoreline on the latest available imagery for the York and Piankatank Rivers and Mobjack Bay, develop and run the shore change model on the existing and new data, and modify the model as needed to provide the best results. The data results will be further analyzed to determine the complex interaction between physical forces, inherited geological and geomorphological controls, and evolving anthropogenic intervention driving shoreline change. This project represents the first year of a three-year project. Subsequent years will be used to model the remaining tidal Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay shoreline.

Federal Funding:

$75,000

Project Contact:

Donna Milligan; 804-684-7596; milligan@vims.edu

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

11

Grantee:

Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

Project Title:

Maintaining Sustainable Stranding Response in Virginia

Project Description:

The marine mammal and sea turtle stranding networks in Virginia have been managed by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation (VAQF) through its Stranding Response Program (VAQS) for over a decade. While state agencies and programs have provided periodic and variable support for VAQS in the form of funding and resources, increasing costs and reduction in federal and municipal support (in-kind as well as direct funds) associated with stranding response, animal rehabilitation, and reporting jeopardize the continuation of consistent, scientifically based stranding response in Virginia.

A Virginia CZM funded FY23 project is focused on developing a “gaps and needs” analysis and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between stakeholders including state agencies and the VAQF/VAQS around responses for large whale strandings. This project will build on this work and proposes to address identified gaps and challenges in the VAQS program and develop materials necessary to ensure stranding response remains sustainable.

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is the sole stranding agreement (SA) holder from NOAA Fisheries for the Commonwealth of Virginia. With the uncertain future of federal funding from the NOAA Prescott Marine Mammal Grant Program, waning Unusual Mortality Event (UME) funds and increasing marine animal events associated with global climate change, it is important for the Commonwealth of Virginia to implement plans for resource sharing and training that will contribute to long term sustainable stranding response activities in the state.

Project goals and objectives:

The goal of this project is to implement and codify the use of state resources to sustain consistent, scientifically based stranding response in Virginia in support of the state’s primary stranding response organization, VAQS.

Federal Funding:

$49,992

Project Contact:

Sue Barco; 757-615-2740; susan.barco@dwr.virginia.gov

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

13

Grantee:

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation - Division of Natural Heritage

Project Title:

Virginia Native Seed Project—Phase II

Project Description:

Across Virginia, there is a booming demand for native seeds to restore degraded land, from VDOT roadside revegetation projects and pollinator friendly plantings on utility-scale solar farms, to wildflower meadows, grassland restoration projects, and native forage paddocks. Unfortunately, the supply of native seeds does not meet the demand. The overwhelming demand for these native seeds is evidenced by frequent inquiries about when the seeds will be available, the experience of staff at Ernst Conservation Seeds and Roundstone Native Seed, the two largest seed vendors on the east coast, and the high sale prices for native seeds.

In 2020, the Clifton Institute conducted extensive plant surveys in unplanted native grasslands to learn which native species should be targeted for propagation. Of the wildflowers and grasses identified in the wild, only seven with Virginia genetics are commercially available. Many species commonly found in Virginia’s grasslands are not sold by seed companies, or are only available with out-of-state genetics, which can be unsuitable for local conditions. Using local genetics connects fragmented plant populations and provides superior resources for local pollinators, ensuring better establishment and growth.

To address this, in 2022 with funding from a Conservation Innovation Grant from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Virginia Native Seed Pilot Project (VNSPP) was launched in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The project aims to create a network of local producers to commercially supply Virginia-ecotype native seeds for large-scale revegetation and restoration projects. This approach, inspired by successful projects in Arkansas and Connecticut, offers a new high-value crop opportunity for underserved farmers, with some seeds selling for over $500 per pound and requiring minimal land for production.

The first two years of the project (October 2022 to October 2024) aimed to test 32 plant species and allow farmers to grow them on small plots. Species that were chosen are good for pollinators, found across most of the state, and attractive.

Successes of the pilot phase of the VNSPP in the coastal zone included the following: 

1) Three farmers in the coastal zone (in King and Queen, Surry, and King William counties) were enrolled in the project (Figure 1). They planted over 7,000 native plants for seed production in the coastal zone as part of the grant.

2) Virginia State University (VSU) in Petersburg worked on farmer recruitment, helped coordinate farm plantings, and established a native demonstration plot.

The Clifton Institute has shown that this project was successful during the NRCS grant cycle.  They have recruited and maintained farmers in the coastal zone who are producing crops of seeds that will be viable commercially, but there is remaining need for continued project coordination, guidance for farmers, the development of seed production methods and a long-term business plan. This request seeks funding for the salary and benefits of a Native Seed Project Coordinator, along with reimbursement for mileage and lodging during farmer visits. The funding aims to sustain project efforts in the coastal zone until future grant funding is secured, ensuring the project's success. Virginia CZM will provide funding to DCR, which will then support the Clifton Institute in maintaining the coordinator position for one year. The Clifton Institute, with DCR's assistance, will provide semi-annual progress and financial reports to Virginia CZM for submission to NOAA, with additional reports as requested. Budget details for DCR and the Clifton Institute tasks are included below.

Federal Funding:

$81,610

Project Contact:

Rene Hypes; 804-371-2708; rene.hypes@dcr.virginia.gov

Project Status:

5/1/25 - 9/30/25; Project Pending

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

12

Grantee:

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality - Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program

Project Title:

CZM Program 306 Project – To Be Determined

Project Description:

To-be-determined 306 eligible activities will support the implementation of the Virginia CZM network program. An updated scope of work will be submitted to NOAA for approval once the partner and project has been identified. 

Federal Funding:

$144,704

Project Contact:

Ryan Green; 804-698-4258; tim.green@deq.virginia.gov

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Pending

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

41

Grantee:

Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission

Project Title:

A-NPDC Coastal Management TA & Resiliency

Project Description:

The Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission (A-NPDC) serves two counties and 19 incorporated towns on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, a 70-mile-long peninsula situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. Despite facing consistent development pressure, the Eastern Shore remains one of the few rural regions along the Atlantic seaboard. Known for its abundant coastal resources and reliance on natural-resource-based economies, the region experienced prosperity around the turn of the 20th Century. However, challenges related to environmental sustainability and geographic isolation led to a decline in population and economic growth. While other coastal communities have thrived, the Eastern Shore continues to pursue opportunities and address challenges to ensure the sustainability and prosperity of its rural communities. Resilience and sustainability in the face of coastal flooding and water inundation is a primary challenge. The Virginia Coastal Resilience Master Plan shows the ESVA region is distinctively vulnerable to the impacts of coastal flooding.  The assessment indicated that Accomack and Northampton counties will face the greatest loss of farmland and natural infrastructure of any region by 2060.  Accomack County will face the greatest estimated acreage of land exposed to environmental impacts by the current 2, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500-year flood event projections including the largest residential average annual losses per resident of any Virginia county and transportation systems acreage with the current and projected 2040 mean high water events. The proposed activities for this grant year's Technical Assistance Program aim to support the Eastern Shore's efforts in establishing a sustainable and resilient community in the face of climate change and development challenges.

A-NPDC staff will implement coastal resource management by providing technical assistance, coordination, and trainings. Throughout the grant year, A-NPDC staff will track and identify measurable benefits accrued from previous grant products that have served as a foundation for additional projects. A-NPDC staff will continue to facilitate Eastern Shore Regional Navigable Waterways Committee (ESRNWC) public meetings; coordinate with dredging project consultants; and liaise between the ESRNWC and the Virginia Port Authority. With regards to protecting the region’s limited and vulnerable water supply, A-NPDC staff will continue to facilitate Eastern Shore of Virginia Ground Water Committee (GWC) public meetings and management of the consulting hydrogeologist who provides critical guidance and oversight to the Committee.

In the face of the region's distinct water inundation challenges community engagement and action to address and prepare for future flooding projections are of vital importance. A-NPDC staff will work to support Shore Strong, a community-led photovoice and visioning project. A-NPDC staff will work to build regional resilience and sustainability through community engagement through the recruitment of a project facilitator, participants, and local decision-makers as well as the coordination of photo and visioning discussions and a final project showcase event.

To collaborate with and support state efforts for coastal resilience planning, A-NPDC staff will continue the facilitation of the Climate Adaptation Working Group (CAWG), whose mission is to provide educational outreach and develop planning tools to assist local governments and residents.

Lastly, in support of these efforts, the A-NPDC will establish a Local Advisory and Engagement Group consisting of local elected officials, managers, and decision-makers. The group will hold a series of meetings (4) with A-NPDC staff during the grant period. The Project Team will engage the Local Advisory and Engagement Group to review current project progress, explore funding opportunities, and train in available resources.

Federal Funding:

$64,500

Project Contact:

Kellen Singleton; 757-787-2936 x114; ksingleton@esvaplan.org

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

42

Grantee:

Crater Planning District Commission

Project Title:

Crater PDC Technical Assistance and Resiliency

Project Description:

This grant proposal includes the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Annual Technical Assistance Program products and Year 2 products of the renewed three-year Virginia Coastal Zone Management Resiliency Focal Area Advancing Ecosystem and Community Resilience in Virginia’s Coastal Zone project.

Technical Assistance Program

The Technical Assistance Program will focus on Coordination, Training, and Issue Analysis/Special Projects through the following activities:

• Crater PDC staff will work with the Commission’s established Environmental Resource Management Task Force (ERMTF), comprised of the planning directors of the Crater Planning District localities, to both share information and coordinate on implementing this Technical Assistance program. The ERMTF meetings will be held quarterly and will feature high-quality, targeted trainings on environmental topics relevant to CZM’s goals as well as robust discussion on resilience topics. Crater PDC intends to offer AICP or equivalent continuing education credits for certain meetings in order to provide additional resources to locality staff.
• The Commission staff will assist Coastal communities within its region with environmental impact reviews, the provision of technical assistance, planning and data coordination, training, and support to Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR) in the creation of the Appomattox River Blueway Signage Plan.

Community Resilience (Year 2 of 3)

The purpose of this project is to improve regional capacity at the Planning District Commissions (PDCs) for resilience planning; to support local, regional, and state efforts; and to develop and implement new projects and policies. Collaboration with the other seven Coastal Zone PDCs streamlines the development of procedures and products and will lead to synergic results for the most efficient and effective use of funds. Since resilience means different things to different communities and regions, this scope allows for PDCs to focus on local priority concerns (PDC-specific tasks). In general, each task will be worked on during each year to initiate, fully develop, and implement the tasks.

Crater PDC will focus on six tasks:

1. Support the regional resiliency stakeholder group and conduct at least two (2) annual stakeholder meetings. Through this task, work to identify regional resiliency needs, such as data gaps, local capacity, etc., and establish regional resilience priorities (such as identifying areas to protect/relocate/adapt, natural resource protection, planning for migration of flora and fauna, developing best practices for the installation of renewable energy, etc.) and potential projects, which will also be added to the Coastal Resilience Master Plan project database.
2. Support the ongoing projects and partnerships created by the Resilience Adaptation Feasibility Tool (RAFT) implementation in Petersburg and Hopewell while continuing to translate lessons learned and potential resilience projects to other localities in the Crater region. Crater PDC staff will also serve on the Tree Canopy Advisory Committees for both localities as both go through the Urban Forestry Revitalization Program with the Green Infrastructure/Virginia Department of Forestry.
3. Participate in the development of state-level resilience planning initiatives by attending meetings and providing information to state entities.
4. Work to develop and catalogue existing GIS-based maps and tools that will aid in local resilience initiatives within the region, such as mapping critical infrastructure, areas suited for conservation, geographic low-income and environmental justice areas, and stormwater infrastructure.
5. Sponsor eight staff members from Coastal Zone localities and one Crater PDC staff member to pursue the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Level I certification in partnership with Wetlands Watch to help build the regional workforce and knowledge base as the PDC reorients towards project implementation. This will allow localities to have direct, in-house access to the CBLP skillset without pursuing input from an outside contractor.

Conduct a GIS analysis of repetitive loss properties throughout the coastal region and target highly impacted areas for community engagement efforts to inform the ongoing Regional Resilience Plan (funded by the Community Flood Preparedness Fund). The GIS analysis will identify concentrations of repetitive loss and the intersection of flood damage with socioeconomic indicators. This will allow the Regional Resilience Plan to target resilience opportunities in underserved areas and continue to center equity throughout the planning project.

Federal Funding:

$64,500

Project Contact:

Kit Friedman; 804-861-1666; kfriedman@craterpdc.org

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

43

Grantee:

Hampton Roads Planning District Commission

Project Title:

Hampton Roads Coastal Resources Management Technical Assistance Program and Resilience Focal Area

Project Description:

Technical Assistance: HRPDC staff will assist the seventeen (17) member local governments of the Hampton Roads Planning District, other public entities, and non-governmental organizations on coastal and other environmental issues, including resilience. This project is a continuation of activities undertaken by the HRPDC through the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program (Virginia CZM) over the last twenty plus years. The HRPDC staff will perform the following general coastal resources management tasks:

1. Environmental Impact Review: Includes review and comment on EIA/EIS and Federal Consistency Determinations and Certifications affecting Hampton Roads, including coordination of local responses if needed.
2. Public Information, Education, and Training: Includes maintaining Virginia CZM-related information on the HRPDC website. Presentations to governmental and non-governmental organizations will be made on request. This component also covers monthly status reports and/or briefings to the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, the Regional Environmental Committee (REC), and the Coastal Resiliency Committee. HRPDC will also conduct or host at least four (4) training programs or activities for local government staff. Generally, while meetings and training activities are targeted toward serving local government staff, most are also open or available to the public. 
3. Regional Coordination Process: Involves all member local governments, five (5) associated Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD), and several state and federal agencies. It addresses core elements of Virginia CZM, the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP), and other state and federal programs. This component also includes participation by HRPDC staff in the Coastal PDC Committee, Coastal Policy Team (CPT), CBP, and other state and federal environmental initiatives. The Regional Coordination Process is integral to all program components, linking them into a comprehensive environmental planning program.
4. Regional Special Projects/Technical Studies: Includes the development of policy analysis, technical products, or other projects related to environmental and coastal resources management issues. Specific studies will be determined in cooperation with local governments, with an emphasis on water quality, Chesapeake Bay related issues, and coastal resiliency.
5. Technical Assistance: Includes providing information, data, and technical assistance, including GIS data provision and similar tasks, to help localities or other entities (including state and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations) with comprehensive planning, ordinance updates, or other technical needs related to coastal resources management.

Resiliency Focal Area: HRPDC will continue efforts to enhance local and regional resilience through coordination with local, state, and federal government entities, development of policy and analysis products, and provision of technical assistance to Hampton Roads localities. HRPDC has been working on resilience initiatives for over fifteen years, several of which were supported by Virginia CZM. Other regional efforts, including the creation of HRPDC’s Coastal Resilience program, have been supported through locality contributions and other state and federal funds. Tasks supported through this grant will include continuation of the region’s coastal resilience coordination process, contribution to Virginia CZM and statewide resilience efforts, including the Resilience Projects Database and other state level resilience initiatives, and assistance to local governments on resilience issues. To the degree feasible, HRPDC will document program measures consistent with the NOAA Performance Measurement System. This will include numbers of individuals participating in the various educational components and discussion of local ordinances, plans, policies, and acquisitions being considered.

Federal Funding:

$99,000

Project Contact:

Ben McFarlane; 757-420-8300; bmcfarlane@hrpdcva.gov

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

44

Grantee:

Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission

Project Title:

Middle Peninsula Coastal Technical Assistance and Resilience Focal Area

Project Description:

Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission’s (MPPDC) Coastal Resources TA Program provides the necessary administrative framework to assist rural coastal local governments across the Middle Peninsula to advance coastal management. Through the coordination of localities, and sharing of coastal zone management tools and techniques, the MPPDC focuses on balancing economic development with protecting coastal resources. MPPDC staff will build upon previous planning activities and will continue to promote coastal solutions at the local and regional level, while also supporting coastal planning at the state level, which is critical to maintaining and preserving the Commonwealth’s coastal resources. At the local level, the Fight the Flood (FTF) program supports resiliency planning activities, coordination, outreach, and implementation of various flood mitigation projects. This approach is a systematic/programmatic solution driven program that protects local government’s tax base, structures, coastal lands, habitat, and water quality. FTF has driven over $31,500,000 into parcel level flood protection since its start in 2020 and continues to seek funding critical for implementation. MPPDC staff will also provide ongoing technical assistance, training, and coordination to member local governments and will serve as a liaison to various state and federal agency partners for coastal resource management and resiliency.

For the federal FY24 grant, the work program will consist of five (5) distinct products: 

• Coastal Management Analysis and Policy Support (TA-1)
• Local and State Planning Coordination (TA-2)
• Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority (MPCBPAA) Work Plan & Support for Online Facility Reservation system (TA-3)
• Benefits Accrued from Ongoing and Prior CZM Grants (TA-4)
• Enhancing Regional Resiliency and Supporting State Level Resiliency Efforts (RFA-1)

Federal Funding:

$64,500

Project Contact:

Jackie Rickards; 804-758-2311; jrickards@mppdc.com

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

45

Grantee:

Northern Neck Planning District Commission

Project Title:

NNPDC Technical Assistance and Advancing Ecosystem and Community Resilience

Project Description:

NNPDC staff will assist the four (4) member local governments of the Northern Neck Planning District on coastal and other environmental issues, including coastal resilience. This project is a continuation of activities undertaken by the NNPDC through the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program (CZM) over the last 20+ years. For this grant year, NNPDC staff will:

Technical Assistance

1. Provide support to local governments, planning commissions, local planning staff, as well as the Northern Neck Land Conservancy (NNLC), the Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR), the Northern Neck Soil and Water Conservation District (NNSWCD), and other regional environmental organizations. Provide planning and technical assistance as needed to local governments, including but not limited to, review of comprehensive plans, land conversion and land use plans, development and update of regional plans, funding identification, grant writing, project administration, and geographic analyses and mapping as they relate to appropriate coastal issues.
2. Support local planning, staff education, training, and coordination through quarterly coastal managers meetings and convene trainings on coastal topics in accordance with the PDC TA Minimum Standards. Meetings and training sessions will invite staff from local governments and planning organizations to include Land Use and Zoning Administrators, Planners and other stakeholders. Training sessions will be targeted to assist localities in better managing coastal resources, improving water quality, and advancing community resilience and may be conducted by Federal, State or Not for Profit entities.
3. Continue to manage the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Program for home elevations through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). NNPDC assists homeowners to mitigate future storm damage to homes in low-lying or flood-prone areas. This program enhances resiliency for small coastal communities in the Northern Neck.
4. Continue to manage the Northern Neck Green website (nnkgreen.org), a regional portal designed as the go-to place for all topics environmentally relevant to the Northern Neck, maintained with the active participation and contribution from many of the region’s organizations dedicated to sustainably maximizing the enjoyment and use of our air, land, and water. Continue to manage the Northern Neck landing page on the Virginia Water Trails website (virginiawatertrails.org/northern-neck), a multi-region platform designed to promote public access and ecotourism in the Northern Neck.
5. Continue to manage the Northern Neck Septic Pump-out and Northern Neck Septic & Well Assistance Programs to target the region’s most at risk populations and promote septic best management practices that improve the longevity of residential on-site systems.
6. Report benefits that have accrued during the grant period and previous CZM grants.

Resilience Focal Area

Assist the ten (10) local governments of the Northern Neck Planning District on issues related to ecosystem and community resilience as part of a second special Section 306 funded, 3-year Resilience Focal Area (RFA) project in collaboration with the other seven coastal PDCs. This project is a continuation of activities undertaken by the NNPDC under the previous four years of the RFA. NNPDC staff will 1) Provide regional resiliency coordination to support local governments on resiliency. 2) Aid local governments in developing regional resilience priorities and to address resilience capacity building needs. (3) Continue to work with localities through hazard mitigation and resilience planning to complete an annual review of the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. 4) Provide support to state efforts in developing and implementing resilience through participation in advisory groups and through input on state plans and programs such as the CRMP TAC for project prioritization.

Federal Funding:

$64,500

Project Contact:

Lisa Hull; 804-333-1900 x29; lhull@nnpdc17.state.va.us

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

46

Grantee:

Northern Virginia Regional Commission

Project Title:

NVRC Coastal Resources Technical Assistance Program and Resilience Focal Area

Project Description:

This proposal consists of two sections: the Technical Assistance (TA) Program and Resilience Focal Area (RFA).  

1. Technical Assistance Program: Since FY92, the Virginia CZM TA program has allowed NVRC to serve as a technical resource for Northern Virginia localities on coastal resource management issues and activities, including education and outreach, local planning and projects, and regulatory processes. For FY24, NVRC proposes the following activities to advance regional coordination and coastal resource management efforts:
   1. Local Coordination and Training: NVRC will hold at least four (4) workshops or other training events on topics of local interest and/or that promote collaborative measures for discussing or addressing Virginia CZM topics of interest, such as shoreline management, climate adaptation and resiliency, and other coastal resource issues. In addition, NVRC staff will participate in local, regional, or state planning initiatives or workgroups, including the Potomac Watershed Roundtable, Coastal Virginia Shoreline Stakeholders Group, and Northern Virginia Salt Management Strategy Workgroup. NVRC will also review and respond to any relevant EIA/EA/EIR interagency review processes for consistency with local, regional, and state interests.
   2. Special Project: Since 2003, NVRC has managed the Northern Virginia Clean Water Partners (NVCWP)’s annual Stormwater Education Campaign. TA funds will continue to support the overall administration of this project, including acquisition of leveraged funding from partners, development of social media content, website content and promotional materials, and management of contractual services such as social media consulting and TV advertisements. Following the annual campaign, NVCWP will also conduct an online survey of Northern Virginia residents to better understand changes in their stormwater-related knowledge and behaviors over time. Results from the survey will be shared through an annual report to highlight the campaign’s activities and progress over the year. NVRC will hold at least two (2) NVCWP meetings to continue collaboration and advancement of new and ongoing pollution reduction initiatives.
   3. Benefits Accrued: The TA Program has provided NVRC the opportunity to leverage the efforts and funds from programs, such as the NVCWP, to extend the impact of regional investment. NVRC will continue to track the amount of funds that are leveraged by its partners in FY24 and report this to the Virginia CZM Program.

       

2. Resilience Focal Area: Through the RFA, NVRC has had the opportunity to build a sustained stakeholder network and programming to advance resilience initiatives throughout the region. To continue its regional resilience support and coordination, NVRC proposes the following activities for FY24:
   1. Regional Resilience Coordination: NVRC will continue to coordinate and convene with resilience stakeholders in Northern Virginia, including the NOVA Flood Mitigation and Resilience Workgroup. NVRC will host workgroup meetings on a quarterly basis to collaborate, share best practices, and prioritize resilience strategies relating to flooding and other relevant hazards for the region.
   2. Public Outreach and Education: In FY23, NVRC developed a regional flood education and outreach framework to address gaps in current outreach across jurisdictions and support the creation of region-wide strategy for future public engagement efforts. In FY24, NVRC will coordinate with local jurisdictions and other relevant stakeholders to implement the regional flood education and outreach strategy, including sharing of relevant tools, messaging, and other resources as identified in the framework.
   3. State-level Resilience Support: NVRC will continue to contribute to Phase II of the Virginia Coastal Resilience Master Plan (VCRMP) development through its anticipated completion in December 2024, including participation in the VCRMP’s Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and Research, Data, and Innovation Subcommittee. 

Federal Funding:

$64,500

Project Contact:

Rebecca Murphy; 703-642-4625; rmurphy@novaregion.org

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

47

Grantee:

George Washington Regional Commission

Project Title:

George Washington Regional Commission Technical Assistance and Resilience Focal Area

Project Description:

This grant proposal includes the annual Technical Assistance (TA) and the second year of the three-year Advancing Ecosystem and Community Resilience Focal Area (RFA).

Technical Assistance

This project offers three components to provide TA and planning support to the local governments of the GWRC service area, including the following:

1. Technical Coordination: Training and coordination within GWRC, among the other coastal planning district commissions (PDCs), and with Virginia CZM, Coastal Policy Team (CPT) will continue. The GWRC will host at least four (4) coordination meetings of locality staff which may include environmental planners, stormwater program managers, planning staff/directors, and/or development review personnel.
2. Project Prioritization Tool: GWRC will work with regional stakeholders to develop a multi-year strategic project list that aligns with regional priorities. The focus will be on high impact projects, with priority given to projects that stalled because of lack of capacity or lack of funding sources.
3. CZM Benefits Accrued: GWRC will continue to support and report on benefits accrued from prior Virginia CZM grants, including supporting the continuation of the Plant Central Rappahannock Natives campaign by hosting quarterly meetings, storing campaign materials, and supporting other activities as needed. 

Advancing Ecosystem and Community Resilience Focal Area 

This will improve GWRC’s capacity for resilience planning, including support of local, regional, and state efforts and development and implementation of new projects and policies. Collaboration with the other seven (7) coastal zone PDCs will streamline the development of procedures/products and lead to synergic and financially efficient outcomes. As resilience means different things across regions, this scope includes both common themes across PDCs and allows for PDCs to focus on local priority concerns. In general, each task will be worked on in each year to initiate, fully develop, and implement the tasks. GWRC will focus on the two (2) basic tasks moving from initiation to full development:

1. Review and update, if necessary, the regional resiliency stakeholder group roster and conduct at least two (2) stakeholder meetings to identify resiliency themes of regional importance. Continue to support the development of Phase II of the Virginia Coastal Resilience Master Plan (VCRMP), including participation in the VCRMP’s Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and any subcommittees as designated. GWRC will also continue to support any data and mapping needs identified by the state.
2. GWRC will continue to identify regional resiliency needs, such as data gaps, local capacity, etc., specifically identifying and refining green infrastructure projects to match with funding sources.

Federal Funding:

$64,500

Project Contact:

Brianna Heath; 540-642-1575; brianna.heath@gwregion.org

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

48

Grantee:

Richmond Regional Planning District Commission - PlanRVA

Project Title:

Richmond Region Technical Assistance and Resiliency

Project Description:

This grant proposal includes annual Technical Assistance (TA) and the second year of the 2023-2025 Resilience Focal Area (RFA).

Technical Assistance: PlanRVA will provide policy and planning assistance to member localities as follows:

1. Coordination & Training Meetings: PlanRVA staff will host quarterly meetings of local staff representatives who work with coastal resource management issues. These meetings will provide both training and coordination opportunities for attendees.
2. Regional Coordination & Local Technical Assistance: PlanRVA will respond to identified gaps in and requests for regional coordination or local technical assistance. Please see the Extended Project Description for examples of activities.
3. Support for the Lower Chickahominy Watershed Collaborative (LCWC): A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was developed by the Lower Chickahominy Watershed project planning team and signed by the three Tribes and three localities in the watershed as well as PlanRVA and the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) in 2021.  The LCWC seeks to improve relationships and understanding among the signatories and advance additional priorities as identified by the MOU signatories as well as a broader group of stakeholders who have also been participants in the overall effort. The LCWC serves as a forum to coordinate on policy, program, and project solutions that support natural resource conservation and sustainable economic development. PlanRVA will coordinate and facilitate LCWC meetings (work groups and steering committee), maintain a LCWC SharePoint site for communication and coordination among LCWC members, provide technical assistance and project implementation support, maintain a project website on the PlanRVA website for the benefit of LCWC members and the general public, and participate in the LCWC as signatory member of the MOU.  Plan RVA staff will also coordinate with three other coastal PDC’s to maintain the Virginia Water Trails website which highlights the Lower Chickahominy region. 
4. Benefits Accrued from Prior CZM Grants: PlanRVA will summarize how projects funded by CZM grants in the past have produced measurable benefits.

Advancing Ecosystem and Community Resilience Focal Area (RFA)

This proposal aims to improve regional capacity for resilience planning to support local, regional, and state efforts to develop and implement new projects, programs, and policies. PlanRVA staff will work with regional partners to coordinate with efforts of state agencies and to move forward a regional resilience planning process.  In the previous 3-year RFA, PlanRVA staff focused on the fundamentals of organizing regional staff engagement of localities and stakeholders and understanding existing data sources and gaps. PlanRVA staff worked with the Environmental Technical Advisory Committee (EnvTAC) and other relevant agency committees to solicit and prioritize a list of resilience projects. PlanRVA coordinated internally, identifying opportunities to consider resiliency in agency or regional planning processes.  PlanRVA staff cooperated with and provided support for agencies of the Commonwealth of Virginia in resilience planning.

In year two of the 2023-2025 RFA proposed herein, PlanRVA staff will continue regional coordination and collaboration efforts through the EnvTAC.  PlanRVA staff will continue technical planning activities including data analysis and visualization and improvement of a regional resilience program. PlanRVA staff will maintain and update information about resilience on the PlanRVA website.  Additionally, PlanRVA staff will build on efforts with partners to engage the public about resilience risk and solutions. Utilizing the resilience outreach plan, PlanRVA will target outreach to communities that are projected to be most at risk given geography, demographic, and/or socioeconomic background.  PlanRVA staff will continue to provide support to state agencies in resilience planning.

Federal Funding:

$64,500

Project Contact:

Sarah Stewart; 804-924-7049; sstewart@planrva.org

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

49

Grantee:

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation

Project Title:

Virginia Sea Turtle and Marine Mammal Stranding Network

Project Description:

The Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program (VAQS) is permitted by the NOAA Fisheries Service (NMFS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Commonwealth of Virginia to manage the state’s sea turtle and marine mammal stranding networks. The Aquarium’s mission is to “connect people to the marine environment, inspiring a more sustainable future, and to be a driver in conservation, education, tourism, and sustainability, leading the charge to save wildlife and their ecosystems.” With assistance of this grant from the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program, VAQS maintains a statewide stranding network and responds to marine mammal strandings throughout the tidal waters and shorelines along the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. Virginia has a rich diversity of marine mammal and sea turtle species. There are 32 marine mammal species and five sea turtle species in the state stranding records. VAQS reported 374 Virginia strandings in 2023, involving 285 sea turtles and 89 marine mammals. For the past two years, the annual sea turtle stranding numbers have been above the previous ten-year annual average of 267. While the total number of marine mammal strandings in 2023 was within normal limits, the number of large whale strandings has dramatically increased since 2016, with 10 large whale strandings in Virginia in 2023.

The Stranding Response Program encompasses carcass recovery, external/internal examination, photo/video documentation, human interaction analysis, tissue sampling, carcass disposal, and database management. For live animal strandings, rapid response and health assessments are conducted, then emergency medical care or euthanasia is provided as indicated. Animals that are candidates for rehabilitation, especially sea turtle and seals, are treated for life-threatening conditions and undergo rehabilitated for return to their natural environment. There were 72 live sea turtle and eight live marine mammal strandings in 2023, including 63 sea turtles that were successfully rehabilitated and released.

VAQS recruits, trains, and coordinates a volunteer stranding team with approximately 80 members. Additionally, VAQS engages with and trains stranding response cooperators within the state network include state and federal parks staff, game wardens and biologists, military base personnel, U.S. Coast Guard, VMRC, VDWR, life guards, and law enforcement officers. Trainings are conducted throughout the year with emphasis on the natural history and stranding response requirements of sea turtles and marine mammals. VAQS also maintains the state marine mammal and sea turtle stranding databases. Stranding data is compiled and stored by VAQS and reported to NMFS national databases and other agencies. VAQS views each stranding event as an opportunity for education about the natural history, threats (such as marine debris ingestion, entanglements, vessel strikes, and disease), and conservation needs of Virginia's sea turtle and marine mammal species. This message is presented through exhibits and outreach programs, during formal and informal programming, to civic organizations, and at scientific conferences, workshops, trainings, and special events. Through these efforts, information about the status of these protected species in Virginia is presented to the public and to the agencies and individuals responsible for their management and conservation.

Federal Funding:

$35,750

Project Contact:

Ally McNaughton, DVM; 757-385-0376; amcnaugh@virginiaaquarium.com

Project Status:

1/1/25 - 12/31/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

71

Grantee:

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Project Title:

Advancing the use of spatial data and coastal modeling in implementing adaptive management to support coastal community resilience – YEAR 2

Project Description:

Sea level rise is impacting coastal communities and natural resources by increasing shoreline erosion and changing the location and extent of intertidal habitats, such as marshes and beaches.  To increase coastal resiliency, we need to find ways to address multiple community needs by taking advantage of the co-benefits available from carefully planned projects. Persistence of natural shoreline habitats will depend upon the opportunity and capacity to migrate landward into adjacent lands (e.g., forests, non-tidal wetlands). Based on the current state of Virginia’s coastal climate and projections for the future, effective community resilience will require maintaining up-to-date data to support coastal analysis and modeling activities, as well as continued and expanded efforts to monitor and record those changes to strategically support adaptive management. In the past, VCZM provided funding toward the creation of comprehensive coastal inventories (CCI).  The inventory data is the baseline shoreline data which is used in combination with other data sets to underpin the Shoreline Management Model (SMM) (Nunez et al., 2022) to derive best management practices (BMPs) in support of Virginia policy to prefer, and now require, the use of living shorelines for erosion control where suitable. Absent more current data, they are still being used as major inputs for decision-making in the coastal zone, despite being as much as 10 years old for many of the VA coastal counties. As described in the Virginia Coastal Resilience Master Plan, climate change is imposing rapid changes in shoreline conditions and the riparian zone. The need to update this information is urgent in order to support localities in preparing for inevitable changes. 

The Center for Coastal Resources Management, VIMS, is proposing to continue partnering with appropriate Planning District Commissions (PDCs) to apply an adaptive management approach to the collection of current comprehensive coastal inventory and tidal wetlands inventory data to support an update of SMM. This will entail generating new inventory information, as well as other critical datasets, and applying this information to increase currency, precision, and robustness to best management practices recommendations in the SMM. Model improvements and additions will be made within a resiliency context. Taking advantage of the new technology and satellite data that are currently available, as well as the incorporation of community science into this effort, we propose to 1) apply machine learning techniques (Lv et al., 2023, 2024) to update the inventory of shoreline conditions and expand the features surveyed based on locality needs; 2) update the SMM to include new data inputs and new advanced model approaches; 3) map marsh migration corridors to assist with marsh conservation and restoration decisions under multiple sea level rise scenarios; and 4) test and implement the community-science web application (developed in Year 1 of the project) for citizens, local government, and PDC staff, where they can share information to more accurately and efficiently maintain current shoreline conditions in Virginia. We propose that the PDCs will provide feedback on the inventory features surveyed, as well as on the testing and implementation of the web application.

The greatest drivers of change to the shoreline are climate (sea level rise), and storms (erosion, and human development). These factors are having the greatest impacts on the outer coastal plain, which will be the focus of this study. The proposed work corresponds to the second year of a three-year project.  Each year includes elements listed in Table 1, rotating to different localities (Table 2). The entire study will be conducted at a county level for better coordination with local government on the implementation and application of final products; in particular, inventory input and WebApp development. In addition, previous inventories conducted by county set a mapping extent that could be used for change detection between inventories. Target localities for Year 2 (Table 2) were selected based on a combination of prioritizing the oldest inventories and current localities' needs. The selected localities are Mathews County, Gloucester County, Middlesex County, and Lancaster County.

Federal Funding:

$125,315

Project Contact:

Dr. Karinna Nunez; 804-684-7273; karinna@vims.edu

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

72

Grantee:

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation - Division of Natural Heritage

Project Title:

Resilience Planning for Protected Lands (year 2 of 3)

Project Description:

The Virginia Natural Heritage Program (VNHP) currently maintains a database of lands in need of additional protection for Natural Heritage Resources (NHRs), as well as to enhance the resilience of existing Natural Area Preserves (NAPs).  This database consists of two main types of parcels:  those adjacent to existing NAPs that have a foreseeable impact on the longevity, persistence, and manageability of the NAP and their protected resources (called “Resiliency Tracts"); and parcels known to support one or more occurrences of NHR classified as essential by an analysis conducted by VNHP where land protection is most urgently needed to establish NAP or other appropriate forms of formal designation (called “Resiliency Areas").  An occurrence of a NHR is considered essential if it is the only extant occurrence, or one of only two extant occurrences (five extant occurrences for the most globally rare species), in a region or the Commonwealth.  Essential occurrences of NHR are used to identify Essential Conservation Sites (ECS) and a custom version of ECS for the Virginia coastal zone is being developed currently under NOAA grant NA22NOS4190187.  In both cases, parcels may be targeted for acquisition or for partnerships and collaborative conservation strategies.  Further work is needed to determine which of these parcels would best contribute to the overall protected lands network in light of new resilience determinations.  This work is especially critical in the Virginia coastal zone where challenges from ongoing and predicted sea level rise are extraordinary.

The key focus of this project is to further evaluate and expand on Resiliency Areas, not just for NAPs, but for other strategically important protected lands in the Virginia Coastal Zone.  VNHP proposes to build upon the strategic plan developed as the culmination of the FY2020-2022 focal project (NOAA grants: NA20NOS4190207, NA21NOS4190152, NA22NOS4190187; VNHP technical reports: 22-08, 23-03, TBD) by estimating the resilience contribution of parcels adjacent to or nearby all protected lands in the Virginia coastal zone that both support NHR and are managed at least for general natural resource conservation.   While the strategic plan addresses the conservation of the most vulnerable and highest priority NHR on resilient sites, it does not address directly how the NAP system could be most effectively expanded to ensure resilience at individual sites and across the network.  There are new tools available that may lead to more precise predictions of resilience.  VNHP will explore use of the most current and accurate data on sea level rise, marsh migration and building, natural land, species distributions, species observations, and other data, to expand and update the resilience dataset and further illustrate the significance of these data to known NHRs.   VNHP will use these results to inform future conservation decisions, even if those decisions are to let available lands go unprotected because they have low levels of resilience and are not expected to persist.  The results will greatly inform VNHP and our partner efforts to strategically focus limited funding and stewardship resources.

The VNHP proposes collaboration with other land management agencies (e.g., DWR, DOF, USFWS), non-government organizations (e.g., TNC, CBF), and at least one Planning District Commission (to be determined) to ensure that priority lands with NHR are included in the Year 1 assessment.  In Year 2 of this project, the VNHP proposes conducting field inventory of adjacent to protected-lands, resilient, and high priority parcels identified in this Year 1 assessment to further guide protection and management decisions.  In Year 3 of this project, the VNHP proposes entering the data collected during Year 2 into Biotics, VNHP’s database management system, and then using the NAP resilience analysis and updated NHR inventory data to update the strategic plan developed under the FY2020-2022 focal project.

Federal Funding:

$44,965

Project Contact:

Joe Weber; 804-371-2545; joseph.weber@dcr.virginia.gov
Anne Chazal; 804-786-9014; anne.chazal@dcr.virginia.gov

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

73

Grantee:

Virginia Department of Energy (Virginia Energy)

Project Title:

Aggregate Resource Mapping and Characterization in Rural Coastal Virginia, Year 2 Efforts

Project Description:

To advance resilience planning for the Rural Coastal Virginia Master Planning Region (MPR), Virginia Energy proposes to expand on the efforts outlined in the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program (Virginia CZM)’s FY23, Task 73 scope of work. Current state models predict that significant acreage and infrastructure within the Rural Coastal Virginia MPR will be impacted by daily flooding by 2080. These impacts will disrupt communities, as well as exacerbate land erosion, increasing the need for a local supply of aggregate that can be used to elevate and restore infrastructure and natural systems. 

Note that this task will rely on analysis of existing samples and data and no fieldwork involving ground disturbance of any kind will be involved. Efforts for FY23 (Year 1) to map local sand, gravel, and clay aggregate resources to support construction needs and coastal resilience projects are ongoing in the Middle Peninsula. The data generated by the FY23 effort will provide end-users with useful information about aggregate resources based on geological conditions and land-use. These products will identify economic incentives for aggregate operations, and areas where further evaluation may be needed in the context of land-use conflicts and temporal changes (i.e., sea-level rise). In 2022, sand and gravel aggregate comprised 14% (9.7 million tons) of the total production for non-fuel minerals in Virginia, primarily derived from the Coastal Plain (Mineral Resources). These resources are used in an array of construction materials, concrete/cement mixtures, filtration, erosion control, habitat restoration, and as general fill, among other uses.  In all, sand and gravel represent an $172 million dollar industry for the Commonwealth. By identifying local sources, communities can reduce transportation and sourcing costs, and ensure a more equitable use of natural resources within their districts. For FY24, Virginia Energy proposes two (2) areas of focus: 

Focus 1: Characterization of archived vibracores from Middle Peninsula to inform beneficial use (BU).

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) Shoreline Studies Program (SSP) characterized 21 tidal creeks in the Middle Peninsula prioritized for dredging within a 10-year time frame (MPPDC 2021 Reports). Sediment dredged from these areas may have potential for use as lightweight aggregate or for coastal resilience projects. VIMS provided a detailed assessment on tidal creek morphologies, the volume of material to be excavated, grain-size data, and contaminant potential of the sediment, all of which are critical to inform reuse or disposal needs. Those data are available on VIMS’ SSP website. A robust dataset is necessary to provide baseline data for contractors when scoping potential reuse needs. To supplement the previous work, Virginia Energy proposes to obtain major and trace element geochemistry on sediments to identify potential economic resources, reactivity and thermal properties for use in construction products such as concrete/cement, and mobility/enrichment within varying lithologic units. Geochemical data is valuable for BU potential associated with use of the material for fill, remedial purposes and leaching potential, and agricultural applications as well (e.g., soil amendments). New characterization data for Scope 1 of this proposal will support goals of NOAA’s Middle Peninsula Habitat Focus Area (HFA) to provide for an environmentally and sustainable coastal economy.

Focus 2: Expansion of aggregate resource mapping to the Northern Neck to continue efforts across the Rural Virginia Coastal MPR.

The Northern Neck Planning District Commission (NNPDC) localities are adjacent to the Middle Peninsula and the geology has been mapped at similar resolution of 1:250,000 or better, with the same set of defined geologic units; therefore, efforts to expand mapping efforts into this PDC for FY24 will be streamlined. The deliverables, project timeline and budget presented herein are only for FY24. A brief description of proposed FY25 efforts is provided in Section VI. Extended Project Description.

Federal Funding:

$59,671

Project Contact:

David Hawkins, P.G.; 434-951-6326; david.hawkins@energy.virginia.gov

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

91.01

Grantee:

Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission

Project Title:

Public Financing Options for Dredging and Coastal Resilience Activities

Project Description:

The Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission’s (MPPDC) Coastal Resilience Program is proposing to establish an approach which may be used by Virginia local governments to examine public financing options and to establish financing districts or other financing tools to create sustainable and sufficient revenue for the construction and maintenance of coastal resilience activities. Sustainable financing options are especially important for rural localities that lack continuously available revenue for coastal resilience projects such as dredging, management and handling of dredged material, flood protection infrastructure construction and maintenance, improvements and enhancements to public infrastructure vulnerable to flooding and sea-level rise, and other facilities or services of importance to the locality and its constituents. 

The proposed project will build upon previous efforts funded by NOAA and the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program (Virginia CZM). This includes funding which has supported numerous efforts by the MPPDC to advance coastal resilience improvements and policies as well as the “Financing an Aberdeen Creek Dredging Project Using a Tax Increment Financing Approach” project in FY 13 (Task 51). This effort included a dredging study, financing analysis, and feasibility study for establishing a tax increment finance district to support dredging activities at Aberdeen Creek in Gloucester County. While the County has yet to establish a finance district, the project provides many lessons learned and an excellent framework to build from under the proposed project. Additionally, while the Virginia General Assembly established the Virginia Waterway Maintenance Fund program in 2018, which provides grants for dredging projects and has been a solution for specific creeks, this funding is not sufficient to represent a sustainable solution for meeting the overall dredging needs in coastal Virginia localities. This underscores the need for local financing solutions such as those included in the proposed activities.

MPPDC staff and consultants will use the 2014 Aberdeen Creek study and research for other relevant examples from other coastal communities within Virginia and beyond to establish a protocol for master planning and a template ordinance which can be used by the Middle Peninsula member jurisdictions and other localities within Virginia’s coastal zone and beyond.

Once the template planning protocol and ordinance are created, MPPDC staff will work with Middlesex County to conduct planning and financial analysis which can support the development of a finance district ordinance to support coastal resilience and dredging activities at Broad Creek.

The proposed project will consist of two distinct products: 

• Finance District Master Planning and Template Ordinance Development
  • Subtask 1-A: Finance District Master Planning Protocol Development
  • Subtask 1-B: Finance District Model Ordinance Development
• Broad Creek Finance District Planning & Ordinance Development
  • Subtask 2-A: Broad Creek Flood Protection and Dredging Cost Financial Analysis and Finance District Alternatives Analyses and Presentation of Findings to County
  • Subtask 2-B: Coordination with County and Stakeholders to Select Preferred Financing Alternative
  • Subtask 2-C: Draft Finance District Ordinance Development

Federal Funding:

$50,000

Project Contact:

Jackie Rickards; 804-758-2311; jrickards@mppdc.com

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

91.02

Grantee:

University of Virginia - Institute for Engagement and Negotiation

Project Title:

The RAFT: In HRPDC & Website Improvements to Better Serve Alumni & Prospective Localities

Project Description:

Through the Institute for Engagement & Negotiation (IEN) and partners’ work with localities to assist them in their resilience efforts, it became clear that an important gap in the toolbox of Virginia’s coastal communities that are dealing with the impacts of climate change is an easy and accessible scorecard to define and measure a locality’s resilience coupled with a supporting process for defining local priorities for resilience and implementing those priorities. In response, The Resilience Adaptation Feasibility Tool (RAFT) was developed by an interdisciplinary academic collaborative (the “Project Team”). The Project Team is comprised of three academic partners including IEN, Old Dominion University (ODU)’s Institute for Coastal Adaptation and Resilience (ICAR), and our most recent partner the Virginia Tech (VT) Center for Coastal Studies, which joined the RAFT university partnership in June 2023 to take on some roles of the former Virginia Coastal Policy Center at William & Mary Law School. 

The goal of The RAFT is to help all of Virginia’s localities improve resilience to a range of challenges relating to climate change while remaining economically and socially viable. The RAFT is an 18-month process of assessment, engagement, and implementation that bridges the gap between science and action by catalyzing meaningful action by localities to increase their resilience through policies and programmatic changes.

The portions of the project for which the Project Team seeks 309 funding are vital to the implementation and continuing success of The RAFT. With 309 funding, the Project Team will use the outcomes from its first five rounds of application of The RAFT to continue to grow, develop, and deliver resilience planning resources to Virginia coastal communities, in particular three member localities of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC). Previous applications of the RAFT included three pilot localities from three different regions, a regional approach of seven localities on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, a regional approach of eight localities in the Northern Neck, a regional approach of six localities in the Middle Peninsula, as well as current work in the Crater region with the Cities of Hopewell and Petersburg.

The RAFT’s expansion in 2024-2025 will include: 1) a partnership with the HRPDC to conduct a quantitative assessment of resilience for three member localities of the HRPDC using either the standard RAFT Scorecard Assessment and/or the “Planning for Resilience: Evaluation and Prioritization” (PREP) Tool with support from the Project Team. The use of the full RAFT process or the self-evaluation PREP Tool will be based on locality preference; 2) a qualitative assessment of regional resilience through interviews and focus groups with key community organizations and service providers in the HRPDC and participating localities; 3) a kick-off resilience workshop for three localities in the HRPDC to identify their resilience priorities and develop Resilience Action Checklists; 4) the migration of The RAFT website to a new web platform and reorganization of content to better serve alumni and prospective localities; and 5) continued communications and resource sharing with RAFT’s 26 alumni localities.

Federal Funding:

$82,660

Project Contact:

Tanya Denckla Cobb; 434-962-5724; td6n@virginia.edu

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

91.03

Grantee:

Wetlands Watch

Project Title:

Supporting & Growing the CRS Program in Virginia’s Coastal Zone

Project Description:

Wetlands Watch will complete four products that will support and grow the Community Rating System (CRS) Program in Virginia’s Coastal Zone. Much of this project continues the work previously funded by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program (CZM), enhancing their influence across Virginia’s Coastal Zone, and growing interest and success in the CRS Program. Wetlands Watch will also continue coordinating with the Resilience Adaptation Feasibility Tool (RAFT) program team to offer technical assistance for current RAFT programming and host follow-up meetings for alumni RAFT communities in the Middle Peninsula region of coastal Virginia. Additionally, Wetlands Watch will pilot a Coastal Conservation Project synthesizing relevant data to assist a community partner in prioritizing lands for conservation with relevant state or federal opportunities, while creating a tool which other communities may utilize to pursue conservation efforts.

Wetlands Watch will continue supporting and managing the Coastal Virginia CRS Workgroup in Product 1. This community of practice helps inform professional staff across Virginia’s Coastal Zone, and recently beyond, on various Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) programs. The CRS Workgroup’s role in the state is particularly important for under-resourced communities that cannot afford to attend meetings in-person. Additionally, Wetlands Watch staff will attend the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) national conference to present on our role as technical assistance provider and capacity builder, while learning from other floodplain professionals on how to improve our current work in coastal localities. Additional Wetlands Watch staff time has been dedicated in this product to provide diffuse support to localities as they navigate the process to join the CRS and increase their class ratings. This is a need we have seen grow as many localities move from the initial phase of learning about the program to a phase of developing mature and comprehensive floodplain management. 

Wetlands Watch will provide one additional CRS Training/Evaluation in Product 2. If awarded, Wetlands Watch will have conducted 19 CRS trainings in Virginia’s Coastal Zone at the close of the grant period. This opportunity to meet in-person with locality staff and spend dedicated time reviewing the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and CRS Program has been well received and appreciated across Virginia’s Coastal Zone, supporting the continued need for financial support. The CRS Trainings/Evaluations increase education and awareness of the CRS Program, grow participation in the CRS Program, and encourage locality staff to adopt enforceable policies in communities to reduce flood risk. 

Wetlands Watch will continue expanding its partnership with the RAFT team in Product 3, bringing the NFIP and CRS Program training and education to local government RAFT teams. Technical assistance for current RAFT communities includes participating in RAFT team meetings or hosting separate meetings with RAFT communities, as requested, to provide specific information about the NFIP and the CRS. In consultation with the RAFT team, Wetlands Watch will also offer NFIP and CRS assistance to six alumni communities that participated in the RAFT evaluation process 2021-2022. Technical assistance for RAFT alumni communities includes hosting in-person meetings that seek to accomplish two goals: (1) collect feedback on the community’s progress on implementing resilience initiatives since completing the RAFT process and (2) provide additional technical assistance on the NFIP, CRS, and additional floodplain management technical and funding resources. This follow-up work will continue to build local knowledge and capacity that is critical for Virginia’s Coastal Zone communities.

In Product 4, Wetlands Watch will pilot an innovative Coastal Conservation Project utilizing relevant data regarding repetitive loss areas, social vulnerability, and natural resources to assist a locality in prioritizing lands for conservation, selecting a subject property, and providing the locality with technical assistance to pursue relevant state or federal funding opportunities for acquisition in consistent with and in support of CRS creditable activities. Wetlands Watch staff will collaborate with a locality that has a proven track record of acquisition and conservation, to provide the pilot project with the best opportunity for implementation. While collaborating with a locality to establish the framework for analyzing these data to form a prioritization for conservation target areas, Wetlands Watch will produce a replicable framework that has the potential to inform conservation efforts in communities in the coastal zone.

Federal Funding:

$47,340

Project Contact:

Mary-Carson Stiff; 757-376-1364; mc.stiff@wetlandswatch.org

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

92.01

Grantee:

Virginia Commonwealth University

Project Title:

Technical Assistance and Habitat Conservation Plan Development

Project Description:

Centuries of overfishing, habitat alteration and pollution have eradicated Atlantic Sturgeon from many Chesapeake Bay tributaries. The species is now listed as federally endangered through most of its historic range. In Virginia, small but viable populations of Atlantic sturgeon persist in several rivers and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC), VCU Rice Rivers Center (RRC), NOAA fisheries, and other partners are dedicated to conserving and rebuilding Atlantic sturgeon populations along the East Coast.

VMRC is responsible for sustainably managing commercial fisheries in Virginia waters.  VMRC will soon need to make fishery management decisions informed by rules proposed by NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to reduce by-catch mortality to protect sturgeon. Those rules could significantly affect the gillnet fishery in VA. At the February 2024 Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (MAFMC) meeting, several packages of alternatives were reviewed for their sturgeon bycatch reduction potentials and fishery impacts. The MAFMC detailed potential area and time restrictions for the alternatives and also included potential fishery closures in areas and times of higher observed sturgeon bycatch. The Councils are scheduled to take final action at their respective April 2024 meetings.  While the proposed alternatives will likely result in reduced bycatch of Atlantic Sturgeon, it will also impact commercial fisheries in Virginia waters and these regional alternatives are not necessarily tailored to Virginia habitat and fisheries.

The VMRC seeks to increase available options for reducing bycatch of Atlantic Sturgeon based on data that is specific to habitat and fisheries in Virginia waters. This is critical to ensuring both a vibrant commercial fishing industry and protection of critical resources.  To do so, VMRC will need to apply for a Section 10 permit for the Incidental Taking of Endangered and Threatened Species (ITP), under the Endangered Species Act Section 10(a)(1)(b). However, this application process requires significant data development and analysis and requires the development of a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), and VMRC will require support due to limited agency staff and resources. A HCP is required for an ITP application, and specific requirements are described on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Fact Sheet.

Note that this task will rely on existing and modeled data and does not include funding for field work, sampling, or monitoring.  VCU RRC will provide technical assistance to VMRC and will develop an HCP to support the ITP permit application.  The RRC will work in close coordination with VMRC to obtain the necessary data to inform the HCP. VMRC began this process when Atlantic Sturgeon were first listed as federally endangered, but the agency lacked the necessary data and resources to complete the effort at that time. This project will build on those initial efforts to collaboratively develop materials to support an application. Note that VMRC will develop and submit the final ITP application separate from this effort.

VCU’s RRC is at the center of efforts to restore the Atlantic sturgeon to its native range and historical stature within state waters. Beginning in 2012, RRC documented fall spawning activity overturning the long-standing assumption of spring-only spawning, which had significant implications for conservation and management of Chesapeake Bay sturgeon.  RRC has used novel technology such as high-resolution sonar and acoustic telemetry to document basic life history patterns, such as the timing and location of sturgeon movements between the Chesapeake Bay and the James River. These data inform state and federal agency efforts to characterize habitat most important for critical spawning, nursery and migration activities, as well as to characterize threats such as vessel strike and habitat loss.

This project aligns with Virginia CZM’s goals related to sustainable fisheries and protecting habitat and species of the commonwealth, and also aligns with the FY21-25 Ocean Resources strategy.

Federal Funding:

$40,000

Project Contact:

Todd Janeski; 804-828-2858; tvjaneski@vcu.edu

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

92.02

Grantee:

Virginia Commonwealth University

Project Title:

Virginia Ocean Fisheries Coordinator

Project Description:

Virginia Commonwealth University will provide a Natural Resources Program Manager/Policy Analyst to serve as the VA Ocean Fisheries Coordinator (FC) for the VA CZM Program.  The FC will support the Virginia CZM Program Manager and ensuring coordination with VMRC as it relates to commercial fisheries relevant to VA. Fourteen years of support from the VCZM has established a trusted and reliable conduit with the commercial fishing industry. The FC will maintain and nurture the continued development of relationships with Virginia’s ocean-based, commercial fishing stakeholders through direct personal contact, public meetings, PGIS workshops and other techniques to refine Virginia’s role as it relates to changes in ocean use, community engagement, and policies. The FC will assist with addressing and responding to emerging issues, researching relevant topics, providing policy input and analysis and support development of the Virginia Ocean Plan. 

Lacking a central coordinating organization for the Virginia ocean-based commercial fishing industry necessitates ongoing engagement by the FC. Changes in ocean use such as increases in cargo and shipping and deployment of renewable energy may impact Virginia seafood landings. Changes in fisheries regulation or other ocean related regulations may also impact landings. As construction begins on the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind commercial (CVOW-C) project, and new lease sails are proposed, the commercial fishing industry will face an increasing pressure on limited areas along the entire Atlantic coast. In early 2024, BOEM began engaging Mid-Atlantic states to discuss reviewing additional lease areas within the Central Atlantic Call Area. The FC has developed a strong direct line of communication with VA Governor’s Cabinet members, state agencies, and wind industry developers (Orsted, Dominion Energy, Avangrid, RWE, etc.). The FC will participate in this review with VA CZM and VMRC and participate in the Intergovernmental Task Force for the Central Atlantic Call Area and regularly coordinates with the Atlantic fisheries managers, which also strengthens this coordination role has resulted in the VA Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) collaborating to invest funds, from fisheries landing license fees, to support the Ocean Fisheries Coordinator. This cost-effective approach expands capacity for the offshore commercial fishing sector to be part of the decision-making process and for agencies to obtain immediate feedback to inform policies.  The FC serves as a primary point of contact with the commercial fishing industry, coordinating outreach and engagement, and enables two-way communication between the Commonwealth and the fishing industry. VMRC’s continued investment and partnership validates the value and need.

The FC will assist in obtaining data from the commercial fishing community, Ports, Renewable Energy developers, etc. regarding Virginia-based activities to inform the development of Virginia’s ocean strategies and policies.  As needed, the FC will work with the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) and Mid-Atlantic Ocean Planning Committee (Mid-A OPC) on priorities related to commercial fisheries in a regional and local context; and participate in MARCO work groups as needed. Outreach and facilitation of stakeholder meetings will be summarized and analyzed such that a Virginia perspective on management objectives will be available for informing and advancing Virginia’s participation. The FC will work with other New England, Mid-Atlantic, and South Atlantic fisheries and wind related coordinating groups as needed.

Federal Funding:

$55,000

Project Contact:

Todd Janeski; 804-828-2858; tvjaneski@vcu.edu

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

92.03

Grantee:

University of Virginia - Institute for Engagement and Negotiation

Project Title:

Virginia Ocean Plan Facilitation and Development

Project Description:

The Virginia Ocean Plan (VOP) process is intended to be a comprehensive effort for addressing gaps and needs related to ocean uses and planning that affect Virginians and neighboring states. This project is consistent with the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program (CZM) FY21-25 Ocean Resources strategy and will be year 4 of 5 of section 309 funding for this strategy. The goals for the plan are as follows: 1) Promote a sustainable and growing "blue economy"; 2) Document and characterize existing/emerging ocean uses and the existing policies/plans that relate to them; 3) Minimize/mitigate conflicts between existing and emerging ocean uses, and minimize/mitigate impacts to ocean habitat, marine life, and ecosystem functions; 4) Increase resilience of ocean uses, ocean habitat, and marine life to a changing ocean; and 5) develop processes for plan implementation, plan maintenance/updates, ongoing stakeholder collaboration, and conflict resolution.  

The VOP process includes an 1) ocean planning team, which includes all stakeholders involved in the process, 2) workgroups, which are small groups of subject matter experts and stakeholders focused around developing information and recommendations for specific topic areas like “energy and infrastructure” and “fishing and aquaculture”, and 3) a steering committee, which is a subset of stakeholders primarily made up state agencies that provides input on issues related to process, scope, goals, and ultimately on recommendations and content.

This project will build upon work completed under FY22 Task 92.05, which was focused on gathering input for the plan through meetings of the Ocean Planning Team, workgroups, and steering committee, as well as through a public input workshop. For this project, the University of Virginia’s Institute of Engagement and Negotiation (IEN) will support CZM staff. Major tasks for this period will include 1) supporting CZM in convening and facilitating Ocean Planning Team, Workgroup, and Steering Committee meetings to gather any remaining input needs, 2) writing and coordinating the draft VOP, and 3) assisting CZM in facilitating review of the draft plan stakeholders and the public.

Federal Funding:

$80,000

Project Contact:

Frank Dukes; 434-924-9128; ed7k@virginia.edu

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Open

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.

Virginia CZM Program: 2024 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary

Project Task Number:

93

Grantee:

Clean Virginia Waterways - United Charitable

Project Title:

Marine Debris Reduction: Implementation of Strategies

Project Description:

This task supports the Virginia CZM Program’s leadership in reducing marine debris:

1. Development and implementation of new laws and policies that will be inspired by the VA Marine Debris Reduction Plan (VMDRP) and Section 309 5-year strategies.
2. Implementation of the 2021-2025 VMDRP and NOAA’s Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Action Plan (Mid-A MDAP). Also, collaboration with the Mid-A Ocean Planning Committee’s Marine Debris Work Group.
3. Hosting a 2025 Virginia Marine Debris Summit in partnership with Virginia CZM.
4. Monitoring of Fisherman Island for balloon and other debris.

The VMDRP (updated in 2021) charts a course to measurably reduce marine debris in Virginia coastal waters focusing on specific actions (e.g., policies, procedures, outreach campaigns). These Actions were determined to be politically, socially, and economically feasible in VA. This plan will be updated to a new 2026-2030 VMDRP.

Actions in the VMDRP are organized under four Goals:

• ●Consumer Debris (22 Actions)
• ●Derelict Fishing Gear (17 Actions)
• ●Microplastics & Microfibers (13 Actions)
• ●Abandoned & Derelict Vessels (8 Actions)

The Strategies in the Plan are: Prevention; Education and Outreach; Research, Monitoring, Data Collection; Proper Disposal/Infrastructure; Removal and Cleanup; and Policy & Management.

1. Update the VMDRP for 2026-2030:
• This update will be completed in collaboration with the VA Coastal Zone Management Program.

Projects undertaken during this grant period will include priorities that were set by VMDRP stakeholders:

1. Analyze existing legislation & policies.
2. Update the VMDRP for 2026-2030.
3. Host the 2025 Virginia Marine Debris Summit.
4. Provide recommendations to local and state elected officials to support waste minimization of common and harmful marine debris (e.g., plastic bags, food & beverage packaging)
5. Analyze policy recommendations from government-mandated work groups (i.e., Plastic Waste Prevention Advisory Council, Waste Diversion and Recycling Task Force)
6. Increase engagement with state and local advocacy groups and the public regarding policies that are proven to reduce marine debris
7. Facilitate adherence to VA’s laws and policies by raising public awareness and working with vendors to
• assist communities in placing a 5-cent fee on plastic shopping bags
• stop the intentional releasing of helium-filled balloons
• phase out the use of expanded polystyrene food packaging
8. Continue to support the Lynnhaven River NOW and Old Dominion University SeaGrant grants
9. Virginia Plastic Pollution Prevention Network: facilitate coordination, collaboration, and communication among groups working to reduce marine debris and plastic pollution
10. Provide financial support to local governments and NGOs for pilot programs to reduce marine debris
11. Explore alternatives to netting used in clam aquaculture as well as alternative disposal options
12. Reach out to the media, school boards, event centers and others regarding intentional balloon release events
13. Work with Mid-Atlantic partners to develop and implement a social marketing campaign to increase the use of reusable water bottles at beaches (led by the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean [MARCO]) and other regional issues as the Mid-Atlantic workgroup needs.
14. Continue monitoring at Fisherman Island with the purpose of creating a multi-decade marine debris monitoring database.
15.  CVW will provide expertise in community based social marketing (CBSM) to support existing campaigns.

Overall Impacts

Reduction of marine debris will have positive impacts on coastal resources, protected species such as marine mammals and sea birds, and economically important species and will make significant contributions to Virginia’s coastal economy as well as protect coastal and ocean resources. Plastic tarps, abandoned nets and fishing gear, tires, and other debris can smother and crush sensitive ecosystems as far away from land as the deep-sea corals found in the submarine canyons off VA’s coast. Derelict fishing gear (e.g., fishing line, nets, and rope pieces), consumer debris (e.g., plastic bags) as well as abandoned and derelict vessels can compromise boaters’ safety.

Federal Funding:

$160,000

Project Contact:

Christina Trapani; 757-613-5683; christina@cleanvirginiawaterways.org

Project Status:

10/1/24 - 9/30/25; Project Pending

Final Product:

Project Summary:

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Ryan Green, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4258 or email: Tim.Green@deq.virginia.gov. 

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov or April.Bahen@deq.virginia.gov.