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Natural Resource Management and Protection Section Over more than 50 years of land acquisition and development by the Park Authority has resulted in significant land acquired to protect streams, wetlands, forests and other resources. This land plays a critical role not only in harboring wildlife, but also in protecting the regions' water resources, controlling flooding and providing recreational resources. As undeveloped land in the county continues to disappear, parkland will become even more critical to preserving natural resources. At the same time, our parkland faces increased pressure from human activity, invasive species and damage from excessive deer populations. The Natural Resource Management and Protection (NRMP) Section is part of the Resource Management Division of the Park Authority. This three person section coordinates agency-wide efforts to achieve the resource preservation vision of the Fairfax County Park Authority. This includes implementing the agency Natural Resource Management Plan. Publications and Presentations Natural Resource Management Plan Highlights of the Natural Resource Management Plan ResOURces Article Index Presentation on Park Authority Stewardship (large file: 1.9MB) Elklick Woodlands Natural Area Preserve (very large file: 11MB) Old Colchester Park and Preserve Natural Resource Management Plan (large file: 3.9MB) Laurel Hill Natural Resource Management Plan (very large file: 8.4MB) Treeless Area Technical Manual (very large file: 10.2MB) Projects Invasive Management Area Volunteer Program Marie Butler Leven Preserve and Earth Sangha Riparian Buffer Restoration Functions Policy and Strategic Planning Resource Management Technical Support Land Acquisition Park Planning and Development Development Review Outreach and Education Policy and Strategic Planning The NRMP Section makes recommendations related to resource protection on County and Park Authority policy and strategic planning on a regular basis including the agency Strategic Plan and policies and the County Comprehensive Plan. Resource Management The NRMP Section conducts inventories and develops management plans for resource management. This might include forest management plans, invasive exotic plant control, wildlife conflict management, etc. Technical Support The NRMP Section provides technical support to a number of entities including park sites, park planning staff, park operations staff and other county agencies. This technical support covers a broad spectrum of subject areas (some examples include water resources, vegetative resources, wildlife resources, natural landscaping and resource inventory methods). Land Acquisition The NRMP Section advises on Park Authority Land Acquisition in terms of evaluating properties for natural resources. Land acquisitions targeted for development are evaluated for potential conflicts with resource protection. In addition, NRMP makes recommendations for acquisitions of land with valuable natural resources. Park Planning and Development The NRMP Section works in concert with park planners to develop appropriate plans for park development that protect natural resources. This includes providing natural resource inventory information to drive the park planning process and identifying site designs which best protect natural resources. Development Review The NRMP Section reviews development proposals for natural resource impacts on parkland during the zoning and site plan review processes. The Planning and Development Division manages the overall plan review process for the Park Authority. Outreach and Education The NRMP Section promotes stewardship through partnerships, volunteers and internal and external outreach and education efforts. Have a question about natural resources? Try one of the following: Take a look at the FAQs and Who Do You Call pages Contact your local Nature Center Email the Resource Management Division Leave a message on the Naturalist Line at Park Authority Headquarters: 703-324-8580