Approved May 28, 2024
Meeting held in person with a virtual option via Microsoft Teams
MINUTES
Mr. Cameron called the meeting to order at 9:36 am.
Welcome and Introductions
Mr. Cameron welcomed all to the meeting and noted there was a quorum with five board members present.
Minutes March 26, 2024
Mr. Koerner reported that he had reviewed the minutes of the March 26, 2024 board meeting and that they had been distributed in advance of the meeting.
A motion (Koerner-Bordas) to approve the minutes of the March 26, 2024 board meeting passed by voice vote.
Treasurer’s Report –March 2024 and Third Quarter, FY 2024
Mr. Koerner reported that the Treasurer’s Report for March 2024 and Third Quarter, FY 2024 had been distributed in advance of the meeting. Hearing no comments, the Treasurer’s Report for March 2024 and Third Quarter, FY 2024 was accepted by consensus to be filed for audit.
Technical Review Committee
Ms. Bordas reported that the Technical Review Committee (TRC) met on April 9, 2024, to review two Agricultural & Forestal (A&F) District Soil and Water Quality Conservation Plans and seven new Conservation Assistance Program-Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (CAP/VCAP) applications. All these projects are recommended for approval by the board. The details of these projects had been included in the TRC Report in the board package:
Conservation Plans
- Colchester A&F District
- Richardson A&F District
A motion (Bordas-Koerner) to approve the Colchester A&F District Soil and Water Quality Conservation Plan as outlined above passed by voice vote.
A motion (Bordas-Bitterli) to approve the Richardson A&F District Soil and Water Quality Conservation Plan as outlined above passed by voice vote.
New CAP/VCAP Applications
- Mediterranean Villa Cluster Conservation Landscaping: Reston, Hunter Mill District, Difficult Run Watershed
Size – 2,500 ft2; Cost Estimate - $19,185; Cost-Share Request - $7,000.
- Kirk Conservation Landscaping: City of Alexandria, Holmes Run Watershed
Size – 450 ft2; Cost Estimate - $8,750; Cost-Share Request - $7,000.
- Klein Conservation Landscaping: City of Alexandria, Four Mile Run Watershed
Size – 420 ft2; Cost Estimate - $9,326.49; Cost-Share Request - $7,000.
- Waymouth Conservation Landscaping: Springfield, Springfield District. Pohick Creek Watershed
Size – 1,380 ft2; Cost Estimate - $17,727.57; Cost-Share Request - $7,000
- Treger Conservation Landscaping: Braddock District, Accotink Creek Watershed
Size – 480 ft2 with 50 ft2 of impervious surface removal; Cost Estimate - $8,827; Cost-Share Request - $7,250.
- Vernon Conservation Landscaping: Alexandria, Mount Vernon District, Little Hunting Creek Watershed
Size – 680 ft2; Cost Estimate - $9,877.40; Cost-Share Request - $7,000
A motion (Bordas-Barakat) to approve the seven CAP/VCAP applications as outlined above passed by voice vote.
Next Meeting of the Technical Review Committee
The next meeting of the TRC will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
Legislative Committee Report
The Legislative Committee did not meet in April. Mr. Cameron provided highlights from the Legislative Committee report which had been distributed in advance of the meeting. The next meeting of the Legislative Committee will be on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 and will be an in-person meeting.
Report from Nominating Committee and Election of Officers
Ms. Bordas thanked everyone who had provided recommendations on the proposed slate of officers. Ms. Bordas presented the following slate of officers for 2024: Mr. Cameron-Chair; Mr. Koerner-Vice Chair; Ms. Bitterli-Secretary; Ms. Barakat-Treasurer. The elected officers will begin their terms on July 1, 2024.
A motion (Bordas-Cameron) to approve the slate of officers as presented by the Nominating Committee passed by voice vote.
There was also discussion about having a three-person nominating committee going forward. This committee would include the Director-Extension and two others, with associate directors and former directors being especially well positioned to take on such a role. Mr. Cameron noted that the composition of the committee would be approved by a board vote.
Report from the Area II Spring Meeting
Mr. Cameron reported that four directors and two staff members attended the Area II Spring meeting held in Somerset, Virginia on April 17, 2024.
Mr. Cameron and Mr. Koerner encouraged staff to invite directors and associate directors to attend site visits or events, especially if members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors or Virginia House of Delegates may be in attendance. Mr. Woode noted that it would be beneficial for directors to see what is involved in staff members’ daily work.
The following correction was added by Mr. Koerner:
Mr. Koerner mentioned that Blair Gordon from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation led the director training and emphasized that the Code of Virginia defines the Board of Directors as solely responsible for district activities; Ms. Gordon said the board is involved in developing programs and should know and go into the field with staff members, and the board is responsible for the complex finances and human resources. A district director is a political position, and it is important to develop political relationships for funding and discussion of strategic opportunities.
Reallocations of FY 2024 VACS Funds
As a part of the district’s grant agreement with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the district must use or transfer 90% of its Virginia Agricultural Cost Share (VACS) allocation by the end of the fiscal year. Not demonstrating an effort will cause the district to receive unfavorable marks on its annual assessment, which is presented to the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board.
To meet the requirements of the grant agreement, staff has recommended approval to transfer the portion of NVSWCD’s FY 24 VACS fund allocation that will not be used for cost share projects this year.
A motion (Barakat-Bordas) was made to return $70,339 of the allocated $85,109.00 to DCR, setting aside $14,770 for the Lombardozzi cost share project, which is not yet complete.
Ms. Cross suggested less be returned to DCR in case the Lombardozzi project costs more than the initial quote. She then suggested that no action be taken until the May 28, 2024 board meeting.
A motion (Koerner-Bordas) to postpone the question of reallocation of unspent VACS funds to the DCR until the May 28, 2024 board meeting passed by voice vote.
Request for Approval: Dell Computer Purchase
Ms. Shackley asked the board to approve the purchase, through the Fairfax County purchasing contract with Dell Computers, of two new laptop/tablet computer systems (including monitors, docks, and other peripherals) for use by the two new staff positions in late spring. The expected expense is approximately $1,800 per system, for a total of approximately $3,600. This expense would be allocated to FY 2025 funds set aside for the Fairfax County Flood Mitigation and Conservation Assistance Programs. It was suggested that a buffer amount be approved in case costs were slightly higher than expected. Authorizing an expense up to $4,000 for the two systems was suggested.
A motion (Koerner-Barakat) to approve the purchase of two new laptop/tablet systems as stated above passed by voice vote.
Green Breakfast
Ms. Feth reported that Jim McGlone will be presenting at the Saturday, May 11, 2024 Green Breakfast on The Importance of Native Trees. Presentations in the planning stages for later this year include Ms. Wood on the district’s Trapa eradication program and local bee expert Sam Droege on the topic of Bees and Trees.
Mr. Peters reported on the April Tree Commission meeting, which included a discussion of the exemption of Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) projects from county tree preservation and planting regulations, such as a current VDOT project underway at Pope’s Head Road and Fairfax County Parkway. Mr. Peters also said the Tree Commission will give input on the proposed consolidation of animal sheltering and animal protection services in Fairfax County and the impacts that may have on the county’s deer management program.
Other Items—Directors, Associates, Consultants
- Mr. Koerner complimented the Seedling Sale team on a well-run sale.
- Ms. Bitterli noted that several Seedling Sale customers asked about protecting their seedlings from deer browse and inquired what information could be shared with customers at future sales.
Hearing no further items, Mr. Cameron asked Mr. Woode for his report.
Executive Director’s Report
Mr. Woode noted that staff reports had been included in the board package and provided updates on several items from his report, including:
- The district is ready to advertise two new staff positions, an Urban Conservation Specialist I (UCS-I) – LSFAP and Urban Conservation Specialist I (UCS-I) – CAP, to support the Local Stormwater Financial Assistance Programs (Flood Mitigation Assistance Program, and Local Stormwater BMP Maintenance Financial Assistance Program) and the expanded Conservation Assistance Programs.
- Dr. McGlone, Ms. Hunter-Nickels, Ms. Palmer, and Mr. Woode attended the annual Equestrian Expo held on April 13, 2024 at Frying Pan Farm Park.
- Ms. Fraser submitted the CAP/VCAP report for CY23, which highlighted significant growth of the CAP/VCAP program.
- The Potomac Watershed Roundtable (PWR) met on April 5, 2024. The Potomac Council met prior to the PWR meeting and discussed the need for increased funding for the PWR from the Department of Environmental Quality. Supervisor Storck has been appointed to the PWR as the Fairfax County voting member to replace Ms. Gross, who retired last year.
Staff Presentations, Reports and Announcements
- Ms. Hunter-Nickels shared information on an Agricultural Outreach Event coming up on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in collaboration with Loudoun Soil & Water Conservation District and in fulfillment of a DCR grant deliverable.
- Mr. Baron thanked everyone for their support of the annual native Seedling Sale and noted that the sale went very smoothly.
- Mr. Baron and Ms. Wood met with the contractor for the Trapa program and toured 12 treatment sites; the company will begin herbicide applications at the end of May, 2024.
- Ms. Hendriyadi reported on the winner of the district’s Future Conservation Leaders Scholarship contest and the status of camper applications for this summer’s VASWCD Youth Conservation Camp (YCC) from this district, as well as the regional science fair winners.
- Ms. Palmer noted that NVSWCD does not fully fund students that are accepted to YCC, rather the district provides two students with $300 of the $550 tuition. She also reported on several upcoming events and asked anyone interested in assisting to contact her: Environment Expo in Fort Hunt Park on Saturday April 27, 2024 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm; Environmental Awareness Day at Eileen Garnett Civic Center on Saturday April 27, 2024 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm; and Earth Daze at Aslin Beer Garden in Herndon on Sunday April 28, 2024 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Cooperating Agencies
Fairfax County Department of Public Works, Stormwater Planning Division
Ms. Barfield provided updates on the Stormwater Planning Division’s recent activities.
Fairfax County Health Department
Mr. Shannon was unable to participate in today’s meeting.
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Ms. Cross provided highlights from her report which had been included in the board package.
Natural Resources Conservation Service/USDA
Ms. Iames was unable to participate in today’s meeting.
Virginia Department of Forestry
Mr. Zielinski reported the Department of Forestry tree give away is winding down, and the forest cost share programs he reported on last meeting are ongoing. He said the Trees for Clean Water Grant is ongoing as well.
Adjournment
Mr. Cameron adjourned the meeting at 11:50 am.
Respectfully submitted,
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____________________________________________________ |
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Trish Feth, Communication Specialist |
Christopher E. Koerner, Secretary-Treasurer |
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Approved Date
The next regular business meeting of the NVSWCD Board of Directors will be held on
May 28, 2024, at 9:30 am
Approved May 14, 2024
A hybrid meeting held in Suite 941 of the Herrity Building and virtually via Microsoft Teams.
Ms. Bordas called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. Those present included:
- Dana Barakat*, Director, NVSWCD
Rhonda Bitterli, Director, NVSWCD - Chris Koerner, Director, NVSWCD
- Jim McGlone, NVSWCD Associate Director
- Asad Rouhi, NVSWCD Associate Director
- Willie Woode, Executive Director, NVSWCD
- Morgan Perpall, DPWES-SWPD
- Scott Baron, NVSWCD
- Meghan Cunha, NVSWCD
- Trish Feth, NVSWCD
- Judy Fraser, NVSWCD
- Heather Hunter-Nickels, NVSWCD
- Dan Schwartz, NVSWCD
- Sophia Wood*, NVSWCD
* =Virtual Attendance
MINUTES
The Committee reviewed the minutes from the March 19th, 2024, meeting. Ms. Hunter-Nickels and Mr. Woode noted minor revisions to make. A motion to approve the minutes as revised (Fraser-Koerner) passed without objection.
CONSERVATION PLANS AND AGRICULTURAL BMPS
Ms. Hunter-Nickels presented two Soil and Water Quality Conservation Plans for review by the Committee.
Colchester A&F District
The current owners purchased this 20-acre Lorton property in 2018 and want to designate it an Agricultural and Forestal District. Nine acres are in pasture and the property houses four cattle and a few pigs and chickens. The property has a pond on the southern property line and a small intermittent drainage way flows into it. The pond is within an RPA but not the stream.
Much of the property has high groundwater and there are areas of ponding water. The owners have already done some beneficial projects like dredging the pond and filling in eroded gullies and lining them with stone. The owners are potentially interested in moving the barn to a new location further from the pond and outside the RPA.
Current issues with the property include minimal stream buffers, cattle having access to the stream, and poor drainage, including around the barn.
The plan recommends the following:
- Create a 50-ft buffer around the pond with groundcover, shrubs and small trees.
- Fence out the intermittent stream.
- Use fencing to divide the pasture into eight approximately 1-acre fields. Practice rotational grazing.
- Install watering troughs accessible to each of the eight fields and harden the land around them to prevent erosion.
- Install gutters and downspouts on the barn and direct runoff to the pond.
- If the barn is to be moved, consult with Land Development Services on any needed permits and soil studies.
- Improve drainage around the barn to drain out puddles and direct water to the pond.
- Addle geese eggs to reduce goose poop.
- Follow the nutrient management plan and add lime, phosphorus and potassium to the pastures as directed.
- Apply for Virginia Agricultural Cost-Share funding for the fencing. Could get 60-100% cost-share depending on the width of the protected buffer around the pond and the length of the contract.
The Committee suggests installing a stone-lined swale to drain the wet area near the barn into the existing intermittent stream. Mr. McGlone suggests having the owners monitor the pond for Trapa bispinosa seeds, although none were observed during Ms. Hunter-Nickels’ visit.
Richardson A&F District Renewal
This 40-acre property in Centreville, known as Bull Run Stables, consists of 28.5-acres of pasture and houses 30 horses. The property has a pond and intermittent stream but no RPA. The pastures are well maintained and heavily used, manure is spread on them, and they are reseeded annually. The manure is piled in an uncovered bin without a base, then transported to piles at the corners of the fields.
Manure and soil samples were sent to the lab, but the manure test results were not returned before the TRC meeting.
The plan recommends the following:
- Manage manure with a larger bin with an impermeable base and a cover.
- Follow the nutrient management plan for the pastures and, over time, reduce the stocking rate to 1 horse per 2-acres.
- Enhance the buffer around the intermittent stream by planting trees and installing tree protection.
- Manage Autumn olive by cutting and painting the stubs with glyphosate.
A motion (Koerner-McGlone) to recommend the Colchester Conservation Plan for approval by the NVSWCD Board at their April meeting passes without objection.
A motion (Koerner-McGlone) to recommend approval of the Richardson Conservation Plan by the NVSWCD Board at their April meeting, contingent upon the manure results being returned and the nutrient management plan being finalized before the board meeting, passes without objection.
CAP-VCAP PROGRAM
Ms. Fraser presented seven new applications to the CAP and VCAP programs.
Pickering Rain Garden: McLean, Dranesville District, Pimmit Run Watershed
- Rain garden will be located in the rear of the house and capture runoff from two downspouts.
- Size – 221 ft2; Cost Estimate - $7,697.70; Cost-Share Request - $6,158.16.
- The Committee recommended swapping New York Aster for the New England Aster.
Mediterranean Villa Cluster Conservation Landscaping: Reston, Hunter Mill District, Difficult Run Watershed
- For eroded area between rows of townhomes, cluster proposes large native planting project with logs to break up the slope.
- Size – 2,500 ft2; Cost Estimate - $19,185; Cost-Share Request - $7,000.
- The Committee recommends ensuring the placement of the logs does not direct runoff against the retaining wall.
Kirk Conservation Landscaping: City of Alexandria, Holmes Run Watershed
- Homeowner wishes to convert current dry creek bed into a vegetated filter strip.
- Size – 450 ft2; Cost Estimate - $8,750; Cost-Share Request - $7,000.
- The Committee recommends not using the Ruby Spice cultivar since it will not be as attractive to pollinators as the straight species. The Committee also recommends using more cardinalis and less Blue lobelia due to the wet conditions.
Klein Conservation Landscaping: City of Alexandria, Four Mile Run Watershed
- New owners of the house put forth a straightforward plan to install natives and direct runoff from two downspouts into new plantings.
- Size – 420 ft2; Cost Estimate - $9,326.49; Cost-Share Request - $7,000.
- The Committee recommends testing the soil for pH and subbing in azaleas if the acidity is high.
Waymouth Conservation Landscaping: Springfield, Springfield District. Pohick Creek Watershed
- Project will plant natives, remove bamboo, and do work in the RPA.
- The owner is currently applying for RPA permissions from the county.
- Size – 1,380 ft2; Cost Estimate - $17,727.57; Cost-Share Request - $7,000
Treger Conservation Landscaping: Braddock District, Accotink Creek Watershed
- Owners would like to plant natives in and around an area that includes 50 ft2 of flagstone steppers which would be removed.
- Size – 480 ft2 with 50 ft2 of impervious surface removal; Cost Estimate - $8,827; Cost-Share Request - $7,250.
- Ms. Fraser asks if the removal of the flagstones should be considered impervious surface removal. After discussion, the Committee agrees that it can be due to specific characteristics of the stones, but future projects like this will be judged on a case-by-case basis.
Vernon Conservation Landscaping: Alexandria, Mount Vernon District, Little Hunting Creek Watershed
- Back and side yards have inherited ivy and other invasive species.
- Homeowner plans to replant with all grasses and sedges and stabilize the steep site with jute netting.
- Size – 680 ft2; Cost Estimate - $9,877.40; Cost-Share Request - $7,000
A motion (Koerner-Schwartz) to approve all applications except the impervious surface removal portion of the Treger project passes without objections.
A motion (Koerner-Perpall) to approve the impervious surface removal portion of the Treger project passes without objections and includes the following stipulations:
- The project is approved due to the unique characteristics of the steppingstones—specifically their large size, close spacing and lack of a base drainage layer.
- This approval does not create a precedent.
- Any similar projects brought before the Committee in the future will be judged on a case-by-case basis.
April 2024 CAP-VCAP Applications
|
Applicant |
Program |
Location |
Supervisor District |
Watershed |
Type |
Size
|
1. Total Estimated 2. Reimbursement |
|
Pickering |
VCAP |
McLean |
Dranesville |
Pimmit Run |
RG |
221 SF |
|
|
Mediterranean Villa Cluster |
VCAP |
Reston |
Hunter Mill |
Difficult Run |
CL |
2,500 SF |
|
|
Kirk |
VCAP |
Alexandria |
City of Alexandria |
Cameron Run |
CL |
450 SF |
|
|
Klein |
VCAP |
Alexandria |
City of Alexandria |
Four Mile Run |
CL |
420 SF |
|
|
Waymouth |
CAP |
Springfield |
Springfield |
Pohick Creek |
CL |
1,380 SF |
|
|
Treger |
CAP |
Annandale |
Braddock |
Accotink Creek |
CL ISR |
480 SF CL 50 SF ISR |
|
|
Vernon |
CAP |
Alexandria |
Mount Vernon |
Little Hunting Creek |
CL |
680 SF |
|
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11:40 am.