Approved September 24, 2024
Mr. Cameron called the meeting to order at 9:32 am. Those attending in person and virtually were:
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NVSWCD Directors and Associate Directors Dana Barakat, Director Rhonda Bitterli, Director Adria Bordas, Director Scott Cameron, Director Chris Koerner, Director Johnna Gagnon, Associate Director*
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Cooperating Agency Representatives Linda Barfield, DPWES Casey Iames, NRCS* Jacob Zielinski, Virginia DOF
Guests Joe Gorney, DPWES Madeline Kenerly, Virginia DOF Elizabeth Lonoff*
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NVSWCD Staff Members Willie Woode, Executive Director Eden Anderson, Urban Conservation Specialist Scott Baron, Urban Conservation Specialist Heather Colter, Urban Conservation Specialist Meghan Cunha, Urban Conservation Specialist Stacey Evers, Urban Agriculture Specialist Trish Feth, Communication and Program Specialist Judy Fraser, Urban Conservation Specialist Rebecca Grossi, GMU Bonner Leader/Intern Heather Hunter-Nickels, Ag. Water Qual. & Cons. Specialist Don Lacquement, Urban Conservation Engineer Dan Schwartz, Soil Scientist Heather Shackley, Operations Manager Sophia Wood, Urban Conservation Specialist
*Participated Remotely |
Welcome and Introductions
Mr. Cameron welcomed all to the meeting and noted there was a quorum with all five board members present.
Minutes - June 25, 2024
Ms. Bitterli reported that she had reviewed the minutes of the June 25, 2024 board meeting and that they had been distributed in advance of the meeting.
A motion (Barakat-Bitterli) to approve the minutes of the June 25, 2024 board meeting passed by voice vote.
Treasurer’s Report - June 2024
Mr. Koerner reported that the Treasurer’s Report for June 2024 had been distributed in advance of the meeting. Hearing no comments, the Treasurer’s Report for June 2024 was accepted by consensus to be filed for audit.
Technical Review Committee
Ms. Bordas introduced new district staff member Eden Anderson who will be assisting with the Conservation Assistance Program/Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (CAP/VCAP). Ms. Bordas reported that the Technical Review Committee (TRC) met on July 16, 2024, to review two new Soil and Water Quality Conservation Plans, two new CAP/VCAP applications and eight CAP/VCAP reimbursement requests. The details of these projects had been included in the TRC Report in the board package:
Conservation Plans
- Cajoll A&F District Renewal
- Mattusch A&F District Renewal
A motion (Bordas-Barakat) to approve the two Soil and Water Quality Conservation Plans as outlined above passed by voice vote.
FY 25 Virginia Agricultural Cost-Share BMP Cost Estimate Guidelines
Ms. Hunter-Nickels asked the board to approve the FY 25 Virginia Agricultural Cost-Share BMP Cost Estimate Guidelines as required by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
A motion (Bordas-Koerner) to approve the FY 25 Virginia Agricultural Cost-Share BMP Cost Estimate Guidelines passed by voice vote.
Policy Manual Changes
Ms. Fraser briefed the board on the updated VCAP policy manual that had been released by the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts on behalf of the VCAP Steering Committee on July 1, 2024. She also noted that the TRC reviewed several policy changes that would apply only to projects reimbursed from county funds.
A motion (Bordas-Barakat) to approve the CAP/VCAP policy changes passed by voice vote.
New CAP/VCAP Applications
- Matt Conservation Landscaping: City of Alexandria, Four Mile Run Watershed
Size – 1,020 ft2; Cost Estimate - $7,924.30; Cost-Share Request - $6,339.44.
- Walden Cluster Conservation Landscaping: City of Alexandria, Four Mile Run Watershed
Size – 750 ft2; Cost Estimate – $14,893; Cost-Share Request - $7,000.
- Policicchio Conservation Landscaping: City of Alexandria, Four Mile Run Watershed
Size – 2,482 ft2; Total Cost - $27,882.04; Cost-Share Request - $7,000.
- Klein Conservation Landscaping: City of Alexandria, Four Mile Run Watershed
Size – 420 ft2; Total Cost - $9,326,49; Cost-Share Request - $7,000. - DeGroff Conservation Landscaping: Herndon, Dranesville District, Sugarland Run Watershed
Size – 2,166 ft2; Total Cost - $10,685.50; Cost-Share Request - $7,000. - Cisternino Conservation Landscaping: Alexandria, Mount Vernon District, Little Hunting Creek Watershed
Size – 1,164 ft2; Total Cost - $9,295.09; Cost-Share Request - $6,999.93 - Irizzary Conservation Landscaping: Falls Church, Providence District, Cameron Run Watershed
Size– 760 ft2; Total Cost - $3,661.45; Cost-Share Request - $2,929.16
- Waymouth Conservation Landscaping: Springfield, Springfield District, Pohick Creek Watershed
Size – 1,380 ft2; Total Cost - $18,185.51; Cost-Share Request - $7,000. - Vernon Conservation Landscaping: Alexandria, Mount Vernon District, Little Hunting Creek Watershed
Size – 1,380 ft2; Total Cost - $18,185.51; Cost-Share Request - $7,000. - Yinger Conservation Landscaping: Oakton, Providence District, Difficult Run Watershed
Size – 1,884 ft2; Total Cost - $6,308.78; Cost-Share Request - $7,000.
A motion (Bordas-Barakat) to approve the two CAP/VCAP applications and eight reimbursements outlined above passed by voice vote.
Next Meeting of the Technical Review Committee
The next meeting of the TRC will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
Reappointment of Adria Bordas as Director-Extension
Mr. Cameron noted that it is time to nominate its Virginia Cooperative Extension representative to the NVSWCD Board of Directors. Ms. Bordas currently serves in this role and her term expires on December 31, 2024. This nomination will be forwarded to the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board for consideration and approval at its September 2024 meeting.
A motion (Koerner-Bitterli) to recommend Adria Bordas to the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board for appointment to the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District Board as Director-Extension passed by voice vote, with Ms. Bordas abstaining.
Legislative Committee Report
The Legislative Committee met on July 10, 2024. Mr. Cameron provided highlights from the Legislative Committee report that had been distributed in advance of the meeting. The next meeting of the Legislative Committee will be on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 and will be an in-person meeting.
Ratify FY 25 DCR Agreements
Mr. Woode presented the FY 25 Virginia DCR Admin/Ops and Virginia Agricultural Cost Share grant agreements, which had been reviewed at the last board meeting and were included in the board package and asked the board to ratify the agreements.
A motion (Koerner-Barakat) to ratify the FY 25 DCR Admin/Ops and Virginia Agricultural Cost Share grant agreements passed by voice vote.
Acknowledgement of FY 24 DCR Assessments
Mr. Woode asked the board to acknowledge review of the FY 24 DCR assessments, which had been included in the board package.
A motion (Cameron-Koerner) to acknowledge the board’s review of the FY 24 DCR assessments and congratulate the staff on an excellent performance with regard to the DCR Grants during FY 24 passed by voice vote.
EIP Grants
Trapa bispinosa Control
Mr. Baron reported that the district is requesting permission to partner with the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services to apply for a FY 26 Fairfax County Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) grant to support ongoing work to suppress the spread and reduce the fruiting of Trapa bispinosa, an invasive species commonly known as two-horned water chestnut. NVSWCD received funding for the current fiscal year. This request would seek funding for a continuation of these efforts in FY 26.
A motion (Koerner-Bordas) to approve the submission of an EIP grant request to support continuation of the Trapa bispinosa control program was approved by voice vote.
Mr. Koerner asked about changing the conditions of the grant to allow the district more flexibility in providing compensation and benefits to staff assigned to this program. It was agreed that this will be discussed at the next Finance Committee meeting.
Latino Conservation Week
Ms. Palmer was unable to attend the meeting and had asked Ms. Shackley to inform the board that Ms. Palmer is requesting approval to apply for a FY 26 Fairfax County EIP grant to continue support of Latino Conservation Week.
A motion (Bordas-Barakat) to approve the submission of an EIP Grant Request to support continuation of Latino Conservation Week was approved by voice vote.
Green Breakfast
Ms. Feth reported the Green Breakfast held on Saturday, July 13, 2024 featured Nancy Rybicki, retired USGS hydrologist; NVSWCD Urban Conservation Specialist Sophia Wood; and Ryan McIntyre, research fellow with the US Army Corps of Engineers and a graduate student at George Mason University, discussing Trapa bispinosa. Approximately 30 people attended the virtual event.
Ms. Bitterli reported on the July 11, 2024 Tree Commission (TC) meeting, where Charles Smith gave a presentation on Trees in Stream Restoration Projects. Ms. Bitterli reported that the TC submitted its 2025 legislative package. She also said that Cindy Speas, TC chair, recognized Jerry Peters for his years of service on the commission.
Other Items—Directors, Associates, Consultants
A motion (Barakat-Koerner) to approve the draft letter to the Fairfax County delegation to the Virginia General Assembly passed by voice vote.
- Mr. Koerner asked Ms. Shackley to give an update on the district’s insurance policies. Ms. Shackley reported on new business insurance policies that began on July 1, 2024. The district’s previous insurer declined to renew the policy. Ms. Shackley reported that the district’s insurance agent at Long and Foster explained that this was a nationwide trend with insurance companies limiting who and how they insure. The result of this change is that the cost for business insurance has greatly increased.
- Ms. Barakat is organizing an informational session on the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMAP) with Supervisor Walkinshaw on August 26, 2024, and asked if one of the district staff members could be a speaker at the event.
- Mr. Koerner asked Mr. Lacquement for further information on testing for fluoride in water and Mr. Schwartz for further information on soil contaminants from their respective board reports.
- Ms. Bordas announced that the Fairfax County 4-H Fair is this weekend, Thursday, August 1, through Sunday, August 8, 2024.
Hearing no other 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:
- Mr. Woode introduced Eden Anderson, the district’s new CAP/VCAP staff member.
- On July 11, 2024, Mr. Woode submitted a request for FY 25 approved contributory funds from the Fairfax County Office of Management and Budget.
- At a meeting on July 29, 2024, Fairfax County partners handed over management of the FMAP website and application form to NVSWCD.
- At the Potomac Council and Potomac Watershed Roundtable meetings held on July 12, 2024, Robert Pickett was appointed chair of the Roundtable and Penny Gross was appointed Citizen of the Watershed.
Staff Presentations, Reports and Announcements
- Ms. Feth thanked Ms. Wood for her key role in organizing the July 13, 2024 Green Breakfast.
Cooperating Agencies
Fairfax County Department of Public Works, Stormwater Planning Division
Ms. Barfield introduced Joe Gorney, who is her new supervisor. She also reported that DPWES staff will be participating in a Green Jobs program with Culmore residents.
Fairfax County Health Department
Mr. Shannon was unable to participate in today’s meeting.
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Ms. Cross was unable to participate in today’s meeting. Her written report had been included in the board package.
Natural Resources Conservation Service/USDA
Ms. Iames provided updates from her report, which was included in the board package.
Virginia Department of Forestry
Mr. Zielinski introduced Madeline Kenerly, the new Bay Watershed Specialist with the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF). Ms. Kenerly announced DOF’s Riparian Forests for Landowners program. Mr. Zielinski provided updates on the Trees for Clean Water Program and the Urban and Community Forst Grant, which will open in late August, 2024.
Adjournment
A motion (Barakat-Bordas) to adjourn the meeting at 11:41 am passed by voice vote.
Respectfully submitted,
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Trish Feth, Communication Specialist |
Rhonda Bitterli, Secretary |
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____________________________________________________
Approved Date
The next regular business meeting of the NVSWCD Board of Directors will be held on
September 24, 2024, at 9:30 am
Approved September 24, 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 10:00 a.m. Those present included:
- Adria Bordas, Committee Chair and Director, NVSWCD
- Dana Barakat, Director, NVSWCD
- Rhonda Bitterli, Director, NVSWCD
- Chris Koerner, Director, NVSWCD
- John Peterson, Associate Director, NVSWCD
- Morgan Perpall, DPWES-SWPD*
- Scott Baron, NVSWCD
- Heather Colter, NVSWCD
- Meghan Cunha, NVSWCD
- Trish Feth, NVSWCD
- Judy Fraser, NVSWCD
- Heather Hunter-Nickels, NVSWCD
- Ashley Palmer, NVSWCD*
- Dan Schwartz, NVSWCD
* =Virtual Attendance
INTRODUCTIONS
All meeting attendees introduced themselves.
MINUTES
The Committee reviewed the minutes from the June 12th, 2024, meeting. A motion to approve (Koerner - Fraser) passed without objection.
SOIL AND WATER QUALITY CONSERVATION PLANS AND AGRICULTURAL COST-SHARE
Ms. Hunter-Nickels presented two Conservation Plans for review.
Cajoll A&F District Renewal
The Cajoll A&F District is a 57-acre property in Great Falls that hosts two different equine riding and boarding operations: Gunnell’s Run Farm and Great Falls Equestrian. Gunnell’s Run needs a new nutrient management plan while Great Falls Equestrian has a plan valid for 2 more years.
An on-site pond takes in most runoff, and there is No RPA on the property. Erosion is well controlled, the pond is protected with a buffer, and no major pests of concern were observed. There are multiple manure piles on the property: one is covered and has a solid base but the others are not.
The plan includes the following recommendations:
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- Build covered storage with an impervious base to handle the manure currently stored in uncovered piles.
- Dispose of manure that can’t be spread on the field off-site
- For Gunnell’s Run, follow the new nutrient management plan.
Mattusch A&F District Renewal
The Mattusch property is a 32-acre property in Fairfax Station with 2 horses and 2 donkeys. The southern portion of the property is within the RPA and is basically a wetland. Significant bamboo stands grow along the property lines. Manure is stored in uncovered piles. Pasture is in decent shape but could be made better with rotational grazing.
The owners are currently clearing a path down to the edge of the wetland, likely to allow tractor access, but say they will not be clearing within the RPA. The path will be stabilized with grass and water bars.
The plan includes the following recommendations:
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- Advice for control of the bamboo, taken from information available on the county website.
- Have the owners contact the Engineer of the Day to see if any permits are needed for the cleared path (The owners have done so and were advised that permits are not needed).
- If planning any clearing in the RPA, get permits first.
- Create covered and impermeable storage bins for manure piles.
- Follow the nutrient management plan and improve rotational grazing to create better pasture conditions.
The Committee recommends that the access path to the wetland only needs to be wide enough for an ATV, not a tractor.
Lombardozzi Agricultural Cost-Share Update
The Lombardozzi stream crossing and buffer improvement project is complete but still requires some paperwork to close out. No action is needed by the Committee.
Program Year 2025 Cost List for Agricultural Cost-Share Practices
Ms. Hunter-Nickels presented a revision of the cost list for agricultural cost-share practices. The cost list shows estimates of average costs for projects eligible for cost-share. These numbers are created by USDA-NRCS. Ms. Hunter-Nickels has created an NVSWCD-specific version of the list to account for the higher price of contract work in Fairfax County. Her cost-list includes 25% across the board increases over NRCS prices, with the option to add an additional 15% on a case-by-case basis. The cost list will be brought to the NVSWCD Board for approval. No action is needed by the Committee.
CAP-VCAP PROGRAM
NEW APPLICATIONS
Mr. Fraser and Ms. Cunha presented two new grant applications.
Matt Conservation Landscaping: City of Alexandria, Four Mile Run Watershed
- Conversion of small duplex property in Alexandria.
- Except for small seating area in the back, project will convert entire property to native landscaping.
- Size – 1,020 ft2; Cost Estimate - $7,924.30; Cost-Share Request - $6,339.44.
Walden Cluster Conservation Landscaping: Reston, Hunter Mill District, Difficult Run Watershed
- Community wishes to replant a strip of grassy land behind row of townhouses that is a walkway and also a channel for downspout runoff. The strip is eroded and grass cover is poor.
- Plan calls for retaining a mulched walking path and surrounding it with extensive native planting. Goal is to retain a walkway to back of homes while revegetating the remaining area to combat erosion.
- Size – 750 ft2; Cost Estimate – $14,893; Cost-Share Request - $7,000.
- Committee asks for removal of two non-native species from plan: Purple coneflower and Pink turtlehead.
REIMBURSEMENTS
Ms. Fraser and Ms. Cunha presented eight requests for reimbursement.
Policicchio Conservation Landscaping: City of Alexandria, Four Mile Run Watershed
- Size – 2,482 ft2; Total Cost - $27,882.04; Cost-Share Request - $7,000.
Klein Conservation Landscaping: City of Alexandria, Four Mile Run Watershed
- A planting along the fence line of the property.
- Applicants planted the front yard at their own expense
- Size – 420 ft2; Total Cost - $9,326,49; Cost-Share Request - $7,000.
DeGroff Conservation Landscaping: Herndon, Dranesville District, Sugarland Run Watershed
- Large conversion of backyard to natives
- Size – 2,166 ft2; Total Cost - $10,685.50; Cost-Share Request - $7,000
Cisternino Conservation Landscaping: Alexandria, Mount Vernon District, Little Hunting Creek Watershed
- Project protected existing drainage swales with coir fabric and rock and planted densely around edges, and in some cases inside the swales, with diverse native plants.
- Size – 1,164 ft2; Total Cost - $9,295.09; Cost-Share Request - $6,999.93
Irizzary Conservation Landscaping: Falls Church, Providence District, Cameron Run Watershed
- A professionally designed, homeowner installed planting in the back right and back left sides of this small property.
- Size – 760 ft2; Total Cost - $3,661.45; Cost-Share Request - $2,929.16
Waymouth Conservation Landscaping: Springfield, Springfield District, Pohick Creek Watershed
- A publicly visible project abutting a park entrance path.
- Required bamboo removal and permits for working in the RPA.
- Size – 1,380 ft2; Total Cost - $18,185.51; Cost-Share Request - $7,000.
Vernon Conservation Landscaping: Alexandria, Mount Vernon District, Little Hunting Creek Watershed
- Vegetating an eroded slope mostly with grasses and sedges.
- Size – 788 ft2; Total Cost - $11,002.40; Cost-Share Request - $7,000
Yinger Conservation Landscaping: Oakton, Providence District, Difficult Run Watershed
- Planting along left and right sides of the property and near the back deck.
- Portions of the project are very steep, and the property abuts parkland.
- Size – 1,884 ft2; Total Cost - $6,308.78; Cost-Share Request - $7,000.
PROGRAM CHANGES
A new staff member, Eden Anderson, has been hired to assist with the CAP and VCAP programs.
The new VCAP Design Manual was released by the VASWCD on July 1st, 2024.
A National Fish and Wildlife Federation (NFWF) Grant was received by VASWCD. Grant funds will be used to pay up to 100% cost reimbursement for lower income applicants, applicants residing in lower income census tracts, or for public-facing projects in any location.
Revisions to the existing Memorandums of Understanding with the City of Fairfax and City of Alexandria were brought to the attention of staff from both jurisdictions. The revisions will ask for a set reimbursement of $750 for each site visit made to a property within either city’s limits. The reimbursements will cover the costs of staff time and mileage. It appears that the City of Fairfax will agree to the new terms, but the City of Alexandria will likely not and may opt to end their participation in the VCAP program. All existing applications in Alexandria will be honored, and spot checks on existing projects will also continue. Once a final decision from either jurisdiction is made, the new MOU will be presented to the Board for official adoption.
POLICY CHANGES
Ms. Fraser introduced several suggested policy changes for the CAP program. These policies will only apply to CAP projects reimbursed from county funds, not state-funded VCAP projects.
- Cost overages of ≤10% over the approved project budget can be administratively approved. The overage would still go to the Board for official approval, but the applicant would not have to wait an additional month to see if the overage is accepted.
- The cost-share rate for soil amendments will be set at $5 per square foot with a $3,000 cap.
- Invasive plant replacement will qualify for the CAP program. If invasive plants are replaced with conservation landscaping, the project qualifies for the reimbursement rate afforded all conservation landscaping projects. If the invasive species are replaced with turf, the cost share rate is $5 per square foot with a $3,000 cap. Eligibility will be on a case by case basis using staff-developed criteria. The criteria will emphasize tough, woody invasives (Bush honeysuckle, Autumn olive, etc.) that require extra labor to remove.
- The 100% cost-share available to specified applicants (low income, living in a low income census tract, or community facing projects) through the National Fish and Wildlife Grant will be continued in the CAP service area after the NFWF grant funds are expended.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Committee discussed moving the date of their meetings to either the first or second Tuesday of the month, or to an earlier Thursday. After discussion, Committee members agreed to keep the meeting date as-is (the 3rd Tuesday of the month).
MOTIONS
The Committee brought up all motions for approval at the end of the meeting.
A motion (Koerner – Hunter-Nickels) to recommend that the NVSWCD Board approve all CAP-VCAP applications and reimbursements passed without objection.
A motion (Fraser-Koerner) to recommend approval of the Cajoll and Mattusch Soil and Water Quality Conservation Plans by the NVSWCD Board at their September meeting passed without objection.
A motion (Fraser - Koerner) to recommend that the NVSWCD Board approve the CAP policy changes passed without objection.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion (Hunter-Nickels - Schwartz) to adjourn the meeting was approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 11:43 a.m.
July 2024 CAP-VCAP Applications
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Applicant |
Program |
Location |
Supervisor District |
Watershed |
Type |
Size
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1. Total Estimated 2. Reimbursement |
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Matt |
VCAP |
Alexandria |
City of Alexandria |
Four Mile Run |
CL |
1,020 SF |
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Walden Cluster Association |
CAP |
Reston |
Hunter Mill |
Difficult Run |
CL |
750 SF |
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July 2024 CAP-VCAP Reimbursements
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Applicant |
Program |
Location |
Supervisor District |
Watershed |
Type |
Size
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1. Total Cost 2. Reimbursement |
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Policicchio |
VCAP |
Alexandria |
City of Alexandria |
Four Mile Run |
CL |
2,482 SF |
($27,882.04)
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Klein |
VCAP |
Alexandria |
City of Alexandria |
Four Mile Run |
CL |
420 SF |
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DeGroff |
VCAP |
Herndon |
Dranesville |
Sugarland Run |
CL |
2,166 SF |
($10,685.50)
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Cisternino |
CAP |
Alexandria |
Mount Vernon |
Little Hunting Creek |
CL |
1,164 SF (1,100 SF) |
($8,749.91)
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Irizarry |
CAP |
Falls Church |
Providence |
Cameron Run |
CL |
760 SF |
($4,290.96)
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Waymouth |
CAP |
Springfield |
Springfield |
Pohick Creek |
CL |
1,380 SF |
($17,727.57)
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Vernon |
CAP |
Alexandria |
Mount Vernon |
Little Hunting Creek |
CL |
788 SF (680 SF) |
($9,877.40)
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Yinger |
CAP |
Oakton |
Providence |
Difficult Run |
CL |
1,884 SF |
($5,898.83)
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