Board of Directors Meeting Minutes - June 25, 2024

Approved July 30, 2024

 

 

NVSWCD Directors and Associate Directors Dana Barakat, Director* Rhonda Bitterli, Director Adria Bordas, Director Scott Cameron, Director* Chris Koerner, Director Sam Butler, Associate Director* Johnna Gagnon, Associate Director* Jim McGlone, Associate Director Jerry Peters, Associate Director John Peterson, Associate Director*

Cooperating Agency Representatives Debbie Cross, Virginia DCR Casey Iames, NRCS   Guests Bill Lecos, Lake Barcroft WID* Noelia Guevara, VCE Intern

NVSWCD Staff Members Willie Woode, Executive Director Scott Baron, Urban Conservation Specialist Heather Colter, Urban Conservation Specialist Meghan Cunha, Urban Conservation 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 Ashley Palmer, Communication & Education Specialist Aldo Reyes, NVSWCD Summer Intern Dan Schwartz, Soil Scientist* Heather Shackley, Operations Manager     *Participated Remotely

 

 

Welcome and Introductions

Mr. Koerner welcomed all to the meeting and noted there was a quorum with three board members present.

 

Mr. Cameron and Ms. Barakat were unable to attend today’s meeting due to personal reasons and requested permission to participate remotely. 

A motion (Bordas-Bitterli) to allow Mr. Cameron and Ms. Barakat to participate remotely passed by voice vote.

 

Minutes: May 28, 2024; May 30, 2024; May 31, 2024

Mr. Koerner reported that Ms. Bitterli had reviewed the minutes of the May 28, 2024 board meeting and that they had been distributed in advance of the meeting.

 

A motion (Bitterli-Bordas) to approve the minutes of the May 28, 2024 board meeting passed by voice vote.

 

A motion (Bitterli-Bordas) to approve the minutes of the May 30, 2024 special Annual Plan of Work board meeting passed by voice vote.

 

Ms. Bitterli noted that during the Annual Plan of Work meeting the group brainstormed its Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats on easel paper.  She recommended adding these bullet lists to the minutes of that meeting.  Ms. Shackley said that the easel paper lists were being transcribed and suggested that they could be added as an attachment to the minutes.  Ms. Bitterli indicated that this was acceptable.

 

A motion (Bitterli-Barakat) to approve the minutes of the May 31, 2024 special Partnership Programs board meeting passed by voice vote.

 

Legislative Committee Report

The Legislative Committee met on June 12, 2024. 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, July 10, 2024 and will be an in-person meeting.

 

Appointment of the extension agent to the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) Board of Directors (BOD) will be added to the agenda for the July 30, 2024 BOD meeting.

 

VASWCD Draft Solar Policy

A motion (Cameron-Barakat) to approve the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts’ draft solar policy and forward it to Area II passed by voice vote.

 

Ms. Cross suggested the policy be forwarded in “track changes” mode in Microsoft Word, showing the changes suggested by the NVSWCD board. Mr. Cameron and Mr. Koerner agreed.

 

Treasurer’s Report –May 2024

Mr. Koerner reported that the Treasurer’s Report for May 2024 had been distributed in advance of the meeting.  Hearing no comments, the Treasurer’s Report for May 2024 was accepted by consensus to be filed for audit.

 

Technical Review Committee

Ms. Bordas reported that the Technical Review Committee (TRC) met on June 12, 2024, to review one new Soil and Water Quality Conservation Plan, five new Conservation Assistance Program-Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (CAP/VCAP) applications and nine CAP/VCAP reimbursement requests. The details of these projects had been included in the TRC Report in the board package:

 

Conservation Plans

• Krop A&F District Renewal

 

A motion (Bordas-Barakat) to approve the Soil and Water Quality Conservation Plan as outlined above passed by voice vote.

 

FY 2025 Draft CAP Policies

Ms. Bordas introduced several draft CAP policies to be considered for implementation in FY 2025. The draft policies had been included in the board package. She noted that the policies applied to county CAP projects only, not state-funded VCAP projects.

 

A motion (Bordas-Barakat) to approve the FY 2025 draft CAP policies passed by voice vote.

 

New CAP/VCAP Applications

 

• Joyce Conservation Landscaping: Springfield, Springfield District, Pohick Creek Watershed
  Size – 600 ft²; Cost Estimate - $8,506.20; Cost-Share Request - $6,804.96.
• Springfield Oaks Conservation Landscaping – Sites 1 and 2: Springfield, Mount Vernon District, Accotink Creek Watershed
  Size – 8,798 ft² for site 1; 9,369 ft² for site 2; Cost Estimate – to be determined; Cost-Share Request - $7,000.
• Cole Conservation Landscaping: McLean, Dranesville District, Pimmit Run Watershed
  Size – 3,372 ft²; Cost Estimate - $23,572; Cost-Share Request - $7,000.
• Maddox Conservation Landscaping: City of Fairfax, Pohick Creek Watershed
  Size – 3,650 ft²; Cost Estimate - $23,650.78; Cost-Share Request - $7,000.

 

A motion (Bordas-Barakat) to approve the CAP/VCAP applications outlined above, with the exception of Springfield Oaks, passed by voice vote.

Reimbursements

• Dalesio Conservation Landscaping: Annandale, Braddock District, Accotink Creek Watershed
  Size – 730 ft²; Total Cost - $15,290; Cost-Share Request - $7,000
• Quinn Rain Garden: Falls Church, Providence District, Cameron Run Watershed
  Size – 200 ft²; Total Cost - $5,672.59; Cost-Share Request - $4,364.03
• Pickering Rain Garden: McLean, Dranesville District, Pimmit Run Watershed
  Size – 221 ft²; Total Cost - $7,885.32; Cost-Share Request - $6,158.16
• Shackley Conservation Landscaping and Impervious Surface Removal – Sites 1 and 2: Springfield, Braddock District, Accotink Creek Watershed
  Site 1: Size – 1,892 ft² planting with 57 ft2 impervious removal; Total Cost - $19,440; Cost-Share Request - $7,285.
  Site 2: Size – 870 ft² planting with 530 ft2 impervious removal; Total Cost - $9,990; Cost-Share Request - $8,002.
• Halstead Glen Conservation Landscaping: Reston, Hunter Mill District, Difficult Run Watershed

Size – 225 ft²; Total Cost - $2,163.95; Cost-Share Request - $1,731.16

• Crosby Conservation Landscaping: Great Falls, Dranesville District, Pond Branch Watershed
  Size – 1,300 ft²; Cost Estimate - $17,680; Cost-Share Request - $7,000.
• Thomas Conservation Landscaping: Centreville, Sully District, Cub Run Watershed
  Size – 550 ft²; Cost Estimate - $8,999; Cost-Share Request - $6,786
• Treger Conservation Landscaping and Impervious Surface Removal: Annandale, Braddock District, Accotink Creek Watershed
  Size – 480 ft² planting and 50 ft2 impervious removal; Cost Estimate - $8,566.98; Cost-Share Request - $7,103.58

A motion (Bordas-Barakat) to approve all nine CAP/VCAP reimbursements as outlined above passed by voice vote.

 

FY 25 Virginia Agricultural Cost-Share BMP Secondary Considerations

Ms. Hunter-Nickels asked the board to approve the FY 25 Virginia Agricultural Cost-Share BMP Secondary Considerations to help prioritize cost-share applications as is required by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

 

A motion (Bordas-Barakat) to approve the FY 25 Virginia Agricultural Cost-Share BMP Secondary Considerations passed by voice vote.

 

Next Meeting of the Technical Review Committee

The next meeting of the TRC will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

 

Status of Existing MOUs with Other Jurisdictions

Ms. Fraser reported on existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) between the district and the City of Fairfax and the City of Alexandria, neither of which has a termination date. Ms. Fraser stated that Arlington and the City of Falls Church have requested that NVSWCD establish MOUs as well, and the district needs to determine how to defray the costs of working with non-Fairfax County residents. Mr. Woode recommended the district draft new MOUs that would adequately compensate for staff time when working outside of Fairfax County. Ms. Fraser noted that site visits that are already scheduled prior to termination of the existing MOUs with residents of the City of Fairfax and City of Alexandria would go ahead as planned.

 

What followed was a discussion about the best process and timing for terminating existing MOUs.

 

A motion (Barakat-Bordas) authorizing the Executive Director to send a letter to Fairfax City and the City of Alexandria requesting termination of the current MOU’s effective September 30, 2024, passed by voice vote.

 

Finance Committee Report

The Finance Committee met on June 20, 2024 and recommended the board approve the following actions:

• Approval of a Market Rate Adjustment of 2% for all staff effective July 1, 2024. This percentage is the same as that provided by Fairfax County to its employees.
• Approval to change UCS I position, currently vacant, from limited-term to full time with benefits.
• Approval to change Operations Manager position from .8 FTE to 1.0 FTE effective July 1, 2024.

 

A motion (Koerner-Barakat) to approve the three actions as presented in the Finance Committee report passed by voice vote.

 

Annual Plan of Work and Strategic Plan

 

Acknowledge review of Annual Plan of Work for FY 24

 

A motion (Barakat-Bordas) to acknowledge review of the NVSWCD Annual Plan of Work for FY 24 passed by voice vote.

 

Approval of NVSWCD Annual Plan of Work for FY 25

 

A motion (Bordas-Bitterli) to approve the NVSWCD Annual Plan of Work for FY 25 passed by voice vote.

 

Approval of NVSWCD Policy Manual

 

Ms. Shackley thanked everyone for their comments and suggestions on the policy manual.

 

A motion (Bitterli-Barakat) to approve the revised NVSWCD policy manual passed by voice vote.

 

Authority to Chair to Sign FY 25 DCR Grant Agreements

The draft FY 25 DCR grant agreements were included in the board package.  These documents are scheduled to be finalized by the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board at its meeting this week.   It was suggested that the board delegate authority to Mr. Cameron to sign the FY 25 DCR Grant Agreements when the final versions are available.  The NVSWCD BOD can then ratify the agreements at its July 30, 2024 meeting.

 

A motion (Bordas-Barakat) to delegate authority to Mr. Cameron to sign FY25 DCR Grant Agreements passed by voice vote.

Ad Hoc Trapa Committee Report

Mr. Baron reported that the Trapa committee met on June 11, 2024. He stated that 20 ponds are being treated on HOA and Fairfax County Park Authority property and that early results look promising. Mr. Baron also said the committee is looking to more widely publicize the Trapa eradication program.

 

Green Breakfast

Ms. Feth reported the next Green Breakfast will be Saturday, July 13, 2024 and will feature Nancy Rybicki, retired USGS hydrologist, NVSWCD Urban Conservation Specialist Sophia Wood, and Sara Tangren from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments discussing Trapa bispinosa. Dr. David Luther, a biologist at George Mason University, has agreed to do a presentation at the September Green Breakfast.

 

Tree Commission

Mr. Peters reported on the June 13, 2024 Tree Commission meeting:

• Adam Lepera, Chief of Fairfax County Land Development Services Conservation Division, gave a presentation addressing data on how many developments require waivers for deviations from regulations on tree planting and preservation.
• Jerry Stonefield from the Fairfax County Planning and Zoning Department presented proposed amendments to the Chesapeake Bay Ordinance as they affect tree preservation.

• The Fairfax County Tree Canopy survey, conducted every five to seven years, indicates tree canopy in the county has increased 2-4%; this could be a result of better technology, or the spread of invasives.

 

Other Items—Directors, Associates, Consultants

• Ms. Bordas welcomed the Virginia Cooperative Extension summer intern Noelia Guevara.
• Dr. McGlone reported that the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) has released the 2023 State of the Forest report. He also announced a new VDOF program, “Riparian Forests for Landowners,” that provides flexible, no-cost riparian forest buffer installation and one year of maintenance to landowners.

 

Hearing no other items, Mr. Koerner 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 Potomac Watershed Roundtable (PWR) nominating committee met on June 20, 2024 to discuss nominating Robert Pickett as acting chair until a permanent chair is elected.
• The PWR nominating committee also voted to forward Penny Gross’ application for Citizen of the Watershed to the roundtable at the next PWR meeting on Friday, July 12, 2024.
• Mr. Woode introduced Heather Colter, the district’s new Urban Conservation Specialist, who will be working on the new Local Stormwater Flooding Assistance Program.
• Mr. Woode introduced Aldo Reyes, the district’s summer intern funded by the Mt. Vernon Kiwanis Club.
• Fairfax County approved the NVSWCD FY 25 budget, including a 2% salary adjustment for all staff.

 

Staff Presentations, Reports and Announcements

• Ms. Hunter-Nickels congratulated Ms. Cross on her induction into the National Association of Conservation Districts’ Southeast Region Hall of Fame.

 

Cooperating Agencies

Fairfax County Department of Public Works, Stormwater Planning Division

Ms. Barfield reported that the new Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Stormwater Management Handbook will become effective on July 1, 2024. She also noted that the Fairfax County Stormwater Planning Division assisted the Urban Forest Management Division and the Community of Practice on a tour of the Culmore neighborhood in Falls Church to observe low tree canopy areas with a high heat index.

 

Fairfax County Health Department

Mr. Shannon was unable to participate in today’s meeting.

 

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ms. Cross provided updates from her report, which was 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 was unable to participate in today’s meeting.

 

Adjournment

A motion (Bordas-Bitterli) to adjourn the meeting at 11:38 am passed by voice vote.

 

Respectfully submitted,

____________________________________________________		____________________________________________________
Trish Feth, Communication Specialist		Rhonda Bitterli, Secretary

____________________________________________________

Approved Date

 

The next regular business meeting of the NVSWCD Board of Directors will be held on
July 30, 2024, at 9:30 am

Technical Review Committee Meeting Minutes- June 12, 2024

Approved July 30 2024

June 2024 Technical Review Committee Meeting Summary

A hybrid meeting held in the Suite 921 of the Herrity Building and virtually via Microsoft Teams.

June 12^th, 2024

Ms. Bordas called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. Those present included:

• Adria Bordas, Director and Committee Chair, NVSWCD
• Rhonda Bitterli, Director, NVSWCD
• Chris Koerner, Director, NVSWCD
• Jim McGlone, NVSWCD Associate Director
• Willie Woode, Executive Director, NVSWCD
• Morgan Perpall, DPWES-SWPD*
• Carly Campbell, VCE Loudoun
• Eleni Casanedes, VCE Lodoun
• Noelia Lobo, VCE Fairfax
• Scott Baron, NVSWCD*
• Meghan Cunha, NVSWCD
• Judy Fraser, NVSWCD
• Heather Hunter-Nickels
• Don Lacquement, NVSWCD
• Ashley Palmer, NVSWCD*
• Dan Schwartz, NVSWCD

* =Virtual Attendance

 

INTRODUCTIONS
The new staff (Ms. Campbell) and intern (Ms. Casanedes) from the VCE Loudoun office introduced themselves, as did Ms. Lobo, the new intern for the VCE Fairfax office. All others introduced themselves for the good of these first time attendees.

 

MINUTES

The Committee reviewed the minutes from the May 14th, 2024, meeting. A motion to approve the minutes (Fraser – Bitterli)  passed without objection.

 

CAP-VCAP PROGRAM
 

NEW POLICIES

Ms. Fraser introduced several draft policies for the CAP program to be considered for implementation in FY 2025. These policies will only apply to CAP projects reimbursed from county funds, not state-funded VCAP projects.

1. Impervious Surface Removal: Three changes are proposed.
   1. Conversion of an impervious surface to a grid-stabilized gravel would qualify for reimbursement. This project is akin to a permeable grid paver system, but without the deep bed of drainage gravel below. The plastic grid would prevent the gravel from compacting, so the system should remain more permeable than pavement.
   2. Removing a shed or other small structure or a swimming pool would qualify as a reimbursable Impervious Surface Removal project.
   3. The cost-share rate for all impervious surface removal projects would increase from $5/ft² to $10/ft².

Discussion: The Committee discussed whether the soil under a grid stabilized gravel surface would have enough porosity. Further soil amendments may be needed on a case-by-case basis. The Committee asked whether grass could be grown on the stabilized gravel. Ms. Fraser thinks it would be difficult given the poor growing conditions and shade from parked cars.

 

2. Conservation Landscaping: Two changes are proposed
   1. Create a new Conservation Landscaping-Stormwater Conveyance subcomponent to allow for native replanting of small strips of eroding land that must also convey runoff and allow for foot traffic. Applicable to areas like the pathways between or behind rows of townhomes. The maximum cost-share for such projects would increase to $10,000.
   2. Use a minimum size in lieu of a ranking score as the criteria for which conservation landscaping projects are funded. Projects that are either 400 square feet or larger or 50% of the property’s turf surface area will automatically be eligible for funding. This criteria matches specifications of a pilot project that the state is launching.

 

3. Soil Amendment: Soil amendment was approved as a reimbursable project in FY24, but a reimbursement rate was not set. The proposed cost share rate is $5/ft² with a cap of $7,000.

Discussion: Mr. Schwartz says that specifications for soil amendments can be borrowed from existing sources such as the DEQ BMP Clearinghouse, VCAP’s Impervious Surface Removal specs, and the Virginia Tech Soil Profile Rebuilding standard.
 

4. Green Roof: Remove the 200 ft² size minimum and allow for non-native plants to be used.

Discussion: The Committee recommends stipulating that non-natives are fine so long as they are also non-invasive.

 

 

NEW PROCEDURES

Ms. Fraser presented several new procedures for the the CAP-VCAP programs in FY25. This is strictly informational, and no action is needed from the Committee.

 

1. The HOA/community support affirmation will be requested earlier in the application process. This will protect NVSWCD staff from spending lots of time on projects that may not have the support of HOA boards and other decision makers.
2. CAP forms will be revised to be similar to the current VCAP forms.
3. Ms. Fraser has told staff at Alexandria and Fairfax City that we would like to change the VAP MOUs so that we will receive some payment for our site visits to their citizens. While both jurisdictions have received this notice, neither have responded with any indication of whether or not they agree. The NVSWCD Board must decide if we will continue with the existing MOUs or end them. Ms. Bordas says she will be meeting with the Mayor of Fairfax City soon and will bring up the issue.
4. Arlington and Falls Church have expressed interest in entering MOUs with us to bring VCAP to their citizens.
5. The state VCAP Steering Committee is requiring that all applications be submitted to them a week earlier starting in FY25. This puts the submission deadline ahead of the Technical Review Committee meeting. This puts NVSWCD in a position of submitting applications to the Steering Committee then rescinding any applications that the Committee does not approve. Ms. Bordas suggests polling Committee members and NVSWCD staff to see if moving the TRC meeting date earlier in the month would be feasible.

 

 

NEW APPLICATIONS
Ms. Fraser and Ms. Cunha presented five new CAP-VCAP applications.

 

Joyce Conservation Landscaping: Springfield, Springfield District, Pohick Creek Watershed

• Applicant proposes 600 sf planting project to vegetate a big, soggy area in backyard.
• A county stormwater inlet sits on the left side of the property.
• Project includes steel-edged walking path.
• Size – 600 ft²; Cost Estimate - $8,506.20; Cost-Share Request - $6,804.96.
• Committee Recommendations:
  • Do not cost-share the steel-edging for the path and recommend it be removed.
  • Replace Baptisia australis with Baptisia tincturia.
  • Warn the applicant that one of the chosen species spreads aggressively.

Springfield Oaks Conservation Landscaping – Sites 1 and 2: Springfield, Mount Vernon District, Accotink Creek Watershed

• Large HOA wants to install two very large conservation landscaping projects to quickly vegetate eroded areas of the community.
• Site 1 is a revision of a plan submitted the previous month that was returned to the HOA with the Committee’s recommendations. Site 2 is a new site.
• Planting plans for both sites use a huge amount of quart-sized Pennsylvania sedge to quickly vegetate the areas.
• Size – 8,798 ft² for site 1; 9,369 ft² for site 2; Cost Estimate – to be determined; Cost-Share Request - $7,000.
• The Committee felt that revisions are still needed to the planting plans before they can be recommended for approval. The Committee’s recommendations are as follows:
  • For Site 1, keep the general idea of the current plan but increase the spacing of the sedges and use plugs instead of quarts – or - use Frigaria virginiana instead of the sedges since it is a very fast spreader. The proposed number of sedge quart pots seems excessive and will likely damage the roots of existing trees.
  • For Site 2, consider planting with a mix of Pennsylvania sedge and Virginia rye as a nurse crop. The Rye will grow quickly and give the community the quick vegetation it wants, while also protecting the young sedges, or
  • Consider seeding rather than using potted plants. This will reduce costs and root disturbance greatly, although species selection will likely have to change.

 

Cole Conservation Landscaping: McLean, Dranesville District, Pimmit Run Watershed

• A big project on a steep hill with some existing terraces.
• The planting plan uses logs to slow runoff velocity.
• Size – 3,372 ft²; Cost Estimate - $23,572; Cost-Share Request - $7,000.
• Committee recommendations:
  • Use plugs for the plant species used in larger numbers in the plan.
  • The Rhododendron maximum looks out of place. Consider a replacement species.

 

Maddox Conservation Landscaping: City of Fairfax, Pohick Creek Watershed

• A total conversion of the front yard from turf to natives.
• Size – 3,650 ft²; Cost Estimate - $23,650.78; Cost-Share Request - $7,000.
• Committee recommendations:
  • Consider adding in a mulched path or two for access toethe yard and house.

 

REIMBURSEMENTS
Ms. Fraser and Ms. Cunha presented nine reimbursement requests.

Dalesio Conservation Landscaping: Annandale, Braddock District, Accotink Creek Watershed

• Size – 730 ft²; Total Cost - $15,290; Cost-Share Request - $7,000

 

Quinn Rain Garden: Falls Church, Providence District, Cameron Run Watershed

• Applicant is very happy but the project needs a deer fence.
• Size – 200 ft²; Total Cost - $5,672.59; Cost-Share Request - $4,364.03
• Committee recommendations: Ms. Bordas will share a simple design for a DIY deer fence made from fishing line.

 

Pickering Rain Garden: McLean, Dranesville District, Pimmit Run Watershed

• A great looking rain garden in the backyard of the property.
• Size – 221 ft²; Total Cost - $7,885.32; Cost-Share Request - $6,158.16

 

Shackley Conservation Landscaping and Impervious Surface Removal – Sites 1 and 2: Springfield, Braddock District, Accotink Creek Watershed

• A big change to the backyard with multiple individual projects at two locations, including: conversion of a bamboo stand to natives, conversion of a steep slope to a native bed with coir log terraces, and the removal of an impervious patio and conversion to plantings in both locations.
• Site 1: Size – 1,892 ft² planting with 57 ft² impervious removal; Total Cost - $19,440; Cost-Share Request - $7,285.
• Site 2: Size – 870 ft² planting with 530 ft² impervious removal; Total Cost - $9,990; Cost-Share Request - $8,002.

 

Halstead Glen Conservation Landscaping: Reston, Hunter Mill District, Difficult Run Watershed

• Phase 1 of a 3-phase DIY community project. The project is being spaced out over several growing seasons to see which plants grow best and adjust the planting plan accordingly.
• Size – 225 ft²; Total Cost - $2,163.95; Cost-Share Request - $1,731.16

 

Crosby Conservation Landscaping: Great Falls, Dranesville District, Pond Branch Watershed

• Native plants were installed next to the homeowner’s brand-new permeable driveway.
• Underdrains from the driveway empty into the conservation landscaping.
• Size – 1,300 ft²; Cost Estimate - $17,680; Cost-Share Request - $7,000.

 

Thomas Conservation Landscaping: Centreville, Sully District, Cub Run Watershed

• Homeowner’s planted a drainage swale and directed their downspout runoff into the new plantings.
• Size – 550 ft²; Cost Estimate - $8,999; Cost-Share Request - $6,786

 

Treger Conservation Landscaping and Impervious Surface Removal: Annandale, Braddock District, Accotink Creek Watershed

• Conservation landscaping paired with the removal of an old flag stone patio.
• Size – 480 ft² planting and 50 ft² impervious removal; Cost Estimate - $8,566.98; Cost-Share Request - $7,103.58

 

 

SOIL AND WATER QUALITY CONSERVATION PLANS

Ms. Hunter-Nickels presented one Conservation Plan for review.
 

Krop A&F District Renewal

The KROP A&F District is a 22-acre property in Great Falls with 4 acres in Christmas trees, 2 acres of horse pasture, 2.5 acres in firewood/mulch, 4 acres in woods, a 16,500 ft² garden, a small pond and 40-100 chickens. The owners wish to expand the pasture to give their horses more space. The expansion would also allow for the possibility of rotational grazing. No RPA is on the property. Highlighted suggestions from the Conservation Plan include the following:

• Practice rotational grazing.
• Build covered compost bins for horse and chicken manure.
• Enhance groundcover around the firewood and mulch operations.
• Use geocells to stabilize the footing around the stables.
• Manage invasives on the property, including bamboo growing on the pond’s dam.
• Committee recommendations:
  • Ms. Bordas and Ms. Perpall provided recommendations for methods and products to use for treating the bamboo. Since it’s near water, a water-safe pesticide must be used.

 

MOTIONS

The Committee brought up all motions for approval at the end of the meeting.
 

A motion (Schwartz – Koerner) to recommend that the CAP policy changes be approved by the NVSWCD Board at their June meeting was approved unanimously.

 

A motion (McGlone – Koerner) to recommend approval by the NVSWCD Board at their June meeting of all CAP-VCAP applications and reimbursements with the exception of the Springfield Oaks applications was approved unanimously.

 

A motion (Fraser-Lacquement) to recommend approval by the NVSWCD Board at their June meeting of the Krop Soil and Water Quality Conservation Plan was approved unanimously.

 

ADJOURNMENT
A motion (McGlone-Fraser) to adjourn the meeting was approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 3:10 p.m.

June 2024 CAP-VCAP Applications

Applicant	Program	Location	Supervisor District	Watershed	Type	Size	1. Total Estimated 2.   Reimbursement
Joyce	CAP	Springfield	Springfield	Pohick Creek	CL	600 SF	$8,506.20 $6,804.96
Springfield Oaks HOA	CAP	Springfield	Mount Vernon	Accotink Creek	CL	8,798 SF	$ $7,000
Springfield Oaks HOA	CAP	Springfield	Mount Vernon	Accotink Creek	CL	9,369 SF	$ $7,000
Cole	VCAP	McLean	Dranesville	Pimmit Run	CL	3,372 SF	$23,572 $7,000
Maddox	VCAP	Fairfax	City of Fairfax	Pohick Creek	CL	3,650 SF	$23,650.78 $7,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 2024 CAP-VCAP Reimbursements

Applicant	Program	Location	Supervisor District	Watershed	Type	Size	1. Total Cost (Estimate, if different) 2.   Reimbursement
Dalesio	VCAP	Annandale	Braddock	Accotink Creek	CL	730 SF	$15,290 ($10,950) $7,000
Quinn	VCAP	Falls Church	Providence	Cameron Run	RG	200 SF	$5,672.59 ($5,455.04) $4,364.03
Pickering	VCAP	McLean	Dranesville	Pimmit Run	RG	221 SF	$7,885.32        ($7,697.70) $6,158.16
Shackley	CAP	Springfield	Braddock	Accotink Creek	CL ISR	1,892 SF 57 SF	$19,440 $7,285
Shackley	CAP	Springfield	Braddock	Accotink Creek	CL ISR	870 SF 530 SF	$9,990 $8,002
Halstead Glen	CAP	Reston	Hunter Mill	Difficult Run	CL	225 SF (Phase 1)	$2,163.95 $1,731.16
Crosby	CAP	Great Falls	Dranesville	Pond Branch	CL	1,300 SF	$17,680 ($13,916.25) $7,000
Thomas	CAP	Centreville	Sully	Cub Run	CL	550 SF	$8,999 ($8,482.50) $6,786
Treger	CAP	Annandale	Braddock	Accotink Creek	CL ISR	480 SF 50 SF	$8,566.98 ($8,827) $7,103.58