*Participated Remotely

Welcome and Introductions

Mr. Peters welcomed all to the meeting and noted there was a quorum of board members present.

 

Minutes February 28, 2023

Mr. Koerner reported that he had reviewed the minutes of the February 28, 2023 meeting of the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) Board of Directors and that they had been distributed in advance of the meeting.

 

A motion (Koerner-Billger) to approve the minutes of the February 28, 2023 meeting was approved by voice vote.

 

Treasurer’s Report – February 2023

Mr. Koerner reported that the Treasurer’s Report for February 2023 had been distributed in advance of the meeting.  Hearing no comments, the Treasurer’s Report for February 2023 was accepted by consensus to be filed for audit.

 

 

District FY 21/FY 22 Audit Representation Letter

Mr. Koerner reported that he and Mr. Woode had signed on behalf of the district an Audit Representation Letter for the audit of the district’s accounts completed in December, 2022.  This letter was the last piece of information needed by the auditors before completing the audit.  A copy of the letter had been included in the board package.  Mr. Koerner congratulated Mr. Woode and Ms. Shackley for their continued excellent work on the district’s finances.

 

Technical Review Committee

Ms. Bordas reported that the Technical Review Committee met on March 21, 2023 to review new Conservation Assistance Program-Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (CAP-VCAP) applications and reimbursements and one CAP-Energy application. The committee also received an update on a previously reviewed application and one recently installed project.

 

New CAP-VCAP Applications

Kelly/Williams

Conservation Landscaping, Falls Church, Cameron Run Watershed, Providence District.  Size – 740 ft²; Total Cost - $7,510.01; Cost-Share - $6,008.

 

Kelly/Williams

Impervious Surface Removal with Porous Paving and Conservation Landscaping, Falls Church, Cameron Run Watershed, Providence District. Size - 325 ft² impervious surface removal, 300 ft² conservation landscaping, 100 ft² permeable paving; Cost - $9,959.16; Cost-Share - $7,263.51.

 

Cloyd

Conservation Landscaping, Vienna, Difficult Run Watershed, Hunter Mill District.  The TRC recommended approval pending some changes to the proposed plants.  Size – 1,250 ft²; Total cost - $6,474.15; Cost-share - $5,179.32

 

Stanonik

Conservation Landscaping, Falls Church, Cameron Run Watershed, Providence District

(Update on Previously Approved Application)

Ms. Bordas noted that this project was reviewed in February and returned to the applicant with suggestions to either revise the planting plan with more moisture tolerant species or confirm that the current plan is suitable for the site. The applicant and designer confirm the current planting plan, stating that the site is drier than it appears. No further action was needed from the TRC.  Size – 1,187 ft²; Cost - $14,936.45; Cost-Share - $7,000.

 

A motion (Bordas-Koerner) to approve the CAP/VCAP applications as outlined above and presented to the TRC in March was approved by voice vote.

 

Twyman

Conservation Landscaping – Alexandria, Dogue Creek Watershed, Mount Vernon District.  The TRC was not in favor of advancing the project as-is. Size - 200 ft²; Total cost - $9,335.74; Cost-share - $7,000.

 

Following discussion at the TRC, Ms. Bordas reported that this project will be returned to the applicant with the suggestion to contact Fairfax County MSMD to inspect the storm drain, change the planting plan, and reduce or justify the current price.  A modified application will be brought through the TRC once concerns are addressed.

 

 

 

CAP Energy Application

The TRC also presented information on a CAP Energy Application from the Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church in Burke, Springfield District, for replacement of a hot water heater, stove, and refrigerator with energy efficient models. The total cost is $4,824.49 with a cost share of $2,412.25.   Ms. Bordas noted that this application is presented to the board for its information only.  The project is reviewed by staff at the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC), and no action is required from the NVSWCD board.

 

Other Business

Finally, Ms. Bordas reported that Charles Smith, a Branch Chief, Watershed Implementation Projects, Fairfax County Stormwater Planning Division, and a stalwart member of the TRC, has announced his retirement.  He will be transitioning from his position at the end of calendar year 2023.  Shannon Bell participated in this month’s TRC meeting and will be succeeding Mr. Smith on the TRC.

 

Next Meeting of the Technical Review Committee

The next meeting of the TRC will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

 

Legislative Committee Report

Mr. Cameron provided highlights from his Legislative Committee report which had been included in the board package.  Although the Legislative Committee did not meet in March, the report provided a summary of his activities during the month, including groundwork and initiatives to control and eradicate Trapa bispinosa and to recognize and mitigate the impacts of utility scale solar projects in Virginia.  On March 22, 2023, Mr. Cameron represented the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (VASWCD) at the annual National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) “Fly-In,” which included more than 200 participants from around the country.    Mr. Cameron noted that he will moderate a panel on solar impacts at the VASWCD Area II meeting on Wednesday, April 19, 2023.

 

Following information shared by Mr. Cameron about conversations he has had with Larry Zaragoza, the Mount Vernon Magisterial District representative to, and Chair of, the Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council, there was some discussion at the board meeting about the work the district is doing to help private landowners who are dealing with stormwater flooding problems.  Mr. Woode noted that there are already some plans in the pipeline and that he has met with Craig Carinci and Ellie Codding about continued partnership in this area. 

 

Mr. Peters extended appreciation to Mr. Cameron for all his work on behalf of the district.

 

Stretch Goal for NVSWCD:  Trapa Eradication in Five Years

Request to Apply for a NASA Grant

Mr. Peters introduced the topic by noting that the presentation about Trapa bispinosa at the February 28, 2023 board meeting by Mr. Baron, Ms. Wood, and Ms. Rybicki focused his attention on the potential threat Trapa bispinosa poses.  He said that this region is in the beginning days of the freshwater threat from this invasive water chestnut.  It is a nasty plant that spreads rapidly.  He expressed his desire for the district to be the leader in the eradication of Trapa bispinosa.

 

What followed was a lengthy discussion about the possibilities and difficulties that are faced in the eradication of Trapa, what can be done, what funding sources exist, and how other districts and partner agencies can be engaged. There was discussion about the possibility of receiving additional funding from Fairfax County and new funding from the state for this initiative.

 

Ms. Cross noted that an educational effort may need to be initiated as she is not hearing about Trapa at other districts’ meetings. She suggested that printed material be brought to the upcoming Area II Spring Meeting so attendees there can learn about the threat and bring the information home to their districts.  It was also suggested that this initiative could be mentioned at the upcoming Potomac Watershed Roundtable meeting.

Ms. Cross cautioned, though, that the districts are not regulatory boards and if this is going to take a regulatory turn—such as changes in ordinances or code—it needs to be led by a regulatory agency.

 

Ms. Billger asked about the spread of Trapa in the region, to include Maryland and the District of Columbia, and that it might make sense to think about this in the realm of the Chesapeake Bay and not just as a Virginia issue.

 

Mr. Woode emphasized the importance of having strategies and structures in place so that funding can be put to good and immediate use when it becomes available. 

 

Mr. Peters expressed the importance of having high level discussions with state agencies to find out who is doing what on this issue—to make sure efforts are not duplicated and to balance additional responsibilities. 

 

Ms. Cross suggested the establishment of an ad hoc committee to address this issue and to develop an action plan.

 

A motion (Koerner-Cameron) to establish an ad hoc Committee for the Eradication of Trapa was approved by voice vote.  Mr. Koerner volunteered to serve as chair of this ad hoc committee.

 

Mr. Peterson suggested that the district continue to keep the state association informed of its actions on this topic.

 

There was additional discussion about having Trapa designated as a noxious weed.  Dr. McGlone noted that the process to do this is straightforward.  It was suggested that the board delegate authority to the Chairman to complete the necessary paperwork for this designation. 

 

A motion (Koerner-Cameron) to delegate authority to the Chairman to work to have Trapa listed as a noxious weed with the Commonwealth of Virginia was approved by voice vote.

 

Ms. Billger cautioned that the initial goals of this program must be realistic.  The noxious weed classification seems like a good first step.  She agrees with the establishment of the ad hoc committee and sees an immediate role of the group be to understand the opportunities that are available.  She wants to make sure, though, that the initial goals are realistic and achievable given current staffing and resources.  She is concerned about staff taking on more work when everyone is fully leveraged.  In response, Mr. Peters noted that there need to be both short term and long term goals.

 

Mr. Peters then requested approval for the district to apply for a NASA grant that would aid in the Trapa eradication effort by using satellite imagery and remote sensing to assess the extent of Trapa spread.  The grant application is due on Friday, April 14, 2023.

 

A motion (Bordas-Cameron) to approve the district’s application for a NASA grant, as outlined above and in support of its Trapa eradication efforts, was approved by voice vote.

 

[NOTE:  At the April 25, 2023 meeting of the NVSWCD Board of Directors, Ms. Billger acknowledged that it was not her intention to vote in favor of this motion; however, she did not vote against the motion, nor did she abstain.  She asked that a comment be added to these minutes to indicate that she is in opposition to the district’s application to NASA for grant funds.  This will not change the outcome of the vote above.]

 

The board will continue discussion on its Trapa eradication goals and the composition of the ad hoc committee at the end of the meeting.

 

Dell Computer Purchase

Ms. Shackley requested permission from the board to approve the purchase, through the Fairfax County purchasing contract with Dell Computers, in the amount of $1,608.44, of one new laptop computer for use in the Agricultural Water Quality Specialist staff position.  Details of this purchase had been included in the board package.  This expense would be allocated to the Electronic and Field Equipment budget line item in the operating budget.

 

It was noted that, with additional computers being added and the cost of computers rising, the Finance Committee should review its computer replacement fund amounts to determine if they are sufficient for current needs.

 

A motion (Koerner-Cameron) to approve the purchase of one new laptop computer for use by district staff as outlined above was approved by voice vote.

 

Green Breakfast.

Ms. Palmer reported on the most recent Green Breakfast, held on March 11, 2023 via Microsoft Teams. The topic was Human-Wildlife Conflict with Black Bears and featured a panel discussion.  There were almost 50 people in attendance and there was some good discussion on the topic.  The next Green Breakfast is scheduled for Saturday, May 13, 2023.  It was suggested that education about Trapa bispinosa and efforts to eradicate it in the area might be a good topic for the May event.

 

Tree Commission

Mr. Peters reported that the Tree Commission met on March 2, 2023.  One important item shared at that meeting was that the branch of Fairfax County Urban Forest Management that reviews development proposals to make sure they comply with the Fairfax County Tree Ordinance, has been moved to Fairfax County Land Development Services.   The Tree Commission was assured that this move will not affect the review process.

 

As announced last month, the Friends of Trees awards by the Tree Commission will be presented at a ceremony tonight, Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in conjunction with the Environmental Excellence awards.  The Environmental Excellence awards are administered by the Environmental Quality Advisory Council.

 

The Tree Commission also heard an interesting presentation on upcoming regulatory changes including those that would allow for preliminary applications for zoning changes.  In addition, information was shared on a “Parking Reimagined” initiative which will include an evaluation of existing parking rates and regulations. One goal of this initiative is to recognize the existence of more mass transit, and to encourage bike use and walking.  It would include changing Article 6 of the Fairfax County Zoning Regulations to reduce the number of spaces in parking lots, to install bicycle racks, and to encourage developers to reduce the amount of impervious surfaces. 

 

Finally, Mr. Peters reported that the Community of Practice met recently.  The Community of Practice is a group the Tree Commission established as a part of the Tree Action Plan.  Its purpose is to bring together relevant, interested organizations to collaborate on meeting Tree Action Plan goals.  A report from this meeting will be shared when it is available.  Mr. Peters noted that a survey will be sent out soon to Community of Practice agencies to share their accomplishments over the past year.

 

(Ms. Bordas departed at 11:00 am)

 

Other Items—Directors, Associates, Consultants

Mr. Peters called for any other items from the district’s directors, associate directors, and consultants.

 

Mr. Peterson has an upcoming meeting with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.  He offered to bring information about Trapa bispinosa to that group.  This offer was met with appreciation and enthusiasm.

 

Ms. Palmer reported that staff from NVSWCD and Fairfax County Maintenance and Stormwater Management worked together on March 17, 2023 to build 87 rain barrels and 15 composters.  These have already been sold online and will be distributed this week at the district’s annual Seedling Sale.  She expressed appreciation to Mr. Lacquement for coordinating the participation of volunteers.

 

Ms. Palmer further commended the district’s Spring Outreach and Education Intern, Cole Gandee, for his work on the annual Science Fair.  The winners of the Science Fair will be given an opportunity to present to the board at its meetings in April or May.

 

Mr. Baron reminded the board that this is Seedling Sale week.  Staff and volunteers will be bundling more than 7,000 seedlings tomorrow and Thursday, March 29 and 30, 2023, and distribution will be on Friday, March 31, 2023, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and on Saturday morning, April 1, 2023.  He expressed his appreciation for all who have worked on the Seedling Sale preparations this year and for those who will assist with bundling and distribution this week.

 

Mr. Schwartz reported that the local Envirothon competition was held this past weekend, March 25, 2023, at Ellanor Lawrence Park.  There were ten teams in attendance, including four teams from Loudoun SWCD.  The top two teams from each district will move on to the regional competition to be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.  The teams from NVSWCD who will move to the regional competition are from James Madison High School and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. 

 

Ms. Shackley reminded the board and staff that registrations for the upcoming Area II Spring Meeting, to be held on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, in Charlottesville, Virginia, are due by Tuesday, April 4, 2023.  She is coordinating registrations so those planning to attend should let her know.

 

Ms. Billger expressed her appreciation to her colleagues on the board and to staff for their support over the last several months.  She appreciated being allowed to have the space she needed.  She thanked Mr. Koerner for taking on both the Secretary and Treasurer roles on the board.

 

Executive Director’s Report and Staff Reports

Mr. Woode noted that staff reports had been included in the board package. He provided the following highlights:

 

The district received word this week that its budget request to Fairfax County has been included in the County Executive’s Budget.  The Fairfax County Executive’s budget has been sent to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors where it will be reviewed and (hopefully) approved this spring. 

 

Those interested in running for the NVSWCD Board of Directors must file for election by Tuesday, June 20, 2023.  Additional details and requirements were listed in Mr. Woode’s report.

 

Kudos to Mr. Baron for his work on the Seedling Sale, work that is culminating this week with bundling and distribution.

 

Heather Hunter-Nickels will join the NVSWCD staff as the new Agricultural Water Quality Specialist this week.  Her first day with the district will be Friday, March 31, 2023 when she will join staff and volunteers at the Seedling Sale distribution.  Please extend a warm welcome to Ms. Hunter-Nickels.

 

Mr. Woode received a note of thanks from Kathryn Weisbrodt, a professor at George Mason University, for Ms. Palmer’s recent presentations on stream bioassessments and water quality to Ms. Weisbrodt’s students. 

 

This year’s Flood Awareness Week (FAW) kick-off was March 12-18, 2023. FAW was designed to educate the public about protecting their property and themselves by being prepared. Fairfax County, Arlington and the City of Alexandria teamed up to spread the word.  Mr. Woode participated in a small kick-off ceremony, led by Supervisor Storck, with agencies in Fairfax County involved in flood mitigation efforts in attendance.  Supervisor Storck presented a proclamation to all departments involved.  This plaque will be passed around among the partner agencies with each having a chance to display it for three months.  The district will have an opportunity to display the plaque from December 2023 to March 2024.

 

The next meeting of the Potomac Watershed Roundtable will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023 at Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc., in Gainesville, Virginia.  Delegate David Bulova will provide an update on the recent General Assembly session and there will be presentations from representatives of the Northern Neck Planning District Commission and the Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District.  Please let Mr. Woode or Ms. Shackley know if you are interested in attending.

 

There is an opportunity for the district to initiate a salary study, as previously discussed, and to make use of human resources hours or credits that have been made available through the VASWCD.  Ms. Shackley has been in touch with Terri Higgins, a human resources expert—and author of the statewide salary study released last year—about conducting a study tailored to NVSWCD’s needs.  Ms. Higgins provides consulting services to districts under contract with VASWCD.

 

Cooperating Agencies

Fairfax County Department of Public Works, Stormwater Planning Division

Ms. Barfield had to leave at 11:30 am to attend another meeting.  Before departing, she distributed information to the board about Fairfax County’s Equitable Stormwater Management Framework, explaining it is a part of the One Fairfax policy.

 

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.  She called special attention to the changes to campaign finance reporting and encouraged all who are planning to run for office to check with their local registrar for clear guidance.

 

VASWCD will host a special training in Richmond on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 for district financial staff and directors.  One of the topics discussed will be the Attachment D, or budget template.  This is a valuable tool in districts receiving the funding they need from the state.

 

Office of Energy and Environmental Coordination

Mr. Meyers participated in today’s meeting virtually.  He thanked the district board and staff for their partnership as implementation of the Climate Action Plan and Resilient Fairfax moves forward.  He noted that work continues on the Charge Up Fairfax program on which the district is collaborating.

 

Natural Resources Conservation Service/US Department of Agriculture

Ms. Iames was unable to attend but provided a report which had been included in the board package.

 

Virginia Department of Forestry

Dr. McGlone reported Rappahannock District of the Virginia Department of Forestry has hired two new foresters for the district.  It is hoped that they will be fully staffed soon.

 

(Ms. Billger departed at 11:55 am)

Ten Minute Recess

At 11:55, Mr. Peters noted that there would be a ten minute break and the meeting would reconvene at 12:05.

 

Eradication of Trapa

Mr. Peters reconvened the meeting at 12:08 am.  Those present included Mr. Peters, Mr. Cameron, Mr. Koerner, Mr. Woode, Ms. Wood, and Ms. Shackley.  Mr. Baron was not able to participate because he had to go to Warrenton to pick up seedlings for the Seedling Sale.

 

The primary focus of the discussion that followed was the Trapa initiative, the ad hoc committee, and the next steps to be taken. 

 

In response to a question about the composition of the ad hoc committee, it was suggested that the committee be comprised of Mr. Koerner, Mr. Cameron, Mr. Baron, Mr. Woode, and Ms. Wood.  Ms. Rybicki will also be asked to participate.

 

In response to a question about the identification and selection of Trapa contractors, for work to be done through the Fairfax County Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) grant, Ms. Wood reported that they are still waiting for some quotes but hope to have information on contractors to bring to the board for approval at its April meeting.  Ms. Wood further answered the board members’ questions about the number of ponds that are planned for treatment this summer.  There are 26 ponds included in treatment plans for this summer.  Eight of those ponds are within the Twin Lakes Golf Course.  Additional ponds were eliminated either because they were private ponds that are ineligible for the grant or because there are already maintenance plans in place to address Trapa.

 

There was a question about whether the district could purchase herbicide in bulk for the contractors to use in treating Trapa, although it was noted that storage and liability questions would need to be considered.

 

Mr. Woode reminded the board that there is a volunteer aspect to addressing Trapa by manually pulling the weed.  Although private ponds are not eligible for treatment under the EIP grant, there might be an opportunity for volunteers to work on these ponds.  In response to a question about whether there are certain water bodies that are more amenable to manual harvesting thus to volunteers, Ms. Wood mentioned that they have considered using manual harvesting on some of the smaller ponds.  Mr. Woode noted that Ms. Wood will be going to an American Red Cross Water Safety and CPR training in May.

 

It was determined that the first meeting of the ad hoc Committee for the Eradication of Trapa will be on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, beginning at 1:00 pm at the district office. 

 

Adjournment

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned by consensus at 12:39 pm.

The next regular business meeting of the NVSWCD Board of Directors will be held on  April 25, 2023, at 9:30 am