Coordinator’s Report

September 11, 2006

Project Activity

Rural Economic Vitality: 

• Reviewed questionnaires for institutions and producers to be sent as part of the follow up to June 30 local foods to institutions meeting at VCE

Open Space, Forestry, and Farmland Preservation and Community Development:

·        Attended VCC land protection committee meeting 7/11/06

·        Met with Charlie Becker, VDOF; Gary Boring, NRH RC&D; David Richert, RC&D forester; and Matt Yancey, VCE forester, to discuss Stevens Amendment project and annual forestry plan for RC&D

·        Participated in a teleconference 8/24/06 on financing charettes we would offer in the Valley fall 2006 as part of the Financing for Local Land and Water Protection project

·        Polled committee on Shiitake Mushroom Project

Water Quality/Quantity:

• Met with Larry Elworth, CAP, and Connie Musgrove, University of MD, and potential project partners numerous times (7/11/06; 7/24/06) to discuss potential cattle exclusion project funded by Chesapeake Bay Funders Network
• Met with Friends of the North Fork Leslie Watson and Pure Water Forum 8/30/06 re: planning sessions for annual work plans/funding for water groups and upcoming Forum 10^th anniversary
• Met with Jeff Kelble, river keeper, re: Market Maker position 9/5/06

Nutrient Management:

• Market Maker subcommittee teleconference 7/19/06 regarding Market Maker hiring
• Proposal to Augusta County to act as payroll agent re: Market Maker position
• Numerous meetings/calls with Eric Bendfeldt re: Waste Solutions Forum work
• Advertised for Market Maker and Waste Solutions Forum Intern; investigations on employment related issues
• WSF II teleconference to discuss another Forum to follow up on the first 9/1/06

Education and Information:

• Met with committee via teleconference to discuss Conservation Calendar and ReStore projects

Community Development:

• Met with Esteban Nieto to discuss formation of this new committee

Grants/Funding

• Numerous phone calls/meetings to plan the Chesapeake Bay Funders’ Network tour to the Valley, Oct. 17 and 18^th, highlighting the work of the Waste Solutions Forum
• VEE grant quarterly report completed and due 7/30/06
• NFWF project managers’ monthly teleconferences 7/27/06; 8/23/06;
• Planning for Keith Campbell Foundation tour in Sept. with Catharine Gilliam, NPS Foundation

NRCS Activities

• Met with Virginia RC&D coordinators in South Boston, VA, Aug. 1-3
• Still working on State NRCS webpage for RC&D program in VA
• POINTS data entry
• Drafted NRCS required Business Plan
• Van serviced/inspected

Other

• Met with Ray Griffin, Jr., new Central Shenandoah PDC executive director, 8/4/06
• Numerous meetings re: VARCDC planning for spring meeting
• Executive Committee teleconference 8/31/06 re: new at-large member
• Completed Annual Report
• Met with Farm Bureau representatives re: Council support 9/5/06