2016 River Monitoring Program Launches Memorial Day Weekend

Jamie Brunkow, Lower James Riverkeeper

How’s the river doing?It’s a question James River Association staff receive all the time. The answer is not always clear for the average person. But as the weather warms and more people are outside enjoying the river, it’s important that communities understand how to stay safe on the water.

One rule of thumb can help tremendously – don’t swim after a rain. E. coli bacteria is a common pollutant that people may encounter in the river after rainstorms. Whether it’s from humans, pets, or farms – stormwater runoff carries fecal waste into our waterways and can pose a significant risk to recreational river users. Higher levels of E. Coli mean a higher presence of pathogens that can make people sick.

Enter the James River Watch.

JRA launched the James River Watch online platform to help update the public with the latest water quality conditions. E. Coli bacteria data is posted each Friday to reveal whether conditions meet state standards for recreational contact. And the website pulls in real time data from multiple sources, presenting when water levels are too high or too low for paddling or swimming. The James River Watch is an easy way to track river conditions and to be safe when planning your river trips.

Visit www.jamesriverwatch.org to view the latest information, or download the SwimGuide app.

Getting Involved.

More than 90 volunteers were trained and certified this year to lead water testing at 26 locations across the watershed. Volunteers are collecting invaluable data to help inform the public about the risks associated with bacteria pollution. In addition to tracking this information, we need your help to tackle the immense challenge of stormwater runoff pollution. There are plenty of small steps citizens can take to reduce pollution – you can commit to planting trees and vegetation at home that will soak up stormwater, or installing a rain barrel, or picking up pet waste. Many in communities along the James River have already made these kinds of commitments as a part of JRA’s River Hero program. These small steps do make a difference.

Be safe this Memorial Day weekend, and see you on the river.

Volunteering for the James

 We love our RiverRat volunteers! They act as the James River’s first line of citizen defense by assisting our Riverkeepers as the eyes and ears of the river and its tributaries. RiverRats come from all over the watershed, are all ages and have many different backgrounds. You don’t need to be a scientist or skilled paddler to become a RiverRat.

Meet David Lauthers, a Logistics Planner at Newport News Shipbuilding. He’s a Lower James RiverRat that teaches the principles of Leave No Trace and is also active with the Virginia Master Naturalists and the Boy Scouts. He also serves on the Board of the Newport News Green Foundation. David has volunteered for the James River Association in a number of ways, here is what he had to say about a few of his experiences:

In 2015 I volunteered at Berkley Middle School teaching Watershed Education. We talked about what watersheds – what they are, how to identify what watershed you live in and how they work. We also had a touch tank with river eels that the students could touch and we played a time lapse video showing oysters filtering a tank of dirty water. I also briefly talked about Leave No Trace and outdoor ethics. This was by far one of my favorite volunteer experiences. Being able to share my knowledge of watersheds and giving children the chance to see and touch an American Eel was a memory I enjoy having and I look forward to doing it again. I encourage anyone with time and energy to share your experiences and knowledge at a school or educational event like Earth Day.

Recently, at the request of the James River Association’s Volunteer Coordinator, I was asked to attend an Environmental Justice Empowerment Luncheon in the Southeast Community of Newport News. I had never heard of the term “environmental justice,” which I learned is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.

Although I have lived in Newport News for 20 years, I had never ventured to the Southeast area of the city, even though it is near where I work. I arrived early to the event and attended a briefing by Congressman Bobby Scott and Delegate Marcia Price. I was among the company of many other state and local organizations such as the Virginia Conservation Network, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Choose Clean Water Coalition, Southeast Asthma Network, Virginia Student Environmental Coalition, VA Sierra Club and the Southeast Care Coalition. Each group was given a chance to speak, reviewing their missions, roles and what potential assistance they could bring to the table to help the Southeast Community.  The elected officials told the group that they are working to ensure our communities have the opportunity to live in a clean and safe environment free from polluted water.

Overall this was a very unique learning experience for me. It showed me the problems within a community in my city and also showed me what organizations are coming together to help put an end to the issues. The chance to network with all these organizations was definitely valuable.

Want to become a RiverRat and help make a difference in your community? Attend one of our upcoming trainings listed below. Contact Ben Hawkins at bhawkins@jrava.org for more information.

March 19 – Newport News

July 23 – Buchanan/Covington

August 13 – Charlottesville

September 17 – Richmond 

Volunteering for the James

We love our RiverRat volunteers! They act as the James River’s first line of citizen defense by assisting our Riverkeepers as the eyes and ears of the river and its tributaries. RiverRats come from all over the watershed, are all ages and have many different backgrounds. You don’t need to be a scientist or skilled paddler to become a RiverRat.

Meet Fred Kelly and Will Maddox, Lower James RiverRats. Fred is a retired mental health professional who currently lives in Dinwiddie County. His family has owned a cabin on the James River for five generations. This is where his father taught him to paddle and introduced him to the joys of being on the river. However, it was at that time a river in trouble. In those days the James was a dumping ground and it was not uncommon to find the shore lined with dead fish due to this pollution. There were fewer ducks, geese, osprey and virtually no eagles.

Thanks to the Clean Water Act and the efforts of local organizations like the James River Association, the river and its wildlife have bounced back. It is once again a place for recreation and creating memories. Fred shares his experiences on the James with his grandson Will. Fred says “Becoming a River Rat has greatly enhanced my enjoyment of being on the river by allowing me to become a protector of it as well. I only wish that I could have been doing this since I began paddling in the mid 1950s. I am especially pleased that my 15 year old grandson, Will, who took the River Rat training with me, will be in place to continue monitoring the river that he has grown to love long after I am no longer able to do so. I strongly encourage anyone who enjoys being on the river to get the training for becoming a River Rat. This is an opportunity that has been a long time coming. Don't miss it. Your river needs you.”

Here is what Fred had to say about his first RiverRat patrol with his grandson this past October:

Will and I have been paddling the James all of our lives and feel a need to preserve and protect this beautiful river. So when we heard about the River Rat program we were excited to get involved.

On October 23^rd, we went on our first official River Rat patrol with the mission of shore clean-up. Hurricane Joaquin had produced flooding which carried lots of plastic, glass and other debris onto the shoreline. Our goal was to begin dealing with this problem by cleaning the shore on Tar Bay, part of our designated patrol area. After gathering and bagging trash from about 100 yards of shoreline, we headed out in our boat to collect a very large piece of debris that a previous storm had deposited on a tree nearby. It had been an eye-sore for months and we had talked about removing it all summer. This was the day. How good it was to see that pink, plastic car in our boat rather than on that tree! 

Next, we decided to make a run around Coggins Point and up Powells Creek to check out its status after the hurricane. Powells Creek is beautiful any time of year with its mixture of hardwoods and marsh but this day was exceptional. We motored up about a mile or more into an area where few people venture and stopped to take pictures. The first thing Will spotted as he stepped out of the boat was a very lively crayfish. He had learned earlier this year while on a James River Expedition that crayfish are a good indicator of pollution-free water. So we are happy to report the good water conditions in that part of the creek. We also found no trash to clean up. How lucky we are to have such a pristine area to enjoy, and now, to help watch over.

Assisting the RiverKeepers on the James makes a recreational outing on the river very gratifying. It lets us give back to the river that has always given us so much pleasure.

Need another excuse to get out on the water? Want to make a difference while enjoying your time outdoors? Email Ben Hawkins at bhawkins@jrava.org to learn more about the RiverRats program or other volunteer opportunities. 

James RiverRats Raft-Up

During the weekend of October 17^th thirty of our most dedicated volunteers, our River Rats, met for the 5th annual RiverRats Raft-Up. This year’s Raft-Up was held in Scottsville, VA at the James River Inn on a 300-foot bluff overlooking the James and the vast watershed that RiverRats have been patrolling and protecting since 2011.

Our keynote speaker, Dr. Sarah Milov professor of History at the University of Virginia, kicked off the day with an inspiring talk about the power of grassroots activism, specifically drawing parallels between the non-smoker campaign for clean public air and our fight for a pristine natural resource and clean drinking water. Next, during a two-hour workshop on Patrols and Action Project planning, James River Association staff and RiverRats worked to calibrate our efforts and define strategies which will be implemented over the next year.

Two major strategies, and several minor adjustments, will be immediately undertaken. First, data from patrols, of which there are approximately 20 per month, will be more consistently reported, publicly and to other RiverRats, via monthly email updates and an interactive GoogleMap. Secondly, we will work to leverage existing technologies to streamline reporting and to expand patrols. We are working to utilize a GPS-enabled smartphone app called WaterReporter and we are considering the development of online RiverRat trainings to accommodate conservationists who may not be able to attend one of our four trainings held throughout the watershed each year.

After the strategy session, it was time to enjoy our world-class natural resource by paddling the Mighty James, award our outstanding RiverRats of the year, and finally to relax to the soothing, mountain sounds of the Rockfish Gap Band.

If you are interested in becoming a River Rat to keep watch over the James, the Raft-Up is one of many perks. You also have an opportunity to spend time paddling and protecting the river you love. Consider attending one of our upcoming trainings. If you are already a River Rat, we sincerely thank you for your commitment to protecting the James River now and for future generations. 

Top 10 Apps for River Users by the James River Association's RiverRats

Many of us go out on the river or into the woods to get away from technology, but these days most of us take our Smartphone with us. Below are JRA’s RiverRats favorite apps that make their trip safe, educational, and fun!

•  3D Compass: This App places a lat long and map on all pictures that you take and serves as a compass. Mike Easingwood, RiverRat
•  Fishings Spots: Use this to let others do the work for you & know where the fishing holes are! Isaac Nolte, RiverRat
• Google Earth: This is a website and an App. It allows you to scope out an area before your trip or to track where you are and get coordinates while you are out. Lynn Wilson and Isaac Nolte, RiverRats
•  Pocket Ranger, Official VA State Parks Guide: Use this to learn more about where you’re headed if it’s a State Park. Isaac Nolte and James C. Shaver, Jr., RiverRats
• Sibley Birds: This is a great App to take out with you to identify birds. Lynn Wilson, RiverRat. Another option if you are looking for a great beginner bird id app for free, try out Merlin Bird ID. Just answer a few questions about the bird you are trying to identify and this App will give you some possible matches. James C. Chaver, Jr., RiverRat
• Simple Tides: Great for paddling parts of the tidal James River watershed. This app allows you to view the tide chart and weather for your chosen location. Isaac Nolte, RiverRat
• VA Tree ID:  The app includes information on over 900 woody plants in Virginia and also uses GPS to narrow down possible species for where you are located. James C. Chaver Jr., RiverRat
• VA DGIF Hunt Fish VA: Use this to hopefully figure out the rules and regulations before you reel one in! Isaac Nolte, RiverRat
•  Water Reporter: If you live anywhere in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, this App allows you to report good and bad things you may see. Pat Calvert, Upper James Riverkeeper
• Weather Channel: Simple weather App that lets you view hourly forecasts and radar. Lynn Wilson, RiverRat

If you want to browse other Apps that fellow outdoorsmen recommend, check out these links:

Top 11 Mobile Apps for Fishing

Boucher’s Birding Blog: Apps for the Smart Birder

The 25 Best Outdoor iPhone Apps

Adopt a Duck Blind

By Craig Metcalfe, Lower James RiverRat, James City County

As a JRA RiverRat out on my Powhatan Creek and James River patrols, I have seen

numerous abandoned duck blinds. It has always bothered me that material from these blinds ends up in our waterways.  During the first Saturday in June, I support the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s annual Clean the Bay Day, and along with other boaters, I help by collecting debris from the creek and river. A majority of the debris we collect is from duck blinds that are in disrepair. 

For years, I have been trying to find a way to track and report abandoned blinds. The problem is large enough in Virginia that in 2013, the Virginia General Assembly passed a law which stipulates that “those licensing stationary blinds in the public waters shall remove the blind when the licenses expire or when they no longer intend to use them, whichever occurs first.” This is step a in the right direction, but doesn’t address the issue of old unlicensed or abandoned blinds.

This fall I made contact with Sergeant Randy Hickman at the VA Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF). After a brainstorming session, we proposed and settled on the following reporting system:

• Find out of date or unlicensed blinds
• Identify the body of water
• Note the GPS coordinates
• Take a picture of the blind
• Record the date and time

Finally I sent the information to Sergeant Hickman, who ran a check on who owned the blinds.  Out of the five Powhatan Creek blinds reported, three were abandoned. The other two had renewed for the 2015 season and posted their licenses by November 1^st, as required by law.

Knowing that we now have a process in place, I met with Jamie Brunkow, Lower James Riverkeeper.  We came to the conclusion that with the support from VA DGIF,  fellow Rats could follow the same process simply by including duck blind information in their patrol logs.

Now the interesting part, Jamie and I thought about removing the abandoned blinds, however, that would be very time consuming and a hassle to take the debris to a dump site.  We came up with the idea to reuse the abandoned blinds by posting a sign, created by the JRA RiverRats, giving information on how to “adopt” the blind.  This is a wonderful incentive to duck hunters looking for a place to hunt as they would only need to fix-up existing blinds, saving both time and money. The adoption and maintenance of existing blinds would cut down on the number of new blinds and prevent the risks of debris to boaters and improve the viewshed.

RiverRats looking for an Action Project may take part in the “Adpot a Blind” project by following Craig’s lead. Get more information from Jamie Brunkow, Lower James Riverkeeper (jbrunkow@jrava.org), or if you’re interested in becoming a RiverRat signup for one of JRA’s upcoming trainings. 

4th RiverRats Annual Raft-Up

By Amber Ellis, JRA Volunteer Coordinator

The 4th Annual RiverRats Raft-Up was held at the Natural Bridge Hotel in Natural Bridge on October 4-5, 2014. The weekend started with a talk on the Terrain 360 project on the James River by speakers Ryan Abrahamsen with Terrain 360 and Andy Thompson with Richmond Outside. The website is still being developed, but it’s going to be a great resource for river users.

RiverRats had the opportunity to choose from two advanced training options. The first option was “Planning and Planting a Riparian Buffer”, led by Amber Ellis, JRA’s Wastershed Associate and Rob Campbell, JRA’s Lynchburg Outreach Coordinator. Sediment continues to be an issue facing the health of the James River and hopefully our RiverRats are encouraged to take on buffer planting as their Action Projects.   

The second training option was focused on the emerging threats to the James River related to the train derailment and oil spill in Lynchburg in April 2014.  This training session was led by JRA’s Riverkeepers, Pat Calvert and Jamie Brunkow, and JRA’s Williamsburg Outreach Coordinator, Christiana Tambone.

After meeting and talking with other river lovers over lunch, the afternoon was spent paddling the James River from Buchanan to Arcadia! Some RiverRats brought their own boats, others went on kayaks provided by Twin River Outfitters. The fall colors had begun to show and the temperature definitely felt like fall!

That evening, four awards were given out to those RiverRats who have gone above and beyond their duties. The Upper James award went to Dale and Diane East, Middle James to Jennifer Styrsky, and Lower James to Jack Snell. Steve Forrest received an award for his overall commitment to helping the James River.

Some folks stayed the night in the cabins across the street from the hotel and got to enjoy a warm fire with local musicians Blake Shester, Burr Datz, and Chris McGrath. They call themselves The Fermenters.   

Sunday morning, everyone enjoyed a huge breakfast at the Natural Bridge Hotel. Then some of the braver folks went rafting from Glasgow to Snowden through Balcony Falls guided by Twin River Outfitters. The morning started off chilly, but everyone had an amazing time through this beautiful part of the James River.

 It was a great weekend to meet other RiverRats, explore what the upper James River has to offer, and learn a few things. The James River Association couldn’t do what it does without this hardworking and passionate group of RiverRats. All of them thanked JRA staff throughout the weekend for holding this event for them, but the bigger thanks goes to them for all they do for the James River! THANK YOU!

RiverRat Spotlight - John Mays

RiverRat John Mays manages to combines business with pleasure! As the owner of Twin River Outfitters, a paddlesport rental business on the Upper James, he is out on the river all the time!

John says he became a RiverRat “to help develop the river access points on the Upper James and to ensure that it is as clean and trash free as possible.” John knows that a clean river is both good for business and the environment. 

“I routinely patrol the section of the Upper James from Buchanan to Arcadia.  It’s a 6 mile section of water downstream of our store.  It has fun rapids, is very remote, and awesome Blueridge Mountain views.” Along the way he picks up litter. He says the best thing about being a RIverRats is getting to know other dedicated river folks.

To help more people get out on the river, Twin River Outfitters offers JRA members 10% off any rental, river trip or shuttle service (excluding retail merchandise.) If you’re in Buchanan Stop by and visit John and Twin River Outfitters at 653 Lowe Street or online atwww.canoevirginia.net.

RiverRat Highlight – Anne Norwood

Anne Norwood is one of JRA’s RiverRats. While her day job involves working as a pediatric nurse practitioner, her unpaid job is working in her garden at her home in Lovingston, Virginia.

Her connection with the James is through the Rockfish River where her family bought a farm 20 years ago. It is situated just a mile from the Rockfish River, so her boys grew up floating and fishing the (mighty!) Rockfish and the James. No family or friend’s visit to their farm in summer is complete without a river trip. She said she decided to become a RiverRat because it was “a way to give back for all the pleasure that the rivers have given us, and you get this great hat!”

Anne patrols the Rockfish in Nelson County from US 29 to Schuyler along the Rockfish River Road. “ It’s a gorgeous winding stretch that bends away from the road for miles, has overhanging trees, flowers blooming on the banks, lots of wildlife, and enough drop to be fun,” is how she describes it. She patrols in her canoe that she claims is familiar with every rock.

“There are lots of people who cherish the rivers, understand the importance of the James, both locally and as part of the greater Chesapeake Bay, and are concerned about the health of the waterways.  Being a River Rat is one small thing we can do to raise awareness, clean up our little corner of the playpen, and hopefully improve the legacy of the river.”

If you want to become a RiverRat, join us for one of our upcoming trainings:

                                                       

Saturday, April 26, 9am-2pm at Boxerwood Gardens and Education Center, Lexington, VA

Saturday, May 3, 9am-2pm at Smithfield Innovation Center, Smithfield, VA

For more information, visit our website (LINK TO RIVERRATS) or contact Amber Ellis, Volunteer Coordinator at aelli@jrava.org

RiverRats Participate in the 3rd Annual Raft-Up

By Amber Ellis, JRA Volunteer Coordinator

The 3rd Annual RiverRats Raft-Up was held at Chippokes Plantation State Park in Surry, Virginia on October 26, 2013. The weekend started with a talk on the James River’s Atlantic sturgeon by keynote speaker Dr. Matt Balazik, Sturgeon Biologist with the VCU Rice Center. Dr. Balazik's major focus is centered on the decreasing population of sturgeon in Virginia waters, particularly the James River.

RiverRats had the opportunity to choose from two advanced training options. The first option involved how to increase river access, presented by Justin Doyle, JRA Outreach Manager and John Mays of Twin River Outfitters in Buchanan. Several of our RiverRats have been engaged in creating more river access points along the Chickahominy, as well as in the Upper James, and we hope that this session will equip others with the knowledge necessary to help with that effort. 

The second training option was “Get the Dirt Out,” offered by JRA’s Riverkeepers. Sediment continues to be the main pollution source that has not been improving throughout the entire James River watershed. This training session taught RiverRats how they can help spot sediment sources along their section and what to do about it.

After chatting with other river lovers over lunch, the afternoon was spent in canoes along Lower Chippokes Creek or hiking around the park.

That evening four awards were given out to those RiverRats who have gone above and beyond their duties. The Upper James award went to Margi Vaughn, Middle James to Sister Elena Henderson, and Lower James to Andy Pillsbury. Steve Gregory received an award for his overall commitment to helping the James River.

For those who stayed the night, and it was a very chilly night, so we all stayed close to the fire and enjoyed some warming music from The Green Boys.

Sunday morning a group of tough RiverRats enjoyed a chilly, but beautiful, pontoon boat ride around Jamestown Island.

It was a great weekend to meet other RiverRats, learn a few new things, and enjoy a different stretch of the James River. The James River Association couldn’t do what it does without this hardworking and passionate group of RiverRats. Thank you!

New Beer Garden at James River Brewing Highlights Scottsville’s Mink Creek

by Amber Ellis, JRA's Watershed Restoration Associate/Volunteer Coordinator

 View of Mink Creek in Winter 2012

Last fall, Chris Kyle with James River Brewing in Scottsville, spoke to Pat Calvert, JRA’s Upper James Riverkeeper, about the brewery’s plan to expand their tasting room outside and wanted JRA’s opinion on how to do it the right way. Mink Creek, a tributary of the James River, flows right behind their building and at the time there was no buffer along their side of the creek. But that was about to change!

  

JRA’s Landscape Architect, Amber Ellis, designed a riparian buffer that incorporated plants that are native to Albemarle County. Not only are they native, but a few of them are even edible! The brewery staff has already made delicious cobbler out of the fruit from the Juneberry (Amelanchier lamarckii) and Mountain mint (Pycanthemum muticum) is great used as a tea. While natïve Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) is not edible, the fruit resembles the fruit of the hops plant that is used to make beer.

   

  The Hophornnbeam tree in its new home with a hedge of Winterberry along the creek and Juneberry in the background. Taken on May 9, 2013 during the installation.

On May 9, 2013, JRA led a group of volunteers, including four of JRA’s RiverRats, brewery staff, and several folks from the community to install the plants. The James was at flood level that day, but Mink Creek was fine.

 Volunteers after a hard day’s work.

This wet and mild summer has been the perfect environment for the plants to get settled in and they are all doing great! JRA developed three educational signs that were installed this summer that teach visitors about native plants, the history of the building, and about the Mink Creek watershed. The beer garden has become a gathering place for the community and brought attention to this wonderful little creek that is tucked behind the buildings in town. There are plans to run a trail along Mink Creek in the future with a small bridge at the beer garden for folks to hop off and take a beer break. People can be found drinking coffee there in the morning and in the evening enjoying a beer with the sounds of live music.

   

Joe-Pye Weed, Black-Eyed Susan, and Mountain mint in full bloom in August 2013.

  

 If you are ever in Scottsville, stop by the James River Brewing Company to enjoy a beer in a beautiful garden along Mink Creek.

Visit the James River Brewing Facebook page for upcoming events and for more photos of the Beer Garden.  

Top 5 Tubing Spots Along the Middle James

by Amber Ellis, JRA's Watershed Restoration Associate/Volunteer Coordinator

It’s been a wet start to the summer, but things looks like they are finally getting back to normal, which is music to river lovers’ ears! A great way to spend a warm summer day out on the river with your family and friends is to go on a tubing trip. Here is a list of some great spots along the middle James recommended by JRA’s RiverRats. These locations are good whether you have your own tube or need to rent one. Have fun and be safe!

View Untitled in a larger map

James River State Park: This is a 2-mile float with a few riffles. It runs alongside the park through rolling hills. The park offers tube rentals and provides a shuttle. Make it a weekend trip and camp or stay in one of their cabins. “Along the way, there is only one or two spots of "swift" water. One of which is at Treasure Island on the right side, a good half way point with a nice beach to take out, relax, stretch, or have a snack. All in all, you can't beat the services and amenities offered by the park, plus that part of the River is great for beginners.”-RiverRat Kevin Hansen

Warren to Hatton Ferry: This is a 3-mile trip that takes you along the James through rural Virginia and is a great easy float. If you do not have your own tube, James River Runners offers tubes and shuttles. “Warren has a nice sandbar with eddies that make a nice swimming hole and lunch spot. If Hatton is your pickup there is a set of class 1 and you'll navigate through a riverwide rocky outcrop. Fun stuff.”-RiverRat Chad O’Brien

Hatton Ferry to Scottsville: This is a 4-mile trip along the James that is a pretty calm float. If you do not have your own tube, James River Reeling and Rafting offers tubes and shuttles. If you have time after tubing, take a little walk through Scottsville, a great little river town! Horseshoe Flats is a great place to camp if you want to make it a weekend trip.

Cartersville to West View:  Enjoy a 5-mile float that is mostly flat with a couple of riffles. You will need to provide your own tube, but there is parking at Cartersville and West View. “I would recommend Cartersville to West View… We have enjoyed the float with family on 4th of July several times.” –RiverRat Roy Hyle

Powhatan State Park to Maidens: Come out to visit Virginia’s newest State Park on the banks of the James! This float is about 5 miles and is mostly flat with a stretch of big boulders and deep water. You will need to provide your own tube, but there is parking at the park and at Maidens landing.

There are also great spots on the Upper and Lower James, but that would be just too big of a list! For more recomendations along the James and throughout Virginia, visit http://www.virginia.org/directory/outdoorsandsports/raftingtubing/

RiverRats Training Session

JRA and its James Riverkeepers are recruiting the James River’s first line of citizen defense, the RiverRats. This program engages volunteers to patrol the James and its tributaries and to take action to protect and restore the entire watershed.

Saturday, August 3, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm 

Riveredge Park, 150 Rocky Hill Road , Madison Heights, VA, 24572. 

Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please contact Amber Ellis at (804)788-8811 ext 205 or volunteer@jrava.org to register.

For more information visit www.jamesriverassociation.org/get-involved/volunteer/riverrats

An Urgent Message from Your James Riverkeepers

Your Help is Needed to Protect Virginia Rivers and Streams from Construction Site Pollution.  Please Send Your Comments Before June 7^th!

Construction sites can make a mess of local streams and contribute to water quality problems of the James River. Developers are required to have stormwater pollution plans to prevent erosion and sediment pollution.  But citizen access to those water quality protection plans and related permits afforded to construction sites will soon end without YOUR input.

Here’s the scoop:
You’ve likely seen how local streams and rivers run dirty after significant rainfall.  This sediment clogs streams, suffocates and stresses river life and literally buries riverbed habitat with silt. Mismanaged construction sites frequently contribute to these unhealthy conditions.  For the past three years permitted construction sites in Virginia have been required to make publicly accessible Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPP), a working document of construction site water quality assurances and strategies. Agency inspectors cannot be everywhere so informed citizens play a critical role in making sure SWPP’s are followed.  The general permit for construction in Virginia is now up for scheduled renewal and the state is under pressure to permanently extinguish the public’s right to access to these plans.  JRA believes that disabling the public’s ability to know and respond appropriately to water quality threats in their own community is not in the best interested of improved James River water quality. 

What you can do to help:
The Virginia Soil & Water Conservation Board is now receiving public comments on this permit, but only until June 7.  Please follow the below guidelines and be heard today.  Board members have stated their intent to follow its advising agency’s recommendation to remove public SWPP accessibility from the permit unless persuaded to reconsider concerns from the public.  Now is your opportunity!  In your comments, the Soil & Water Conservation Board should be encouraged to maintain its earlier decision to “require public accessibility of Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans from construction sites upon request,” and should further be encouraged to “re-instate this requirement into the pending construction general permit.”  Any personal accounts of construction site effects on stream water quality would be helpful.

1)      Send an email to “Regulatory Coordinator”regcord@dcr.virginia.gov
cc: pcalvert@jrava.org)

Subject Line: Please send your email with the subject line “Comment on Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) Permit Regulations (4VAC50-60)”

2)      Send a letter to:

Regulatory Coordinator

Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation

203 Governor Street, Suite 302

Richmond, VA 23219

Rivers cannot defend themselves.  Please speak on behalf of your local streams and rivers and prevent the concealment of pollution requirements from the public.

Thank you for safeguarding Virginia waterways,

Pat Calvert                                                          Jamie Brunkow
Upper James Riverkeeper                           Lower James Riverkeeper