Current Projects
Current Projects
Our staff and volunteers are involved in dozens of projects relating to the protection of the Rappahannock. Here is a sampling of some of our current projects.
Current Advocacy and Planning Projects
Massaponax Creek Watershed Plan
FOR is leading a project to demonstrate "Rapid Watershed Planning" in the Massaponax Creek Watershed in Spotsylvania County. The Massaponax watershed is one of the fastest developing watersheds in the region. FOR is working cooperatively with the Spotsylvania Planning Department on the project, which will hopefully result in a plan that becomes part of the county comprehensive plan and provides specific guidelines for the preservation of water quality and environmental features in the watershed. Current activities include a comprehensive assessment of stream water quality, GIS mapping of impervious cover, and identification of significant natural features in need of preservation. Contact the FOR office if you would like to volunteer for this project. Funding: $34,000 EPA Small Watersheds Program Grant
Better Site Design in the Central Rappahannock Basin
FOR and the Center for Watershed Protection are working together on an intensive one-year project to promote code changes that facilitate more river friendly site design on development sites. We are working with the governments of Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Fredericksburg to build consensus on slect "Model Development Principles" that related to reduction of impervious cover and the management of stormwater runoff. Funding: $40,000 Chesapeake Bay Program Grant
*Download the DRAFT Rappahannock Better Site Design principles*
(requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).
Outer Connector
FOR is supporting the work of the Coalition for Outer Connector Alternatives, in opposition to this proposed beltway around Fredericksburg. Our position is based on 1) the documented sprawl-inducing effects of beltways, the 2) detrimental effects of a bridge crossing in the wilderness section of the Rappahannock, and 3) the fact that VDOT's own documents show that the road will not appreciably address the congestion problems on Rts 3 and 17 - which is purportedly the reason for the road in the first place. Contact for details.
Economic Benefits of Reduced Impact Development
Under a $20,000 U.S. EPA Sustainable Development Challenge Grant, FOR is implementing a program to promote "reduced impact" practices on new development sites. The project emphasizes the economic benefits associated with good stewardship practices. Growing Greener in Your Rappahannock River Watershed, is a collection of case studies on the economic and marketing benefits of innovative stormwater and site planning practices..
Growing Greener is also available for download in Word 97 format. A *Project Cookbook* is also available to download in Word 97 format. This document gives a brief overview of our work efforts to constructively engage the development community, and offers a number of suggestions for groups considering similar projects.
Rapidan Agricultural Conservation Corps
FOR is working to bring together citizens in the Rapidan Rapidan Watershed to work together for restoration of forested stream corridors. Contact us if you would like to get involved ! Funding: $14,000 EPA Small Watersheds Grant.
Rapidan Streambank Erosion Study
FOR and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science are working together to inventory and prioritize eroding streambanks in the Rapidan basin for future restoration work. Funding: $12,000 Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund Grant
Rapidan Tributary Buffer Restoration Projects
FOR volunteers are working on re-establishing riparian (streamside) buffers in the Rapidan River watershed. Our projects include bio-engineering of eroding streambanks, and replanting of the streamside forest buffers. Riparian buffers have been shown to be one of the most effective practices for reducing nutrient loads, controlling erosion, and supporting wildlife. Partners: US Army Corps of Engineers, Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District, Virginia Dept. of Forestry, VDOT. Funding: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation ($10,000), Chesapeake Bay Program ($40,000), and Army Corps In-lieu Fee Mitigation Funds.
Embrey Dam Removal
FOR is working closely with Senator John Warner, the Army Corps of Engineers, and American Rivers to secure removal of the Dam by 2003. Removal of Embrey Dam will open up 70 miles of historically verified spawning habitat above the dam, and possibly another 100 miles in tirbutaries.
*Download Facts on the Embrey Dam*
Celebrate Virginia Conservation Easement
FOR has engaged the Silver Development Company in dialog to secure a permanent deeded easement of 132 wooded acres between the Fredericksburg parcel of the Celebrate Virginia development and the Rappahannock. This easement will protect onf of the few remaining riparian sections of the Rappahannock not in public ownership withing the 20 miles upstream of Fredericksburg.
Ongoing Projects
"At the River's Edge"
Summer Environmental Education Program, in partnership with local school systems, scout groups and other youth groups. We offer six distinct hands-on programs for grades K-8. In 1995, over 1,200 students participated in our programs.
Riverside Kiosks
Thanks to a grant from the Phillips Environmental Partnership, educationa kiosks being developed for installation at key access points to the Rappahannock near Fredericksburg. The displays will present key conservation and safety messages to the public. (These displays are being redesigned in 2000 - look for them at your favorite put-in!)
Issue Forums
Recent programs include "Proposed changes to the Clean Water Act" and "Anadromous Fish Passage in the Rappahannock", "Embry Dam Options" and "Mercury from Dental Amalgam", and "The Rappahannock Tributary Strategy". Contact us for upcoming topics.
Education / Recreation Events
This year FOR will lead over 40 educational river trips, focusing on unique aspects of the Rappahannock such as its Native American history, it Civil War history, and its ecology and valuable natural features.
Community Advocacy
FOR is an active participant in a wide variety of river-related development and planning issues. We continue to work with numerous land developers in negotiating proffers to minimize water quality impacts from new developments. We also participate in the regional transportation advisory group, and regularly testify at planning commission and supervisor's meetings throughout the watershed.
Legislative Advocacy
FOR is involved in advocating at the state level for policies that further our mission of protecting the Rappahannock River.
Water Quality Monitoring
A network of FOR volunteers monitor the health of the mainstem of the Rappahannock and of Massaponax Creek in Spotsylvania County.
Clean-Ups
FOR leads two large scale cleanups annually on the banks of the Rappahannock. Several tons of trash and large refuse are removed from the river and its banks each year.
Please Email us if you can help!
Friends of the Rappahannock
P.O. Box 7254
Phone/Fax
Our site is updated regularly...so check back often for new material.