tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57893366523138555162024-03-24T04:10:52.330-07:00Your Piece of the PlanetAshley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-84577341718009418002023-12-19T05:40:00.000-08:002023-12-19T05:40:12.266-08:00PWDG falls short of the CPA and Zoning Ordinance<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oTBxq8asDlyuwHAdw3vbNN2kU5OfnALjr6evsteNbTYZOdcPlD55o_M7f50L46cx2C7sff6tef5Cl2qpxgdcydd9v9DXZVccCLm-RUrms6h-NiAQbDwXLPdvA-CvzJvPHUcyatpcLcg4kFY5IYrh4SZMrhScqWX0WnXKh4JkVyrTnQMjovsAyeNSTJww/s957/logos%20letter%20to%20the%20board.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="957" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oTBxq8asDlyuwHAdw3vbNN2kU5OfnALjr6evsteNbTYZOdcPlD55o_M7f50L46cx2C7sff6tef5Cl2qpxgdcydd9v9DXZVccCLm-RUrms6h-NiAQbDwXLPdvA-CvzJvPHUcyatpcLcg4kFY5IYrh4SZMrhScqWX0WnXKh4JkVyrTnQMjovsAyeNSTJww/w400-h100/logos%20letter%20to%20the%20board.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">December
11, 2023</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear Chair Wheeler and Members of the Prince William
County Board of Supervisors:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We are writing in advance
of your public hearing tomorrow on the three proposed “Digital Gateway”
rezonings. At the outset, we wish to
emphasize that we strongly oppose all three proposals. Data centers are a fundamental part of the
technology infrastructure that supports the modern economy, and they have a
place in Prince William County and other localities in Virginia. However, given the enormous impacts they can
inflict on the surrounding environment and nearby communities, it is essential
that they be appropriately sited and scaled.
With its broad array of invaluable historic, cultural, and environmental
resources, the landscape immediately west and northwest of Manassas National
Battlefield Park is simply an unsuitable location for a data center and
technology complex, especially of this massive scale. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We acknowledge that some
of you may disagree, as evidenced by the Board’s adoption of the PW Digital Gateway
Comprehensive Plan Amendment (“Digital Gateway CPA”) late last year. However, we trust that you will fulfill your
collective duty to ensure that any rezoning applications proposed in this area:
(1) comply with all pertinent requirements of the Virginia Code and Prince
William County Zoning Ordinance; and (2) are reasonably consistent with the protections
and guidelines in the Digital Gateway CPA. The three proposals coming before you tomorrow
meet neither of those basic marks.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">With this letter, we call
to your attention <b>several overlooked or ignored legal requirements</b> that
must be met before you may properly vote on these proposals. We then highlight a number of ways in which
the proposals and accompanying proffers remain <b>inconsistent with key provisions
in the Digital Gateway CPA</b> or would grant the applicants far too much
discretion over major development outcomes. Many of our concerns align with
County staff’s findings, and rather than ranking or repeating all the points
from the December 7 staff reports, we have primarily focused on adding or
expanding a few. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The clear take-away
message: <b><u>the proposals before you are not ready for a vote</u></b>. We
strongly urge you to defer further consideration until the various problems and
risks discussed below and in the staff reports are addressed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></u></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></u></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Conflicts
with Virginia Code and Prince William County Code Requirements<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The County has Violated Fundamental Public
Notice Requirements.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> We
first wish to raise the concern that the County is in violation of provisions
of the Virginia Code as well as the Prince William County Code that set forth
fundamental requirements for providing public notice of proposed amendments to
zoning ordinances. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Va. Code §15.2-2204(A)
requires that notice of a governing body’s intent to adopt an amendment to the
zoning ordinance be published “once a week for two successive weeks in some
newspaper published or having general circulation in the locality, with the
first notice appearing no more than 14 days before the intended adoption.” The statute goes on to explain that “‘two
successive weeks’ means that such notice shall be published at least twice in
such newspaper, with not less than six days elapsing between the first and second
publication.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Prince William County
Code § 32-700.60(1) prescribes the County’s public notice requirements for zoning
map amendments and incorporates the Virginia Code requirement that notice of an
amendment be published “once a week for two successive weeks (with not less
than six days elapsing between the first and second publication) in a newspaper
having general circulation in the County.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Here, the County
published its initial notice of the public hearing on the three proposed
Digital Gateway rezonings in the <i>Washington Post</i> on December 2. It then published the second notice in the <i>Washington
Post</i> on December 5. By publishing
the second notice only three days after the first, the County has clearly
violated the requirement contained in both the Virginia Code and County Code
that at least six days elapse between the two publications. As a result, the rezonings must be deferred
so that they can be readvertised in a manner that complies with these basic public
notice requirements. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Applicants have Failed to Request a Waiver
or Modification for Their Master Zoning Plans.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Staff has repeatedly made
clear to all three applicants that they are required to submit a waiver request
to the Board of Supervisors due to their refusal to provide “the location of
all buildings and other structures”<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> on their Master Zoning
Plans (“MZP”), as required by County Code sections 32-280.02, 32-700.23, and
32-700.21.<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Section 32-404.05 of the County Code requires
that “[r]equests to waive or modify any provision of this chapter must be
submitted and justified as part of a rezoning application.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The MZPs for all three
proposals still fail to include the location of all buildings and structures. Yet, as of the December 7 staff report, none
of the applicants had submitted a waiver request, and to the best of our
knowledge this is still the case—despite the County Code’s clear requirement,
and despite County staff’s clear instruction, to do so.<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> This conflict with the County Code must be addressed
before the Board may properly proceed to a vote on these rezonings.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Applicants Have Failed to Commit to
Developing in Strict Accordance with the Proffers.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The very first sentence
of the proffers for all three rezoning proposals violates the requirement in County
Code § 32-700.30(2) that “[e]very proffer statement shall state that the
applicant proffers that use and development of the property shall be in <b>strict
accordance</b> with the proffered conditions.” Both the Digital Gateway South and Digital
Gateway North proffers state that “the use and development of the Property
shall be in <b>substantial conformance</b> with the following [proffered]
conditions.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> The Compass proffers propose an even lower standard:
“the development of the Property shall be in <b>accordance</b> with the
following [proffered] conditions.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The County Code’s requirement
for “strict accordance” is deliberate, as lower standards such as “substantial conformance”
or mere “accordance” grant too much room for applicants to divert from
proffered commitments and can make proffer enforcement a much greater challenge
for the County. Allowing anything less
than strict accordance with the proffers just makes the already vague
commitments in many of the applicant’s proffers that much more unclear. This inconsistency between the proffers and the
County Code must be corrected before the Board proceeds to a vote on the
rezonings.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Inconsistencies with the Comprehensive
Plan, and Excessive Grants of Applicant Discretion<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Key
Mitigation Features and Open Space Areas Called for in Digital Gateway CPA Remain
Highly Vulnerable to Impacts from Utilities.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> All
three applicants’ failure to commit to locating utility crossings within the projects’
“Limits of Disturbance” (“LOD”) threatens the value of numerous resource
protections and mitigating features shown on the applicants’ plans. As explained in the December 7 staff reports,
this failure means that various types of utilities, including electric transmission
lines, may be constructed within the perimeter buffers, supplemental landscape
areas, protected open space, and tree preservation areas designated on the
applicants’ plans.<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Construction within these features would
significantly undermine their ecological value and reduce their potential to
mitigate various types of impacts. The
applicants’ failure to provide any information on where electric transmission
lines would be located is particularly concerning, given that the projects
would require significant additional electric infrastructure to meet their massive
energy demand. That energy
infrastructure would have impacts on the project sites and beyond, including
nearby communities and important County, state, and federal resources. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">At the Planning
Commission public hearings, the applicants and a utility representative
asserted that typical practice is to wait to plan the location of electric transmission
lines until after an applicant submits a final site plan. County staff, however, has noted that
“planning of these [transmission] corridors remains possible and highly
encouraged at the rezoning stage of development.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Given the unanswered
questions about the energy and transmission infrastructure needs of these
proposals, and the importance of the proposed buffers, landscaping, protected
spaces and tree preservation areas in mitigating those and other impacts, we
endorse County’s staff’s recommendation that the applicants depict electric transmission line corridors on the
MZPs (with a proffer reserving the ability to make slight modifications or
adjustments).<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Without a commitment in the MZPs to some
reasonably discernible limits within which the transmission lines and other
utilities would be located, the projects’ true impacts cannot be properly
understood, and there is no assurance that the mitigation the applicants have
proposed can actually be achieved. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Applicants’ Open Space Commitments are
Inconsistent with the Digital Gateway CPA.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Action Strategy DGGI 1.3
in the Digital Gateway CPA sets a target of 30% natural open space (“NOS”)
being achieved over the entire CPA study area.
Natural open space is defined in the County’s zoning ordinance to
include intact natural areas such as native forests, natural creeks, streams
and lakes, and natural wetlands that are “set aside as an area to remain
undisturbed during development and in perpetuity.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> The “definition is
intended to exclude areas where activities have destroyed any natural habitat
in an attempt to create a man-made habitat.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As noted in the December
7 staff reports, the “Open Space” proffers<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> for all three projects still
lack any commitment to provide the 30% NOS that the CPA encourages, and the amount
of NOS the applicants have proposed in each project falls far short of that
mark.<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn13" name="_ftnref13" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Although the 30% NOS target applies to the
entire study area, each individual applicant’s failure to commit to preserving anywhere
close to 30% NOS makes it nearly impossible that the Digital Gateway CPA’s 30% NOS
target for the larger study area can be met. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> The
applicants instead propose a proffer to provide a minimum of 30% “protected<i> </i>open
space.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn14" name="_ftnref14" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> However, “<i>protected</i> open space” may
include previously disturbed areas that generally offer less ecological value
than undisturbed “<i>natural</i> open space,”
so the applicants’ proposal is an inadequate substitute. Moreover, even this poor substitute could
prove very difficult to enforce because compliance with the requirement is to
be determined “upon completion of the Development on the Property.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn15" name="_ftnref15" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[15]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> The “completion of the Development” of each
of the projects is likely to be many years away and will be very difficult to
determine, given that each proposal would allow for millions of square feet of
data centers and various other uses at full buildout. One can easily foresee a situation in which
the applicants assert that their properties have additional development
potential under the approved rezonings and have therefore yet to reach
“completion,” even though the applicants may have no intent to develop them further. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The “Open Space” proffers
for all three projects clearly need further work to make them consistent with
the important natural open space goals articulated in the Digital Gateway CPA
and to ensure they would be enforceable.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 106%;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;">The Compass Project’s Proposed
Wildlife Corridors Are Unlikely to Provide Effective Wildlife Movement.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Compass applicant’s
proposed wildlife corridor differs significantly from the CPA’s designated route
for the Western Corridor. The CPA states
at DGGI 1.4 that applicants shall “[e]stablish and protect the wildlife
corridors identified in the Green Infrastructure map” depicted in Figure 13.<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn16" name="_ftnref16" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[16]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> The route depicted in the CPA map provides a
north/south connection to high-quality forests west of Pageland Lane. The Compass applicant’s proposed corridor, by
contrast, follows an alternate route that has far less tree cover and would
direct wildlife to two additional crossings of the proposed four-lane highway along
the current Pageland Lane.<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn17" name="_ftnref17" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[17]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"> </span> The
Board should expect the applicant to adhere to the direct route designated by
the CPA, rather than propose a corridor that would require animals to cross a
highway and back.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 106%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;">Moreover,
the Compass applicant’s proffered wildlife corridors do not meet the width
required by the CPA. The CPA’s DGGI 1.4
encourages a minimum width of 500’, but notes that 300’ will be technically
acceptable where corridors are reduced.<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn18" name="_ftnref18" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[18]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Not only does the applicant not meet the urged
500’ in most locations (as staff has pointed out<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn19" name="_ftnref19" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[19]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>), but its proposed “Wildlife
Corridors” proffer explicitly states that some portions of its intended
corridor may be even narrower than 300’. In its proffer, the applicant states
that “the dimensions may be reduced [from 300’] in location(s) where the
Wildlife Corridor crosses roadways.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn20" name="_ftnref20" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[20]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> This reduction is inconsistent with the
requirements of the Digital Gateway CPA and could significantly reduce the
quality and efficacy of the corridors.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Proposed
Proffers Granting Applicants Excessive Discretion <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Proffers Grant Applicant Excessive Discretion
Regarding Reinterment of Human Remains.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Compass applicant’s “Reinterment of Human Remains” proffer would reserve to the
Compass applicant excessive discretion to determine where to reinter any human
remains found on the property. The proffer states that, when reinterment is
recommended, but the Applicant, County Archaeologist, Virginia Department of
Historic Resources (VDHR), and any identified descendent next-of-kin cannot
agree upon a location, then the applicant shall determine a location “in its
sole and absolute discretion.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn21" name="_ftnref21" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[21]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> County Staff have suggested that this proffer
may violate the Virginia Code regarding descendants’ rights.<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn22" name="_ftnref22" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[22]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Notwithstanding any potential inconsistency
with the Code, we are concerned that this proffer would allow the applicant to
ignore and override the historical and archaeological expertise of the County Archaeologist
and VDHR, as well as the personal interest in the remains of next-of-kin. This
proffer needs further work.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Proffers Grant Applicant Excessive Discretion
Regarding Cooling Systems.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The identical “Data
Center Cooling” proffer<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn23" name="_ftnref23" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[23]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> proposed for both the
Digital Gateway North and the Digital Gateway South projects is intended to
ensure that the applicant would utilize air or closed-loop cooling systems to
help mitigate the data centers’ impacts on local and regional water supply
resources. The November 8, 2023 staff
reports flagged problems with the ambiguity the prior version of this proffer
created by also allowing the applicant to use “other similar technology.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn24" name="_ftnref24" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[24]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> The revised version the applicant has
included in its November 29 proffer statements simply changes the phrase “other
similar technology” to “other new, innovative technology.” This language is just as ambiguous and creates
just as significant a loophole. While we
understand the applicant’s desire for flexibility to use more efficient types
of cooling systems that may be developed in the future, this proffer needs to
be reworked to require the applicant to receive the County’s approval prior to using
something other than air or closed-loop cooling systems. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Proffers Allow Digital Gateway North and
South Applicants to </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bypass
County Approval of Stormwater Management Concept Plan.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The “Stormwater
Management” proffers for both the Digital Gateway South and Digital Gateway
North projects<a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftn25" name="_ftnref25" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[25]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
would require the applicant to submit a Stormwater Management Concept Plan, but
the proffers limit County staff’s role to reviewing and commenting on that plan. Similar to a concerns that the December 7,
2023 staff report raises with the “Master Landscape Plan” proffers, this would leave
the County with no approval authority over the Stormwater Management Concept
Plan, allowing the applicant to completely disregard the County’s
comments. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The proffers need to be
amended to remove this loophole. The
amount of impervious surface that would result from developing these 2,000
acres and constructing over 20 million square feet of gross floor area has the
potential to disrupt over 50 years of effort to limit pollution within the
Occoquan watershed, a critical component of the regional water supply. The County must have authority to reject an
inadequate stormwater concept plan.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In closing, we reiterate our
strong opposition to these proposals and our recommendation that you defer any
further consideration of them until the serious problems and risks discussed
above and in the staff reports are addressed.
The proposals must be in compliance with all pertinent legal
requirements and be reasonably consistent with the protections and guidelines
in the Digital Gateway CPA before you consider voting, and they clearly are not
there yet.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thank you for your
consideration of our comments.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Morgan
Butler Julie
Bolthouse Ashley Studholme<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Senior
Attorney Director of
Land Use Executive Director<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Southern
Environmental Piedmont
Environmental Council Prince
William <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Law Center Conservation Alliance<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Prince William County Code §
32-700.60(1) includes an additional protection requiring that the public
hearing at which the proposed amendment will be heard “shall be held not less
than five days nor more than 21 days after the second advertisement shall have
appeared.”</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Prince William County Code §
700.21(7). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Nov. 8, 2023 Staff Report on Digital
Gateway South Rezoning Application at 33; Nov. 8, 2023 Staff Report on Digital Gateway
North Rezoning Application at 26; Nov. 8, 2023 Staff Report on Compass Datacenters
Rezoning Application at 32; Dec. 7, 2023 Staff Report on Digital Gateway South
Rezoning Application at 36; Dec. 7, 2023 Staff Report on Digital Gateway North
Rezoning Application at 28; Dec. 7, 2023 Staff Report on Compass Datacenters
Rezoning Application at 34.<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> <i>See</i>, e.g., Dec. 7, 2023 Staff
Report on Digital Gateway South Rezoning Application at 36; Dec. 7, 2023 Staff Report
on Digital Gateway North Rezoning Application at 28; Dec. 7, 2023 Staff Report
on Compass Datacenters Rezoning Application at 34. <i>See also </i>County Code §§ 32-404.05(1).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Nov. 29, 2023 Digital Gateway
South Revised Proffer Statement at 1 (emphasis added); Nov. 29, 2023 Digital
Gateway North Revised Proffer Statement at 1 (emphasis added).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn6">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Nov. 28, 2023 Compass Datacenters Revised
Proffer Statement at 1 (emphasis added).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn7">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> <i>See</i>, e.g., Dec. 7, 2023 Staff Report on Digital Gateway South
Rezoning Application at 41-42, 56; Dec. 7, 2023 Staff Report on Digital Gateway
North Rezoning Application at 32-33, 45; Dec. 7, 2023 Staff Report on Compass
Datacenters Rezoning Application at 35, 38, 62.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn8">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> <i>See</i>, e.g., Dec. 7, 2023
Staff Report on Digital Gateway South Rezoning Application at 63.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn9">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">See</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">, e.g., Dec. 7, 2023 Staff Report
on Digital Gateway South Rezoning Application at 64; Dec. 7, 2023 Staff Report
on Digital Gateway North Rezoning Application at 53; Dec. 7, 2023 Staff Report
on Compass Datacenters Rezoning Application at 62.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn10">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Prince William County Code, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">§</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> 32-100.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn11">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Prince William County Code </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">§</span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">32-100.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn12">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Nov. 29, 2023 Digital Gateway
South Revised Proffer Statement at 22, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">¶</span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> 34; Nov. 29, 2023 Digital Gateway North
Revised Proffer Statement at 21, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">¶
31</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">; Nov. 28, 2023
Compass Datacenters Revised Proffer Statement at 15, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">¶ 27</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn13">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Dec. 7, 2023 Staff Report on Digital
Gateway South Rezoning Application at 54; Dec. 7, 2023 Staff Report on Digital
Gateway North Rezoning Application at 43; Dec. 7, 2023 Staff Report on Compass
Datacenters Rezoning Application at 53.
The staff reports also note that the project sites contain areas of
mature hardwood forest and other areas that qualify as natural open space and have
outstanding conservation value, but which the applicant has not proposed to
preserve.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn14">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref14" name="_ftn14" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">See e.g.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Nov. 29, 2023 Digital Gateway
North Revised Proffer Statement at 23, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">¶
34.a</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">; Nov. 29, 2023
Digital Gateway North Revised Proffer Statement at 21, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">¶ 31.A</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">; Nov. 28, 2023 Compass Datacenters
Revised Proffer Statement at 16, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">¶
27.A</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn15">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref15" name="_ftn15" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[15]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Nov. 29, 2023 Digital Gateway
South Revised Proffer Statement a</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">t 22, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">¶</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 34;</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">
Nov. 29, 2023 Digital Gateway North Revised Proffer Statement a</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">t
21, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">¶</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 31.A;</span> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Nov. 28, 2023 Compass Datacenters Revised
Proffer Statemen</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">t at 15, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">¶ 27</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn16">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref16" name="_ftn16" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[16]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Comprehensive Plan Amendment at
33.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn17">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref17" name="_ftn17" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[17]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Nov. 1, 2023 Compass Datacenters
Rezoning Application, Master Zoning Plan at 2.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn18">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref18" name="_ftn18" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[18]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Comprehensive Plan Amendment at
33.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn19">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref19" name="_ftn19" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[19]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Dec. 7, 2023 Staff Report on
Compass Datacenters Rezoning Application at 52.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn20">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref20" name="_ftn20" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[20]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Nov. 28, 2023 Compass Datacenters
Revised Proffer Statement at 23, ¶ 34.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn21">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref21" name="_ftn21" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[21]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Nov. 28, 2023 Compass Datacenters
Revised Proffer Statement at 9-10, ¶ 13.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn22">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref22" name="_ftn22" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[22]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dec.
7, 2023 Staff Report on Compass Datacenters Rezoning Application at 48. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn23">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref23" name="_ftn23" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[23]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Nov. 29, 2023 Digital Gateway
South Revised Proffer Statement at 33, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">¶</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 42;</span> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Nov. 29, 2023 Digital Gateway North Revised
Proffer Statement at 32, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">¶</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> 39.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn24">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref24" name="_ftn24" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[24]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Nov. 8, 2023 Staff Report on Digital
Gateway South Rezoning Application, Attachment H (Proffer Deficiencies) at
comment 55; Nov. 8, 2023 Staff Report on Digital Gateway North Rezoning
Application, Attachment H (Proffer Deficiencies) at comment 53.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn25">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ashle/Downloads/CONFIDENTIAL%20Draft%20DG%20BOS%20Comments_12.10.23%20(near%20final).docx#_ftnref25" name="_ftn25" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[25]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Nov. 29, 2023 Digital Gateway
South Revised Proffer Statement at 32</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, ¶ 40.c; </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Nov. 29, 2023 Digital Gateway North
Revised Proffer Statement at</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 30, ¶ 37.c.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
</div>Ashley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-42805758664121514682023-12-13T08:43:00.000-08:002023-12-20T10:02:51.313-08:00Comments to the Board on PWDG <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uegRY4z2WPjKLXoCoqycLhVB4yYNohwWyjW69VTsETpIoU9SfGyrXHb7c3VoZm5zypTxbh6jhKwNsIxfQCnBXlnNYLhXIr4cVV3bdXizm8xAlGUhOjB5X0fQcEUhIDCgSmB4QCiDZ4sPunW_qoHq17Mw7wM6Gkba2y9GDzJSNM3ELAs72bqySj6jYGhD/s748/image.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="748" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uegRY4z2WPjKLXoCoqycLhVB4yYNohwWyjW69VTsETpIoU9SfGyrXHb7c3VoZm5zypTxbh6jhKwNsIxfQCnBXlnNYLhXIr4cVV3bdXizm8xAlGUhOjB5X0fQcEUhIDCgSmB4QCiDZ4sPunW_qoHq17Mw7wM6Gkba2y9GDzJSNM3ELAs72bqySj6jYGhD/s320/image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The following were our comments delivered to the Board of County Supervisors on December 12 in opposition to 3 rezoning applications collectively referred to as the Prince William Digital Gateway.<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">*** </div><br /><div>I understand that many of you have already formed your opinions on the rezonings we are discussing today. The allure of hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue is undeniable. I also acknowledge that this has been a long day, and it's a challenge to ask anyone to remain engaged for such an extended period. Yet, I implore you to pause for a moment. This is not a process to be endured simply to cast a vote at the end. There is wisdom in this process, and there is wisdom in the voices standing up for sustainability and our environment. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let's not forget that even with the approval of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment, these proposals are not inevitable. Fairfax County, for example, took a decisive step by downzoning, - not just replanning, but downzoning 41,000 acres in order the protect the Occoquan reservoir - a decision was upheld by the courts. Here in Prince William County, our primary strategy to protect the drinking water that the eastern end relies on - me included - has been to maintain the rural area that reduces development pressures on the reservoir. <br /><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>Now, we have heard that there are data centers within the Occoquan Reservoir watershed as justification for this proposal. But we’re talking about expanding development further. What we’re witnessing here is a slow death by a 1000 cuts. If we do not hold the line who will? Are we willing to put our drinking water on the line before conducting a study as Fairfax Water suggests? </div><div><br /></div><div>It is no secret that we, along with many other environmental and historic preservation organizations speaking tonight, have been against developing the Pageland corridor for data centers from the beginning. But, what we’re seeing here goes well beyond siting issues. These proposals fall short of even the minimum requirements promised in the Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA). Staff outlined these shortcomings in their presentations, I would like to now take a moment to expand on what has been noted in addition to several discrepancies in the process. </div><div><br /></div><div>From the beginning, this process valued potential economic gains over consideration for the environmental consequences. In reviewing the 5th submission, I was alarmed by the applicant's statement “to expect substantially greater detail at this stage in the development process ignores the size and scope of the design, engineering, and market influences that come with developing over 11 million square feet of nonresidential development over a 15 to 20 year time period.” I would say, that it is because of its size and scale that we need more information to adequately assess impacts to our water supplies, our grid, and the surrounding area. </div><div><br /></div><div>This massive proposal would be the largest data center complex in the world, in an era marked by climate change, mass extinction, and numerous other environmental challenges, the traditional paradigm of placing economic development above all else is no longer tenable and hasn’t been for a long time. As custodians of this county, you are tasked with a profound responsibility—to pioneer a more progressive, sustainable approach that not only propels economic development but also protects our environment and the health of our residents. </div><div><br /></div><div>By adopting a more progressive approach, we can position our county as a beacon of sustainable development, attracting businesses and investments that align with our commitment to environmental responsibility. This is not just an idealistic aspiration; it is a strategic imperative in the face of a changing climate and a global push toward sustainability. I don’t see how you can champion sustainability and support these rezonings. </div><div><br /></div><div>These proposals are simply business as usual…it's just bigger and they just have more money behind it. If there is so much to be gained, why not encourage more investment in our community and ecological and historical preservation from the outset? From what I have seen, both applicants submit revision after revision to find the lowest common denominator - what’s the least they can do to get this through? And after the staff report recommended denial, they again submitted a letter pleading with the county to approve this project, claiming that they do “not intend to develop” the southern end and claim that one potential theme is Freedom Park. Again, this is not proffered, there are no guarantees, especially with weak words like “intend” and “potential”. Prince William County, the land, the residents, and wildlife deserve more than just crumbs and development leftovers. </div><div><br /></div><div>The fluid nature of the proposals, characterized by last-minute submissions and revisions, makes it challenging for the public to thoroughly review. This hurried pace has demanded so much from the staff and jeopardizes the proper evaluation of legal requirements and compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, undermining the transparency and due diligence essential to this decision-making process. </div><div><br /></div><div>Staff has repeatedly made clear to both applicants that they are required to submit a waiver request to the Board of Supervisors due to their refusal to provide the location of all buildings and other structures on their Master Zoning Plans. As of the December 7 staff report, none of the applicants had submitted a waiver request, and to the best of our knowledge this is still the case—despite the County Code’s clear requirement, and despite County staff’s clear instruction, to do so.</div><div><br /></div><div>The applicants' proffers fall short of the County Code's "strict accordance" requirement, potentially allowing for deviations. The applicant may claim that they want to have the freedom to implement cutting-edge technology and sustainability measures. But if their commitment to sustainability were genuine, we would have seen stronger proffers for Natural Open Space, Wildlife Corridors, utility crossings, renewable energy, air or closed-loop cooling systems, and stormwater mitigation. The deliberate choice of "strict accordance" in the County Code is crucial, as lower standards like "substantial conformance" or mere "accordance" provide too much flexibility for applicants, complicating proffer enforcement for the County.</div><div><br /></div><div>The proposed Natural Open Space allocation is significantly below the 30% goal outlined in the Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA). Protecting these spaces is crucial, and mere token gestures of planting a tree elsewhere are insufficient. To diminish it to one tree here for one tree there fails to understand the rich ecology of these wooded areas and the length of time it’s required to be established and offer all the environmental services that they provide including clean air, clean water, carbon sequestration and more.<br /><br />We see this very plainly in the misalignment of the wildlife corridor in the Compass rezoning. This map shows the difference between what was approved with the CPA and what is being proposed with the rezoning. The adjustment shifts the corridor from an established wooded corridor to diverting wildlife to the Pageland Rd. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52fhtqF0Vsi-gCRFVqvSf3OxBV5zeY20Eyfcf6Zl24BC9_EML6Ytb_A3KgHRvUB1RjfqNKOcD6hwc4zHS5-1gHNzcJe0mUGLGcI8O-G2sfgvM07ytkJF-fmk2Kt_qjsu8GlTfOeE84W1bjyMegLE7wsDWN4nBLRvSAqt9mu2WziMRrbASi2tjj2sgdWmb/s720/corridors%20vs%20CPA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="655" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52fhtqF0Vsi-gCRFVqvSf3OxBV5zeY20Eyfcf6Zl24BC9_EML6Ytb_A3KgHRvUB1RjfqNKOcD6hwc4zHS5-1gHNzcJe0mUGLGcI8O-G2sfgvM07ytkJF-fmk2Kt_qjsu8GlTfOeE84W1bjyMegLE7wsDWN4nBLRvSAqt9mu2WziMRrbASi2tjj2sgdWmb/w582-h640/corridors%20vs%20CPA.jpg" width="582" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>During the Planning Commission public hearings, the applicants, along with a utility representative, argued that the customary practice involves planning the location of electric transmission lines after the submission of a final site plan. However, county staff has emphasized that the planning of these transmission corridors is not only possible but also highly encouraged at the rezoning stage of development. Given the immense scale and scope of these proposals, insisting on this planning upfront could proactively address and mitigate foreseeable issues.</div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="https://www.virginiamercury.com/2023/12/12/dominion-regulator-recommends-rejection-of-utilitys-long-term-plan/" target="_blank">Virginia Mercury reported today </a>that a State Corporation Commission utility regulator recommends rejecting Dominion Energy’s recent long-term plan. This plan includes new natural gas plants in response to the projected increase in power demand from data centers in Northern Virginia. Given these rezonings' massive scale, we’re looking at the power equivalent of adding 750,000 homes (5x more than in PWC) to raise concerns. Simple energy-saving measures the applicants are proposing as part of their sustainability effort won't offset this demand. Further information should be required to understand the impact on the grid and Virginia residents' rates on their electric bills. Projected rate increases indicate a potential 100% rise by 2030.</div><div><br /></div><div>In closing, these proposed rezonings fall woefully short of the minimum standards set by the Comprehensive Plan Amendment. They not only deepen our reliance on fossil fuels but also threaten the destruction of rural lands crucial to our drinking water watershed. It's essential to recognize that the cleaner our water going into the reservoir, the more efficiently we can provide clean drinking water.</div><div><br /></div><div>If these proposals gain approval, they establish a concerning precedent for further development. While much emphasis has been placed on the potential revenue, we must weigh this against the broader impact on the grid, necessitating more transmission lines, substations, and new natural gas plants. What about our water supply? As we expand, the risks of salinity and sedimentation accumulate, pushing our reservoir toward a dangerous tipping point. The cost to rectify such a scenario is a question we cannot ignore.</div><div><br /></div><div>I implore each of you to reflect on the long-term implications of this decision. This is an opportunity to set a high bar for sustainability and environmental and historic preservation. Given the scale and scope of this project, it’s critical now more than ever to uphold the county code to the highest standard. Thank you.</div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p></div>Ashley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-90639774418652256622023-12-10T06:32:00.000-08:002023-12-10T06:32:36.452-08:00A Call for Conscientious Consideration: Prince William Digital Gateway Threatens Land, Water, Heritage <p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><span class="xnormaltextrun"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 14.0pt;">MEDIA ALERT: </span></b></span><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span></b><span class="xscxw265762560"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br />
<span class="xnormaltextrun">December 8, 2023</span></span><b><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><span class="xnormaltextrun"><b><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></b></span></p><p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><span class="xnormaltextrun"><b><u><span style="font-size: 13pt;">A Call for Conscientious Consideration</span></u></b></span><span class="xnormaltextrun"><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">: Prince
William Digital Gateway Threatens Land, Water, Heritage</span></b></span><span class="xeop"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p><p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Woodbridge, Virginia – The United Tribes
of the Shenandoah, alongside a diversity of community faith leaders, will host
a peaceful prayer ceremony on Tuesday, December 12, at 9 AM at the Sean T.
Connaughton Plaza located between the James J. McCoart Building and Development
Services Building at the county government complex in Woodbridge, VA. The prayer vigil will precede the scheduled
public hearing to consider the Prince William Digital Gateway.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span></span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p><p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Those gathering will plead for
environmental and cultural preservation in response to the imminent threat
posed by the proposed project. If approved, the Prince William Digital Gateway would
be the largest data center development in the world. Its creation would bulldoze up to 2,000 acres
of rural, agricultural and residential land, directly impacting the Manassas
National Battlefield Park and Conway Robinson State Forest, further
industrializing the Occoquan Reservoir watershed - a critical source of
drinking water for the region.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Most responsible citizens and officials
believe there is a balance which can be achieved between progress and
preservation. However, there are some
elements of our community and government so preoccupied with commercial
interests that they are willing to brusquely sweep aside any obstacles. The irreplaceable historical and cultural
sites of Prince William County are not something to be arbitrarily sacrificed
for a fast buck. Development that is
smart and careful can be accomplished, if there is a will to do so.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The environmental community has consistently advocated for more
stringent measures to safeguard natural and cultural assets in the path of this
destructive proposal, which is also situated in one of the nation's most
historically sensitive corridors. It
seriously threatens the preservation of African-American and Native American
heritage. A recent study funded by the HOA Roundtable of Northern Virginia
highlights a lack of attention to the Native American history in the area,
particularly the dominance of the Manahoac Confederacy of Virginia in the
Gainesville area before European settlers arrived.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Matthew “Maasaw” Howard, a Native American
historian, has written a study that highlights a blatant lack of acknowledgment
of tens of thousands of years of pre-colonial history. Maasaw emphasized the
need to include this rich history in the county's narrative. His study further indicates that resources and
sites associated with historically marginalized communities has not been
adequately assessed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Superintendent Kristofer Butcher of the
Manassas National Battlefield Park has made an urgent call for the initiation
of a Cultural Landscape Report, which would provide a comprehensive analysis of
the physical history, existing conditions, and recommended treatment actions to
preserve, restore, or rehabilitate the landscape.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This call to action is not just a plea for
preservation. It is a plea for conscientious consideration and a commitment to
the sustainable and respectful development of the Prince William County
landscape.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><span class="xnormaltextrun"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What:</span></b></span><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Prayer
Vigil to precede the public hearing for the Prince William Digital Gateway</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><span class="xnormaltextrun"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When:</span></b></span><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Tuesday, December
12<sup>th</sup> at 9 AM</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><span class="xnormaltextrun"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Where:</span></b></span><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1 County Complex Court,
Woodbridge, VA (see map on following page)</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="xnormaltextrun"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Media Contacts:</span></b></span><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="xnormaltextrun"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Prayer Vigil</span></u></span><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">: Sheila
Hansen, 540-270-3742,</span></span> <a href="mailto:shoooty@aol.com">shoooty@aol.com</a>
<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="xnormaltextrun"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">American
Indian Habitation in Gainesville, VA</span></u></span><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">: Matthew “Maasaw”
Howard, </span></span><a href="mailto:bearspiritmountain@yahoo.com">bearspiritmountain@yahoo.com</a>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="xnormaltextrun"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">To arrange interviews</span></u></span><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">: John
Steinbach, 703-822-3485, </span></span><a href="mailto:johnsteinbach1@verizon.net"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">johnsteinbach1@verizon.net</span></a><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiYQb3B9zf6QwDDPkKZsFcsS89juNGW8TLY7XlByxhROHsON4IDL6vZp0v1XTc4vRYiIhzkhaVKC8NhRzspmwsOpPjKt6rOUlwo4Cy1kfQ-0TaSn3OreEiCWJo4UJRZ79FMtDf21bevyejrYq5wk48Tt8NjbcVIsOzZ9D9eAQeYL7ihOb3R2BHGyBqIrS/s994/location%20prayer%20vigil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="994" height="453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiYQb3B9zf6QwDDPkKZsFcsS89juNGW8TLY7XlByxhROHsON4IDL6vZp0v1XTc4vRYiIhzkhaVKC8NhRzspmwsOpPjKt6rOUlwo4Cy1kfQ-0TaSn3OreEiCWJo4UJRZ79FMtDf21bevyejrYq5wk48Tt8NjbcVIsOzZ9D9eAQeYL7ihOb3R2BHGyBqIrS/w640-h453/location%20prayer%20vigil.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><br /></p><p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><br /></p><p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p>
</p><p class="xparagraph" style="background: white;"><span class="xeop"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span></p>Ashley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-64433791815892370872023-10-02T04:44:00.004-07:002023-10-02T04:44:52.678-07:00Monitoring the Bluebird Trail at Chinn (2023 season)<p>by: Rita Romano <br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTU_GOR2x8MICgQ3-DsbQGkdwxVtrmDAg7_fwCUj_9R6swiBs61YJJiDNU_vOf6uZadPOHIUCGA5mNLxce4rrRjrmy2j0xc4XEzge0Luwi2qiH2d1WYWoK0rrY8DTOFo6HVOPtKXhkeIKbPoub3_d_4t_uO4xH1nNOpHB9mA2i4xNuFWkLsVVsQ_3bY-VV/s640/IMG_5027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="614" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTU_GOR2x8MICgQ3-DsbQGkdwxVtrmDAg7_fwCUj_9R6swiBs61YJJiDNU_vOf6uZadPOHIUCGA5mNLxce4rrRjrmy2j0xc4XEzge0Luwi2qiH2d1WYWoK0rrY8DTOFo6HVOPtKXhkeIKbPoub3_d_4t_uO4xH1nNOpHB9mA2i4xNuFWkLsVVsQ_3bY-VV/s320/IMG_5027.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>If you enjoy watching nature up close and personal, you would love to be a part of the team that monitors the Bluebird boxes that Prince William Alliance has installed on trails by the Chinn Aquatic & Fitness Center. We start monitoring 14 boxes in early Spring that are intended for Bluebirds, however, we get many Tree Swallows in our boxes as well, and sometimes a Wren. We have a team of 6 people, and we take turns peeking into the boxes twice a week until about mid-August. We have a friendly contest with another team that monitors 12 Bluebird boxes at Merrimac Farm to see which team discovers the first egg!<p></p><p>You never know what you are going to find when you peek in the boxes! Is the box empty, or is there a beginning of a nest? If there is a nest, what kind is it? Each species has special characteristics. My favorite is the Tree Swallow nest because they use feathers from other species to curl over the nest opening. <br /><br /><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>Are there eggs? If so, what kind? Bluebird eggs are…well blue. Tree Swallow eggs are pinkish-white. And how many eggs are there? Mother Bluebirds generally lay one egg a day until they have around 5-6 eggs. It is not until then that they start incubating the eggs. Really? I never knew this until I started monitoring. Once incubation starts, the countdown begins until they fledge, which is about 17 days. They are so funny-looking when they first hatch. Tiny little being with pink skin and a little bit of fuzz. <p></p><p>One time when monitoring I discovered a snake all curled up in the box! I had my 5-year-old grandson with me at the time. I think his parents and I were more excited about the snake than he was! Twice this year we had the sad experience of finding baby Bluebirds that were close to fledging dead in their nests. There was no evidence of the cause of death. Did something happen to the parents? Was there an attack by a House Sparrow? House Sparrows can be very aggressive and can attack parents as well as babies. Whenever we discover a House Sparrow nest in one of our Bluebird boxes, we remove it.</p><p>This year we had a total of 67 bluebird eggs, of which 46 fledged, which is a survival rate of 69%. The survival rate for Tree Swallows was higher. We had 27 Tree Swallow eggs of which 21 successfully fledged. Their survival rate was 77%. Merrimac Farm Trail had 32 Bluebirds fledge. Given the different habitat – more wooded and less open space compared to the Chinn Trail, no Tree Swallows were observed. Monitors did count 1 Carolina Chickadee and 5 Carolina Wrens that fledged. So together we had 78 Bluebirds fledge this year due directly to our efforts! </p><p>I would like to thank the wonderful people who were on the monitoring team for the Chinn Trail this year: Amy Wilson, Jennifer Raybould, Jennifer Moyer, Kathleen and Steve Hurst, Janet Wheatcraft, and Brett Beckner. Thanks you to Charles Badal who leads the Merrimac Trail along with his team from this year: Val and Billy Ritter, Ines Nedelcovic, Susan Hunt, Marianna Juarez-Ordonez, and Chelseigh Bond.</p><p>Many thanks also to Kevin Parker who maintains the boxes and Ashley Studholme for her support and oversight. If you would like to join one of the teams at either Chinn trail or Merrimac Farm Trail contact the Prince William Conservation Alliance at alliance@pwconserve.org or (703) 490-5200.</p><div><br /></div><p><br /><br /></p>Ashley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-11097903035331174122023-09-08T04:48:00.010-07:002023-10-20T05:10:15.877-07:00Sustainability Plan - A roadmap to where?<p> </p><p></p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="css-j9tv80 fusionResponsiveContent" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: black; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; table-layout: fixed; width: 585px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: inherit;"><tr style="box-sizing: inherit;"><th class="css-v13kal fusionResponsiveColumn" data-fusion-class="" data-fusion-type="_column" style="border-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: normal; padding: 0px; text-align: left; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s; width: 570px;" valign="top"><div data-fusion-type="unwrap" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><div class="styles-item-de7817ad" data-fusion-type="unwrap" id="reorderable-list-item-content-0xrwlup" style="box-sizing: inherit; position: relative;"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; position: relative;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="css-63oe3q" style="box-sizing: inherit; width: 570px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: inherit;"><tr style="box-sizing: inherit;"><td style="box-sizing: inherit;"></td><th class="css-1dmdocb fusionResponsiveColumn" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 0px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 0; text-align: left; width: 8px;"></th><th class="css-v13kal fusionResponsiveColumn" data-fusion-class="" data-fusion-type="_column" style="border-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: normal; padding: 0px; text-align: left; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s; width: 570px;" valign="top"><div data-fusion-type="unwrap" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><div class="styles-item-de7817ad" data-fusion-type="unwrap" id="reorderable-list-item-content-0xrwlup" style="box-sizing: inherit; position: relative;"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; position: relative;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="css-63oe3q" style="box-sizing: inherit; width: 570px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: inherit;"><tr style="box-sizing: inherit;"><td style="box-sizing: inherit;"><div class="css-1sceyj1" data-fusion-class="" data-fusion-type="text" id="text-0xrwlup" style="border-color: transparent; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: black; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #393939; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: black; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxt3DUIYWcXAZDCLqJ1bAYg3R1wr2oz2GIuk2rzEuf9ciVVwNGAJSjzjq297KKIGO2ct7oLfpMrnfGzAsJSvsdZISWZU3GHxO88b_KTps-UNmDEImzCpenqFkqqyi1o7EpRgxgK_Y4vde8twI-26p5Vnw0CSfMlIJlPu7aTbG_rTUC5R5Nhji4YCory9Qj/s1080/Illustrated%20Earth%20Climate%20Change%20Instagram%20Post.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxt3DUIYWcXAZDCLqJ1bAYg3R1wr2oz2GIuk2rzEuf9ciVVwNGAJSjzjq297KKIGO2ct7oLfpMrnfGzAsJSvsdZISWZU3GHxO88b_KTps-UNmDEImzCpenqFkqqyi1o7EpRgxgK_Y4vde8twI-26p5Vnw0CSfMlIJlPu7aTbG_rTUC5R5Nhji4YCory9Qj/s320/Illustrated%20Earth%20Climate%20Change%20Instagram%20Post.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><p style="color: #393939;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: black; font-family: verdana;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Creating a Sustainability Office and Commission acknowledged the increasing environmental challenges we are facing in Prince William County. Their role in identifying a path forward could support the quality of life for all PW residents, now and in the future. </span></span></p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: black; font-family: verdana;">Touted as a roadmap for the county to </span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #232323; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;">meet </span><a href="https://www.pwcva.gov/assets/2023-02/Res%20No%2020-773%20Climate%20Mitigation%20and%20Resiliency%20Goals.pdf" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #232323; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; pointer-events: none;" target="_blank"><b>Climate Mitigation and Resiliency goals</b></a><span style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #232323; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;">, the draft Community Energy and Sustainability Master Plan (CESMP) document unfortunately falls short. While streamlining rooftop solar in residential areas and reforestation programs (</span><a href="https://pwconserve.blogspot.com/2023/05/rooting-for-pwc-in-support-of.html" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #232323; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px; pointer-events: none;" target="_blank">read our comments in support here</a><span style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #232323; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;">) are important, it is not sufficient. Any headway we make will be negated if we do not address Data Center proliferation and land use planning that promotes sprawl rather than smart growth. </span><p style="color: #393939;"></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span></span></p><a name="more"></a><span><a name='more'></a></span><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #232323; font-family: verdana;">Protecting the open space and natural areas that we have is critical not only to meeting these goals but to ensuring that while we make improvements in other areas, we keep what makes Prince William unique.</span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #232323; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #393939;">Below isn't an exhaustive list of the plan's shortcomings, but rather identifies some gaps. </span><b style="color: #393939;">Conservation is a key tool to achieve sustainability.</b><span style="color: #393939;"> </span><br /><br /><i style="color: #393939;">Water and Source Water Protection</i><br /><br />Ensuring reliable access to clean drinking water should be a fundamental aspect of any sustainability plan. In Prince William County, this involves safeguarding the Occoquan Reservoir and groundwater resources. A cost-effective approach to protecting our waterways is by making land-use decisions that decrease development pressure and limit impervious surfaces within the reservoir's watershed. In areas already developed, retrofitting improved stormwater BMPs and increasing the number of stormwater inspectors is key. </span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #232323; font-family: verdana;"><i>Rural Crescent</i></span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #232323; font-family: verdana;">The Rural Crescent has been our defacto climate change plan since its adoption in 1998. Even with the adoption of the recent Comprehensive Plan, Prince William still has a designated rural area that aids in meeting these goals by:</span></p><p style="color: #393939;"></p><ul style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939;"><li class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #232323; font-family: verdana;">reducing development pressure in the Occoquan Reservoir Watershed</span></li></ul><ul style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939;"><li class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #232323; font-family: verdana;">protecting groundwater recharge</span></li></ul><ul style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939;"><li class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #232323; font-family: verdana;">encouraging infrastructure development in a cost-effective and more energy-efficient way</span></li></ul><ul style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939;"><li class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #232323; font-family: verdana;">protecting open space and particularly natural open space, which are important carbon sinks. <br /></span></li></ul><p style="color: #393939;"></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 16px;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #232323; font-family: verdana;"><i style="color: #393939;">Data Centers</i><br /><br />We face a clear choice: build data centers or meet climate change goals, but not both. To meet the power demand driven by data center growth, Dominion plans to add transmission lines. The source of this power is primarily coal and natural gas, for approved data centers. PW Digital Gateway could double the amount the data centers we currently have and have already approved. <br /><br />The Sustainability plan boosts that many data centers "are already procuring 100% clean energy for their operations." To date, there is no way to substantiate this claim, to include it as part of the Sustainability Plan weakens the validity of the plan. <br /><br />As backup power, data centers rely on diesel generators. We have already <a href="https://townhall.virginia.gov//l/ViewNotice.cfm?GNID=2538" target="_blank">seen a proposal from DEQ</a> that would allow data centers to run generators despite air quality concerns. <br /><br /><span style="color: #393939;">Learn more! Watch our latest program <a href="https://youtu.be/XJ0i7OwqaNQ?si=A-W80udFTvRqND70" target="_blank">What's the Cloud? Data Center 101</a></span></span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #232323; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; color: black; font-family: verdana;"><i>Trees and Natural Open Space</i></span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; color: black; font-family: verdana;">Natural landscapes tend to be carbon sinks i.e. they take in more carbon than they emit. This has prompted more and more discussion on the importance of Land use, Land use Change and Forest (or LULUCF). While reforestation is a critical tool in our toolkit, protecting the wooded areas we have is a more efficient way to sequester carbon. The county has conducted a <a href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e4610df652ba4d348ba1261bca67cb53">preliminary tree inventory</a>, which may serve as a basis to better understand how much carbon is being taken up by these areas and what happens when we pave over them. </span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 16px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Traffic and Transit</i></span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reducing cars and car trips on the road even if every car was electric would be a good thing for our roads and for our well-being - no one wants to sit in traffic. <br /><br />By linking transit to land use, we can incentivize denser development near mass transit which provides better service to the community and supports projected population increases while limiting Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). <br /><br />If you've ever traveled to places like Eugene, Oregon, or the Netherlands, you may have noticed that we could do a lot more to support biking in the burbs. Investing in bike-specific infrastructure in the development area supports the multi-modal user experience and encourages more biking and walking, especially for those short trips. Bikes are currently relegated to either sharing the road with cars or with pedestrians, neither is optimal for the driver, the biker, or the walker. <br /></span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Learn more</span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://youtu.be/HwLcVYHtK7A?si=VkD_wfDhcWGoAfuj" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: black; pointer-events: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Transit and communities</span></a></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKzpsLmg6S8" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: black; pointer-events: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: verdana;">How to Green Our Transportation Network</span></a></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #393939; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 16px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Renewable energy and energy efficiency</i><br /></span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 16px;"><span style="color: #393939; font-family: verdana;">Increasing renewable energy needs to be coupled with energy efficency. No energy source, even solar, is free from environmental consequences. Still, we could do more to decarbonize the grid. Imagine a world where every home, shopping mall, data center, and parking lot is adorned with solar panels. By implementing forward-thinking programs and policies that promote solar adoption, we can transform this vision into a tangible reality.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 16px;"><span style="color: #393939; font-family: verdana;">Furthermore, enhancing the energy and water efficiency of existing buildings, especially among economically disadvantaged individuals who stand to gain the most from cost savings, could yield substantial benefits.</span></p></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p></div></div></th></tr></tbody></table><p></p></div></div></th></tr></tbody></table><p></p>Ashley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-43857362965933553062023-05-23T10:06:00.007-07:002023-05-26T07:58:51.714-07:00Rooting for PWC - In support of the Reforestation Grant Program<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodO-8n6ytQRPINvEM-c-beTMNF97ohvbjvgNvjZd-HSy2FrdLansEw8z9oTSykSrIhzuyAQETGWFJeTdswBrJNdfKUA-BzcPC5fU-XxeGCPC3euwZY4pZiDCQdf5fMu_pvGxHpejIjgu5WRBTEOLF6xjUfGOlF87A1MDc2uBJ1-PDCSRv00em3260uQ/s436/Reforestation%20public%20comment.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="436" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodO-8n6ytQRPINvEM-c-beTMNF97ohvbjvgNvjZd-HSy2FrdLansEw8z9oTSykSrIhzuyAQETGWFJeTdswBrJNdfKUA-BzcPC5fU-XxeGCPC3euwZY4pZiDCQdf5fMu_pvGxHpejIjgu5WRBTEOLF6xjUfGOlF87A1MDc2uBJ1-PDCSRv00em3260uQ/w320-h269/Reforestation%20public%20comment.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-41e6c456-7fff-4452-8818-f1cc2cf60465"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m here today to express support for the Public Works Reforestation Grant Program to be included in the upcoming budget. As we are all aware, we are facing several environmental challenges, such as climate change, maintaining water quality, and habitat loss leaving many species vulnerable. However, reforestation can help us address all these issues. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Forests provide critical environmental services to all residents here in Prince William County. They absorb carbon dioxide, a key greenhouse gas in the atmosphere contributing to climate change. They clean the air by intercepting particulate matter and absorbing other gaseous pollutants. Additionally, trees help prevent soil erosion and promote water quality. They also provide habitats for various wildlife species, making them an integral part of our ecosystem.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Unfortunately, over the years, we have been losing forests at an alarming rate due to human activities such as deforestation and urbanization. This has had a significant impact on the environment globally and locally. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While I think it’s also important to protect the forests that we still have, this program would create opportunities to bring back forests that have been lost. Additionally, it would expand current reforestation efforts and provide an opportunity for private, residential, commercial, industrial, and HOA land to qualify that are currently left out of existing programs. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You might think that it’s not necessary to fund such initiatives. You might think, why don’t we just stop mowing and allow natural processes to return lawn to forest? That may have been true a long time ago. Today, however, the prevalence of invasive plant species that thrive in these early successional circumstances means it’s necessary to be active stewards of reforestation efforts until a native ecosystem has a chance to be established. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This program would provide a critical starting point for native forests to grow and flourish, and would be crucial to a broader strategy to address a wide range of environmental and public health concerns in a cost-effective way. By planting more trees, we can support efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change, improve air quality, protect water quality in our waterways and reservoirs, and create habitat for wildlife. </span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span></div>Ashley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-28867625782727008362023-01-23T11:35:00.001-08:002023-01-23T11:35:33.759-08:00Nokesville results: 123rd annual Christmas Bird Count<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3QwS2mwdfVu9oZLdkyK3OIBLeBPvWECP74nihGlq0csVTzGJCBFfoHkbgo5XGFH1AXp-RbYr8FPsRc9IfPznNtcTbeBWYpknpBxhsLouEn88Hu4L-RkKTqUxE7HLT_Kvf3Mt2XRoDt1FLpJY4ENxJxAfiqCl7ac6ZehvK3a8E_JO-ghbwkcNJp3JvA/s540/CBC%20blog%20post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3QwS2mwdfVu9oZLdkyK3OIBLeBPvWECP74nihGlq0csVTzGJCBFfoHkbgo5XGFH1AXp-RbYr8FPsRc9IfPznNtcTbeBWYpknpBxhsLouEn88Hu4L-RkKTqUxE7HLT_Kvf3Mt2XRoDt1FLpJY4ENxJxAfiqCl7ac6ZehvK3a8E_JO-ghbwkcNJp3JvA/w200-h200/CBC%20blog%20post.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Lows of 25 °F surely made this year's 123rd annual Christmas Birrrrd Count a cold one. It didn't deter our 24 birders that spent the morning participating in the longest-running citizen science project. Nine teams surveyed the Nokesville circle and identified 80 species, just topping last year's number of 79. <b><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1S9V4ipMTt3ecEBJ3ro3owmMDkeXlGllZ9e6wJXv4njQ/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">>>see results here</a></b><p></p><p>Highlights of the December 27th, Nokesville Christmas Bird Count include a Common Loon seen in Quantico and 32 Redheads, which is a count high. Corvids were quite conspicuous with both American Crow and Fish Crow reaching a high for our circle at 491 and 934 respectively. We also saw a few lows for our count including Black Vulture, Red-winged Blackbird, and White-crowned Sparrow. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Now in its 123rd year, the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is the oldest and largest citizen science event in existence. The National Audubon Society leads the effort, compiles data nationwide, and makes the results available to all <a href="https://www.audubon.org/Bird/cbc/" target="_blank">on their website here</a>. </p><p>All CBC Circles cover a 15-mile diameter circle (113,000 acres). The information collected by citizen scientists provides a snapshot showing what birds were found on one particular winter day over many years. </p><p>The Nokesville count circle (<a href="http://pwconserve.org/maps/cbc_nokesville_2013.jpg" target="_blank">see map</a>), centered at Merrimac Farm WMA, covers a diverse landscape at the edge of the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area and captures the transition from coastal plain to piedmont ecosystems. </p><p>It extends from the Prince William County landfill on Route 234 to Nokesville Proper, and from the Lunga Reservior near I-95 to Catlett in Fauquier County. The count circle includes portions of Prince William Forest [National] Park, Manassas Airport and large areas within MCB Quantico. </p><p>Parks and conservation areas include Merrimac Farm WMA, the Cedar Run Wetland Bank, Foggy Bottom Wetland Bank, Dove's Landing Mitigation Area, Nokesville Park, Brentsville Courthouse, Bristoe Battlefield Park and Hellwig Park. </p><p>Big thank you to our team leaders: Tody Hardwick, Claudia Thompson-Deahl, Nancy Vehrs, Jim Goehring, Larry Meade, Dave Govoni, Tim Stamps, and Dave Larsen! </p><p><br /></p><p class="style1" style="background-color: white; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: circle;"><br /></p><p class="style1" style="background-color: white; border-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: circle;"><br /></p>Ashley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-14064993610894066192023-01-10T08:08:00.013-08:002023-01-11T07:07:04.786-08:00Pathway to 2040: Comprehensive Plan<p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 12pt;">By: Court Squires</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4s0Ooif879DRZVOSo6irA6kcWnL5_K3Bspl_NM398g7XHJ1FA1VQfKR95p-595UwizpYRrd-A1XM20sZewIA1QkW2c3QD6I4aB65ul32UTUOQNgpJgJGWIoJaME-i-R7b0P0fFOrYQBaSc3xhC77KTFyHt2p7ke7JJgB2YgHKY7UGIA_amA0IyaywQ/s540/Untitled%20design.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4s0Ooif879DRZVOSo6irA6kcWnL5_K3Bspl_NM398g7XHJ1FA1VQfKR95p-595UwizpYRrd-A1XM20sZewIA1QkW2c3QD6I4aB65ul32UTUOQNgpJgJGWIoJaME-i-R7b0P0fFOrYQBaSc3xhC77KTFyHt2p7ke7JJgB2YgHKY7UGIA_amA0IyaywQ/s320/Untitled%20design.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The
Pathway to 2040: Comprehensive Plan passed, 5-2, undeterred by
constituent concerns. Concerned voices rose up against the lengthy
20-year blueprint for future residential and commercial development.
However, the plan was rushed through in December, and PW residents
are left wondering what will befall them in the next 20 years.</span></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<div style="line-height: 130%; margin-bottom: 0.11in; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Perhaps
the most concerning part of the process was that despite constituent
weigh-in, the Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) bulldozed over
worries and pushed through a development-heavy comprehensive plan.
Various inquiries were not thoroughly answered before hastily
approving the plan, such as ‘How will higher density truly impact
our way of life and environment?,’ ‘Who will pay for all
additional infrastructure needed to sustain proposed commercial and
residential developments?,’ and ‘When will we, if ever,
financially benefit from the myriad development plans proposed for
the next 20 years?’</span></span></div><p style="line-height: 130%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;"><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p style="line-height: 130%; margin-bottom: 0.11in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span>Lake
Montclair continues to suffer from various community afflictions,
including flooding and sediment concerns. On the western front,
communities such as Manassas, Gainesville, and Thoroughfare are
bracing for the increased traffic and infrastructure needed for
additional residential and commercial development. Some of that
construction could roll right over slave and soldier graves, as well
as decimate wildlife corridors and historical viewsheds. At the
eastern edge of the map is North Woodbridge. If not stopped,
high-density development could destroy precious ecosystems,
especially those that house endangered species (</span></span><span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="https://www.fws.gov/species/northern-long-eared-bat-myotis-septentrionalis"><span><span>Northern
Long-eared bat</span></span></a></u></span><span><span>).
More construction means depleted open space. Mixed-use buildings will
fund developer pockets and tower over protected waters inside the
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, where the peace and
tranquility are currently unmarred by ‘road diet’ reroutes. </span></span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 130%; margin-bottom: 0.11in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span>If
we mind the plan and stay on the current trajectory, all tenets of
smart growth will be lost. What PWCA has advocated for over 20 years
will be erased. Concerns span from data centers co-located with
residential areas to high-density populations stretching out into
rural areas. We worry about the addition of impervious roads,
questionable site management, and untenable proclamations that can
lead to environmental destruction. Real smart growth and affordable
housing are always directly connected to mass transit. We need to
remember why the Rural Crescent was adopted by a robust, bi-partisan
vote. This county served a unique role between the ruralness of
Fauquier and the intense development of Fairfax. We had the best of
both worlds, and now they’re colliding. </span></span>
</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 130%; margin-bottom: 0.11in; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: verdana;">We’re
currently right on course with the monotonous data center humming,
overpopulation, and lack of character presented by area communities
that count developers over taxpayers. There’s still time to change
the trajectory before we destroy our county, but once the ground is
broken so are commitments to a sustainable future. While the
conservation community acknowledges this setback, it does not mean we
will give up. There’s much to accomplish together. </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 130%; margin-bottom: 0.11in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span>The legacy of PW
has yet to be written. The threats to cultural and natural resources
demonstrated that the conservation community found our collective
voices, and we will continue to raise them. </span></span>
</span></p><p style="line-height: 130%; margin-bottom: 0.11in; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Additional Resources</b></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 130%; margin-bottom: 0.11in; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.pwconserve.org/issues/landuseplanning/compplan/vision.html" target="_blank">The Comprehensive Plan: A Vision for Prince William County</a><br /></span></span></p><p></p><p><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.pwconserve.org/issues/landuseplanning/rural_crescent/index.htm" target="_blank">The Rural Crescent</a></span></span></p><p></p><p></p><p style="line-height: 130%; margin-bottom: 0.11in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://youtu.be/gVZDcAjn-tc" target="_blank">Source Water Protection, The Occoquan Reservoir and You</a></span></p><p style="line-height: 130%; margin-bottom: 0.11in; text-align: left;"><a href="https://youtu.be/pTxXtsylAZE" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Protecting the Occoquan Reservoir: Our Shared Water Source</span></a></p>
<p style="line-height: 130%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span>
<br />
</p>Ashley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-41461878797008623042022-12-09T07:57:00.014-08:002023-02-09T08:26:16.847-08:00More Data Centers next to National Parks: Our comments on Potomac Technology Park <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHCfhy9r3ilc0X2xPdaHRIGrLiMhSddC6tqCX5qQNM6pGtSapXxOeh-73syORqe5fogbQJlLahRJKHr4P3kbajcVVXFeUflR2kqV5Lp2NQHIox6w8Auv45ZEpt7dXfrnEJJUBkRjUny-eBX-1KdSkX4YznDq5Jo76aV7HkJ5uU-DZaIR47_Ns2DtnPg/s800/Lions%20and%20tigers%20and%20Data%20Centers_%20Oh%20My!.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="800" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHCfhy9r3ilc0X2xPdaHRIGrLiMhSddC6tqCX5qQNM6pGtSapXxOeh-73syORqe5fogbQJlLahRJKHr4P3kbajcVVXFeUflR2kqV5Lp2NQHIox6w8Auv45ZEpt7dXfrnEJJUBkRjUny-eBX-1KdSkX4YznDq5Jo76aV7HkJ5uU-DZaIR47_Ns2DtnPg/w534-h265/Lions%20and%20tigers%20and%20Data%20Centers_%20Oh%20My!.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><p></p><div style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">By Ashley Studholme
The following are our comments to the Board of County Supervisors <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">regarding the </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">REZ2022-00015 and SUP2022-00016 for Potomac
Technology Park.
</span></div><p></p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">We strongly recommend the denial of this rezoning and accompanying
special use </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">permit. If approval is considered, substantial modifications
are needed to ensure adequate </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">protection of the natural resources iconic
to the area, namely Prince William Forest Park (PWFP) and Quantico Creek. </span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">The request to rezone ±51.667 acres from A-1, Agriculture to O(M),
Office Mid-Rise District to develop the property with office or data center
uses, is incompatible with this site. The soils are highly erodible, and the
site is located next to the PWFP and at the headwaters of Quantico Creek,
one of the region's highest-quality streams (<a href="https://youtu.be/HsqQYV3d8U4" target="_blank">Learn more here</a>). The
Applicants stated “Adjusting the limits for clearing and grading to remain
outside the ER designations, would leave the property nearly
undevelopable, particularly for the proposed data center use,” further
indicating inappropriate site selection for data centers.
</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Prince William Forest Park is a gem and part of what makes our county
special. While protecting Quantico Creek, the park provides critical habitat
for wildlife including endangered and threatened species such as the
Northern long-eared bat (M</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">yotis septentrionalis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">) and Small whorled pogonia
(I</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">sotria medeoloides). </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">It captures the transition from the coastal plain to the
Piedmont ecosystem, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">making it an important area for current and future
research and study, especially as </span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">climate change impacts these systems and
development pressures reduce what we have </span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">left. It’s a key tourist attraction
- in 2018 park visitors spent an estimated $17.9 million </span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">in the community,
which supported 219 jobs. Environmentally and economically, this </span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">park is
an indispensable part of our community. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="312" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ylSfhCyHpkM" width="520" youtube-src-id="ylSfhCyHpkM"></iframe></div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Developing forested land as proposed here would increase edge habitat and forest fragmentation which is prime for invasive species to enter the park and for white-tailed deer, which over-browse young trees and impact forest regrowth. Managing invasive species, repairing streams, and addressing any other damage is costly and may never achieve the quality habitat and the environmental services it now provides for healthy sustainable communities in Prince William County. </span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">The County is currently undergoing a comprehensive review expansion of the Data Center</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Opportunity Zone Overlay District. The parcel has not been identified as a recommended </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">site for data center use per the contractor's metrics. However, a site has been identified </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">across the street with the established Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District, </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">which we see as an appropriate redevelopment opportunity.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">This parcel is in the Rural Crescent and within the legislative boundary of PWFP, which </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">means it could easily become parkland. The property has been <a href="https://www.insidenova.com/headlines/data-center-opponents-worry-about-quantico-creek/article_528f552c-a027-11ec-9daf-d357ddd7cf86.html" target="_blank">a priority for the PWFP</a> to </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">acquire since at least the 1990s. The Prince William Conservation Alliance previously</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">participated in a charette process and our </span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">group, consisting mostly of developers, </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">agreed that this parcel would be best served</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">as parkland. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">In fact, 4 of the 6 breakout groups recommended that this parcel </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">remain part of the Rural Crescent as part of a strategy that would one day become part </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">of the park. It’s currently densely forested and could be an excellent addition to the park,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">for visitors and wildlife alike to enjoy for generations. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><b>Additional Resources:</b></span></p><div style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><a href="https://youtu.be/HsqQYV3d8U4" target="_blank">People's Townhall<br /></a></span><a href="https://www.growsmartpw.org/we-protect/#PWForestPark" target="_blank">GrowSmart Coalition: Prince William Forest</a></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #393939; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></p>Ashley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-32956404309450431262022-10-24T07:49:00.004-07:002022-10-24T07:49:43.418-07:00Building a better future: Oct 24 Newsletter<!DOCTYPE html>
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<strong style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:rgb(6, 0, 0);"><em>Community Report, Oct 24 2022; read online</em></strong> <a href="http://www.pwconserve.org/newsletters/current.htm" target="_blank" style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:rgb(6, 0, 0);text-decoration:underline;"><strong><em>here</em></strong></a><strong style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:rgb(6, 0, 0);"><em>. You make our work possible!</em></strong> <a href="https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E247464&id=1" target="_blank" style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:rgb(6, 0, 0);text-decoration:underline;"><strong><em>Donate today</em></strong></a>
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<strong style="color:rgb(32, 99, 91);font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:18px;">Remembering the Past and Building the Future</strong>
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<em style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Saturday, October 29th, 4-6 p.m.</em>
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<em style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">Brawner Farm Parking Lot</em> <span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;">|</span> <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/remembering-the-past-and-building-a-better-future-tickets-445241036927" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(32, 99, 91);font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Register here</strong></a>
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<span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">Join us on October 29 from 3-5 pm at Brawner Farm to hear how our journey towards a more perfect union starts in Pageland.</span>
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<span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">Speakers include Jim Bailey, Chief of Interpretation at Manassas National Battlefield Park, Nathan Grayson, a descendant of the Settlement community, and Frank Washington, spokesperson for Coalition to Save Historic Thoroughfare. Together we begin our journey with the Civil War, then on to</span> <a href="https://youtu.be/9cqSG3nF1os" target="_blank" style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(32, 99, 91);background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration:underline;"><strong>The Settlement</strong></a>, <a href="https://youtu.be/91PdGxEWKSM" target="_blank" style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(32, 99, 91);background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Thoroughfare</strong></a><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">, and Pageland, weaving together the complicated tapestry that is the fabric of America and highlighting current threats that aim to unravel it.</span>
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<p style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/remembering-the-past-and-building-a-better-future-tickets-445241036927" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(32, 99, 91);font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;text-decoration:underline;"><strong>>>Read more here</strong></a>
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<strong style="font-size:18px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:rgb(32, 99, 91);">N. Va. Coalition Files Suit Against Prince William County and Developer Over Desecration of Historic Virginia African-American and Native American Cemetery</strong>
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<strong style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">(THOROUGHFARE, VA, 10/10/22) –</strong> <span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">The</span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Coalition-To-Save-Historic-Thoroughfare-A-Town-Under-Siege-104115108438832/" target="_blank" style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:rgb(32, 99, 91);text-decoration:underline;"><strong><u>Coalition to Save Historic Thoroughfare</u></strong></a> <span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">has filed a lawsuit against International Investments, LLC (IIL), Virginia’s Prince William County, the Prince William County Board of Supervisors and County Executive Elijah Johnson “for their deliberate and egregious actions in the failure to protect and eventual desecration of a private, historically recognized, protected, and culturally significant cemetery belonging to the families of freed slaves and indigenous Native Americans – the Scott Cemetery.”</span> <strong style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">NOTE</strong><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">: International Investments, LLC is also known as “The Farm Brewery at Broad Run.” </span>
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<strong style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:rgb(32, 99, 91);">>></strong><a href="https://pwconserve.blogspot.com/2022/10/Thoroghfarecoalitionfilessuit.html" target="_blank" style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:rgb(32, 99, 91);text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Read full press release</strong></a>
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<a href="https://youtu.be/91PdGxEWKSM" target="_blank" style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(85, 142, 190);text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Watch our program on Thoroughfare</strong></a>
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<strong style="color:rgb(32, 99, 91);font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:18px;">Dove's Landing - conservation easement update</strong>
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<span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">On October 11th, the Board of County Supervisors unanimously approved Dove's Landing Master Plan. They also unanimously supported a resolution directing staff to move forward with a conservation easement to permanently protect this great natural area that covers one mile of Occoquan River shoreline.</span> <a href="https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/1610864/Res._No._22-485.pdf" target="_blank" style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(32, 99, 91);text-decoration:underline;"><strong>>>view the resolution here</strong></a>
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<span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">While this is an important step in the right direction, we are disappointed the conservation easement was not part of the Resolution approving the Master Plan, and required separate action.</span>
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<span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">Supervisor Yesli Vega asked Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (DPRT) Director Seth Hendler-Voss why this was the case, to which he replied that it was a policy decision he made citing that the Master Plan was as a framework, and a conservation easement could be added after plan approval. </span>
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<span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">Once the conservation deed is drafted, it will return to the Board for a final vote.</span>
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<span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">Protecting</span> <a href="http://www.pwconserve.org/issues/conservation/doveslanding/overview.htm" target="_blank" style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(32, 99, 91);text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Dove's Landing</strong></a> <span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">has been one of our priorities for over 10 years. Now we have an opportunity to ensure it remains a high-quality natural resource for future generations.</span>
</p>
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<span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span>
</p>
<p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<a href="https://pwconserve.blogspot.com/2022/04/strong-community-support-for.html" target="_blank" style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(32, 99, 91);text-decoration:underline;"><strong>>>Read more here</strong></a>
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<p style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<strong style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:18px;color:rgb(32, 99, 91);">Virginia Outdoor Podcast</strong>
</p>
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<span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">with host Jessica Bowser</span>
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<br>
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<span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">This local podcast is back with season 3! Virginia is a mecca for outdoor travel and adventure. Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast brings listeners stories and recommendations from leaders and influencers across the Virginia outdoor community. Get the information and the inspiration to plan your own adventure, right here in Virginia. </span>
</p>
<p style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">Check out</span> <a href="https://www.virginiaoutdooradventures.com/" target="_blank" style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);text-decoration:underline;">www.virginiaoutdooradventures.com</a> <span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">to learn more and listen to episodes.</span>
</p>
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<strong style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">In the news:</strong>
</p>
<p style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=newssearch&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjLhayyx_T6AhXDEVkFHbMbBqkQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.princewilliamtimes.com%2Fnews%2Fcounty-moves-to-expand-improve-doves-landing%2Farticle_9bbb4c00-508b-11ed-a5c8-bbfe3b640b65.html&usg=AOvVaw08SYtYJKo9VahdoluIdnNE" target="_blank" style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);text-decoration:underline;">County moves to expand, improve Doves Landing</a> <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=newssearch&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjLhayyx_T6AhXDEVkFHbMbBqkQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.princewilliamtimes.com%2Fnews%2Fcounty-moves-to-expand-improve-doves-landing%2Farticle_9bbb4c00-508b-11ed-a5c8-bbfe3b640b65.html&usg=AOvVaw08SYtYJKo9VahdoluIdnNE" target="_blank" style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);text-decoration:underline;">Park to be placed in a conservation easement</a>
</p>
<p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">Cher Muzyk, Prince William Times, Oct 20, 2022</span>
</p>
<p style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<em style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">The supervisors also agreed to pursue a conservation easement to protect the park, a move urged by the Prince William Conservation Alliance as well as several residents.</em>
</p>
<p style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<a href="https://www.insidenova.com/headlines/prince-william-county-supervisors-approve-conceptual-master-plan-for-doves-landing/article_10c8d4d8-4ddd-11ed-ab81-63482f1dde58.html" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;text-decoration:underline;"><em>Prince William County supervisors approve conceptual master plan for Doves Landing</em></a>
</p>
<p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<em style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">Nolan Stout, InSide NoVA, Oct 17, 2022</em>
</p>
<p style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<em style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">Many speakers also urged the board to place a conservation easement on the land, which would prohibit any future development. The board supported the easement.</em>
</p>
<p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<br>
</p>
<p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<a href="https://www.insidenova.com/headlines/final-pw-digital-gateway-hearing-set-for-nov-1/article_2783c09c-5054-11ed-b388-c714bbc32315.html" target="_blank" style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);text-decoration:underline;">Final PW Digital Gateway Hearing Set for Nov. 1</a>
</p>
<p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Nolan Stout, InsideNoVA, Oct 20, 2022</span>
</p>
<p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<br>
</p>
<p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<em style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:14px;">[The PW Digital Gateway] ...has quickly become the most controversial and contentious local land-use proposal in decades.</em>
</p>
<p style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<a href="https://www.princewilliamtimes.com/news/prince-william-county-historical-commission-urges-denial-of-digital-gateway-plan/article_4daaaab2-4a62-11ed-94d2-c3395c378511.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=user-share" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;text-decoration:underline;">Prince William County Historical Commission urges denial of ‘digital gateway’ plan</a>
</p>
<p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Jill Palermo, Prince William Times, Oct 12, 2022</span>
</p>
<p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<br>
</p>
<p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"></span><em style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">These areas include land within the Manassas Battlefield Historic District as well as the birthplace and gravesite of Jennie Dean, a local icon who was born into slavery and later founded the Manassas Industrial School for Colored Youth, Northern Virginia’s first high school for African American students.</em>
</p>
<p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<br>
</p>
<p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<a href="https://bristowbeat.com/stories/letter-to-supervisors-regarding,15305" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;text-decoration:underline;">12 Conservation Groups Request Prince William Supervisors Send Digital Gateway Plan Back to Planning Commission</a>
</p>
<p style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;" class="paragraph-spacing-none">
<span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Stacy Shaw, Bristow Beat, Oct 19, 2022</span>
</p>
<p style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<em style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">Conservation groups believe the new proposal is more detrimental to the Manassas Battlefield and environment as it offers less open land, parkland, tree buffers, and historical preservation areas.</em>
</p>
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</html>Ashley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-51290016490182391432022-10-20T11:32:00.001-07:002022-10-20T11:32:22.462-07:00N. Va. Coalition Files Suit Against Prince William County and Developer Over Desecration of Historic Virginia African-American and Native American Cemetery <p> Courtesy of Coalition to Save Historic Thoroughfare<br /></p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b></b></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBJI_zcSvRS_Rh4XWnDY9SMbgXvJgW_Xnqdokr_s8to57ogw0dY1sSqeB03jAyIpWD1hg98yFEM-84rcv1Jl1h9pHTb-m3W_4iA0tOiXJ4U7AwX7Ogt0ZLL8S8p8cijZb01Yx-fc74jV98tIOUvS2lUpUPZRB691rryA5TC7q-i3aeao1QyZaewj6wA/s410/164461239_105795111604165_4681292366394273371_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="410" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBJI_zcSvRS_Rh4XWnDY9SMbgXvJgW_Xnqdokr_s8to57ogw0dY1sSqeB03jAyIpWD1hg98yFEM-84rcv1Jl1h9pHTb-m3W_4iA0tOiXJ4U7AwX7Ogt0ZLL8S8p8cijZb01Yx-fc74jV98tIOUvS2lUpUPZRB691rryA5TC7q-i3aeao1QyZaewj6wA/s320/164461239_105795111604165_4681292366394273371_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></span></span></div><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>(THOROUGHFARE,
VA, 10/10/22) –</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
The </span></span></span><a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCoalition-To-Save-Historic-Thoroughfare-A-Town-Under-Siege-104115108438832%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cqrashid%40loriumlaw.com%7Cabdd980cac064d84400708daa09769de%7C8c3b265c4b3e42319e7fa09b37ae426e%7C0%7C0%7C637998869906725714%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=kQBpTR65Xu1AS538VG%2F5SPsT6LomWYSSfabCc%2BDG8c4%3D&reserved=0"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u>Coalition
to Save Historic Thoroughfare</u></span></span></span></a><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
has filed a lawsuit against International Investments, LLC (IIL),
Virginia’s Prince William County, the Prince William County Board
of Supervisors and County Executive Elijah Johnson “for their
deliberate and egregious actions in the failure to protect and
eventual desecration of a private, historically recognized,
protected, and culturally significant cemetery belonging to the
families of freed slaves and indigenous Native Americans – the
Scott Cemetery.” </span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>NOTE</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">:
International Investments, LLC is also known as “The Farm Brewery
at Broad Run.” </span></span></span>
<p></p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span></span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;"><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">That
suit, filed by Frank Washington, a descendant of the Scott family,
says the county and its board of supervisors “through their neglect
and dereliction of duty, have caused the Scott Cemetery to be
wrongfully foreclosed upon and conveyed to IIL as a result of an
unlawful tax sale.” </span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"> </span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It
states that “Defendants’ actions (and inaction) in this matter
are all the more egregious when the racial history of the area and
the historical treatment of African American freed slaves and Native
Americans therein are taken into account. Defendants’ actions (and
inaction) echo the morally repugnant yet once-common belief that
these people were insignificant and without worth.” </span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"> </span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The
lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as a
“judgment declaring the existence and boundaries of the Scott
Cemetery, as well as its status as a historical preservation site”
and a “permanent injunction directing Defendants to cease any
activity that disturbs, removes, or otherwise affects the Scott
Cemetery.” </span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"> </span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>FOR
A COPY OF LAWSUIT EMAIL: </b></span></span></span><a href="mailto:qrashid@loriumlaw.com"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u><b>qrashid@loriumlaw.com</b></u></span></span></span></a><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>
</b></span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"> </span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[</span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>NOTE</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">:
This event is part of a nationwide effort by local communities
</span></span></span><a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fnews%2Fnbcblk%2Fgrowing-movement-black-cemeteries-rcna15566&data=05%7C01%7Cqrashid%40loriumlaw.com%7Cabdd980cac064d84400708daa09769de%7C8c3b265c4b3e42319e7fa09b37ae426e%7C0%7C0%7C637998869906725714%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HwzSUC79XoMj2cFRbDeUQQVqxiYOYqS7LcFxvesrd5g%3D&reserved=0"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u>seeking
to protect historic Black and Native American cemeteries</u></span></span></span></a><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">.]
</span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>
</b></span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"> </span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>BACKGROUND:
</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"> </span><span style="color: #424242;"> </span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Thoroughfare
is an historic Native American and African American community with
roots going back hundreds of years. Originally a Native American
community, during the 1800s African-Americans began to settle there
and a vibrant mixed-race community was established. </span></span></span><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The
town of Thoroughfare was thus established and settled by freed
African-American slaves and Native Americans. Homes and family
cemeteries in this community date back to 1860 and earlier.
</span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Descendants
of freed slaves and Native-Americans still live in Thoroughfare.
Today, Thoroughfare is centered around Oakrum Baptist Church, and the
descendants of the founders still call Thoroughfare home. </span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"> </span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In
early 2021, developers purchased land from Prince William County
containing the three major Thoroughfare cemeteries. The developers
subsequently destroyed the Scott Cemetery, blocked access to the
Potters Field Cemetery, and threatened the Fields/Allen Cemetery with
development. In response, the Coalition to Save Historic Thoroughfare
formed to protect the cemeteries and to preserve the history of
Thoroughfare. </span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"> </span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Recently,
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors agreed to purchase a
two-acre parcel to begin the process of preserving the heritage of
the Thoroughfare community. </span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"> </span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>SEE:
Prince William Co. approves historic district land purchase for
future park </b></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwtop.com%2Fprince-william-county%2F2021%2F11%2Fprince-william-co-oks-land-purchase-in-thoroughfare-historical-district%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cqrashid%40loriumlaw.com%7Cabdd980cac064d84400708daa09769de%7C8c3b265c4b3e42319e7fa09b37ae426e%7C0%7C0%7C637998869906881917%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=apDnKA44XfZdrupqTUOaNXM0QXLmpxaSE6n598ZOWMU%3D&reserved=0"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u>https://wtop.com/prince-william-county/2021/11/prince-william-co-oks-land-purchase-in-thoroughfare-historical-district/</u></span></span></span></a><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Video:
Virginia Group Works to Save Historic African-American, Native
American Cemeteries </b></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2F6sXpSl5birc&data=05%7C01%7Cqrashid%40loriumlaw.com%7Cabdd980cac064d84400708daa09769de%7C8c3b265c4b3e42319e7fa09b37ae426e%7C0%7C0%7C637998869906881917%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=X6nGtUl3158RT7unbFMXyeSl6c1dZjqYvy3JG0aY0eA%3D&reserved=0"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u><span style="background: rgb(249, 249, 249);">https://youtu.be/6sXpSl5birc</span></u></span></span></span></a><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"> </span><span style="color: #424242;"> </span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The
enslaved, freed slaves, freedmen/freedwomen, and Native-Americans who
worked and lived on the land of Thoroughfare, Va., are under the
threat of having their final sacred resting places decimated or
completely removed by encroaching developers. Family members are also
being denied access to many of these graves. Historic freed slave
homes, land and structures are under the same threat of destruction
and at risk of being lost. </span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"> </span><span style="color: #424242;"> </span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>FOR
MORE INFORMATION: </b></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"> </span><span style="color: #424242;"> </span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Video:
Coalition to Save Historic Thoroughfare - A Town Under Siege </b></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F104115108438832%2Fvideos%2F762944897756999&data=05%7C01%7Cqrashid%40loriumlaw.com%7Cabdd980cac064d84400708daa09769de%7C8c3b265c4b3e42319e7fa09b37ae426e%7C0%7C0%7C637998869906881917%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=K0ZrRWv0gwLsaekqTYml6fsKrnHXVOlM4ycZHI7RMOg%3D&reserved=0"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u>https://www.facebook.com/104115108438832/videos/762944897756999</u></span></span></span></a><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Video:
Community Fights to Save Historic Cemeteries From Development (NBC4)
</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcwashington.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fnorthern-virginia%2Fcommunity-fights-to-save-historic-cemeteries-from-development%2F2635800%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cqrashid%40loriumlaw.com%7Cabdd980cac064d84400708daa09769de%7C8c3b265c4b3e42319e7fa09b37ae426e%7C0%7C0%7C637998869906881917%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=yQGVkYJ7k3Mo%2F2%2BvgiOeYWNgfwunZOEWzhlfH1Z8MDM%3D&reserved=0"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u>https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/northern-virginia/community-fights-to-save-historic-cemeteries-from-development/2635800/</u></span></span></span></a><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>A
small Virginia town fights to save historic cemeteries of former
slaves (WTOP) </b></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwtop.com%2Fprince-william-county%2F2021%2F04%2Fa-small-virginia-town-fights-to-save-historic-cemeteries-of-former-slaves%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cqrashid%40loriumlaw.com%7Cabdd980cac064d84400708daa09769de%7C8c3b265c4b3e42319e7fa09b37ae426e%7C0%7C0%7C637998869906881917%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Ili1Fw1xpF6GFe8v%2Fp71fmYiZCN%2Ft7Z%2Boam8QjjcPJ4%3D&reserved=0"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u>https://wtop.com/prince-william-county/2021/04/a-small-virginia-town-fights-to-save-historic-cemeteries-of-former-slaves/</u></span></span></span></a><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;">‘<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Even
in death, they have to fight for a name' (Prince William Times) </b></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.princewilliamtimes.com%2Fnews%2Feven-in-death-they-have-to-fight-for-a-name%2Farticle_d827f3b4-9bf1-11eb-a3b3-6f86358a9834.html&data=05%7C01%7Cqrashid%40loriumlaw.com%7Cabdd980cac064d84400708daa09769de%7C8c3b265c4b3e42319e7fa09b37ae426e%7C0%7C0%7C637998869906881917%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2BSWLfKPfcQKqoCsf6qWn5k6I3coEgrUAR7QnR9bVMoU%3D&reserved=0"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u>https://www.princewilliamtimes.com/news/even-in-death-they-have-to-fight-for-a-name/article_d827f3b4-9bf1-11eb-a3b3-6f86358a9834.html</u></span></span></span></a><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Coalition
tries to preserve historic western Prince William cemeteries </b></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidenova.com%2Fheadlines%2Fcoalition-tries-to-preserve-historic-western-prince-william-cemeteries%2Farticle_f2a7a026-a3f4-11eb-ac7b-8713b141f658.html&data=05%7C01%7Cqrashid%40loriumlaw.com%7Cabdd980cac064d84400708daa09769de%7C8c3b265c4b3e42319e7fa09b37ae426e%7C0%7C0%7C637998869906881917%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=W0KbCN2hyJHrH1zaHzgYOqG8%2FmkF%2FhMRaIYbVRhUaF0%3D&reserved=0"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u>https://www.insidenova.com/headlines/coalition-tries-to-preserve-historic-western-prince-william-cemeteries/article_f2a7a026-a3f4-11eb-ac7b-8713b141f658.html</u></span></span></span></a><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>In
Virginia, a historic Black neighborhood grapples with development
(Washington Post) </b></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonpost.com%2Flocal%2Fvirginia-politics%2Fvirginia-prince-william-settlement-development%2F2021%2F07%2F18%2F5bb2ff34-e41e-11eb-a41e-c8442c213fa8_story.html&data=05%7C01%7Cqrashid%40loriumlaw.com%7Cabdd980cac064d84400708daa09769de%7C8c3b265c4b3e42319e7fa09b37ae426e%7C0%7C0%7C637998869906881917%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Tq3tNAy0KjefS3T5OGaVuV%2Fw9kH1wKwPiuLQcsQqNNE%3D&reserved=0"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u>https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/virginia-prince-william-settlement-development/2021/07/18/5bb2ff34-e41e-11eb-a41e-c8442c213fa8_story.html</u></span></span></span></a><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>The
race to save African-American cemeteries from being 'erased'
(Reuters) </b></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2Fus-usa-landrights-race-trfn%2Fthe-race-to-save-african-american-cemeteries-from-being-erased-idUSKCN2DW01A&data=05%7C01%7Cqrashid%40loriumlaw.com%7Cabdd980cac064d84400708daa09769de%7C8c3b265c4b3e42319e7fa09b37ae426e%7C0%7C0%7C637998869906881917%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=7h1ZPMeP9taZz%2BwTCce1kVYIQtAivVjHyF3LQrPPpLM%3D&reserved=0"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u>https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-landrights-race-trfn/the-race-to-save-african-american-cemeteries-from-being-erased-idUSKCN2DW01A</u></span></span></span></a><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"> </span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">###
</span></span></span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"> </span>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.42in; margin-right: 0.42in;">
<span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>CONTACT</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">:
Coalition to Save Historic Thoroughfare Spokesperson Frank
Washington, 702-812-4174, savehistoricthoroughfare@gmail.com </span></span></span>
</p><p>
</p><p align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>Ashley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-80268793310850835292022-10-07T12:03:00.003-07:002022-10-07T12:23:14.584-07:00Future of Dove’s Landing Relies on BOCS Approval of Conservation Easement<!DOCTYPE html>
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<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<strong style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:rgb(6, 0, 0);"><em>Community Report, October 7, 2022; read online</em></strong> <a href="https://pwconserve.blogspot.com/2022/10/doveslandingfuture.html" target="_blank" style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:rgb(6, 0, 0);text-decoration:underline;"><strong><em>here</em></strong></a><strong style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:rgb(6, 0, 0);"><em>. You make our work possible!</em></strong> <a href="https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E247464&id=1" target="_blank" style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:rgb(6, 0, 0);text-decoration:underline;"><strong><em>Donate here</em></strong></a>
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<strong style="font-size:20px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;color:rgb(32, 99, 91);">Future of Dove's Landing Relies on BOCS approval of Conservation Easement</strong>
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<em style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Board of County Supervisor (BOCS) meeting</em>
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<em style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Tuesday, October 11</em> <em style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">|</em> <em style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">7:30 pm</em>
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<span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Share your views and help ensure Dove's Landing is protected now and into the future:</span> <a href="mailto:bocs@pwcgov.org" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration:underline;">bocs@pwcgov.org</a> <span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">or</span> <a href="https://pwcgov.granicusideas.com/" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;text-decoration:underline;">speak during the Oct 11</a> <span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">BOCS meeting.</span>
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<p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;"></p>
<p style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;" class="paragraph-spacing-none">
<a href="https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/1592755/Item_12-A.pdf" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(32, 99, 91);font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;text-decoration:underline;"><strong><em>>> view updated master plan</em></strong></a>
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<span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:14px;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">According to the plan a conservation easement, "... is not part of the Resolution approving the Master Plan. The Board would need to direct staff to pursue this option as separate action."</span>
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<p style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<span style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">Public access to Lake Jackson could be eliminated if the Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) reject a requested conservation easement for Dove’s Landing. In the</span> <em style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">2019 Prince William County Unmet Needs Rating for Recreational Facility</em> <span style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">survey, 76% of those surveyed named waterfront park access as a top priority. Waterfront park access ranked No. 2 in a study that offered more than 30 recreational options.</span>
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<p style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<span style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">However, lack of a conservation easement opens the door to change. Some local residents oppose the Dove’s Landing Master Plan that will enhance public access to the natural area and Lake Jackson waterfront, even though these are publicly entitled.</span> <strong style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">Conservation easement supporters overwhelmingly spoke out at two public Master Plan meetings</strong><span style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">, on the need to protect the area.</span>
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<br>
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<p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<a href="https://pwconserve.blogspot.com/2022/04/strong-community-support-for.html" target="_blank" style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(32, 99, 91);text-decoration:underline;"><strong>>>read more here </strong></a>
</p>
<p style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<span style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">All historical sites that are eligible come in under historic easements to ensure they are protected for future generations. We need to value our natural areas as much as our historical ones.</span>
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<p style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<span style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">As development progresses en masse, we know conservation in perpetuity is our best defense. When compared to surrounding localities with green space, Prince William County is behind. Federal government, regional government, everyone but the county has protected large lots of green spaces.</span> <strong style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">Dove’s Landing is an opportunity for the county to show they’re committed to protecting environmental assets.</strong><span style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span>
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<p style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<span style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">The master plan of the 235-acre site is slated for discussion at the October 11th (BOCS) meeting. Dove’s Landing provides unblemished woods and waterfront access for passive recreational use. It also encompasses Cedar Run and the Occoquan River. The Dove’s Landing portion of the Occoquan River is not just a wildlife habitat and water resource. It also flows into the Occoquan Reservoir that provides drinking water to nearly 800,000 residents in Northern Virginia. </span>
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<p style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<strong style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">Our priority is to ensure Dove's Landing natural area parkland is permanently protected with a conservation easement that protects water quality and preserves untouched open spaces.</strong> <span style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">The county spent $1 million to expand Dove’s Landing Park, and to repair the Lake Jackson Dam. This is public land, and the public deserves to use it. </span>
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<p style="mso-line-height-rule:exactly;line-height:18px;margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:0px;">
<span style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">We, along with our partners in conservation, ask the public to come out, voice support for a conservation easement, and mandate Dove’s Landing be left wild and beautiful. Those not able to attend the BOCS meeting can email the county directly at</span> <a href="mailto:bocs@pwcgov.org" target="_blank" style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);text-decoration:underline;">bocs@pwcgov.org</a><span style="font-size:14px;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);">. </span>
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</html>Ashley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-86114042574124647562022-09-12T08:54:00.007-07:002022-09-12T08:55:58.789-07:00Planning Commission Hearing: PW Gateway<p><span face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yRKtYSoB7K3QinsViMTpSOfHhO7G_ztWMhaeOeMCi5bKjxBLRZ9pYiW-DF6adEzlMn4i4kU8jVeIAt-a2msPhWyYbU1Yt8uV1UYHcEPzx7CHmrYKxTt5QnTI0sN9K4wOpDCe7QoKrPjWSJT4V-9POKT5KzV0jw9bAgeCLPeZw6a7X1agtOdmpIWTcg/s1920/manassas%20national%20battlefield.2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yRKtYSoB7K3QinsViMTpSOfHhO7G_ztWMhaeOeMCi5bKjxBLRZ9pYiW-DF6adEzlMn4i4kU8jVeIAt-a2msPhWyYbU1Yt8uV1UYHcEPzx7CHmrYKxTt5QnTI0sN9K4wOpDCe7QoKrPjWSJT4V-9POKT5KzV0jw9bAgeCLPeZw6a7X1agtOdmpIWTcg/s320/manassas%20national%20battlefield.2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the <a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=27132012&msgid=675783&act=1BD5&c=233937&pid=3023317&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pwcva.gov%2Fassets%2F2022-08%2FDraft%2520_Plan_PWDigitalGateway%2520webversion_2022_0815_FINAL.pdf&cf=13684&v=579e4d3df2c5cde7bab1ca759c595032c184479abf3c6ed18fcc9f283cae8c8b" style="color: black;" target="_blank">Comprehensive Plan Amendment #CPA2021-00004, PW Digital Gateway</a>, a proposal that would remove 2,133 acres along Pageland Land from the Rural Crescent in order to develop data centers.</span></div></span></div></div><p></p><p style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 16px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><strong><span style="font-family: verdana;">Location, location, location</span></strong></p><p style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 16px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;">The
Pageland Corridor lies in the Rural Crescent between two protected
areas: Conway Robinson State Forest and Manassas National Battlefield
Park. It is in the Rural Crescent and within the Occoquan Reservoir
Watershed. This location is inappropriate for industrial land use. </span></p><p style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 16px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 16px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;">Removing
vast amounts of land from the Rural Crescent for data center
development would increase traffic, noise pollution, stormwater runoff,
and energy demand and diminish the view shed. These environmental
impacts would negatively affect our state and national protected areas.
It would degrade water quality in Bull Run, which flows into the
Occoquan reservoir.</span></p><p style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 16px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif">"I can guarantee [that impacts to the reservoir] will occur as land is converted from forested land to more urbanized land" </span><a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=27132012&msgid=675783&act=1BD5&c=233937&pid=3023317&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FpTxXtsylAZE%3Ft%3D2244&cf=13684&v=eb23bfa490cbbcbac3cecb87fe6795f2589425a2e30a0c6b393dff1c486718f9" style="color: black;" target="_blank">Dr. Souza, Sept 21 2021</a><span face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif">) </span><a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=27132012&msgid=675783&act=1BD5&c=233937&pid=3023317&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FpTxXtsylAZE%3Ft%3D2957&cf=13684&v=87438134e5db1fab163d6ee294a959f15a7f373d048e90bd498066c53ee06d1c" style="color: #20635b;" target="_blank"><strong>>>watch more</strong></a></span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;">Data
centers outside industrial areas would also generate the need for new
road improvements, notably the bi-county parkway, and contradict our
commitment to mitigate climate change. Data centers should be located in
areas designated for industrial uses, where social and environmental
impacts are minimized. </span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><strong><span style="font-family: verdana;">Piecemeal approach to planning is confusing and uncomprehensive </span></strong></p><p style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 16px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Drastic
changes to the Comprehensive Plan, including high-density residential
development, expanding the Data center overlay, and large proposals like
the PW gateway are likely to be decided before the water study and the </span><a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=27132012&msgid=675783&act=1BD5&c=233937&pid=3023317&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fenergynews.us%2F2022%2F08%2F23%2Fin-virginias-internet-corridor-climate-targets-and-data-center-growth-collide%2F&cf=13684&v=6665aa988c99516c140aabe61aca11b310c40eb06782214a080247a2562979e0" style="color: black;" target="_blank">Sustainability Office's climate action plan</a><span face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif"> are completed. </span></span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;">Data
center proposals are being considered through several parallel
processes, which challenge our ability to have a comprehensive view to
make smart, sustainable planning decisions. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 16px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif">The </span><a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=27132012&msgid=675783&act=1BD5&c=233937&pid=3023317&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fpwconserve.blogspot.com%2F2022%2F01%2Fmore-data-centers-proposed-in-rural.html&cf=13684&v=319d624adeba9a8bfd0ddd99ffdbf0a7f95999376db079841c753f08e0d05fb1" style="color: black;" target="_blank">House Farm Data Center application</a><span face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif">
and other data center proposals, for example, are considered as part of
the Comprehensive Plan Update, not individual applications. Proposals
submitted through this process will be approved en masse without public
scrutiny. </span><a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=27132012&msgid=675783&act=1BD5&c=233937&pid=3023317&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fpwcgov.maps.arcgis.com%2Fapps%2Fwebappviewer%2Findex.html%3Fid%3Dc923948cc6c44449a868bef82f6845eb&cf=13684&v=31a6128d2a06b4bb9899e8e81263a387d534ff6a59d7a4b5ac7b73ab783245a8" style="color: #20635b;" target="_blank"><strong>>>Long-Range Land Use change request map</strong></a></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-family: verdana;">Every major environmental organization recommends denial.</span></strong></p><p style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 16px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Local, regional, state, and national conservation organizations </span><a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=27132012&msgid=675783&act=1BD5&c=233937&pid=3023317&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.growsmartpw.org%2F&cf=13684&v=c5ba95ea6206da7c02a402d3e340ba63868c4d06b3f29361c7dac76a576173d0" style="color: black;" target="_blank">have come together</a><span face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif">
to stand for a Prince William County that values our parks, waterways,
and rural areas, and invests in underserved communities. We stand with
the National Park Service and a growing number of voices that see this
proposal as cause for concern. </span><a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=27132012&msgid=675783&act=1BD5&c=233937&pid=3023317&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pwconserve.org%2Flanduse%2Fdata%2520centers%25202022%2Finthenews.html&cf=13684&v=b2e6376e18050b55c580a949b80be38fa76d9ba89227502f3a732e46f2382f73" style="color: #20635b;" target="_blank"><strong>>>Read letters here</strong></a></span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;">Join us Wednesday, Sept 14 at 6pm in front of the McCoart building for a press conference to hear more. </span></p><p style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 16px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><strong>Quotes from conservation organizations</strong><span face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif"> </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 16px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;">"No
one would ever consider building 27 million square feet of data
centers, the equivalent of 150 Walmart Supercenters, directly adjacent
to Yellowstone or Yosemite National Parks, so why would we even consider
putting them next to this national park site?” Kyle Hart, NPCA</span></p><p style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 16px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;">"They're moving forward as if climate change doesn’t exist,” Ann Bennett, Sierra Club -Great Falls</span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;">"Ultimately,
the county's massive development push is also about forcing through the
long-controversial Outer Beltway. The road expansion for the data
centers IS the BiCounty Parkway and turns all of Route 234 in Prince
William into the Outer Beltway and a massive 18-wheeler truck corridor
at the expense of residents all along the corridor down to Dumfries."
Stewart Schwartz, Coalition for Smarter Growth</span></p><p style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 16px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;">"Industrial
development would adversely affect the cultural and environmental
resources within and adjacent to the park and would negatively affect
the visitor experience and enjoyment of this national park. This
ill-advised development of numerous data centers adjacent to the
battlefield is the greatest threat to the Manassas National Battlefield
Park in nearly thirty years." Joseph Eaves, Manassas Battlefield Trust</span></p><p>
</p><p style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 16px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;">"The
PW Digital Gateway is one of the largest and most impactful land
conversions ever considered by Prince William County. The transformation
of 2,133 acres of rural land into a massive corridor of data centers,
substations, and transmission lines would be dramatic, forever changing
the rural landscape around Manassas National Battlefield, Catharpin, and
Haymarket." Julie Bolthouse, Piedmont Environmental Council</span></p>
<p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><br /></p>Ashley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-87553242524152674542022-07-26T08:33:00.007-07:002022-07-26T09:02:11.903-07:00Manassas Circle Butterfly Survey 2022<p> By: Ashley Studholme</p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkb30r4KQM9CTdsTGqEJnSRrQYsgA2XyYpfBqXGKNtJ4Vj5FIlI9oejNHYjMVnYxkesq6ss7XdV-3flIWMiYCBSrch7IUf3lG6XRnP51bwA-WkpbxrgUOuf8cw-MMmXNNVYsIWpGNYUedFLbT7CSIyrrXcKsvhgST28DoSx8sSeeN0qHYvsWrnuk8Dpw/s1513/American%20Copper.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="American Copper, photo by Larry Meade" border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1513" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkb30r4KQM9CTdsTGqEJnSRrQYsgA2XyYpfBqXGKNtJ4Vj5FIlI9oejNHYjMVnYxkesq6ss7XdV-3flIWMiYCBSrch7IUf3lG6XRnP51bwA-WkpbxrgUOuf8cw-MMmXNNVYsIWpGNYUedFLbT7CSIyrrXcKsvhgST28DoSx8sSeeN0qHYvsWrnuk8Dpw/w331-h230/American%20Copper.jpg" title="American Copper, photo by Larry Meade" width="331" /></a></div>Many of us pause when a butterfly flutters across our path. These winged insects inspire awe and curiosity, whether a small summer azure or the striking tiger-swallow tail. They even play a crucial role in maintaining our ecosystem health; they provide food for an untold number of birds and other animals and pollinate plants as they nectar. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you've ever held a butterfly in your hand, you'd be keenly aware of how fragile they are. Unsurprisingly, they're very sensitive to environmental changes. Monitoring butterflies helps us to better understand our ever-changing environment and encourages us to be good stewards of the land.
Just this month, <a href="https://www.iucn.org/press-release/202207/migratory-monarch-butterfly-now-endangered-iucn-red-list" target="_blank">the IUCN announced</a> that the migratory monarch butterfly (<i>Danaus plexippus plexippus) </i>is now listed as endangered on the IUCN red list. Monitoring efforts like this one alongside effective conservation stewardship and policy are key to their recovery. </span></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span></span></i></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Each year the Prince William Conservation Alliance hosts a butterfly survey under the umbrella of the North American Butterfly Association. Along with 422 other counts, this project collects an annual snapshot of butterfly diversity across North America and has been doing so since 1993. The 29 years of data collected during these counts are available to scientists to help them answer questions about how changes in our environment impact butterfly populations and what these changes might mean for broader ecosystem health. </span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">On July 17th, five teams walked about 14 miles of trail and identified 40 species. The team at Manassas Battlefield saw an American Copper (photo above by Larry Meade), which is the first one we have seen during a count since 2017! Twelve Carolina Satyrs were seen at Merrimac Farm wildlife garden, which far surpassed our previous record of one. Kudos to the volunteers that maintain the garden and keep it welcoming for butterflies and people alike! </span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><a href="http://www.pwconserve.org/wildlife/butterflies/count.html" target="_blank">>>Previous survey results</a></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/4hIwswEVXDw" target="_blank">>>Watch Butterflies of Prince William with Larry Meade</a></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Below are the results of the survey, made possible by a fantastic team of volunteers! </span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Team Leaders: Judy Gallagher, Larry Meade, Gary Myers, Nancy Vehrs, and Valerie Huelsman</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Volunteers: Cheryl Hancock, Janine Lawton, Sarah Coradetti,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matt Myers, Tammy Prescott, Mike Sullivan, Brigitte Hartke</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU7AR1ZTVo988Z-aCp4Gu5ADP2tluPRqHg1PjFOcbw8bNfWN130fIWRn0pVl7o6nDixtEdYVI7K6O59G-tRNCQ8neYxdNiNlu3k81lFTMvqR8uLATTIXbjnkwGX-jEIC2IFSYAKS-AQJ142nUrqsz3n9dVXPKvrcwuCm-C_3q4xH4kj2LYHrBB0xZNuA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3437" data-original-width="1193" height="1833" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU7AR1ZTVo988Z-aCp4Gu5ADP2tluPRqHg1PjFOcbw8bNfWN130fIWRn0pVl7o6nDixtEdYVI7K6O59G-tRNCQ8neYxdNiNlu3k81lFTMvqR8uLATTIXbjnkwGX-jEIC2IFSYAKS-AQJ142nUrqsz3n9dVXPKvrcwuCm-C_3q4xH4kj2LYHrBB0xZNuA=w634-h1833" width="634" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Ashley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-29654912333823338592022-07-07T13:16:00.000-07:002022-07-07T13:16:18.265-07:00Linking sustainability to transportation and landuse<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LRxPrxnFyusfQNyExBTftvyWzAbAj0sf5uNLPq19PEXBGSKA-oNpduNFfMv6mQ4XKedjbQso4QKDQTxegIPugnY598ogUm953NllASbrLTQLAfxebTmAdtBHQEzyJr4SMtnJnBRiEXVXGIR6E23Q9A1M9NwCnpUuoOscQe0ThhHNR-L-eZmasDCbxg/s3873/AdobeStock_328080106.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3873" data-original-width="3873" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LRxPrxnFyusfQNyExBTftvyWzAbAj0sf5uNLPq19PEXBGSKA-oNpduNFfMv6mQ4XKedjbQso4QKDQTxegIPugnY598ogUm953NllASbrLTQLAfxebTmAdtBHQEzyJr4SMtnJnBRiEXVXGIR6E23Q9A1M9NwCnpUuoOscQe0ThhHNR-L-eZmasDCbxg/w272-h272/AdobeStock_328080106.jpeg" width="272" /></a></div>By Charlie Grymes<br /><br />In 2022 the Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) appointed eight
high-energy, independent-thinking members. In just its second meeting,
the Sustainability Commission sent a <a href="https://www.pwcva.gov/assets/2022-06/SC%20-%20Resolutions%20June%201.pdf">resolution</a> to the BOCS calling for it to "<i>immediately adopt a practice of assessing the energy and
sustainability impacts of each new land use, housing, and infrastructure (water, transportation,
energy) decision requiring board approval.</i>"<p></p><p></p><div>If
the county starts to measure the impacts of new road projects, data
centers, and sprawl development... oops. More of the same development
will generate more carbon-rich emissions, and in 2020 PW County <a href="https://www.mwcog.org/newsroom/2020/10/14/officials-approve-new-2030-regional-greenhouse-gas-emissions-reduction-goal-/">joined with other members of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments</a>
to do our share of reducing emissions that increase global warming. If we measure impacts, we will document that token chargers for
electric vehicles at McCoart Administrative Center will not be enough. </div><div><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>The
only way the BOCS can meet its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, cutting them to 50% of the 2005 level by 2030, is for the
2040 Comprehensive Plan to transform our approach to transportation and
land use. </div><div><br /></div><div>Emissions will <u>increase</u> if we continue to expand roads. Oops. </div><div><br /></div><div>Perpetual road expansion induces more traffic and increases Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), increasing emissions. <i>If PW County measures the energy and sustainability impacts of the new roads proposed in the <a href="https://www.pwcva.gov/department/planning-office/pathway-to-2040-mobility">draft Mobility Chapter</a></i>, then the BOCS will be forced to choose between saving the planet vs. paving more lane miles.</div><div><br /></div><div>Emissions will<u> increase</u>
if we continue to support sprawl development, rather than focus on
planning for new live-work-play communities that offer new housing <b>next
to high-capacity transit stations</b>. Oops. </div><div><br /></div><div>There
are opportunities for transit-oriented development on both sides of the
county, including Innovation and North Woodbridge. We could invest in <a href="https://tinyurl.com/y9yrnd8x">expanding the bike/pedestrian infrastructure</a>, especially as e-bikes make short (3-mile) trips easier. We could plan for affordable housing next to affordable transit. <i>If PW County measures the energy and sustainability impacts of where new development would be approved in the <a href="https://www.pwcva.gov/department/planning-office/pathway-to-2040-land-use">draft Land Use Chapter</a>,</i> then the BOCS will be forced to choose between smart growth vs. helping land speculators.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /></p>Ashley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-7390892191822052182022-04-25T10:49:00.050-07:002022-05-03T06:59:01.434-07:00It's all about water: Land uses can protect the Occoquan Reservoir. <p><span style="font-family: verdana; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fairfax county acted early to protect the Occoquan Reservoir, our drinking water, by preserving 5,000 acres of parkland adjacent to the reservoir and down-zoning 41,000 acres. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="323" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iIaMhZ_fetk" width="477" youtube-src-id="iIaMhZ_fetk"></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Streams in the down-zoned area are amongst the most pristine in the county. So it is a protection strategy" Greg Prelewicz explained during a program we hosted with Fairfax Water last year. </span><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: right; white-space: pre-wrap;"> | </span><a href="https://youtu.be/gVZDcAjn-tc" style="font-family: verdana; text-align: right; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">Watch the full presentation</a></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Occoquan Reservoir watershed spans part of Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudoun Counties, with the largest portion falling within Prince William County. Prince William County's primary strategy to protect the reservoir is to limit development in the headwaters via the smart growth tool called the Rural Crescent.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSZExZk1DFWPWoBBnvWFtj1zywfcQn_g24JBt-jOacgc_JtIFSSVr2ZzPkJ1QFCNopd_nlsvFHefSBjVw24BOBSdj53Wm7C3YURN6kHGOD-Zl132tRAA3ALiwM2PTv3lY4dzSfubYT9sWTHO25Th0yQQrQZA3t7WjOHp63wYV_hGGupu-vRvxZb9V0A/s600/rural%20crescent%20gif.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="600" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSZExZk1DFWPWoBBnvWFtj1zywfcQn_g24JBt-jOacgc_JtIFSSVr2ZzPkJ1QFCNopd_nlsvFHefSBjVw24BOBSdj53Wm7C3YURN6kHGOD-Zl132tRAA3ALiwM2PTv3lY4dzSfubYT9sWTHO25Th0yQQrQZA3t7WjOHp63wYV_hGGupu-vRvxZb9V0A/w494-h334/rural%20crescent%20gif.gif" width="494" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Proposals such as the PW Gateway, the Data Center Overlay, and Land use Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan would impact stream water quality flowing into the reservoir. | <a href="https://www.growsmartpw.org/proposals" target="_blank">Read more about proposals</a></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fairfax Water, the largest water utility in Virginia, draws water from the Occoquan Reservoir as two of its primary sources. Faced with the task of providing clean drinking water in a highly urbanized environment, they are </span><b style="font-family: verdana; white-space: pre-wrap;">urging the Prince William Planning Department to conduct a water study</b><span style="font-family: verdana; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to assist with the aforementioned land-use decisions. </span><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: right;">| </span><a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612e8414d5ddf4697c171bc0/t/625d96f08278aa3bc54e7011/1650300656668/3-21-22+FW+GM+Letter+to+PWC+Deputy+County+Exec+R+Horner+re+PWC+Comp+Plan+Revisions+to+RC.pdf" style="font-family: verdana; text-align: right;" target="_blank">Read the full letter</a></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A thorough independent study of how upcoming land-use proposals may impact our water supply is a key part of sustainable development and sound planning practices. <a href="https://www.princewilliamtimes.com/opinion/letter-county-must-study-of-developments-impact-on-occoquan-watershed/article_adb57836-b761-11ec-89b2-b7883808a191.html" target="_blank">Read our letter of support here,</a> where we additionally recommend that the Board of County Supervisors extend an invitation to Fairfax Water to further discuss their concerns. The BOCS agreed and the presentation will be held on June 7th during the 2 pm meeting. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Additional Information</i><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.insidenova.com/headlines/pw-digital-gateway-water-concerns-acknowledged/article_7b9679fc-b5c4-11ec-99c6-a38774031c15.html" target="_blank">PW Digital Gateway water concerns acknowledged- Supervisors plan May work session</a> | InsideNoVA | April 6, 2022<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://pwconserve.blogspot.com/2021/09/protecting-occoquan-reservoir-our.html">Protecting the Occoquan Reservoir: Our Shared Water Source with Dr. Stephen Souza</a> | Your Piece of the Planet Blog | September 23, 2021</span></div><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://pwconserve.blogspot.com/2021/09/land-use-occoquan-reservoir-watershed.html">Land Use, the Occoquan Reservoir Watershed and You</a> | Your Piece of the Planet Blog | September 16, 2021</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p>Ashley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-1809371967490944472022-04-22T13:29:00.003-07:002024-03-02T04:22:18.820-08:00Strong community support for conservation easement at Dove's Landing<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOzeoVtNb_vnh82gVVZ8poU9TDP80KTk6OLVN8mKXw4IarolNW05R_tUY3ukSePORAsBeTg-SHQwpW0AuLhKjcvtpQpV3o_gAJp_UqnMMzJZMr_KEAN0iQNo5XxHzAkFHg4GgvBBLqajG1WhoxbdxeLMECYyef2RNC3LLYq19OQIrr8EIPkKznm-o3g/s1122/dovesimg0-2c33352f5056a36_2c333633-5056-a36a-07e3b3236213312f.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="1122" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOzeoVtNb_vnh82gVVZ8poU9TDP80KTk6OLVN8mKXw4IarolNW05R_tUY3ukSePORAsBeTg-SHQwpW0AuLhKjcvtpQpV3o_gAJp_UqnMMzJZMr_KEAN0iQNo5XxHzAkFHg4GgvBBLqajG1WhoxbdxeLMECYyef2RNC3LLYq19OQIrr8EIPkKznm-o3g/s320/dovesimg0-2c33352f5056a36_2c333633-5056-a36a-07e3b3236213312f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Update 1/19/24: <span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">2024 is starting with a win for conservation! On January 16th, the Board of County Supervisors unanimously authorized the conveyance of a Conservation Easement to Northern Virginia Conservation Trust Across Dove's Landing. In a time when we're seeing our natural areas dwindle, this parcel will be protected in perpetuity for the delight of all residents and future generations.</span><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="background-color: white; color: #393939; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="background-color: white; color: #393939; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">In 2007, our founding Executive Director, Kim Hosen, recognized the importance of Dove's Landing as a haven for residents to connect with nature. This has been a long journey in our conservation effort - good reminder that our work takes persistence... sometimes for over a decade.<br /><br /></span><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><br /></div><div>Update 9/15/2022: On Sept 14, the Parks and Recreation Commission voted 3-5 in support of the master plan for Dove's Landing, which would maintain the park as passive recreation and place a conservation easement to ensure it's protected in the future. <br /><br />The master plan is slated to go to the Board of County Supervisors in October. <br /><br />Share your views by emailing BOCS@pwcgov.org</div><div><br /></div>4/22/2022: About 70 residents, in-person and online, attended the <a href="http://pwconserve.org/issues/conservation/doveslanding/overview.htm" target="_blank">Dove's Landing Master Plan community meeting</a> hosted by the county's Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department on April 21, 2022. Staff presented ideas for future uses in the park, including floating docks, removing trees to improve vistas of airplanes at Manassas Airport, and constructing a mountain bike pumptrack.<p></p><p>However, the community was unified in supporting passive recreation with additional park monitoring and maintenance to protect wildlife and maintain trails. Preserving the current character of the park was at the forefront of the conversation. There was strong support for a conservation easement, which would permanently protect 100% of Dove's Landing and ensure this vision is protected.</p><p>Some had questions regarding a rumor that part of the property could be used to build a school. Staff reported that there were no such plans to their knowledge, adding that this property was acquired through a settlement with a developer. "It wouldn't be a good look if the county then, in turn, developed it," explained Brendon Hanafin, Planning and Capital Projects Division Chief.</p><p>Parks Department Director Seth Hendler-Voss voiced support for a natural area park by stating that it made a lot of sense to place the entire property under a conservation easement and that is what would be proposed to the Board of County Supervisors. It was an inspiring evening to start the Master Planning process.</p><p>Despite the unmistakable community support for passive recreation and a conservation easement for Dove’s Landing, it’s always helpful to share your views in writing. The Master Plan for Dove’s Landing is being written now. Your comments will help decide what this plan says. Share your views by emailing dprtmasterplan@pwcgov.org. </p><p><b><u>Additional Resources</u></b></p><p><a href="http://pwconserve.org/issues/conservation/doveslanding/overview.htm" target="_blank">Protect Dove's Landing Park: Master Planning Process Opens</a><br /><a href="http://www.pwconserve.org/issues/conservation/doveslanding/index.htm" target="_blank">Dove's Landing Named a Top Conservation Priority by Smart Growth Alliance!</a><br /><a href="http://www.pwconserve.org/issues/conservation/doveslanding/plants.htm" target="_blank">Preliminary Plant List at Dove's Landing</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Ashley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-58959973052791122472022-03-08T09:01:00.002-08:002022-03-08T10:12:02.220-08:00Coal Ash at Dominion Energy's Possum Point Power Plant<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_7DECMDBAMBXaBg3LZ1TlP1lHh9LnoYHvA89RG7oxx5LP8L3UppGrKYTpJYaxaX1n4_dSZSLhC5kbk5CZLvaCcnF3slIMz40knEw2H-yqTRT6GK7pR5VSoTl2JIlVvt315ni8Ygei9WAARrQZCCaY7yvYjfRl5qkCUhV9gpk9tY6NcQMelVFFBQx2Rg=s1017" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1017" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_7DECMDBAMBXaBg3LZ1TlP1lHh9LnoYHvA89RG7oxx5LP8L3UppGrKYTpJYaxaX1n4_dSZSLhC5kbk5CZLvaCcnF3slIMz40knEw2H-yqTRT6GK7pR5VSoTl2JIlVvt315ni8Ygei9WAARrQZCCaY7yvYjfRl5qkCUhV9gpk9tY6NcQMelVFFBQx2Rg=w400-h284" width="400" /></a></div>Originally at the Possum Point Power Plant, there were five ponds
(A, B, C, D & E) that held coal ash when the plant operated using coal. Coal
ash was removed from ponds A, B, C & E and placed in pond D. <p></p><p>Four million cubic
yards of coal ash remain in pond D and Dominion Energy is required by state law to remove all the coal ash as
follows:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Beneficially reusing some or all of the coal ash through a
recycling process located on or off-site”, and/or “Disposing of some or all of
the coal ash in a new, modern and fully permitted landfill, which includes a
composite liner and is located on or off-site.” <o:p></o:p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p class="MsoNormal">Potomac District Supervisor Bailey and Dominion Energy held
a virtual meeting on January 20, 2022. Dominion presented four disposal options
as follows: on-site landfill; recycle ash (50%) by rail with remainder to landfill by truck; recycle ash (50%) by rail with remainder to landfill by rail;
rail—all ash to offsite landfill.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Potomac District Supervisor Bailey has set up a Task Force
with citizens and other interested parties to make sure the community is aware
of the alternatives and has input before a decision is made. A final report
from Task Force is due on April 27.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A community meeting in person and/or virtual is planned with
Dominion Energy and Potomac District Supervisor Bailey on April 4 at the new
Potomac Shores Middle School. Time to be determined. Further information to
follow.<o:p></o:p></p>Ashley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-19539128411564177752022-03-03T13:19:00.000-08:002022-03-03T13:19:43.018-08:00Metrorail in Prince William? <p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgn_99wU6UYpRLlFpO8O6_qyyQR0WZaeaAS3Y2xITfUScWjykkjzyH1PNm2_Vp9vebTMg2motwHqlmCqlfwRTmenYBJw7RJjtD-wxy4vy9ZsxLbr64cWpR_gHAN-dlhoYkccOFX7Oh7e4kkyOydrOHliHkJWYNbo9p5CHX5DgQZqo2FXAuC2rk3eW1OWw=s499" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="499" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgn_99wU6UYpRLlFpO8O6_qyyQR0WZaeaAS3Y2xITfUScWjykkjzyH1PNm2_Vp9vebTMg2motwHqlmCqlfwRTmenYBJw7RJjtD-wxy4vy9ZsxLbr64cWpR_gHAN-dlhoYkccOFX7Oh7e4kkyOydrOHliHkJWYNbo9p5CHX5DgQZqo2FXAuC2rk3eW1OWw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Traffic isn't about cars, it's about
houses and where you put them.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Increasing density around a transportation hub like a metro
station could be an effective way for Prince William to accommodate a growing
population while minimizing the number of cars we add to roads. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In addition to being a sound planning strategy, it's also a
good way for Prince William to compete for state and federal funds that would
be required to build a $20-30B Metrorail project. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Currently, the draft land use map in the 2040 Comprehensive
Plan has planned growth scattered throughout the county rather than
concentrated near mass transit (current or future), which undermines our
ability to compete for funding. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Want to learn more? Check out the full presentation by Charlie Grymes with opening remarks by Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="322" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Pr0QMWEqCM" width="493" youtube-src-id="3Pr0QMWEqCM"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p>Ashley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-48731719927851581292022-02-09T10:25:00.008-08:002022-02-09T10:43:38.875-08:00From the January 20th and 27th community meetings<p> By: Ashley Studholme</p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOU4SEKmMyaMuJySby1cTUM9B0h8_UyD-JmIn97UdN2J-oRqd-uJUv_ZozotJnqRiW18XAKsSd_YQQyvMpSi80CV-4YMCHRe5Q9NjfMT1xqWR-d2MG_38Smsylt01MKCqzjXawF-6VpJm-bACSAw39uamPFPMYf7Rh2jsTGbm4NPk9oy6i4wDEKve7mg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOU4SEKmMyaMuJySby1cTUM9B0h8_UyD-JmIn97UdN2J-oRqd-uJUv_ZozotJnqRiW18XAKsSd_YQQyvMpSi80CV-4YMCHRe5Q9NjfMT1xqWR-d2MG_38Smsylt01MKCqzjXawF-6VpJm-bACSAw39uamPFPMYf7Rh2jsTGbm4NPk9oy6i4wDEKve7mg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>The Planning Office hosted a series of community meetings for the public to comment on the Data Center Opportunity Zone and the PW Gateway proposal. The in-person meeting on the 20th will be rescheduled after being canceled due to forecasted inclement weather. While the recordings are available for viewing, it is uncertain how these comments will be used or addressed throughout these processes. <br /><br />Watch the Data Center Overlay meeting <a href="https://draft.blogger.com/#">HERE</a><p></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />Watch the PW Gateway meeting <a href="https://draft.blogger.com/#">in-person HERE</a> and <a href="https://draft.blogger.com/#">virtual HERE</a>.</p><span></span><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><b><br /></b><p></p><p class="paragraph-spacing-none" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>Data Center Overlay</b><br /><br />Data centers placed in the right location is fundamental to incorporating them into a sustainable development plan. The intent of the Data Center Opportunity Zone is to identify sites that are appropriate. Several people commented on the need for guidelines that encourage redevelopment, protect environmental and cultural assets, as well as the Occoquan Reservoir.<br /><br />Nearly 40 people shared their views, with approximately 30 speaking in support of protecting the Rural Crescent, the Occoquan Reservoir watershed, and Manassas National Battlefield Park. Many people said they were not against data centers, however, they are against the proposed development sites. Site selection is the foundation of sustainable development. <br /><br />Read more from <a href="https://draft.blogger.com/#">InsideNOVA</a> and <a href="https://draft.blogger.com/#">Prince William Times</a>.<br /><br /><b>PW Gateway</b><br /><br />Due to the number of people wanting to comment, the Planning Office divided the event into parts; the in-person held on January 27th and the virtual segment held on February 3. Speakers registered for the virtual event were informed of the change on the day of the in-person event. <br /><br />Present at the in-person segment of the meeting was <a href="https://draft.blogger.com/#">QTS Realty Trust</a> Inc., a data center development company supporting the PW Gateway proposal. Given their <a href="https://draft.blogger.com/#">commitment to sustainability</a>, we're wondering why they would be interested in building on land that would disturb a national park and headwaters to the Occoquan Reservoir. Especially since land is available to meet their needs in the current Data Center Overlay. <br /><br />According to InsideNOVA "The virtual listening session drew 36 speakers, with 29 opposed to the project and seven in favor. Combined with last week’s session, 109 people spoke in total, with 70 opposed and 39 in favor." Read additional coverage from <a href="https://draft.blogger.com/#">InsideNOVA here</a> and <a href="https://draft.blogger.com/#">PW time here</a>. <br /><br />Our comments focused on protecting the Occoquan Reservoir. "This proposal goes against our commitment to protecting our water supply and ensuring that future generations within the region have safe and plentiful drinking water," Read <a href="https://draft.blogger.com/#">our comments here</a>.</p>Ashley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-52758022567674494432022-02-09T10:02:00.014-08:002022-12-08T13:37:02.878-08:00Data Center Next to PW Forest Moves Forward<p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">By: Kim Hosen</span></p><p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUnIhdEFqC6WU9tIqkDnPIovTTixCbgBGTF8sf9AkGO3PNfX5XPYv1xc6sonvfwzlUJ3Gg4mrhCuPjASB5tCJjNLTqVof_TzFj5WJhvfcsli_5Z5jh1nTkGFCCFfVSFFN15MPnglyQn_Dpmie2sAVoRXCWRGKfCglloR_5sl4JiDrrHAwB_jnV0N6NsA=s799" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="799" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUnIhdEFqC6WU9tIqkDnPIovTTixCbgBGTF8sf9AkGO3PNfX5XPYv1xc6sonvfwzlUJ3Gg4mrhCuPjASB5tCJjNLTqVof_TzFj5WJhvfcsli_5Z5jh1nTkGFCCFfVSFFN15MPnglyQn_Dpmie2sAVoRXCWRGKfCglloR_5sl4JiDrrHAwB_jnV0N6NsA=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Prince William County, exceptionally rich in natural resources, boasts an environment that is unique to the Northern Virginia region and beyond. We have two (!) national parks: Prince William Forest Park and Manassas National Battlefield. Together, these serve as anchors on the east and west ends of the county for the Rural Crescent. They capture the transition from the Potomac River’s tidal wetlands to Bull Run Mountain, helping protect a landscape that is unlike any other within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.<br /><br />But despite their many benefits, both our National Parks are threatened by proposed data center development at their borders. At Prince William Forest Park, a <a href="https://egcss.pwcgov.org/SelfService#/plan/61c4d6bd-7ac7-41d5-8d7b-f554a223316b" target="_blank">new rezoning</a> (and accompanying <a href="https://egcss.pwcgov.org/SelfService#/plan/a6ee77bc-ded4-40cd-ab62-1a962feb18a1" target="_blank">special use permit</a>) seeks approval to build data centers on property that is within the Park’s Congressional boundary and covers wetlands and streams at the headwaters of Quantico Creek.<span><a name='more'></a></span><div><div><br /></div><div><span></span>Quantico Creek is the keystone to Prince William Forest Park’s ecosystem. Within the park, the stream consistently ranks among the <a href="http://npshistory.com/publications/foundation-documents/prwi-fd-overview.pdf" target="_blank">most unspoiled in the Chesapeake Bay region</a> and provides an important source of baseline condition data for environmental monitoring in Northern Virginia. <br /><br />Without question, water quality in Quantico Creek would decline should this development proposal be approved. This would lead to a decline in forest integrity and resilience within the park and would be a direct impact to the park's natural and cultural resources. For perspective, once the damage is done, costs to <a href="https://cwp.org/the-four-horsemen-of-stream-restoration-sustainability/">restore streams are estimated at $1,000 per linear FOOT</a> (not a typo). <br /><br />Right now Prince William Forest Park has some of the most intact interior forest bird communities among 17 National Parks in VA, MD, DC, PA, and WV. More than 100 species of birds, 38 species of mammals, 24 species of amphibians, 27 species of reptiles, 23 species of fish, and many invertebrates share the landscape and waterways of the park. <br /><br />This includes the rare Indiana and Northern long-eared bat as well as 15 bird species of continental concern, including the Wood Thrush with its ethereal song. When intact forest land is broken up by clearing and ground disturbance, forest edges and invasive plants increase. <br /><br />Prince William County reaps the benefits of these parks and, with partners, we are charged with being good stewards of this nationally significant parkland. Allowing data centers next to and within the Congressional boundary of Prince William Forest Park is irresponsible and unnecessary. <br /><br />The current development proposal presents a false choice between building data centers to boost our commercial tax base OR protecting our national parks. There is a third choice: property in the Overlay District is available right across the street, where properties included in the Data Center Overlay District are available. This area is characterized by industrial uses that have created an area suitable for data centers.<br /><br />Prince William County can support data centers AND protect the appeal and sustainability of our valuable natural resources, local communities, and economy.<br /><br /><br />Learn more about Prince William Forest:
<div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="316" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ylSfhCyHpkM" width="509" youtube-src-id="ylSfhCyHpkM"></iframe></div><br /><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>Learn more about our concerns about the replanning:<div><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="335" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HsqQYV3d8U4" width="527" youtube-src-id="HsqQYV3d8U4"></iframe></div><br /><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div></div></div>Ashley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-59615571456381348072022-02-09T06:24:00.008-08:002022-02-09T12:38:00.782-08:00Our Comments - PW Digital Gateway (February 3, 2022)<p> By: Ashley Studholme</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDiVInij5FG1cmRDwKhYeFYvBt49EZH5U51k79CH8euec407bhqTwsme-UpuS45fjrZxSyrGQoI5eDq9r_qG_JeP3vWadXma4PDuOPNoPCtrL8RulOCrM7SNWDhqfQcrxaq1xy6RX54jRPv3Gb9y16NuLE8Fy2cdb8p23Q9dWM3DyjXwBdEWO9fdvBeQ=s600" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="600" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDiVInij5FG1cmRDwKhYeFYvBt49EZH5U51k79CH8euec407bhqTwsme-UpuS45fjrZxSyrGQoI5eDq9r_qG_JeP3vWadXma4PDuOPNoPCtrL8RulOCrM7SNWDhqfQcrxaq1xy6RX54jRPv3Gb9y16NuLE8Fy2cdb8p23Q9dWM3DyjXwBdEWO9fdvBeQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p><i>"This proposal goes against our commitment to protecting our water supply and ensuring that future generations within the region have safe and plentiful drinking water."</i></p>In the <a href="https://www.pwcva.gov/assets/2022-01/Frequently%20Asked%20Questions.1.20.22.pdf" target="_blank">FAQ that the Planning Office</a> provided “According to the Prince William County Service Authority, sufficient public water supply is available to serve the County’s population to at least 2040.”<span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>Given that we currently have 500 acres that have been built with data centers and that they on average use 18,000 gallons of water a day (just for comparison sake, an average household uses<a href="https://www.epa.gov/watersense/how-we-use-water#:~:text=The%20average%20American%20family%20uses,of%20this%20use%20occurs%20indoors."> 300 gallons per day</a>). This proposal includes 2,133 acres, which would be a significant (over a 320%) increase from what we have currently. How might this proposal impact projected water availability beyond 2040? </div><div><span></span><div><p>In addition to impacting water availability from the demand side, this proposal is within the Rural Crescent which protects the headwaters to the Occoquan Reservoir, so it impacts the supply side as well. Preventative measures are better than reactive ones as a general rule but it’s particularly true when it comes to protecting our drinking water supply. </p><p>Source water experts note that protecting undeveloped or minimally developed land is key. Building data centers, warehouses, and widening roads all contribute to more stormwater runoff, which means more nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous and more sedimentation. Stormwater facilities are an important tool once the damage has already been done, but even the best-designed facilities can’t compare with protecting what we have in the first place. (<a href="https://pwconserve.blogspot.com/2021/09/protecting-occoquan-reservoir-our.html">Read more</a>)</p><p>According to data from the Virginia DEQ and the Occoquan Monitoring Lab, the Occoquan Reservoir is showing signs of impairment and we have already lost 1billion gallons or 10% of capacity in our reservoir due to sedimentation (<a href="https://youtu.be/A5m5btUWT0o?t=751">source</a>).</p><p>This proposal goes against our commitment to protecting our water supply and ensuring that future generations within the region have safe and plentiful drinking water. </p><p>-----</p><p>These comments were shared with the Planning Office during the virtual segment of the Community Meeting on February 3, 2022. Both the<a href="https://pwcgov.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=12&clip_id=2991" target="_blank"> in-person</a> and <a href="https://pwcgov.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?clip_id=2999" target="_blank">virtual</a> recordings can be found on their website. </p><p>Check out these helpful presentations:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="321" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pTxXtsylAZE" width="495" youtube-src-id="pTxXtsylAZE"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="324" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A5m5btUWT0o" width="492" youtube-src-id="A5m5btUWT0o"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div>Ashley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-2275173212122914882022-01-23T15:11:00.002-08:002022-01-23T15:18:22.912-08:00Coalition to Save Historic Thoroughfare Receives Award<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTB1-gt4U1LnGsnOsRUwQAzUhsP9Sh1BDPMixGDlCxvRbWrLu8y-bbeUWUMrWudkOIcnIcjd6nh3LrykMtUr6KhhErGsXZEdXjHRaDvPePJv9LSnr-vm1S0ca8V798fKSkzc6fHaCpTL8mns23ad1qbuKe4QZjgXkF5G52wDFgNQgm92NLs2c2eB1l6A=s381" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTB1-gt4U1LnGsnOsRUwQAzUhsP9Sh1BDPMixGDlCxvRbWrLu8y-bbeUWUMrWudkOIcnIcjd6nh3LrykMtUr6KhhErGsXZEdXjHRaDvPePJv9LSnr-vm1S0ca8V798fKSkzc6fHaCpTL8mns23ad1qbuKe4QZjgXkF5G52wDFgNQgm92NLs2c2eB1l6A=w158-h200" width="158" /></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Prince William County Human Rights Commission recognizes Frank Washington and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Coalition-To-Save-Historic-Thoroughfare-A-Town-Under-Siege-104115108438832/" target="_blank">Coalition to Save Historic Thoroughfare </a>for their work to protect historic African-American and Native American cemeteries in Thoroughfare, Va.</span></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://princewilliamliving.com/coalition-to-save-historic-thoroughfare-receives-award/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Coalition to Save Historic Thoroughfare Receives Award</span></a><br />Prince William Living; January 22, 2022</span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Remarks from Frank Washington, Coalition to Save Historic Thoroughfare</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">As founder of the Coalition to Save Historic Thoroughfare, we all thank you for this honor. It is a privilege as well as a duty to stand firm for the preservation of thoroughfare.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Life can present many challenges. Sometimes those challenges can be complicated. Sometimes those challenges can simply be a matter of what is right and what is wrong. We can never stop believing in the worth of fighting and standing for what is right. And we can never give in to what is wrong. In Thoroughfare, Virginia. We have been striving to give voice and to assure that our ancestors continue to rest securely in our cemeteries.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our diverse coalition will continue to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. Fighting for the rights of those who still call Thoroughfare, Virginia. Home as our ancestors have done for centuries.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It is a matter of justice. It is an ongoing struggle to achieve a promise of equality. It is not about politics. But it is a matter of morals, decency and values. It is also a matter of what and who is deemed as worthy in our society. It is a matter of human and civil rights for all.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Respect for those buried in our community. We all recognize that sometimes the world loves to divide us based on race. We have seen that within our battle for our ancestral burial ground and heritage in thoroughfare. This has been a concerted effort. Fortunately, we have also seen the coming together of all races, religions and cultures to take a stand for what is right and just. It is that coming together that has given our coalition hope. It is that coming together that paves the way for healing and change in our community.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The label of being worth nothing or of such little value has been placed upon the lives of those trying to rest in peace in thoroughfare. It is also being placed on the lives of their descendants. This lack of respect is nothing new to people of color. But whether lying in their graves or still walking upon this earth, each individual life matters. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Politics coupled with a sense of privilege is the formula that breeds a violation of the rights of others. We will not stand still as we watch our cemeteries being desecrated and danced upon. Nor will we stand by and just watch as our land and history is being threatened and taken without pause.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Any government body that does not see the importance or refuses to recognize the historic land and cemeteries of slave, freed slave and Native Americans shares in the violation of its own laws and codes. Freed slaves and Native Americans were not initially afforded the opportunity for proper documentation of their properties. At the time many could not read or write and were not, in many cases, allowed to even learn. So they worked hard, achieved a level of success on their land within their communities and left their legacy through written and oral history to their descendants. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Historically, situations like we are facing I Thoroughfare do not end in our favor. However, through the coming together of surrounding communities and the Coalitions refusal to quit despite the opposition to our rights, we were able to achieve some measure of success in preservation. We are thankful that Prince William County recognizes the preservation of Thoroughfare, Virginia. As an important historical site. We are pleased with the steps taken in regaining some of the properties. However, much is still in jeopardy and much work is left to be done. Our campaign continues.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Through the challenges we have experienced in thoroughfare we have found similar situations faced throughout the country. These experiences are painful, disruptive, emotionally and spiritually challenging to all connected to Throughfare. We are starting to take some steps forward instead of backwards. However, when will it be?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Common ground for us all to see the value and respect that should be instinctive for all people of any race, religion or creed?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">When will those in power abide by and enforce the laws and codes that are in place to protect our properties and cemeteries. The purpose of government should be to change the world for the better through equal protection under the law. It is responsible for moving us forward with respect, integrity, morals, values and decency.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It saddens me to say that is not what we have found an abundance of. Honesty and empathy is replaced with deception and constant manipulation at the expense of preservation and the protection of this our collective history. Protections of human and civil rights for those of us that are living today and for the ones crying out from their graves.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We have to continue to be their voice. We will continue to stand strong and determined for our rights. Rights that are god given and not given at the desecration of a privileged few. We have to stand collectively upon the foundation that our ancestors built. Their dehumanization, anguish, blood, sweat and tears should insure they remain in peace and their resting places remain undisturbed. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Collectively this is our responsibility. This county government has to continue to embark on a new constructive and not destructive course. We have experienced much underlying hostility, resentment and resistance. Which continues to this day.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Do not believe that this sense of hostility comes from one particular race or party. I have felt it from all sides. It has been difficult to find an official, regardless of race or political affiliation that it is independent of the bureaucracy and greed that created the problems we have been facing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">In order to really implement meaningful change, you have to acknowledge and understand the decades of struggle endured. Achievements, tenacity and a foundation of faith and love held these families together.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Despite decades of abusive actions that have continually attempted to strip them of their value, their contributions and now even their resting places. In thoroughfare we found that abuse continues.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our coalition vows to do everything in its power to make a difference and be the difference.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I will continue leadership that listens to all people equally. I will be someone that can be relied upon to make decisions with integrity and a moral standard. I will strive to push for a county government that all people within it can have confidence in and to show the people of this county what can be accomplished when we are unified. I will show leadership that can sow compromise instead of division. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This is the only way we can all move forward on common ground to insure growth that benefits everyone. We cannot rely on hollow promises.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This honor you have bestowed upon us exemplifies the strength and dedication of every individual within the coalition and the foundation of family that we stand upon. We thank you again for this award.</span></p><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-56005761459032622542022-01-02T15:05:00.002-08:002022-01-06T07:56:39.557-08:00More Data Centers Proposed in the Rural Crescent<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">by Chris Carroll</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">While it’s hard to keep track of the many data center applications throughout Prince William County and the Rural Crescent, it is important to realize that multiple data center proposals are currently under consideration in Nokesville. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">One of these, the 279-acre House Farm Data Center application, proposes to remove several hundred acres from the Rural Crescent; this would allow for industrial sprawl and development into the rural area. No commercial or industrial ventures are nearby, the land is surrounded by residential housing, and the land is outside the Data Center Overlay District. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">View the application submitted in May 2021 <a href="http://pwconserve.org/landuse/data%20centers%202022/house%20family%20data%20center%20cpa/LUCR_House%20Family%20Data%20Center%20Application.pdf" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>. View the map showing CPAs <a href="https://pwcgov.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c923948cc6c44449a868bef82f6845eb"><b>here</b></a>.<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">This land is sandwiched by residential gravel roads, is in a floodplain with Environmental Resource long range land classification, and does not have access to public water or sewer. It is embarrassing that this land is even under consideration for industrial data center use.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Comprehensive Plan change is currently being considered with a Board vote planned for early 2022. No environmental study is planned, and no water study has been completed to examine impacts on neighboring wells and septic fields. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Prince William County Economic Development office is currently promoting this land as “Industrial Use” on their website for available business parcels, however, the change has not yet been approved. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If action is not taken data centers and other industrial buildings will quickly spread through the Rural Crescent on all fronts, irrevocably decimating the area for both the short and long term. </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRc94vBwbUCjr8kegxPHuHZjxAfHDlwZoCqwAZLsCUMwxryzxGoO-DK8yTiyt_BeMx0ijhlXjF2uwnjtByYDsWjY9X-RDQQ8TZ2q3iyEVpIVBUR42W1KqJHeJCeOroGkd_ITspqJT787gR7pj6UfuvbS-VUWpgA7zPTi9kdiDVP5LI3olok0syaiX0Ng=s844" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="844" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRc94vBwbUCjr8kegxPHuHZjxAfHDlwZoCqwAZLsCUMwxryzxGoO-DK8yTiyt_BeMx0ijhlXjF2uwnjtByYDsWjY9X-RDQQ8TZ2q3iyEVpIVBUR42W1KqJHeJCeOroGkd_ITspqJT787gR7pj6UfuvbS-VUWpgA7zPTi9kdiDVP5LI3olok0syaiX0Ng=w539-h336" width="539" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNIL27fUE0XbhFc839fNs7zxGbPpNaknTMn3HpL43_A3zWBqk7zvU9_ywW5cQtzFrUJ-fMlL4xjnwxYjj-PmpJb-x6KjfOs3Qo3t9PmxT1UvWKJ7VJ4CyJgVXTgo3l4IG5oB3hePKwiA-5J33pF7BgLLbqPE2RG-pAmHyKOJO4TyRWac6SUl0nUMJ4Zg=s778" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="778" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNIL27fUE0XbhFc839fNs7zxGbPpNaknTMn3HpL43_A3zWBqk7zvU9_ywW5cQtzFrUJ-fMlL4xjnwxYjj-PmpJb-x6KjfOs3Qo3t9PmxT1UvWKJ7VJ4CyJgVXTgo3l4IG5oB3hePKwiA-5J33pF7BgLLbqPE2RG-pAmHyKOJO4TyRWac6SUl0nUMJ4Zg=w544-h281" width="544" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789336652313855516.post-73523161570724412842021-10-13T06:40:00.003-07:002022-03-04T09:15:45.185-08:00Shock and Awe on the Bluebird Trail<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">By: Ashley Studholme </span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJejnMu2cyseHe1g4x7XXrbGSdiOWLVYNiZ6Sv6K1uTXSBhhFdF5T3Nm8vKyI8qKYMPntFIN5Qv6RLIrGeWr4_Ki4pZlXWe9U3NXEMu_M5-ddgvpoI9qtanZtagAlBu2DGbzmr693x4sONuCLhNsPmuGs3MSKqYYMUSkrkduyM7M3uMN3_uyil2OAQqQ=s487" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJejnMu2cyseHe1g4x7XXrbGSdiOWLVYNiZ6Sv6K1uTXSBhhFdF5T3Nm8vKyI8qKYMPntFIN5Qv6RLIrGeWr4_Ki4pZlXWe9U3NXEMu_M5-ddgvpoI9qtanZtagAlBu2DGbzmr693x4sONuCLhNsPmuGs3MSKqYYMUSkrkduyM7M3uMN3_uyil2OAQqQ=s487" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_u4OTaKJShj1sqYhAATXVO-PlXzihBKnseNwR0_SEapfr6APF_huM6yabzdXPu3kd7-Ac1F4MkBDfjYoOhWGa5ip8RTSyMOtNmHAk0ZMRe7ebwDx1pmu4JQWXgEpa9duiK9sa9jylhPbrNPhgD9jwehQkoj0UQUKWZ5UL9pbgbdyT_D1PK_kkrvH-lQ=s2048" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_u4OTaKJShj1sqYhAATXVO-PlXzihBKnseNwR0_SEapfr6APF_huM6yabzdXPu3kd7-Ac1F4MkBDfjYoOhWGa5ip8RTSyMOtNmHAk0ZMRe7ebwDx1pmu4JQWXgEpa9duiK9sa9jylhPbrNPhgD9jwehQkoj0UQUKWZ5UL9pbgbdyT_D1PK_kkrvH-lQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-55d3fe2b-7fff-0914-d009-7f489c5d8654"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Learning about wildlife through experiencing it firsthand fosters a deeper connection than is possible otherwise. Sure, reading a book written by experts is a helpful way to round out your knowledge, but through first-hand observation, you collect stories and memories that are uniquely yours. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Through monitoring, nature reveals its ability to adapt and endure. On April 14, one volunteer <a href="http://www.pwconserve.org/wildlife/birds/bluebirdtrail/index.html" target="_blank">monitoring Eastern Bluebirds</a> encountered a shocking sight. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><a name='more'></a>Upon opening a nest box, she found a male bluebird deceased inside next to a nest with a full brood of five eggs. He was tragically attacked and killed by a nonnative, invasive House Sparrow. The female remained close by after the male was removed, and the nest was left untouched. Now, all we could do is wait to see if the female would be able to raise the brood on her own. </span></span><p></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Little did we know, her instincts took a different approach. A few visits later, a volunteer observed another male perched on the nest box - the female had successfully paired with another male! Our volunteers took actions that gave this brood a second chance and in the end, all five eggs hatched and all five chicks fledged. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The volunteers became a critical part of these fledgling’s lives. What started as a shocking and tragic sight became part of an unexpected journey of resilience in nature. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This year, 15 volunteers followed 18 Eastern Bluebird nests through their breeding cycle. PWCA manages two trails where we have installed 12 nest boxes at <a href="http://www.pwconserve.org/merrimacfarm/wildlife/bluebirds/2010_boxes.html" target="_blank">Merrimac Farm</a> and 14 at <a href="http://www.pwconserve.org/wildlife/birds/bluebirdtrail/chinn/index.html" target="_blank">Chinn Park</a>. Volunteers observed 9 nests at each trail and watched 29 and 33 bluebirds fledge respectively. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKudd-TouUOVviAf62aTQxpJnESCDjo80hiUWUtbG1yZlap3ClZTpFHbeEbex3lr8uUud8-3IEA380W5XQZyv08bWJ3YAVN1YwN4IKHm84gISZtuZ8_KACHgCyjCVJnHXhHx9tDD01Oh8eoaDWL1KkdpL5O491dujggAMsFI8jlkSDG9_y6sxaePBixw=s487" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="487" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKudd-TouUOVviAf62aTQxpJnESCDjo80hiUWUtbG1yZlap3ClZTpFHbeEbex3lr8uUud8-3IEA380W5XQZyv08bWJ3YAVN1YwN4IKHm84gISZtuZ8_KACHgCyjCVJnHXhHx9tDD01Oh8eoaDWL1KkdpL5O491dujggAMsFI8jlkSDG9_y6sxaePBixw=w424-h263" width="424" /></a></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thank you Tom Thaller, Rita Romano, Kevin Parker, Kelly Auldridge, Charles Badal, Jean Beard, Susan Hunt, Kathleen Hurst, Marilynn Lambinicio, Lois Montgomery, Noelia Olivera, Billy Ritter, Estefany Umana, Morgan Velten, Louisa Wells, and Janet Wheatcraft. You make this project possible. Special thank you to Valerie Kenyon Gaffney, President of the Va Bluebird Society, for guiding us in how to respond to the deceased male bluebird. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.pwconserve.org/wildlife/birds/bluebirdtrail/results.html" target="_blank">Check out last year's results.</a></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-cd76c81c-7fff-80d1-54fe-4e8acc9238cd"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p></p>Ashley Studholmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978228771043624034noreply@blogger.com0Prince William County, VA, USA38.7838939 -77.607786510.473660063821157 -112.7640365 67.094127736178848 -42.4515365