4^ Chesapeake Bay Program A Watershed Partnership The Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants Program provides grants to organizations working on a local level to protect and improve watersheds in the Chesapeake Bay basin, while building citizen-based resource stewardship. Under the 2006 program, 68 projects from across the Bay watershed have been selected to receive over $2.6 million in funding. Primary program funding is provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Chesapeake Bay Program Office. Additional funding partners include the USDA Forest Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Back www.chesapeakebay.net IdU 410 Severn Avenue, Suite 109 * Annapolis, Maryland 21403 * 410-267-5700 • toll free 800-YOUR-BAY 2006 Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grant Projects Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Community Legacy Grants Initiative This year's Small Watershed Grants Program continues the Community Legacy Grants initiative, whereby grants of up to $100,000 are awarded to signature projects that will create a conservation legacy in communities throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. As envisioned under the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement, this legacy includes abundant, diverse populations of fish, wildlife and plants, fed by healthy streams and rivers, sustaining strong local and regional economies, and our unique quality of life. 2006 Community Legacy Grants Recipients Greening the Way for Central Virginia Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Inc. Caroline County, Virginia Community Legacy Grant: $99,534 Partner Contributions: $682,115 The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Inc. will promote low impact development design techniques for future commercial construction within Virginia. This project will construct a 35,000 square foot vegetated green roof and install a demonstration Bayscape on the Union Bankshares Corporation grounds. In addition, this project will generate publicity, develop educational signage and materials, and develop outreach and education programs and events. Project partners include Caroline County Cooperative Extension, Friends of the Rappahannock, Hanover-Caroline Soil and Water Conservation District, Mattaponi and Pamunkey Rivers Association, Rappahannock Area Development Council, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Wildlife Habitat Council. Funds provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. -more- The Chesapeake Bay Program is restoring the Bay through a partnership among the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency representing the federal government, the State of Maryland, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the District of Columbia, the Chesapeake Bay Commission, and participating citizen advisory groups. ------- 2006 Small Watershed Grant Project Summaries Page 2 Daniels Run Restoration and Riparian Planting Army Navy Country Club City of Fairfax, Virginia Community Legacy Grant: $100,000 Partner Contributions: $597,490 The Army Navy Country Club will restore 3,000 feet of Daniels Run stream, located in Fairfax, Virginia. The portion of Daniels Run that occurs on the Club property is experiencing accelerated bank erosion and streambed down cutting, contributing to sediment and nutrient loading downstream. This project will stabilize stream bank erosion and plant 4.14 acres of riparian buffers to improve downstream water quality. Project partners include Chesapeake Bay Foundation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and USD A Forest Service. Little Wiconisco Creek Watershed Restoration Dauphin County Conservation District Dauphin County, Pennsylvania Community Legacy Grant: $100,000 Partner Contributions: $40,200 The Dauphin County Conservation District will implement a comprehensive strategy to restore water quality in the impaired Little Wiconisco Creek. Cost-share funds will be targeted to reduce non-point sources of sediment and nutrients from agricultural lands within the creek's watershed. Outreach will continue to local landowners and agricultural producers to promote awareness of the stream's condition and the impact of non-point source pollutants. Project partners include Millersburg Area School District, Upper Dauphin School District, and Wiconisco Creek Restoration Association. Funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the USD A Natural Resources Conservation Service. Reducing Nutrient Levels in Chesapeake Bay Stroud Water Research Center Tioga County, Pennsylvania Community Legacy Grant: $100,000 Partner Contributions: $249,583 The Stroud Water Research Center will investigate the relationship between acid mine drainage (AMD) and nutrient processing within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This project will investigate potential links between AMD pollution, stream integrity/quality, and increased nutrient fluxes to the Bay. The results of this study will help to inform the discussion about strategies for addressing AMD within the larger Bay watershed. Information will be shared through publications and presentations to the scientific community, local governments, and non-profits in the Bay watershed. Project partners include the Degenstein Foundation, the Keith Campbell Foundation, the McKenna Foundation and the Western Pennsylvania Watershed Program. Funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. ------- 2006 Small Watershed Grant Project Summaries Page 3 Little Catoctin Stream Restoration Town ofMyersville Myersville, Maryland Community Legacy Grant: $75,000 Partner Contributions: $106,000 The Town ofMyersville will restore Little Catoctin Stream in Myersville, Maryland to a stable self-maintaining state. Working with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Town of Myersville will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Little Catoctin and will apply this information to the stream restoration. Project will include design and implementation of stream channel restoration, stream bank stabilization, and riparian plantings. Project partners include US Fish and Wildlife Service and community organizations. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2006 Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grant Recipients Grants are listed by jurisdiction. Projects with activities in more than one state or the District of Columbia are listed under each jurisdiction. District of Columbia Invasive Plant Control in the Anacostia Watershed Anacostia Watershed Society Washington, DC, and Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $50,000 Partner Contributions: $120,900 The Anacostia Watershed Society will restore natural areas in the Anacostia River watershed through invasive plant control and the re-vegetation of native plants. This project will reduce non-native plants by 25% in seven parks in the watershed. A pilot re- vegetation project will be conducted to restore a 70-meter band of riprap with native plants with the participation of 1,500 volunteers and 26 community-based organizations. Project partners include the Chesapeake Natives and the National Park Service. Funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Delaware Stream Cleaner Environmental Forum Cacapon Institute, Inc. Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $5,866 The Cacapon Institute will recruit science, social studies, and vocational-agricultural classes from high schools throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed to participate in an internet-based Stream Cleaner Environmental Forum on best management practices to improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. The Forum will engage students in a simulated Tributary Team stakeholder process to explore the science and challenges of non-point source pollution reduction. Following the Forum, up to 10 classes will complete water quality restoration projects to serve as visible demonstrations of best management practices as well as living classrooms for future academic study. Approximately 30 schools and 2,500 students will participate in the program. Project partners include ------- 2006 Small Watershed Grant Project Summaries Page 4 Chesapeake Bay Program, Chesapeake Bay Trust, MARPAT Foundation, West Virginia Conservation Agency, and West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Delmarva Peninsula Poultry Farm Buffer Partnership Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. Delmarva Peninsula: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $49,000 Partner Contributions: $56,000 The Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. will increase the number of vegetative environmental buffers surrounding poultry farms in Delaware, Eastern Shore Maryland, and Accomack County, Virginia. The project will implement an outreach program to promote the use of buffers to the approximately 2,100 poultry farmers on the Delmarva Peninsula and will hire a coordinator to work with interested farmers. Once planted, the buffers will slow runoff and absorb nutrients from the farms before they enter the Chesapeake Bay tributaries. Project partners include Allen Family Foods, Mountaire Farms, Perdue Farms, Tyson Foods, and the University of Delaware. Funding provided by USD A Forest Service. Maryland Crofton Stream Restoration Alliance for Community Education Crofton, Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $25,000 Partner Contributions: $83,045 The Alliance for Community Education will address non-point source pollution of storm water runoff from residential streets and commercial parking lots that have contributed to the deterioration of Beaver Creek. This project will restore one mile of shoreline along Beaver Creek, provide information regarding runoff problems and solutions to 1,000-2,000 citizens, and engage citizens in the installation of rain barrels and rain gardens. Project partners include Arlington Echo, Biohabitats, Inc., Chesapeake Bay Trust, Crofton Civic Association, Chesapeake String of Pearls and the Keith Campbell Foundation. Funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Invasive Plant Control in the Anacostia Watershed Anacostia Watershed Society Washington, DC, and Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $50,000 Partner Contributions: $120,900 The Anacostia Watershed Society will restore natural areas in the Anacostia River watershed through invasive plant control and the re-vegetation of native plants. This project will reduce non-native plants by 25% in seven parks in the watershed. A pilot re- vegetation project will be conducted to restore a 70-meter band of riprap with native plants with the participation of 1,500 volunteers and 26 community-based organizations. Project partners include the Chesapeake Natives and the National Park Service. Funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Baltimore County Urban Tree Planting Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection & Resource Management Baltimore, Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $50,000 Partner Contributions: $83,700 The Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection & Resource Management will implement a market-based approach to increase the planting of trees on urban, private properties in Baltimore County, Maryland. Urban tree planting provides significant environmental benefits ------- 2006 Small Watershed Grant Project Summaries Page 5 by reducing the amount of stormwater runoff entering the watershed and is a cost- effective alternative to stormwater retrofit projects. This project continues an innovative market-based approach to improving the environment in Baltimore County and addressing impacts on local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. The project will continue to conduct a targeted homeowner education effort about the multiple environmental benefits of planting trees and will provide financial incentives for homeowners in the form of a County and retailer coupon for the purchase of trees. 10,000 trees will be planted in Baltimore County under this grant. Project partners include Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association, neighborhood associations, and numerous landscape, nursery and garden center retailers. Funding provided by the USDA Forest Service. Stream Cleaner Environmental Forum Cacapon Institute, Inc. Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $5,866 The Cacapon Institute will recruit science, social studies, and vocational-agricultural classes from high schools throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed to participate in an internet-based Stream Cleaner Environmental Forum on best management practices to improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. The Forum will engage students in a simulated Tributary Team stakeholder process to explore the science and challenges of non-point source pollution reduction. Following the Forum, up to 10 classes will complete water quality restoration projects to serve as visible demonstrations of best management practices as well as living classrooms for future academic study. Approximately 30 schools and 2,500 students will participate in the program. Project partners include Chesapeake Bay Program, Chesapeake Bay Trust, MARPAT Foundation, West Virginia Conservation Agency, and West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Conserving Eastern Shore Forest Land Center for Chesapeake Communities Eastern Shore, Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $10,000 Partner Contributions: $37,289 The Center for Chesapeake Communities will develop a draft Habitat Conservation Plan allowing continued forest management operations on the Eastern Shore in concert with recovery efforts of the Delmarva Fox Squirrel. The draft Habitat Conservation Plan will be created as a result of Technical Workgroup meetings. This project will include preparation of an Implementing Agreement and an Environmental Assessment for the Habitat Conservation Plan. Project partners include Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Partnership for Sustainable Forestry. Funding provided by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Forest Stewardship Partnership Center for Chesapeake Communities Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties, Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $57,105 The Center for Chesapeake Communities will provide a landscape level perspective to coordinate management and restoration activities among 4 Federal landowners in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Through these efforts, this project seeks to improve the ecological services of natural landscapes and reduce the environmental impacts of the land and facility management activities. Project partners include Fort Meade, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, ------- 2006 Small Watershed Grant Project Summaries Page 6 NASA, and Patuxent Wildlife Research Refuge. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and USDA Forest Service. Monocacy Watershed Farm Stewardship Program Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Inc. Maryland and Pennsylvania Small Watershed Grant: $48,000 Partner Contributions: $53,250 The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) will install forested riparian buffers and streambank fencing within the Monocacy watershed. These best management practices will improve water quality by filtering and absorbing nutrients and sediment from runoff and decreasing stream bank erosion. Under this program, CBF staff will meet with landowners one on one to describe Federal Farm Bill programs to encourage their enrollment, with grant funds providing support for projects not eligible for Federal programs. It is anticipated that citizen volunteers will assist in the restoration of 5 miles and 35 acres of riparian buffer and 5 acres of wetlands through this program. Project partners include Chesapeake Bay Trust and US Fish and Wildlife Service. Funding provided by USDA Forest Service. College Creek Watershed Initiative Chesapeake Ecology Center Annapolis, Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $84,500 The Chesapeake Ecology Center will develop a Watershed Assessment and Restoration Plan for College Creek, located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. College Creek, like many tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay, is suffering from extensive habitat and water quality damage. This assessment and resulting action plan will provide strategic focus and science-based direction to local restoration efforts. The action plan will include a list of specific actions and a priority list of restoration projects, with the results of the assessment being made available for public comment during a stakeholder workshop. This grant will also complete 4 restoration projects at visible sites within the College Creek watershed. Projects will include native vegetation planting and rain garden installations totaling 0.5 acres. In addition, a Rain Garden Booklet will be developed for dissemination to the public. Approximately 2,000 members of the community will be directly educated and/or volunteer under this grant. Project partners will include Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Calvary United Methodist Church, City of Annapolis, Chesapeake Bay Trust, and the Spring Creek Foundation. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Puglisi Living Shoreline Project Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center Stevensville, Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $50,000 Partner Contributions: $45,000 The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center will protect critical habitat in the Eastern Bay with the use of innovative techniques for shoreline protection and habitat creation. This project will stabilize 300 to 400 linear feet of shoreline and create .25 to .5 acres of low tidal marsh. Additional activities include spraying phragmites to promote native vegetation and long-term monitoring of the living shoreline. Project partners include Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. ------- 2006 Small Watershed Grant Project Summaries Page 7 Preserving the Bay through Agriculture Chesapeake Fields Institute Kent, Cecil, and Queen Anne's counties, Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $168,851 The Chesapeake Fields Institute will continue its education efforts on the economic and environmental importance of agriculture, and also expand its environmental initiatives in the Delmarva farming community through workshops and school outdoor education programs. The project will also work with at least 2,000 farmers to increase their capacity for continued natural resource stewardship. Project partners include A.T. and Mary H. Blades Foundation, Chichester Dupont Foundation, CFI & CFFC, Delmarva Power Foundation, Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation, John Ben Show Memorial Trust, Kent County Commissioners, Kent Co. Cooperative Extension Service, Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Farm Aid, the Shared Earth Foundation, and Town Creek Foundation. Funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Eastern Chesapeake Bay Watershed Restoration Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage Eastern Shore of Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $50,000 Partner Contributions: $684,500 The Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage will partner with private landowners to restore and protect 800 acres of wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands on farms on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. By establishing riparian buffers and wetlands this project will reduce non-point pollution from agricultural sources and increase habitat for wildlife. Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage will educate landowners about conservation opportunities on their lands to improve water quality and wildlife habitat as well as offer landowners an individualized management plan for their property and assistance in permanently protecting land through conservation easements. Project partners include Batza Foundation, Concordia Foundation, Healy Foundation, Waterfowl Festival, and Zuckerman Fund. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, USD A Forest Service, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Beaver Dam Creek Living Shoreline Project City of Salisbury Salisbury, Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $50,000 Partner Contributions: $50,000 The City of Salisbury will stabilize and restore 2,100 linear feet of eroding shoreline on Beaver Dam Creek. The project will include grading and stabilization of the existing eroding bank, backfilled and planted with native vegetation. In addition, four fishing access areas will be established. This project will also involve citizen and student volunteers in the plantings, water monitoring and maintenance. Project partners include the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Wicomico Creekwatcher's Program, Wicomico Environmental Trust, Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, Salisbury Zoo, City Parks Commission, Salisbury University, Restore America's Estuaries, Americorps and Maryland Conservation Corps. Funding provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Delmarva Peninsula Poultry Farm Buffer Partnership Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. Delmarva Peninsula: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $49,000 Partner Contributions: $56,000 ------- 2006 Small Watershed Grant Project Summaries Page 8 The Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. will increase the number of vegetative environmental buffers surrounding poultry farms in Delaware, Eastern Shore Maryland, and Accomack County, Virginia. The project will implement an outreach program to promote the use buffers to the approximately 2,100 poultry farmers on the Delmarva Peninsula and will hire a coordinator to work with interested farmers. Once planted, the buffers will slow runoff and absorb nutrients from the farms before they enter the Chesapeake Bay tributaries. Project partners include Allen Family Foods, Mountaire Farms, Perdue Farms, Tyson Foods, and the University of Delaware. Funding provided by USD A Forest Service. Chesapeake Habitat Protection Initiative Eastern Shore Land Conservancy Cambridge, Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $100,000 The Eastern Shore Land Conservancy will educate and engage up to 30 private landowners in permanent protection of up to 300 acres of land in Dorchester county using conservation easements and habitat restoration focusing on areas that threaten wildlife habitat and water quality. A field office will be established in Cambridge, Maryland providing greater awareness about conservation opportunities and strong local partners. Project partners include Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Nature Conservancy. Funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. San Domingo Creek Living Shoreline Environmental Concern, Inc. St. Michael's, Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $40,490 Partner Contributions: $53,380 Environmental Concern, Inc. will construct 11,200 square feet of new saltwater marsh along the westerly shoreline of San Domingo Creek Public Park. The project will create a 375 by 35 foot sill for protection of the marsh, emplace 1,450 tons of sand to fill the sill and vegetate the project area with 11,400 native plants. Project partners include Maryland Cooperative Extension and St. Michael's Elementary School. Funding provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Assessing Water Resources in Adams County Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin Adams County, Pennsylvania; Carroll and Frederick counties, Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $24,300 The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin will develop a water resource model for use as a planning tool for understanding the availability and limits of water resources in the Upper Monocacy Basin. As the Monocacy Watershed becomes more developed, maintaining healthy stream levels will become more of a challenge. To ensure that stream flow levels are sufficient, regional development decisions must be based on a sound understanding of the water resources availability and limitations. This model will assist managers in managing water quantity in a way that supports water quality and aquatic habitat. Project partners include Adams County Conservation District and the Watershed Alliance of Adams County. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Citizen Monitoring and Watershed Management Izaak Walton League of America, Inc. Maryland ------- 2006 Small Watershed Grant Project Summaries Page 9 Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $43,750 The Izaak Walton League of America will hold workshops to train 60 certified volunteers to conduct water quality monitoring throughout Maryland. Monitoring will occur at 100 sites throughout Maryland and will be integrated into an annual water quality report. Data gathered during this study will be used to identify and prioritize watershed restoration projects that volunteers with Izaak Walton League can undertake in the future. Project partners include Chesapeake Bay Trust, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and Shared Earth Foundation. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Almshouse Creek Living Shoreline London Towne Property Owners Association Edgewater, Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $30,000 Partner Contributions: $38,880 The London Towne Property Owners Association will restore approximately 300 linear feet of severely eroded shoreline on Almshouse Creek. This demonstration project will construct stone sills and sand containment structures and engage volunteers to plant wetland grasses and other native plants. Project partners include Anne Arundel County, the Boy Scouts of America and South River Federation. Funding provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Bioretention and Bayscapes Design Templates Low Impact Development Center, Inc. Beltsville, Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $24,680 The Low Impact Development Center will produce a series of raingarden design templates that can be used by landscape architects, contractors, garden clubs, and private citizens throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These templates will target homeowners and will provide everything one needs to know about constructing and maintaining a successful raingarden. In addition, this project will construct a demonstration garden and host 3 educational workshops on the care and maintenance of raingardens. Project partners include Brookside Gardens. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Macum Creek Living Shoreline Project Maryland Eastern Shore RC & D Council, Inc. Chester, Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $50,000 Partner Contributions: $16,840 The Maryland Eastern Shore R C & D Council, Inc. will stabilize 600 linear feet of shoreline on Macum Creek The project will include back-filling a stone sill with sand and planting trees to prevent further erosion of shoreline. Project partners include Maryland Department of the Environment and Queen Anne's County. Funding provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Spaniard's Point-Corsica River Living Shoreline Maryland Eastern Shore RC & D Council, Inc. Centreville, Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $24,000 Partner Contributions: $8,000 The Maryland Eastern Shore RC & D Council, Inc. will conduct a physical assessment, engineering analysis and a restoration design with permits for Spaniard's Point living shoreline on the Corsica River. Upon implementation of the ------- 2006 Small Watershed Grant Project Summaries Page 10 construction of the living shoreline, it is anticipated that the results will include approximately 600 linear feet of wave attenuating oyster bar, 2 acres of reef balls, 2 acres of tidal marsh and 1,500 linear feet of habitat enhanced shoreline. Project partners include Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Funding provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Schoolyard and Neighborhood Watershed Plans Parks and People Foundation Baltimore City, Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $251,250 The Parks and People Foundation, in partnership with the City of Baltimore, will develop a model schoolyard habitat and urban neighborhood scale watershed planning process using community schools as the center of activity. Working with project partners, Parks and People Foundation will design habitat restoration plans for 3 urban schools and watershed plans for 3 sub-drainage watersheds in Baltimore, Maryland. This project will install 2 model habitat projects at each school site and conduct community outreach about urban stormwater issues. Project partners include Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and USD A Forest Service. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Spa Creek Restoration Management Plan Spa Creek Conservancy, Inc. Annapolis, Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $17,708 The Spa Creek Conservancy, Inc. will complete a Tidal Restoration Management Plan to encourage strategic restoration and implementation for 1,300 acres of Spa Creek. This project will provide community awareness through an understanding of the link between lifestyle and the health of Spa Creek. Project partners include Annapolis Creeks Alliance, City of Annapolis, Freestate Press Inc. and the U. S. Naval Academy. Funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Oyster Restoration in St. Mary's River Sustainable Development Institute St. Mary's City, Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $16,680 The Sustainable Development Institute will demonstrate the potential of farmed, selectively bred native oysters to improve local water quality and biodiversity and increase the harvest from its now very low level. This project will deploy 10 oyster floats into the St. Mary's River and engage community volunteers and students in managing and monitoring the contribution that farmed oysters have on the Bay. Project partners include St. Mary's River Watershed Association and St. Mary's College. Funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Thorpewood Native Plant Demonstration Garden Thorpe Foundation Frederick, Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $39,730 The Thorpe Foundation will create a 1/4 acre model native plant demonstration garden in Frederick, MD. The site will serve to educate landowners and contractors about the benefits of conservation landscaping through an awareness and education initiative that will include a series of workshops, production of a "How to" DVD, educational signage, reference materials, and a community wide event to celebrate conservation landscaping. 250 volunteers will participate in the workshops ------- 2006 Small Watershed Grant Project Summaries Page 11 and in the actual development and construction of the model demonstration landscape. Project partners include Bechtel, BP Solar, and the Norcross Wildlife Foundation. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Watershed Financing for Local Officials- II University of Maryland Foundation, Inc. College Park, Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $0 The University of Maryland Foundation, Inc. will continue to develop a training program for local officials and community leaders focusing on implementation and financing of watershed protection and restoration plans. Project will finalize a guidebook and transition it into the financing training program with supplemental materials. Funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Shady Cove Shoreline Restoration-I West/Rhode Riverkeeper, Inc. Shady Side, Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $18,900 Partner Contributions: $19,000 The West/Rhode Riverkeeper, Inc. will stabilize 500 linear feet of badly eroded shoreline and restore the tidal marsh and other sensitive habitat in the Shady Cove Natural Area. This project will include surveying, designing and permitting in the first of two phases to stabilize the shoreline. Project partners include Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Funding provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. New York Stream Cleaner Environmental Forum Cacapon Institute, Inc. Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $5,866 The Cacapon Institute will recruit science, social studies, and vocational-agricultural classes from high schools throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed to participate in an internet-based Stream Cleaner Environmental Forum on best management practices to improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. The Forum will engage students in a simulated Tributary Team stakeholder process to explore the science and challenges of non-point source pollution reduction. Following the Forum, up to 10 classes will complete water quality restoration projects to serve as visible demonstrations of best management practices as well as living classrooms for future academic study. Approximately 30 schools and 2,500 students will participate in the program. Project partners include Chesapeake Bay Program, Chesapeake Bay Trust, MARPAT Foundation, West Virginia Conservation Agency, and West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Pennsylvania Millmont Dam Removal and Habitat Restoration American Rivers, Inc. Lewis Township, Pennsylvania Small Watershed Grant: $25,000 Partner Contributions: $45,000 American Rivers will remove Millmont Dam from Penns Creek in Lewis Township, Pennsylvania. Millmont Dam currently serves no functional purpose, significantly impairs and alters upstream and downstream habitat, and impedes the passage of ------- 2006 Small Watershed Grant Project Summaries Page 12 migratory fish. Removal of this dam will reopen approximately 9 miles of upstream habitat for the migration of fish and will improve sediment transport. Following removal of the dam, American Rivers will restore 4,800 feet of stream bank and riparian habitat to reduce erosion and filter runoff into the stream. Project partners include Chesapeake Bay Program, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Funding provided by the USDA Forest Service. Contrary Run Reclamation and Restoration Beech Creek Watershed Association Centre County, Pennsylvania Small Watershed Grant: $50,000 Partner Contributions: $14,000 The Beech Creek Watershed Association will design remedial measures to be implemented in an abandoned coal mine area in Centre County, Pennsylvania. This project will provide a restoration plan to improve water quality and restore aquatic health on Contrary Run by abating acid mine drainage and re-vegetation of mine areas. Project designs will outline restoration of 3,000 feet of stream corridor and 7.8 acres of mine lands. Project partners include Alder Run Engineering, Bucek & Associates, and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Stream Cleaner Environmental Forum Cacapon Institute, Inc. Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $5,866 The Cacapon Institute will recruit science, social studies, and vocational-agricultural classes from high schools throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed to participate in an internet-based Stream Cleaner Environmental Forum on best management practices to improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. The Forum will engage students in a simulated Tributary Team stakeholder process to explore the science and challenges of non-point source pollution reduction. Following the Forum, up to 10 classes will complete water quality restoration projects to serve as visible demonstrations of best management practices as well as living classrooms for future academic study. Approximately 30 schools and 2,500 students will participate in the program. Project partners include Chesapeake Bay Program, Chesapeake Bay Trust, MARPAT Foundation, West Virginia Conservation Agency, and West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Monocacy Watershed Farm Stewardship Program Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Inc. Maryland and Pennsylvania Small Watershed Grant: $48,000 Partner Contributions: $53,250 The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) will install forested riparian buffers and streambank fencing within the Monocacy watershed. These best management practices will improve water quality by filtering and absorbing nutrients and sediment from runoff and decreasing stream bank erosion. Under this program, CBF staff will meet with landowners one on one to describe Federal Farm Bill programs to encourage their enrollment, with grant funds providing support for projects not eligible for Federal programs. It is anticipated that citizen volunteers will assist in the restoration of 5 miles and 35 acres of riparian buffer and 5 acres of wetlands through this program. Project partners include Chesapeake Bay Trust and US Fish ------- 2006 Small Watershed Grant Project Summaries Page 13 and Wildlife Service. Funding provided by USDA Forest Service. Cocalico Creek Watershed Restoration Plan Cocalico Creek Watershed Association Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $12,000 The Cocalico Creek Watershed Association will develop a Watershed Management Plan for the Cocalico Creek Watershed. The plan will characterize the severity and interactions of an array of water resource issues, the causes and solutions to water resource problems, and the identification of sites and projects than could be implemented for water resource restoration and protection. Key issues to be addressed by the plan include fish and wildlife habitat improvement, sediment and nutrient load reductions, aquifer recharge, stormwater management, and floodplain restoration. This project will also include an outreach component to educate the community about the plan and watershed issues. Project partners include Clay Township, Denver Borough, East Cocalico Township, Ephrata Borough, Ephrata Township, Warwick Township, and West Cocalico Township. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Cove Creek Community Corridor Initiative Fulton County Conservation District McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania Small Watershed Grant: $25,000 Partner Contributions: $62,620 The Fulton County Conservation District will continue an ongoing effort to restore the riparian corridor of Big Cove Creek. This will be accomplished through the preservation of 7 acres of riparian habitat, design and implementation of 2000 feet of stream restoration, and the construction of a public access area. Partners include the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Western Pennsylvania Watershed Program. Funds provided by the USDA Forest Service. Conococheague Creek Habitat Restoration Greater Chambersburg Chamber Foundation Chambersburg, Pennsylvania Small Watershed Grant: $37,000 Partner Contributions: $16,000 The Greater Chambersburg Chamber Foundation will improve 200 linear feet of instream fish habitat and 600 linear feet of streambank stabilization upstream from the former Siloam dam on the Conococheague Creek. The project will engage community volunteers and project partners in revegetation of improved stream educating them on the importance of stream health. Project partners include the Conococheague Watershed Alliance, Dickinson College, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and Trout Unlimited. Funding provide by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Assessing Water Resources in Adams County Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin Adams County, Pennsylvania; Carroll and Frederick counties, Maryland Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $24,300 The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin will develop a water resource model for use as a planning tool for understanding the availability and limits of water resources in the Upper Monocacy Basin. As the Monocacy Watershed becomes more developed, maintaining healthy stream levels will become more of a challenge. To ensure that stream flow levels are sufficient, regional development ------- 2006 Small Watershed Grant Project Summaries Page 14 decisions must be based on a sound understanding of the water resources availability and limitations. This model will assist managers in managing water quantity in a way that supports water quality and aquatic habitat. Project partners include Adams County Conservation District and the Watershed Alliance of Adams County. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Little Conestoga Creek Restoration Design Little Conestoga Watershed Alliance Manor Township, Pennsylvania Small Watershed Grant: $31,125 Partner Contributions: $5,800 The Little Conestoga Watershed Alliance will survey, design, and obtain permitting to create a stream restoration plan for a 3,700 foot section of stream channel and riparian buffer corridor along the Little Conestoga Creek. This project will include a topographical survey of the area, planting plans for 60,000 square feet of tall grass buffer and establishment of 2,300 feet newly established and enhanced forested riparian buffer. Project partners include Conestoga Country Club and Manor Township. Funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Paxtonia Tributary Streambank Stabilization Lower Paxton Township Parks and Recreation Department Dauphin County, Pennsylvania Small Watershed Grant: $30,000 Partner Contributions: $40,900 The Lower Paxton Township Parks and Recreation Department will develop a stream corridor restoration project located within a heavily-used wooded area of Brightbill Park in Lower Paxton Township. Rapidly eroding stream banks in the Paxtonia Tributary are contributing to increased sediment loads downstream and decreased water quality. As part of a larger effort, this project will stabilize 1,400 feet of streambank and channel and reduce the amount of sediment flow in the Paxton Creek. Project partners include Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Friends of Wildwood, Paxton Creek Watershed and Education Association, and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and USD A Forest Service. Kishacoquillas Creek Watershed Outreach and Education Mifflin County Conservation District Allensville, Pennsylvania Small Watershed Grant: $32,500 Partner Contributions: $0 The Mifflin County Conservation District will work with the "Byler church", "the old school" and the "Peachey church" sects of the Amish community to address problems of non-point source pollution and implement best management practices on farmlands in the watershed of the impaired Little Kishacoquillas Creek. This project will use an Amish liaison to work with the 70 Amish farms currently lacking Conservation Plans. Project partners include the Octoraro Watershed Association. Funds provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Perry County Cover Crop Program Perry County Conservation District Perry County, Pennsylvania Small Watershed Grant: $25,000 Partner Contributions: $13,400 The Perry Conservation District will promote cover crops in Perry County by offering a per acre incentive to farmers planting cover crops in an impaired watershed or a first time planter. This project anticipates enrollment of ------- 2006 Small Watershed Grant Project Summaries Page 15 approximately 35 farms totaling 2,500 acres of farmland. Project partners include the Penn State Cooperative Extension. Funding provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the USDA Forest Service. Forest Management and Habitat Initiative Pocono Northeast Resource Conservation and Development Council Columbia and Luzerne counties, Pennsylvania Small Watershed Grant: $39,475 Partner Contributions: $11,470 The Pocono Northeast Resource Conservation and Development Council will provide education and outreach to private landowners, school teachers, and conservation organizations on managing forests for water quality protection. Project will conduct 6 workshops throughout northeastern Pennsylvania on proper forest management techniques and will work with landowners in developing conservation plans. On the ground activities will include: establishing 10 acres of conservation grass buffers, 40 acres of forest stand management improvements, establish 15 acres of forested riparian buffer, and enhance 5 acres of wetlands. Project partners include Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry and Pennsylvania Game Commission. Funding provided by USDA Forest Service. Tioga County Agricultural Project Tioga County Conservation District Tioga County, Pennsylvania Small Watershed Grant: $50,000 Partner Contributions: $318,300 The Tioga County Conservation District will decrease nutrient and sediment loads on 4 farms in Tioga County through the installation of best management practices leading to a decrease in erosion and stability issues throughout the watershed and improved water quality and fish habitat. This project will also include education and outreach to the agricultural and general community. Project partners include Maryland Department of the Environment. Funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Wyoming County Tributary Strategy Implementation Wyoming County Conservation District Wyoming County, Pennsylvania Small Watershed Grant: $50,000 Partner Contributions: $1,317,000 The Wyoming County Conservation District will begin implementation a newly adopted tributary strategy through the application of agricultural best management practices. This project will install 4 miles of riparian forest buffers on streams presently being grazed, restore 10 acres of wetlands by cattle exclusion, converting at least one farm to rotational grazing, conversion of 300 acres to cover crops and no-till farming and installation of Best Management Practices on 7,000 linear feet of gravel and dirt roads. Project partners include Bowman Creek Watershed Association, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Meshoppen Creek Watershed Association, Project Grass, Tunkhannock Creek Watershed Association, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Funding provided by the USDA Forest Service, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Virginia Binford Middle School Rain Garden Binford Middle School PTA Richmond, Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $14,878 Partner Contributions: $ 18,100 The Binford Middle School PTA will transform a 3,000 square foot border area of ------- 2006 Small Watershed Grant Project Summaries Page 16 impervious asphalt into a demonstration project rain garden at the Binford Middle School. This project will improve local water quality by reducing stormwater runoff therefore lessening pollution and chemical contaminants. In addition, this project will educate 513 Binford Middle School students and the community about the issues with runoff and stormwater management. Project partners include the City of Richmond Schools, Fan Townhouse and Garden club, Fan District Association and William Spell. Funds provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Stream Cleaner Environmental Forum Cacapon Institute, Inc. Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $5,866 The Cacapon Institute will recruit science, social studies, and vocational-agricultural classes from high schools throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed to participate in an internet-based Stream Cleaner Environmental Forum on best management practices to improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. The Forum will engage students in a simulated Tributary Team stakeholder process to explore the science and challenges of non-point source pollution reduction. Following the Forum, up to 10 classes will complete water quality restoration projects to serve as visible demonstrations of best management practices as well as living classrooms for future academic study. Approximately 30 schools and 2,500 students will participate in the program. Project partners include Chesapeake Bay Program, Chesapeake Bay Trust, MARPAT Foundation, West Virginia Conservation Agency, and West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. James River Buffer and Wetland Restoration Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage Charlottesville, Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $93,100 The Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage will restore 25 acres of wetlands and 50 acres of riparian buffers on private lands in the Middle James River watershed. These wetlands and buffers will provide critical surface and groundwater filtration benefits to the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay by reducing non-point pollution from agricultural sources. The project will educate and engage 25 landowners about federal and state cost share conservation programs, assist them in enrolling in these programs, and help conduct the physical restoration at their properties. Project partners include Biophilia Foundation, Spring Creek Farm, and USD A Natural Resources Conservation Service. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Riparian Inventory and Evaluation-II Chesterfield County Chesterfield, Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $19,942.58 Partner Contributions: $25,057 The Chesterfield County will protect and restore riparian buffers through the use of technology by creating 2 new Geographic Information System (GIS) layers using water quality and riparian buffer data in Chesterfield County. The GIS riparian buffer layer data will be collected via aerial photography and field investigations to verify typology of the buffers. The GIS layer for water quality will be created from existing data. This project will also maintain and expand the citizen based riparian buffer monitoring program. Project partners include Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund, the Virginia Department of Conservation ------- 2006 Small Watershed Grant Project Summaries Page 17 and Recreation and Virginia Department of Forestry. Funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Stormwater Stewardship on Public Lands City of Charlottesville Charlottesville, Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $57,185 The City of Charlottesville will conduct a stormwater management feasibility study and implementation strategy for City-owned properties with a focus on parklands and public schools. Many of the selected properties contain large buildings and impervious surfaces that significantly contribute to stormwater runoff and pose stormwater management problems. This study will assess the feasibility of and formulate strategies for the implementation of low impact development (LID) techniques to decrease stormwater runoff and improve water quality. The project will recommend prioritized sites for future LID projects as well as opportunities for public outreach and education. Project partners include Albemarle County, Rivanna Conservation Society, Rivanna Regional Stormwater Education Partnership, Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District, and the University of Virginia. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Sandy River Reservoir Protection County of Prince Edward Prince Edward County, Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $50,000 The County of Prince Edward will create a Reservoir Protection Overlay District through County Ordinance for the Sandy River Reservoir in Prince Edward County, Virginia. The Sandy River Reservoir is an existing recreational facility that may be used as a future drinking water source for Prince Edward County and the Town of Farmville. This project aims to ensure that the proper protection measures are implemented to guarantee the quality and capacity of the water within the reservoir. The project will compile and analyze data on the reservoir and will draft an Ordinance with specific measures to protect the reservoir and its buffer zone from water quality threats. Funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Occohannock Creek Shoreline Erosion Control Eastern Shore Resource Conservation & Development Accomac, Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $45,000 The Eastern Shore Resource Conservation & Development will provide assistance to waterfront homeowners to implement environmentally sound shoreline stabilization techniques. Many landowners are unaware of their options for controlling erosion or are unsure how to pursue such techniques. This project will educate landowners about these alternative methods, how such techniques can benefit the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay, and provide on-site technical assistance to waterfront homeowners experiencing shoreline erosion. In addition, this project will create a highly visible "soft" shoreline stabilization at a public property, such as a boat ramp, to demonstrate alternative erosion prevention techniques. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Invasive Management Area Program Fairfax County Park Authority Fairfax County, Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $50,000 Partner Contributions: $122,500 The Fairfax County Park Authority will implement a community-based Invasive ------- 2006 Small Watershed Grant Project Summaries Page 18 Management Area program in highly urbanized Fairfax County, Virginia. The project will build a citizen-based resource stewardship network by training 40 volunteer leaders in invasive species and forest management, who will in turn lead and educate approximately 6,000 volunteers in forest restoration projects at 30-40 sites throughout Fairfax County. A total of 20 acres of urban forests will be restored by invasive species removal and native vegetation planting. Project partners include Earth Singha, Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, and several neighborhood organizations. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and USD A Forest Service. Hispanic Community Watershed Education-Ill Friends of the Occoquan Prince William County, Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $27,000 Partner Contributions: $15,000 The Friends of the Occoquan (FOTO) will continue to engage the Spanish speaking community in watershed protection in Northern Virginia. This project will include at least 2 bilingual programs being aired on TV stations, translated watershed literature distributed throughout Northern Virginia, documentation of Spring and Fall cleanup displayed on FOTO's website, 4 Spanish language signs posted throughout Four Mile Run and Occoquan watersheds and the continuation of a Spanish video on watershed protection shown on local television and distributed to local organizations. Project partners include Comcast Cable Network, Fairfax County Water Authority and Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Harrisonburg Outdoor Watershed Education Harrisonburg City Public Schools Harrisonburg, Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $22,300 Partner Contributions: $17,200 The Harrisonburg City Public Schools will implement a watershed education program for public school students in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Through a series of outdoor watershed education projects, over 1,000 sixth, seventh, and ninth graders will learn hands-on about chemical water quality, use of macro-invertebrates as water quality indicators, the function of riparian buffers, water use and treatment, and water management. Project partners include Harrisonburg City, Potomac Conservancy, and Shenandoah Valley Soil and Water Conservation District. Funding provided by the USD A Forest Service. Increasing No-Till and Cover Crops in the Piedmont James River Association Dinwiddie, Amelia, Prince Edward, Nottaway, Cumberland, and Buckingham counties, Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $50,000 Partner Contributions: $54,750 The James River Association will introduce a new no-till practice in central Virginia by purchasing 2 roller-crimpers which will be demonstrated on a total of 500 acres of farmland. The project will hold 6 workshops on the advantages of no-till and the new no-till methods and train 10 volunteer water quality monitors to track the level of sediment in the watershed. Project partners include Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Longwood University and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. ------- 2006 Small Watershed Grant Project Summaries Page 19 Blackwater Creek Watershed Management Plan Lynchburg College Lynchburg, Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $13,365 Lynchburg College will develop a Watershed Management Plan for the Blackwater Creek Watershed. The plan will address areas of environmental degradation researched and documented in recent studies conducted by Lynchburg College Environmental Science faculty and staff, local organizations, and supporting stakeholders. It will include measures to preserve the watershed environment and will provide recommendations to local governments for improving and protecting the 42,000 acre watershed within the James River watershed. Project partners include Bedford County, Campbell County, City of Lynchburg, Peaks of Otter Soil and Water Conservation District, Robert E. Lee Soil and Water Conservation District, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Virginia's Region 2000 Local Government Council. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Landscaping for the Lynnhaven Lynnhaven River 2007 Virginia Beach, Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $30,000 Partner Contributions: $33,800 The Lynnhaven River 2007 will develop and implement a program entitled, "Landscaping for the Lynnhaven," to educate and train homeowners and landscapers/lawn-care providers in the importance of vegetated buffers and raingardens and techniques to reduce pollutants into Lynnhaven River. This project will conduct a workshop to train 10 Landscapers and Lawn care providers about incorporating native vegetation, raingardens, and the use of best management practices into their business practices; conduct raingarden workshops to 75 landowners; educate 15 teachers and 750 students about raingardens, educate the public through a raingarden display and media coverage, and the creation of 2 shoreline riparian buffers and 4 raingardens. Project partners include City of Virginia Beach Extension, Virginia Beach City Schools, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and WPL Landscape Architecture and Design Firm. Funds provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Capacity Building of the Northern Neck Land Conservancy Northern Neck Land Conservancy Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $10,000 Partner Contributions: $3,250 The Northern Neck Land Conservancy (NNLC) will protect sensitive lands and improve water quality and aquatic habitat in the Northern Neck of Virginia by improving citizen understanding between sound land use planning, water quality, and the role easements play for the protection of open space. NNLC intends to accomplish this by using Geographic Information System maps to identify priority conservation areas and opportunities for implementing land conservation practices. In addition, the project will develop educational materials such as publications, slide presentations and seminars. Project partners include Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Friends of Rappahannock, Mary Ball Washington Museum, Northern Neck Audubon Society, Reedville Fisherman's Museum, Soil and Water District, Southeast Watershed Forum and Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. Funds provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Riparian Buffer Conservation and Restoration Piedmont Environmental Council ------- 2006 Small Watershed Grant Project Summaries Page 20 Culpeper, Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $20,000 The Piedmont Environmental Council will protect and restore riparian and critical lands in Culpeper County. This grant will establish a field office in the county to better conduct direct landowner outreach and community education. Landowners will be educated about voluntary conservation measures and best management practices that provide financial incentives and can improve water quality. This project will lead to the permanent protection of 1,400 acres of riparian and agricultural lands through conservation easements. These protected lands will improve water quality in the Rappahannock River and the Chesapeake Bay by absorbing nutrients and reducing erosion to stream banks. Project partners include Concerned Culpeper Citizens, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, and Virginia Outdoors Foundation. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Targeted Watershed Restoration and Protection Potomac Conservancy, Inc. Frederick, Shenandoah, and Clarke counties, Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $49,000 Partner Contributions: $145,700 The Potomac Conservancy will implement individualized outreach and education to landowners and rural communities along Cedar Creek, a tributary of the North Fork Shenandoah River, in order to increase stream restoration and the installation of rural and suburban best management practices. Building on previous success, Potomac Conservancy will work one on one with landowners where the installation of conservation practices will make the largest impact as well as with the community as a whole. This project will educate approximately 50 landowners about restoration and land protection specific to their property, permanently protect 300 acres of land, and restore 2 miles of riparian buffer. Project partners include Agua Fund, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and the Virginia Water Quality Improvement Fund. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and USDA Forest Service. Model Approach to Watershed Planning Rappahannock Friends and Lovers of Our Watershed (RappFLOW) Rappahannock County, Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $28,500 Partner Contributions: $121,349 The Rappahannock Friends and Lovers of Our Watershed (RappFLOW) will improve water quality protection tools while implementing vegetative buffers. This project will use Geographic Information Systems for all watersheds within Rappahannock County to identify the vulnerable sub-watersheds; create a new, high resolution land cover classification maps for identification of forest cover on riparian buffer areas; and the identification of cost-effective incentives for landowner implementation of vegetative buffers. Approximately 1400 volunteer hours are anticipated to be put toward this project. Project partners include Culpepper Soil and Water Conservation District, Piedmont Environmental Council, Piedmont Research Institute, Rappahannock County High School, Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection, Rappahannock Nonprofit Center and Virginia Department of Forestry. Funds provided by the UDSA Forest Service. Paradise Creek Plan Implementation 2006 The Elizabeth River Project Portsmouth, Virginia ------- 2006 Small Watershed Grant Project Summaries Page 21 Small Watershed Grant: $22,000 Partner Contributions: $1,085,500 The Elizabeth River Project will continue restoration of Paradise Creek by creating a model "living shoreline" which restores 6,500 square feet of tidal wetlands and restoring native clam and mussel populations. Additional work in Paradise Creek will complete the final design of the Paradise Creek Nature Park, permanently conserving 40 acres of valuable wildlife habitat. Project partners include the Beach Marine Service, City of Portsmouth, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia Land Conservation Trust, Virginia Marine Resources Commission and Virginia Port Authority. Funding provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Restoring the Elizabeth River- River Stars III The Elizabeth River Project Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach counties, Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $25,000 Partner Contributions: $31,800 The Elizabeth River Project will motivate "River Stars" industrial facilities to achieve voluntary pollution prevention and the enhancement of at least 20 acres of urban wildlife habitat in the Elizabeth River watershed. Industrial River Stars will document the prevention or reduction of at least 250,000 pounds of pollution from point sources, non-point sources and waste reduction. This project will market the "River Stars" Program and assist in identifying projects for restoration. Volunteers will be engaged in the project for plantings, technical assistance and peer review. Project partners include BAE Systems, Business for the Bay, Ford Motor Company, The Virginian Pilot and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Conservation Planning for Small Acreage Horse Farms Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District Albermarle, Fluvanna, Louisa and Nelson counties, Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $50,000 Partner Contributions: $28,309 The Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District will provide technical assistance and financial incentives to landowners who wish to address water quality concerns related to small acreage horse farms. This project will develop comprehensive conservation plans for 3 small acreage horse farms which will then be used as models for broader conservation efforts. Other anticipated outcomes include 5,000 linear feet of protected streambank, 20 site visits to provide technical assistance to horse farmers, and one training workshop. Project partners include the Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District and the Virginia Cooperative Extension. Funding provided by the USD A Natural Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Cape Charles Town Living Shoreline Town of Cape Charles Cape Charles, Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $50,000 Partner Contributions: $989,957 The Town of Cape Charles will use "living shoreline" design concepts to provide stabilization to the beach platform and backshore, which will create or enhance habitat for nearshore, dune, and upland bird and wildlife species. The project will extend and stabilize the beach platform, place approximately 46,000 yards of sand fill, and construct three breakwaters to retard erosion. Project partners include Virginia ------- 2006 Small Watershed Grant Project Summaries Page 22 Marine Resources Commission, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Funding provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Shenandoah Land Use Network-II Valley Conservation Council, Inc. Northwestern Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $25,000 Partner Contributions: $21,245 The Valley Conservation Council will continue the Shenandoah Land Use Network for local governments in northwestern Virginia to effectively share planning resources and expertise. Northwestern Virginia continues to develop and sprawl and is steadily becoming more suburban and less agrarian. This project will help 11 Virginia counties implement strategies to protect agricultural lands and natural areas. Primary activities will be technical regional workshops for focused audiences complemented by a public education campaign. Project partners include Shenandoah Resource Conservation and Development Council. Funding provided by USDA Forest Service. Lafayette River Wetland Classroom Project Virginia Zoological Society Norfolk, Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $10,941 Partner Contributions: $7,105 The Virginia Zoological Society will add a protective "wall" of Eastern Oyster shells along 600 linear feet of the Lafayette River shoreline, protecting it from erosion due to tidal action. This demonstration project will provide educational experiences to school age children and the local community on the importance of wetlands. Project partners include Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the City of Norfolk, Home Depot, Keep Norfolk Beautiful, Norfolk Collegiate and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Funding provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. West Virginia Chesapeake Watershed Forum Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Inc. Shepardstown, West Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $50,000 Partner Contributions: $40,500 The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Inc. will conduct the first annual conference, entitled "From Plan to Implementation," for watershed organizations and local government officials to share technical information, implementation strategies, analytical challenges, and success stories of Bay restoration. The conference is anticipated to attract 250-300 watershed and government representatives from within the Bay watershed. Project partners include Anne Arundel County Planning Department, Back Creek Watershed Association, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Chesapeake Bay Program, James River Association, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the National Park Service, and the Watershed Alliance of York. Funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Stream Cleaner Environmental Forum Cacapon Institute, Inc. Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $35,000 Partner Contributions: $5,866 The Cacapon Institute will recruit science, social studies, and vocational-agricultural classes from high schools throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed to participate in an internet-based Stream Cleaner Environmental Forum on best management practices to improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. The Forum will engage students in a simulated Tributary Team ------- 2006 Small Watershed Grant Project Summaries Page 23 stakeholder process to explore the science and challenges of non-point source pollution reduction. Following the Forum, up to 10 classes will complete water quality restoration projects to serve as visible demonstrations of best management practices as well as living classrooms for future academic study. Approximately 30 schools and 2,500 students will participate in the program. Project partners include Chesapeake Bay Program, Chesapeake Bay Trust, MARPAT Foundation, West Virginia Conservation Agency, and West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Revision of Morgan County Comprehensive Plan Morgan County Commission Berkeley Springs, West Virginia Small Watershed Grant: $30,000 Partner Contributions: $37,867 The Morgan County Commission will revise the County's comprehensive plan so that it more accurately reflects the current condition of the County's natural resources, including land use. The final product of this project will include Geographic Information System data layers on natural resources and watershed quality. Project partners include the Canaan Valley Institute and Potomac Headwaters RC &D Council. Funding provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For more information and descriptions of the 2006 Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants, please visit: http: //www .che sapeakebay .net/small watergrants .htm ------- |