Support New VA Stormwater Goals on July 7
Virginia's Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) has proposed new rules that will govern stormwater runoff from development after construction is complete. The proposed rules are a dramatic improvement over current regulations, reducing both the amount of pollutants and the damage to waterways from excess runoff. This is our opportunity to promote long-term protection of our waters. Because the rules will require more of developers, we expect vocal opposition to the rules. Your participation is critical to show our strong support so that DCR will not be pushed into weakening the rules and allowing our water quality problems to escalate.
Date/Time: July 7, 7 pm
Location: Manassas City Council Chambers, 9027 Center Street, Manassas, Virginia
For more information:
- Click here for details on the public meeting schedule. Learn about stormwater issues here.
- You can read the proposed rules here.
- For more information on the campaign to pass these rules, contact Patrick Felling, Virginia Policy Coordinator, Potomac Conservancy at Felling@potomac.org.
Conservancy Preserves Farm Acreage in Frederick Cty, VA
Frederick County’s first easement strengthens its commitment to preserving its agricultural heritage and protecting water quality
Winchester, VA - The Frederick County Easement Authority (CEA) and Potomac Conservancy proudly announce the closing of the first conservation easement closed through the counties Purchase of Development Rights program. The easement will protect an 89-acre farm in the Cedar Creek watershed, ensuring it will be available for agriculture for generations to come. Click here for the press release and here for NVDaily coverage.
Conservancy Profiled in 2009-2010 Catalogue for Philanthropy
Every year, the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington features the Metro area's best and most promising nonprofits. Potomac Conservancy has been chosen for inclusion in the 2009-10 Catalogue---one of 4 nature organizations chosen for this honor. Ninety Catalogue reviewers and staff believe that Potomac Conservancy is one of the finest smaller nonprofits that Greater Washington has to offer! Here's the link to the list of this year's Catalogue. Click here to join the Conservancy today!
Possible Link between: Intersex Fish & Fish Kills
A new study indicates that some of the same pollutants that apparently cause male fish in the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers to exhibit female characteristics (i.e., intersex characteristics) may also leave them vulnerable to disease and large-scale fish kills. The study, from the U.S. Geological Survey researcher Laura Robertson, injected largemouth bass with estrogen. Those fish were then found to produce lower levels of a hormone called hepcidin that is believed to bolster immune systems. Click here for more information.
Conservancy Writes in to WashPost about Endocrine Disruptors
Conservancy President Hedrick Belin writes, "Intersex fish in our rivers are an ominous sign of things to come. We know little about what causes this condition, and we need to know more. The Potomac Conservancy believes that it is time to answer the question of whether and how these compounds affect animal and human health, in particular, the development of our children. We call on the new administration to find -- and fund -- solutions for this important problem. Click here for the full article.
Job Opening: Director of Restoration
Potomac Conservancy seeks a Director of Restoration to lead and expand its restoration program. The Director of Restoration will be responsible for identifying and implementing restoration projects that improve water quality in targeted watersheds as well as compliment the Conservancy’s policy and land protection initiatives. Click here for details.
Do Good: Give to Potomac Conservancy!
The December issue of Washingtonian magazine encourages readers to be generous in the article, "64 Ways to Do Good." The piece recognizes Potomac Conservancy as a "charity worthy of your time, energy, and money."
The article highlights our work in Montgomery County on reducing stormwater pollution, our stream restoration projects on farmlands, and our Growing Native seed collection project. This endorsement lets the public know about the work we're doing to protect the Potomac River.
Your generous donation today can help us continue and expand these projects to protect the Potomac and its tributaries!
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