Dragon Run Steering Committee
2004 Meeting Minutes
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Attendance
Dragon
Run Steering Committee
Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission
Fall Quarterly Meeting
November 10, 2004
Agenda
1. Social Hour - light supper
2. Welcome and Call to Order
3. Summary of Dragon Run Day
4. Where Do We Go From Here?
5. 2005 Meeting Schedule
6. Adjourn
Attendance
Steering Committee: Prue Davis, Dorothy
Miller (Essex); Rick Allen, Jerry Horner (Gloucester);
Robert Gibson, Keith Haden, Frank Herrin (King and Queen);
R.D. Johnson (Middlesex)
Others: Julie Bixby (Virginia Coastal Program);
Teta Kain, Davis Rhodes (Friends of Dragon Run); Rachel
and Russell Williams (King and Queen); Amy Easterbrook
(Middlesex); David Fuss, Karen Fuss (MPPDC/Contractor)
Welcome
Chair Prue Davis welcomed everyone for refreshments
and began introductions. Chair Davis specifically welcomed
guests and new Committee member R.D. Johnson of Middlesex
County. David noted that a slide show from Dragon Run
Day would be running on the projection screen throughout
the social hour and the meeting.
Summary of Dragon Run Day
Event Coordinator Karen Fuss told the Steering
Committee that about 300 people attended the event, so
it was classified as a great success. There were many
reports that the visitors were very interested and engaged
and many exhibitors enjoyed talking to visitors in great
detail about their work. It was noted that this rarely
happens at other festival events.
Karen proceeded to thank the following:
• The event planning subcommittee (Prue, Dorothy,
Jerry, Frank, and Davis) for all their time and effort
• The Virginia Coastal Program (Julie) for sponsoring
the event
• Former Committee member Russell and Rachel Williams
and Committee member Robert and Nettie Gibson for volunteering
for the entire day of the event
• Committee member Rick Allen’s wife and daughter
who volunteered
• Committee member Dorothy Miller was the primary
“runner” and also took over 100 digital photos
• Committee member Frank Herrin for coordinating
the parking control
• Teta Kain of Friends of Dragon Run for producing
many volunteers and exhibitors and for leading nature
walks
• Davis Rhodes of Friends of Dragon Run for helping
with planning and serving as master of ceremonies
• David and Nolan Fuss for running the pond studies
Committee Chair Prue Davis presented Karen
with a certificate of appreciation for coordinating Dragon
Run Day. Thanks to Margaret Kennedy of Tidewater Resource
Conservation and Development Council for preparing the
certificate. Prue also presented Karen with a framed map
print of the Middle Peninsula.
Where Do We Go From Here?
David led the Steering Committee in a discussion
of the status of the watershed management plan in each
of the counties. Essex, Gloucester, and King and Queen
have adopted the plan. Middlesex had adopted and then
rescinded the plan. David also reviewed the current grant
agreement with the Virginia Coastal Program.
Frank Herrin suggested that the Steering
Committee invite the Dragon Run Landowners Association
to meet to work out the issues with the management plan.
He noted that Middlesex has the strongest zoning, but
that they did not show good leadership by telling the
other three counties not to come back until they strengthen
their zoning to Middlesex standards.
Prue Davis suggested the formation of a
subcommittee to work on changes to the management plan
that would address the Association’s concerns.
R.D. Johnson thought that this would be
a good approach and that it would no longer leave room
for the idea that the Association was not involved in
developing the plan.
Frank Herrin thought that the Committee
did address landowner concerns and incorporate them into
the management plan.
Prue suggested that the Committee keep moving
forward with the rest of the products in the grant agreement.
R.D. Johnson suggested having an introductory
meeting with the entire Dragon Run Landowners Association
and Steering Committee to serve as a foundation for the
subcommittee’s work. The subcommittee can then hold
its meetings to work out the details.
Frank Herrin suggested an early January
date for this introductory meeting.
David asked the Committee if it wanted to
consider requesting that the Planning District Commission
give the Committee permission to add a Planning Commission
representative from each county to the Committee’s
membership. He suggested that Planning Commission members
should have involvement during development of model comprehensive
plan and zoning ordinance sections.
Amy Easterbrook indicated that this would
be useful for the Middlesex County Planning Commission.
Frank Herrin moved to seek permission from
the Planning District Commission to increase the Committee’s
membership to include an appointed member from each county’s
Planning Commission. Dorothy Miller seconded the motion.
Motion carried unanimously.
David announced to the Committee that Betty
DeHardit had notified the Gloucester County Board of Supervisors
that she has resigned from the Dragon Run Steering Committee.
Jerry Horner discussed mercury in the Dragon
Run. Dr. Willy Reay of the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine
Research Reserve at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science
is pursuing a scientific instrument that measures mercury
deposited from the atmosphere. Jerry proposed the concept
of a living laboratory for the Dragon Run that investigates
how the Dragon Run affects its inhabitants (e.g. animals,
humans). He suggested that this might be good publicity
for the Steering Committee, too. He also suggested investigating
the status of species in the Dragon Run and that some
may be disappearing or have already disappeared (e.g.
shad, freshwater clams and mussels).
Dorothy Miller thought that the Committee
should look into grants to fund these species studies.
David talked about the status of current
research efforts in the Dragon Run and that he would encourage
research in the Dragon Run and investigate what researchers
are performing studies in the Dragon Run area.
Jerry spoke about the effects of pollution
on humans and animals.
2005 Meeting Schedule
David reminded the Committee that they had
been meeting quarterly on the second Wednesday of the
month at 7:30 PM. The Committee agreed by consensus that
this was a good time to meet and that the 2005 schedule
should be set to reflect this.
The meeting schedule for 2005 shall be February
9, May 11, August 10, and November 9.
Other Business
The Committee discussed the formation of
a subcommittee to develop changes to the watershed management
plan that address the concerns of the Dragon Run Landowners
Association. A discussion about what types of changes
yielded the approach to wait and see what the subcommittee
comes up with. A discussion about whether the three counties
that adopted that plan in its entirety would need to approve
changes that might be adopted by Middlesex yielded the
conclusion that this was probably not necessary, barring
massive changes to the document.
Chair Prue Davis asked for volunteers to
serve on the subcommittee. Frank Herrin, Keith Haden,
and R.D. Johnson volunteered and Prue appointed them to
serve on the subcommittee to be assisted by SAMP Director
David Fuss.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned.
Dragon
Run Steering Committee
Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission
Annual Picnic – Robert & Carolyn Major’s
Home
August 18, 2004
Agenda
1. Welcome
2. Presentation of Award to Russell and Rachel Williams
3. Watershed Festival Planning - Work Session
4. Other Business
· Watershed Management Plan Adoption
5. Adjourn
Attendance
Steering
Committee: Prue Davis, Dorothy Miller, Scott Owen
(Essex); Rick Allen, Betty DeHardit,
Jerry Horner (Gloucester);
Robert Gibson, Frank Herrin
(King and Queen); Robert Major (Middlesex)
Others:
Bill DeHardit (Gloucester);
Nettie Gibson, Elise Herrin, Rachel Williams (King and
Queen); Carolyn Major (Middlesex); Davis Rhodes (Friends
of Dragon Run); Russell Williams (Former King and Queen
Committee Member); David Fuss (MPPDC); Karen Fuss (Watershed
Educator)
Welcome
Committee members and
guests enjoyed a potluck picnic before the business
meeting. ChairDavis
welcomed everyone. David Fuss snapped a photo of the
2004 Steering Committee.
Presentation
of Award to Russell and Rachel Williams
Chair Davis
presented Russell and Rachel Williams with a pewter
plate engraved with the following inscription: “Dedicated
Service Award, Russell
& Rachel Williams, Honoring exceptional devotion
and service to the Dragon Run, Dragon Run Steering
Committee, Spring 2004.” Mr. Williams served on
the Steering Committee from 1987-2003 as a landowner
in King and Queen
County. Mr.
and Mrs. Williams are both members of the Friends of
Dragon Run and have given an access easement to the
Friends to gain access to their Big
Island property.
Watershed
Festival Planning – Work Session
Karen Fuss said that six
field workshops had been completed so far. These trips
targeted the Dragon Run Steering Committee, Gloucester
County, Middlesex
County, Rappahannock
Community College,
and Friend of Dragon Run Board of Directors. A trip
for Essex
County and
other interested persons is planned for August 27th.
A pre-trip presentation to the King and Queen County
Planning Commission is planned for September 7th
and a field workshop is scheduled for September 16th.
Middlesex Master Gardeners received a pre-trip presentation
and decided to have a field workshop as a substitute
for their October meeting. Karen will offer a pre-trip
presentation to the Friends of Dragon Run membership
on September 24th and a field workshop on
October 9th.
Karen announced that Dragon
Run Day would be held on October 23rd from
10 AM – 4 PM
at the Glenns Campus of Rappahannock Community College
(RCC). She has already met with RCC officials, faculty,
and staff and took a tour of the grounds with Mark Beaver,
RCC Facilities and Grounds manager. The festival will
have access to all outside areas and grounds. RCC will
charge a $165 fee for security.
Karen distributed handouts
listing potential exhibitors and demonstrators for the
Committee to consider. Confirmed exhibitors include:
The Nature Conservancy; Friends of Dragon Run; Virginia
Institute of Marine Science; Dept. of Forestry; Virginia
Cooperative Extension (Middlesex); Virginia Coastal
Program; Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission;
Virginia Canals and Navigations Society; Dept. of Game
and Inland Fisheries; Virginia Society of Ornithology;
and Virginia Butterfly Society. Confirmed demonstrations
include: nature walks; pond study with nets; and model
boat building.
Karen’s summary follows:
I. Field Workshop Summary
A. Six workshops have taken place for the following
groups:
i. Steering Committee
ii. Middlesex County officials and staff
iii. SAMP Advisory Panel
iv. Gloucester County officials and staff
v. Board of FODR
vi. Rappahannock Community College faculty and
staff
i. Most of MPPDC office staff
ii. Technology camp from RCC – GPS campers
C. Future trips – all of you are invited
to go on any of these
i. Essex County officials and staff on Fri.,
Aug. 27th
ii. King & Queen County on Thurs., Sept. 16th
(talk to Frank about starting or ending at their
house)
iii. Middlesex Master Gardeners on Tues., Oct.
12th
1. Gave pre-trip program on Aug. 10th
2. Were so excited that wanted to have workshop
in place of their scheduled October meeting
iv. Friends of Dragon Run membership on Sat.,
Oct. 9th
1. Give pre-trip program at Fri., Sept. 24th
meeting
D. Total of 10 workshops will be presented
before the end of Oct.
i. Name – Dragon Run Day
ii. Date – Sat. October 23rd from 10 a.m.
until 4 p.m.
iii. RCC at Glenns Campus – all outside
areas
iv. Grant $ will pay $165 charge to RCC for security
person
1. If more security is needed, then RCC will
pay for that
B. Exhibitors/exhibits – pass out list; have
plenty of these
1. The Nature Conservancy
2. Friends of Dragon Run
3. Virginia Institute of Marine Science
4. Department of Forestry
5. Virginia Cooperative Extension – Middlesex
Co.
6. Virginia Coastal Program
7. Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission
8. Virginia Canals & Navigations Society
9. Virginia Department of Game & Inland
Fisheries
10. Virginia Butterfly Society
11. Virginia Society of Ornithology
ii. Some of these exhibitors plan to have more
than 1 display
1. VA Dept. of Game & Inland Fisheries
– 3
2. VIMS – 3
iii. Still waiting to hear from several more
1. Soil & Water Conservation Districts
2. Middlesex County Museum
3. Natural Heritage
4. Virginia Native Plants Society – John
Clayton Chapter
C. Demonstrations – pass out list. The group
added ideas to the list.
i. Researched boxes from RCC from Dragon Run
Folklife Festival
ii. Need your help for finding contacts and getting
demonstrators to participate!!
1. You making a phone call to a friend will
go a lot longer than me, who they don’t
know, calling them or sending them a letter
iii. Send out letters and emails requesting help
iv. Antique guns must be made so they can’t
fire – trigger locks
v. Logging displays & farm animals –
RCC concern about mess – must be cleaned
prior to leaving
vi. Mural drawing – what do you think? The
group didn’t seem excited about this –
no one spoke; delete this idea.
D. Food Vendors – pass out list
i. Prue suggested church groups – please
give specifics on these, because there are so
many; if you all know of a specific church that
has served food at festivals as a fundraiser,
please let me know
ii. Any other input? Notify Middlesex, Urbanna,
and Saluda churches out of courtesy (Prue Davis
suggested).
iii. Send out letters and emails requesting help
E. Entertainment/Performers – pass out list.
The group added to the list.
i. Need your help for finding contacts and getting
performers to participate!!
1. Again, your phone call to a friend will
go a lot further than me contacting these folks
ii. Can be a single performer with a banjo or
guitar – it doesn’t have to be elaborate
iii. Haven’t contacted these folks yet
iv. Do we offer a stipend? How much? Don’t
offer a stipend, but explain that it’s advertisement
for the performer, and they are welcome to sell
CDs.
v. No sound system at the amphitheatre –
do we ask each performer to provide this or try
to rent one? Performers should provide own sound
system.
vi. Storytelling area – how should we do
this? Performers on stage or an area? Several
members voiced their opinion that they should
perform on stage.
1. Dorothy Homes – Essex Library –
need contact information; contact her at the
library (Dorothy Miller suggested).
2. Louise Gray was suggested, but found out
that she would not like to do any public speaking
F. Clean-up Crew – pass out list
i. Do we offer a donation to the group up front
or 1st see who offers (if any) to do it for free?
It was suggested that we offer $100 - $150 for
clean up (Rick Allen suggested).
ii. Contact Waste Management to see if they’ll
donate boxes for trash; also ask them if they
will provide a temporary dumpster (Rick Allen
suggested).
i. Tents – for exhibits and demonstrations,
if needed
1. Clements’s Tent Rentals
a. Don’t think he has enough to get
all from him
2. Rappahannock Rentals
3. Is it OK with you all to rent tables from
both businesses? Yes
4. Will ask demonstrators if they would like
to supply own tent to lower our costs
1. King’s Rentals in Barhamsville
a. 5 Basic + 1 Handicap + Free sink with
2 wash stations = $400
a. 5 Basic + 1 Handicap = $370
3. Deliver on Friday and pick up on Monday
4. Who should we choose? See if Church View
has sinks, and then Karen chooses.
iii. Parking – 500 spaces total
1. Possibly 20 being used for students of Sat.
classes
2. Ask Civic groups such as the Lions Club to
volunteer as parking attendants (Prue Davis
suggested).
iv. Amphitheater – finishing it
1. Stage size is 48’ x 30 ‘
2. 70 Bench seats that seat 8 people for a total
of 560 seats
1. Information – festival brochure with
map
2. Communications – maybe walkie/talkies
or handheld radios
3. Lost & Found
4. First Aid
5. Davis Rhodes offered an enclosed trailer
to use as a “Command Center” during
the day of the event. Karen discussed this with
Prue and both agreed that an Information tent
with tables will serve this purpose with the
benefit of being open to see everything that
is happening.
i. Where & what type?
ii. Newspaper ads
iii. Radio announcement – 99.1 FM (Thomas
Robinson) said that he would help
iv. Letters to the following:
1. Landowners
2. Members of PDC, SAMP, FODR
3. Field Workshop participants
4. Schools (public & private)
v. Any others?
vi. Posters around town? Yes locally in banks, stores
and businesses.
A. Subcommittee – help to make remainder
of decisions and give support where needed
i. Most likely involve 2 meetings
1. Week of Sept. 20th – do walk-through
at RCC
2. Week of Oct. 11th
ii. Could also involve discussions via phone
or email; maybe a lunch type meeting, if needed
iii. Those that sign-up for Subcommittee –
let’s talk immediately after the meeting
so that I have correct contact info. for you &
to set 1st meeting date
iv. Suggested that Karen appoint subcommittee;
however, several volunteered. Subcommittee does
not have to consist only of Steering Committee
members (Prue Davis).
i. I’ve asked for a lot of input tonight,
but I also need all of your help to pull this
off
ii. Not only do I need you, but also I need for
you all to recruit others to help
iii. Dragon Run Day is your festival – your
idea that is finally coming to fruition (quote
from last night – Dorothy)
iv. I have been promised at least 20 volunteers
from FODR to help the day of the festival
v. List of volunteer positions – pass around
1. Please feel free to sign up for more than
1 category
2. Don’t have to be a Steering Committee
member to sign –up
3. Time slots – not the entire day
4. Please add any contacts at the bottom of
the sheet or have these folks contact me
vi. Give t-shirts to volunteers;
but also sell t-shirts and possibly hats.
IV. Renew Contract –
the group readily agreed to renew Karen’s contract
A. Field Workshops scheduled, as already mentioned,
for after Sept. 30th
i. Have submitted additional ideas to VA Coastal
Program about expanding the education program
1. Teacher Training Workshops – with
1 day or 2 day workshops
2. Workshops for businesses – PowerPoint
presentation + Activity or Field Workshop
3. Student Field Workshops
4. Curriculum Materials for teachers to use
i. Hired to plan festival
ii. Would like to continue with coordinator to
implement Dragon Run Day
Watershed Management Plan Adoption
David Fuss announced that
Essex, King and Queen, and Middlesex have adopted the
Dragon Run Watershed Management Plan as an addendum
to their comprehensive plans. Gloucester Planning Commission
tabled the plan until its Sept. 2 meeting.
Betty DeHardit expressed
concern about the Plan being a precursor for measures
that would impact landowners. She asked Mr. Allen to
look into whether comprehensive plan changes are a back-door
way to change zoning without landowners knowing or having
a say. She has been told that by state law, the zoning
ordinance must follow the comprehensive plan. David
Fuss responded that a public hearing is required for
any zoning and comprehensive plan amendments.
Adjourn
Chair Davis
asked for a motion and adjourned the meeting.
Dragon Run Steering Committee
Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission
Spring Quarterly Meeting
May 12, 2004
Agenda
1. Welcome
2. Grants Update
• Watershed Festival Update
• Watershed Education Field Workshops
• Web Site Improvements
• Sustainable Economic Development Study
• License Plate Grant Closing
• SAMP Year 4 Proposal
3. Other Business
• Watershed Management Plan Adoption
4. Adjourn
Attendance
Steering Committee: Robert Major, Davis Wilson
(Middlesex); Robert Gibson, Frank Herrin (King and Queen);
Dorothy Miller (Essex)
Others: Karen Fuss (contract educator); David
Fuss (MPPDC)
Welcome
Vice-Chair Herrin called the meeting to order and welcomed
everyone.
Grants Update
Karen Fuss, contract educator and event planner, provided
an update on field workshops and held a second brainstorming
session about the watershed festival. The first workshop
was held on April 24 with the Dragon Run Steering Committee
at Frank Herrin’s property and at Friends of Dragon
Run property at Mascot/New Dragon Bridge. A total of 11
people attended. A workshop for Middlesex County officials
and staff, plus others, will be held on May 21. 10 trips
will be held by the end of September as part of the education
contract. A flyer has been developed to solicit interest
from local governments and civic groups.
The most significant development in watershed festival
planning is that Rappahannock Community College (RCC) has
indicated that the festival may be held at the Glenns Campus,
although a date has not yet been confirmed. A meeting was
held with Dr. Norman Scott (RCC President), Mark Beaver
(RCC Building and Grounds), Gayle Wood (RCC Workforce and
Community Development), Dan Kavanagh (MPPDC Executive Director),
Karen Fuss (MPPDC Event Planner contractor), and David Fuss
(MPPDC) to discuss options. The main concern at RCC is the
size of the crowd – they only have 500 parking spaces.
Paperwork will be resubmitted with Dan’s signature.
The provision of alcohol was eliminated and education will
be emphasized in order to limit or control attendance. The
usage charge will be waived and a $165 fee will be levied
for security. There will be access to water and electricity,
the grounds and trails will be open, and some parking spaces
will be retained for student use. The Steering Committee’s
responsibilities are: portable toilets, sound system, trash
cans and pickup, traffic control and parking, damage to
shrubs or landscaping. The Steering Committee will be covered
by MPPDC’s insurance at $1 million per occurrence
for liability and $10,000 per person for medical.
Karen discussed exhibitors and demonstrations with the
Committee. Instead of fire trucks, the Committee suggested
having Dept. of Forestry firefighting equipment. Committee
members discussed having trapping gear, rabbit boxes made
from cypress trees, antique farm gear, antique guns, storytelling,
and music (no battle of the bands). Also, It was suggested
that Virginia Marine Resources Commission be added to the
list of exhibitors. Trash pickup was discussed and Boy Scouts
are a likely source of assistance.
The need for tents as booths for exhibitors and for portable
toilets were discussed. Tommy Lankford at Church View Septic
was suggested as a contact. Also, banks, funeral homes,
and fire departments sometimes have large tents for events.
Changing the name from “festival” to something
else to limit attendance was discussed. Several options
surfaced, including “Dragon Run Fair,” “Dragon
Run Festival,” and adding the word “Educational”
to either one.
Parking limitations were discussed. It is not clear how
many spaces will be reserved for students. There may be
a need for some space in the parking lot for either vendors
or portable toilets. It is possible that these could be
located on the grass or on the gravel road and that vendor
parking could be behind the shop facility.
Upcoming planning activities were discussed. Karen will
confirm a date for the festival, hopefully in October. She
will meet with RCC staff to do a walk-through and assessment.
She will then contact exhibitors, demonstrators, and vendors
(non-profits). She will develop promotional materials for
media contacts. The Committee discussed the need for a festival
planning subcommittee as a liaison with Karen. The Committee
decided against a formal subcommittee, favoring a special
meeting if necessary. Karen indicated that she would probably
not need to report until the next quarterly meeting in August
anyway.
David Fuss demonstrated improvements to the Dragon Run
Steering Committee and Dragon Run SAMP web sites, which
make it easier to navigate within the MPPDC web site. David
distributed a list of potential economic opportunities from
the VIMS sustainable economic development study. David explained
that the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund grant is closing.
He also distributed the Year 4 Dragon Run SAMP proposal
for the Virginia Coastal Program.
Other Business
David Fuss informed the Committee that Middlesex County
would be addressing the adoption of the watershed management
plan at the May 13 Planning Commission meeting and the May
18 Board of Supervisors meeting. Public hearings will be
held at both meetings. King and Queen County Planning Commission
was introduced to the plan at its May 3 meeting, but decided
to delay action until June 7 when the Chairman would be
in attendance. King and Queen County holds joint public
hearings with the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.
The Committee agreed to hold a picnic at its August 11
meeting. Robert Major agreed to host the meeting at his
home. The Committee decided to invite Russell and Rachel
Williams to attend to be recognized for their long service
to the Dragon Run.
Adjourn
Davis Wilson made a motion to adjourn. Robert Major seconded.
The meeting adjourned.
Dragon Run Steering Committee
Special Meeting
Wednesday, March 10, 7:00 PM
Saluda, Virginia
Agenda
1. Welcome
2. Watershed Festival Planning
3. Adjourn
Attendance
Steering Committee: Prue Davis, Dorothy Miller,
Scott Owen (Essex); Robert Gibson, Frank Herrin (King and
Queen); Jack Miller (Middlesex)
Others: Amy Easterbrook (Middlesex); Karen
Fuss (Watershed Educator); David Fuss (MPPDC)
Welcome
Chair Prue Davis welcomed everyone and indicated that it
would be an informal special meeting of the Steering Committee.
Chair Davis recognized Robert Gibson as a new Committee
member from King and Queen County and indicated that the
Committee was very glad to have him serve.
Chair Davis also indicated the Committee’s desire
to recognize Russell and Rachel Williams of King and Queen
County for their dedication to the Dragon Run and service
to the Dragon Run Steering Committee. A formal recognition
will occur at the Committee’s May meeting. It was
noted that Mr. Williams has served on the Committee since
at least 1987 and may actually be an inaugural member (1985).
Chair Davis announced that the Middle Peninsula Planning
District Commission approved the Dragon Run Watershed Management
Plan at its February meeting. Each county will now address
the plan. King and Queen County’s Board of Supervisors
has already referred the plan to the Planning Commission
for consideration.
Watershed Festival Planning
Karen Fuss, Watershed Educator, led the Committee through
a brainstorming session concerning the development of a
community-oriented watershed festival for the Dragon Run.
The brainstorming session is summarized below:
SUMMARY OF WATERSHED FESTIVAL
BRAINSTORMING MEETING
March 10, 2004
I. Introduction
A. Read paragraph about festival from
watershed management plan
1. “A component of the education
program should be a community watershed festival as a celebration
of the watershed’s natural, cultural, and historic
heritage. The festival would not serve as a promotional
tool to attract visitors. Displays and activities highlighting
natural and cultural heritage would be featured. The Dragon
Run Steering Committee recommends the festival as a way
to increase citizen awareness of watershed issues and as
an opportunity to acknowledge citizens for exemplary watershed
stewardship.”
II. What does each of these (Natural, Cultural,
and Historic) mean in regard to the way you view the Dragon/how
do we tie in these features while expressing the goal of
getting citizens to make a connection to the watershed?
A. Answers:
1. The 3 features above are often
woven together
a. Example – hunting in the watershed
has always taken place (historical and cultural as well
as it relying on the natural habitat to do so)
b. Hunting could be portrayed
at the festival by showing historical photos and displaying
trapping gear and other tools that were used in the past
2. The above question generated
several historical and cultural stories amongst the Committee
members
a. A section of the festival
could be dedicated to story-telling
a. A chance for people to
trade their stories of the Dragon Run
b. A specific spot for conversations
and to share their historical, cultural and natural
information about the Dragon with others
III. What type of activities
should take place (during the festival)?
A. Answers:
1. Storytelling area - place
for sharing stories
2. Demonstrations
a. Historical & cultural
demonstrations such as the following:
a. Making hardwood shingles
b. Antique tools
c. Salting fish
d. Antique guns
e. Model or photos of marsh
boats that were built for use on Dragon
f. Farm equipment –
antique tractors and other equipment (Pruitt’s
in Goochland)
g. Portable, circular sawmill
(Scott Owen knows folks in Goochland)
h. Historical logging (device
on Dragon between Rt. 602 & 603)
b. Current logging techniques
c. Hunting dogs
d. Photos or even slides of
flora and fauna of the Dragon (Teta from FODR)
a. Rare, threatened and invasive
species
e. Farm animals – calves,
goats, sheep (Emily Hunley)
3. Aquariums with live animals
(brought by VIMS) such as:
a. Crawdads, snakes, salamanders,
etc.
4. Nature walks on hiking trails
and nature activities at pond
5. Live, local music
a. Local bands of folk and/or
bluegrass
b. Battle of the bands
6. Fire trucks
7. Seek scouts (boy and girl)
to help with cleaning up after the festival
IV. What type of exhibitors
(to show all 3 features)?
A. Answers:
1. Chesapeake Bay Foundation
2. The Nature Conservancy
3. Friends Of Dragon Run
4. Fish & Wildlife
5. VIMS
6. Department of Forestry
7. Gloucester Parks and Recreation
8. Soil and Water Conservation
Districts/Resource Conservation & Development Council
9. Middlesex County Museum (Miss
Mangum to have historical information)
10. Hunt club(s)
11. Smokey the Bear – obsolete;
now there is a Fire Wise Program (Hugh Markham)
12. VA Coastal Program
V. Should food be served?
A. Answers:
1. Yes, but limit to local vendors
2. Supply vendors with guidelines
of serving old time, local fare
3. Vendors sell food and keep the
profits
a. Civic groups
b. Churches
c. Fire departments
d. Private schools
4. Food suggestions
a. Salt fish and cornbread
b. Pork skins
c. Oysters
d. Barbeque
5. Beer truck
6. Porta-potties
VI. Who are potential sponsors
and/or donors?
A. Answer:
1. Group decided not to seek
sponsors or donors for the first year of the festival
2. Dave Fuss explained that “seed
money” will be sought to pay needed expenses for the
first year of the festival
3. Because of the nature of the
festival and the exhibits (mostly volunteer), the costs
should not be exceedingly high
VII. What type of advertising (where)?
A. Answers:
1. All local newspapers (4 counties
plus Mathews)
2. Send invitations to landowners
a. Get information from counties
and FODR
3. Members of FODR
4. PDC & SAMP members
5. Schools including public and
private
6. Keep off the internet
VIII. Watershed Stewardship
Awards
A. Read from watershed management plan
1. “The Dragon Run Steering
Committee recommends the establishment of watershed stewardship
awards that would honor landowners and land managers who
have demonstrated commendable stewardship within the watershed.
Awards would be bestowed annually at the watershed festival
for a variety of categories that may include: forestry;
farming; hunting; commercial enterprises; conservation;
education; planning; and science. The awards program should
serve as an incentive to implement exemplary land stewardship
practices.”
B. Do you want these categories? Additions?
Deletions?
1. Forestry
2. Farming
3. Hunting
4. Commercial enterprises
5. Conservation
6. Education
7. Planning
8. Science
C. Answers:
1. The group initially started
by deleting categories from the above list
2. After quite a bit of discussion,
a consensus was reached to eliminate the stewardship awards
for the first year of the festival
a. Focus should be on getting
the festival off the ground
D. Panel of experts is needed to serve
as nominating committee – any suggestions?
E. Answers:
1. Not needed at this time
IX. Where to hold the festival?
A. Answer:
1. Rappahannock Community College
was discussed as the best option
a. Central location
b. Easy to find
c. Plenty of parking
d. Restrooms inside buildings
– might not need porta-potties
e. Plenty of space for vendors
f. New amphitheatre
X. When to hold the festival?
A. Answers:
1. October 2004 was discussed
as the best option
a. Cooler weather
b. No major conflicts
a. Research dates for other
festivals such as Crab Festival in West Point
b. FODR have picnic on Oct.
16
c. King & Queen Pride
Day is Oct. 23
2. April was also mentioned,
but the consensus was that Oct. was better
3. May
4. Saturday would be the best
day with festival duration from 10 am – 4 pm
a. Allow for set-up of vendors
at 9 am
b. Allow for clean-up prior
to it getting dark
XI. Should this be an annual event?
A. Answers:
1. The watershed management plan
implies that it would be an annual event. “Awards
would be bestowed annually at the watershed festival …”
2. It was implied during discussion
regarding the awards in that the awards would not be given
during the first year of the festival, but could be given
later.
XII. Field Trip for Steering
Committee
A. April 24th was chosen for trip date
B. Location TBA – sites are still
being scouted
C. You will receive a letter explaining
the logistics of the trip
1. There will be no introductory
program (other organizations will have an introduction),
because you already serve on this committee and know a wealth
of information regarding the Dragon & SAMP
2. Letter will let you know where
and what time to meet, what to bring and what we’ll
be doing
D. The trip will be by foot and will
not involve boats
Dragon Run Steering Committee
Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission
Winter Quarterly Meeting
February 11, 2004
Agenda
1. Welcome
2. Officer Nominations and Elections
3. Appointing a Representative to the Brown Tract Management
Plan Team
4. Legislative Update
5. Grants Update
6. Other Business
7. Adjourn
Attendance
Dragon Run Steering Committee:
Dorothy Miller (Essex); Rick Allen, Jerry Horner (Gloucester);
Frank Herrin, Robert Gibson (King and Queen); Robert
Major, Jack Miller, Davis Wilson (Middlesex)
Others: Lorna and Mike Anderberg,
Mary Ann Krenzke (Friends of Dragon Run); Amy Easterbrook
(Middlesex); Robert Hudgins (Gloucester/Mathews); Jennie
Navarro, Tom Murray (VIMS); Karen Fuss (MPPDC contractor);
David Fuss (MPPDC)
Welcome
Vice-Chair Frank Herrin welcomed everyone
and began introductions.
Officer Nominations and Elections
Vice-Chair Herrin explained that customarily
the Chair is a Board of Supervisors member and the Vice-Chair
is a landowner member. The current Chair is Prue Davis,
Supervisor from Essex County. The current Vice-Chair
is Frank Herrin, landowner from King and Queen County.
David Fuss explained that officers could be re-elected.
Jack Miller nominated Prue Davis as Chair.
Dorothy Miller seconded the motion. Nominations closed.
Motion carried unanimously. Prue Davis will continue
as Chair.
Dorothy Miller nominated Frank Herrin
as Vice-Chair. Jack Miller seconded the motion. Nominations
closed. Motion carried unanimously. Frank Herrin will
continue as Vice-Chair.
Appointing a Representative to
the Brown Tract Management Plan Team
David Fuss provided an overview of the
purchase of the Brown Tract in Essex and King and Queen
Counties by the Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public
Access Authority with funding from the Virginia Coastal
Program. A management plan will be developed for the
site and an initial meeting has been set for Tuesday,
February 17 at 1:30 PM at the MPPDC offices in Saluda.
The Dragon Run Steering Committee has been invited to
appoint a representative to the management plan team.
Committee members and adjacent landowners Prue Davis
and Robert Gibson have already been invited.
Jack Miller nominated Dorothy Miller as
the Committee’s representative. Robert Major seconded
the motion. Nominations closed. Motion carried unanimously.
Dorothy Miller will serve as the Committee’s representative.
Legislative Update
David Fuss provided an update on bills
being considered by the General Assembly in its 2004
session. The bills discussed are:
HB 1418 (Pollard) – Water quality
improvement fee; imposition
HB 693 (Morgan) – Natural and
Historic Resources Fund and Commission; created, report
HB 1142 (McDonnell) – Aquatic
nuisance species, nonindigenous; control and eradication
HB 603 (Dudley) – No discharge
zones; regulations
SJ 75 (Ticer) – Private landowners;
Board of Forestry to study provision of incentives to
preserve forestland
SB 639 (Whipple) – Pollutant
loading allocations; adoption of nitrogen and phosphorus
levels Chesapeake Bay tributaries
SB 569 (Deeds) – Natural and
Historic Resources Fund and Commission; created, report
HB 694 (Morgan) – Biodiesel fuel;
minimum content in diesel fuel
HB 54 (Morgan) – Beavers; killing
due to destruction of property
HB 695 (Morgan) – Personal watercraft;
local regulation
HB 1064 (Armstrong) – Estate
tax; exemptions for closely held business or working
farms
SB 603 (Bolling) – Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System permits; changes of duration
of issuance
Robert Gibson noted that a biodiesel fuel
plant is being built on Rt. 33 near the Budweiser facility.
He also noted that 1.5 bushels of soybeans are needed
to make one gallon of fuel.
Grants Update
Vice-Chair Herrin offered an overview
of how the Steering Committee’s Education Review
Team selected Karen Fuss as the contractor to perform
the Education Program activities. One Committee member
from each, Kay Bradley of the Northern Neck-Middle Peninsula
Public Education Consortium, and Lewie Lawrence of the
MPPDC reviewed the three proposals received. David Fuss
handled the advertising of the Request for Proposals
(newspapers, online, word-of-mouth), received the proposals,
distributed them to the team, and coordinated the team
meeting. After reviewing the proposals, the team convened
and discussed them. The team eliminated two proposals
and unanimously chose Mrs. Fuss’ proposal.
David Fuss provided an update on the watershed
management plan. He provided a bound copy to the Steering
Committee members. The Planning District Commission
will address the plan at its February meeting. If the
PDC approves the plan, then they will pass it on the
Boards of Supervisors with a recommendation that the
Planning Commissions consider it in detail. David has
already provided each of the Planning Commissions with
an overview of the plan.
David announced that he has made improvements
to the SAMP and Steering Committee web sites. They are
now fully incorporated into the Planning District Commission
web site and feature sidebars with links to Steering
Committee and SAMP information. Navigation of the sites
has been greatly improved. Unfortunately, a demonstration
was not possible due to network server problems at the
MPPDC.
David introduced Jennie Navarro and Tom
Murray of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s
Department of Coastal and Ocean Policy (VIMS). They
have been contracted to perform a sustainable economic
development study for the Dragon Run watershed. Ms.
Navarro is a graduate student at VIMS. She provided
a one-page summary of the project, including a timeline.
They will be holding worksh | 
