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The National Resource Inventory indicates that in the RC&D Area, cropland has declined by 12 percent from 1982 through 1997, compared to 14 percent for Virginia. Approximately 30,600 acres have been converted to other uses. The inventory reflects continued conversion of cropland, pastureland and woodland to development. Total developed land has increased by 49 percent compared to 42 percent for the state.
Loss of productive agricultural land and forestland to development is a concern in the RC&D Area. The loss of agricultural and forestland will adversely affect the resources of this area. Local governments need new and innovative tools to protect these lands. Land use planning that identifies and addresses the importance of agriculture and forestry is needed through the RC&D Area.
A lack of planned growth is contributing to the loss of farmland, development in flood plains, strip development, inadequate sewage disposal, and solid waste disposal. Severe erosion, high rates of runoff and sedimentation results from using land for more intensive production than it is suited for or beyond its capability.
GOAL I: Increase the sustainability and profitability of agricultural enterprises in the RC&D Area.
Objective I-A: Promote programs to protect farmland.
Strategies: A1. Develop and present informational workshops on farmland protection. Partners: Soil & Water Conservation Districts, New River Land Trust, VA Outdoors Foundation, Southwest VA Land Trust Complete: September 2006 A2. Encourage the use of programs that utilize transfer of development rights as means of protecting farmland. Partners: New River Land Trust, VA Outdoors Foundation, Natural Resources Conservation Service Complete: September 2006 A3. Develop information on value of agriculture production for each county in the RC&D Area. Partners: VA Cooperative Extension, VA Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Complete: September 2005
Objective I-B: Increase the diversification of farm products and marketing opportunities for producers.
Strategies: B1. Educate agricultural producers about marketing resources available in the area. Partners: VA Cooperative Extension, Soil & Water Conservation Districts, VA Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Complete: September 2007 B2. Increase awareness of the Internet as a marketing tool and source of information for Niche Marketing and Eco-tourism. Partners: VA Cooperative Extension, Blue Ridge Travel Association of Virginia Complete: September 2004
Objective I-C: Promote controlled grazing.
Strategies: C1. Provide information on economics of grass-based dairies. Partners: Natural Resources Conservation Service, VA Cooperative Extension Complete: September 2008 C2. Increase participation of area landowners in conservation programs through demonstrations and special targeted area programs. Partners: Soil & Water Conservation Districts, VA Cooperative Extension, Tennessee Valley Authority Complete: September 2009
Objective I-D: Inform landowners, producers, and conservation partners about conservation programs that are available and new programs that are being developed.
Strategies: D1. Secure funding for demonstration projects that promote new technology, products, and management practices. Partners: USDA Agencies, Soil & Water Conservation Districts Complete: September 2009 D2. Promote controlled grazing management practices as a method to improve forage production and utilization and improve water quality. Partners: Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil & Water Conservation Districts Complete: September 2009
Objective I-E: Actively participate in the Total Maximum Daily Load process for stream segments in the RC&D Area.
Strategies: E1. Participate in the development of implementation plans for Total Maximum Daily Load’s. Partners: Soil & Water Conservation Districts, MapTech Inc., VA Department of Conservation & Recreation Complete: September 2009 E2. Participate in Total Maximum Daily Load studies. Partners: Soil & Water Conservation Districts, MapTech Inc., VA Department of Conservation & Recreation Complete: September 2009 |
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New River-Highlands Resource Conservation and Development Council 2004-2009 Area PlanPage 2 |