Governor's Natural Resources Partnership Agenda, April 2003

Accelerate Improvement of Virginia's Water Quality
Virginia is endowed with extensive streams, rivers, lakes, and estuaries that run across the entire Commonwealth. Summit participants recognized the need to provide new tools to better manage our valuable water resources. The Secretary of Natural Resources will work with the Department of Environmental Quality, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department, other agencies and the public to streamline the current storm water management process. A plan and recommendations are due to the Governor by October 1, 2003 that provides for improved water quality protection and evaluates storm water programs statewide.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation will develop a plan to coordinate with local soil and water conservation districts to better target the use of state cost-share dollars and encourage more farmers to implement conservation practices. Natural Resource agencies will work with local governments to identify and inventory illegal "straight pipe" discharges of raw sewage. Where appropriate, amnesty periods will be used to pursue compliance. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will coordinate actively with the Department of Environmental Quality and Department of Conservation and Recreation to pursue cases filed under the Agricultural Stewardship Act that have not been resolved. As chair of the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council, Governor Warner will put Virginia on the road to meeting its commitment to nutrient and sediment pollution reduction to the Bay and its tributaries. The Department of Environmental Quality will revise State water quality standards beginning this summer to incorporate new EPA water quality criteria. These standards will form the basis of establishing nutrient limits from wastewater plants to meet Chesapeake Bay goals. To assist in this process we will seek ways to provide a permanent revenue source for the Water Quality Improvement Fund. Bay tributary strategies will be revised in the next year. The Natural Resource Agencies will then work with Watershed Roundtables and other stakeholders to develop watershed improvement plans statewide.

Ensure Adequate Water for Virginia's Citizens
Recent events have underscored the importance of a comprehensive approach to providing adequate supply and delivery of clean water for citizens, business, and farmers while protecting our water resources. Implement a Statewide Drought Response Plan to monitor and react to future droughts. Develop Comprehensive Water Supply Planning Regulations providing state leadership for local and regional planning.

Promote Permanent Land Protection
Conservation of Virginia's open space, historic and environmentally sensitive land resources was a clear and strong priority for summit participants. The focus was on the need to find alternative strategies and funding to promote easements and other forms of preservation. Develop land and historic resource stewardship recognition programs for businesses and landowners to promote voluntary improvement and permanent protection of their privately owned lands. Department of Conservation and Recreation will work with the building community and local governments and other agencies to develop a plan to encourage land preservation based on land conversion rates, promote cluster development, and fund local land banks. Localities could use these banks to accomplish permanent conservation of sensitive lands or historic sites. Recommendations are due by June 2004. Instruct the Secretary of Transportation to evaluate and report by April 1, 2004 on the feasibility of a corridor conservation initiative that will include developing certain new road projects that will permanently protect highway corridors. This program would be aimed at promoting efficient transportation and land use development. Sustain the viability of Virginia's open space and historic preservation easement programs, which is among the most highly successful programs in the nation.

Aggressively market Virginia's natural, historic and outdoor resources
From our extraordinary hunting and fishing opportunities to our unmatched historic sites to our nationally award-winning state parks and natural areas, Virginia's outdoor resources significantly contribute to the state's tourism and quality of life. Participants emphasized the need to better exploit the marketing potential of these assets. Establish the Virginia Outdoor Recreation Work Group to recommend strategies for enhancing the utilization of our natural resources as an economic asset for outdoor recreation, tourism, historic resources and eco-tourism. The Departments of Conservation and Recreation, Game and Inland Fisheries, Department of Forestry and Department of Historic Resources will strengthen efforts to develop additional partnership support for State Parks, Recreation Areas and Historic Sites and to find ways to recognize these efforts. Natural Resource agencies will work with Jamestown 2007 Steering Committee, Virginia Tourism Corporation and other agencies and organizations to support and develop natural, historic and outdoor recreation opportunities tied to the Jamestown 2007 theme. The Department of Conservation and Recreation, Historic Resources and the VTC will facilitate the establishment of the Captain John Smith Water Trail in time for the Jamestown 2007 celebration.

Promote Long-Term Sustainability of Fisheries and Wildlife
Virginia's exceptional commercial and recreational hunting and fishing opportunities must be maintained. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will work with stakeholders to develop a Comprehensive State Wildlife Plan by 2005. The Secretary of Natural Resources and the Secretary of Commerce and Trade will recommend ways to better market our commercial seafood industry by November 2003. The Secretary of Natural Resources will recommend ways to give the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the Marine Resources Commission greater flexibility in revenue related matters by November 2003.

Promote Exceptional Environmental Compliance
Private businesses and industry have made excellent strides in environmental protection, often exceeding minimum environmental standards. These efforts must be further recognized and tools developed to provide additional regulatory flexibility and environmental innovation. The Secretary of Natural Resources will convene a task force of affected stakeholders to develop recommendations for regulatory changes and incentives for exceptional environmental results. The Deputy Secretary of Natural Resources will coordinate these efforts through the Environmental Council of States to facilitate progress at the Environmental Protection Agency. The Secretary of Natural Resources will work with the Virginia Manufacturers Association, local government organizations, and others to identify and develop additional recognition programs for exceptional environmental achievements.

Enhance Environmental Education
The public's understanding of our natural and historic resources is central to their long-term viability. The Secretary of Natural Resources will convene a work group by July 2003, including members of the Virginia Environmental Education Commission, the Virginia Manufacturers Association and other partners to develop a statewide environmental education initiative intended to develop a basic understanding of environmental conservation and protection.

Increase Natural Resources Funding
No single issue generated as much discussion, support and concern as funding for Virginia's natural and historic resources programs. These programs have been historically under-funded when compared to program needs and budget crises have compounded the problem. The impact of these cuts on operations and programs has been large due to the smaller environmental budgets. Virginia currently ranks 50th among the states in spending on natural resources. If general fund revenues require further belt tightening, the Governor will work to minimize the effect on natural and historic resource agencies and maintain existing services. The Governor will appoint a Commission on Natural Resources Funding consisting of 12-15 members, primarily Summit participants, to review recommendations made at the Summit on permanent funding alternatives, incentives, and other means to support specific natural resource programs. The Commission will submit recommendations to the Governor by September 1, 2003, including recommendations regarding funding for water quality and land conservation. The Governor and Cabinet will work closely with Virginia's congressional delegation to ensure the Commonwealth receives its full share of federal natural resource dollars.