[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]















































































            TC
            409
            D37
            1995




                                                                                                          FINAL PRODUCT              FY'94 Task 58
                                                                                                          MPPDC Dragon Run Mftshed Mgmt Prqrm Phase 11





                               DRAGON RUN WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PROGRAM


                                         PHASE 11, OCTOBER, 1994 - - SEPTEMBER, 1995

                           FINAL REPORT, INCLUDING LAND USE ANALYSIS REPORT



                                                                                 Jim Uzel
                                                                     ir tqr'Of Regional Planning
                                                                 P        u a lanning District Commission



































                                                          Prepared by the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission
                   Ths report was funded, in part by the Virginia Coastal Resources Management Program at the Department of Enviromental Quality through Grant
                      #NA47OZO287-01 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, under the
                                                                  Coastal Management Act of 1972, as amended.






                            CDRAGON RUN WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

                                         PHASE 11, OCTOBER., 1994 - - SEPTEMBER, 1995

                            FINAL REPORT, INCLUDING LAND USE ANALYSIS REPORT



                                                                                  Jim Uzel
                                                                   Director of Regional Planning
                                                       Nfiddle Peninsula Planning District Commission





































                                                           Prepared by the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission
                    This report was fiinded, in part by the Virginia Coastal Resources Management Program at the Department of Environmental Quality ftough Grant
                       #NA470ZO287-01 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, under the
                                                                   Coastal Management Act of 1972, as amcn&A












           Overview


                   The Dragon Run Management Program is a special area management planning and
           implementation project designed to protect the natural resources within the ecosystem of the
           Dragon Run. The watershed of the Dragon Run consists of 153 square miles of area including
           portions of Essex, Gloucester, King and Queen, and Middlesex Counties. The stream is forty
           miles in lencyth and is characterized by extensive non-tidal and tidal cypress swamp. The
           watershed is relatively undeveloped, with the majority of land uses being in agricultural or
           forestry activities. The unique and extensive swamp ecosystem coupled with@the low
           intensity of development provide for an opportunity to proactively manage the resource to
           maintain the quality of the Dragon Run region.

                   This management program has begun the task of preserving the quality of the Dragon
           Run through activities in the following areas:

                          I . Draaon Run Steering Committee
                          2.  PubTic Meetings/Information
                          1   Dracon Run Access
                          4.  Exceptional Waters Assessment
                          5.  Water Quality Monitoring
                          6.   Handbook of Current Programs

           Each of these activities will be detailed in the remainder of this report.

           Dragon Run Steerim! Committee

                   The Dragon Run Steering Committee (DRSC) has an eleven-year
           history of interest in protecting the Dragon Run and preserving the traditional
           uses of the waterbody and land. In 1987 the Steering Committee adopted the Dragon
           Run Conservation District- modeled after a proposed conservation district in Middlesex
           County. The Conservation District was subsequently adopted by three of the four
           counties. In 1989 the DRSC was awarded a citation by the Virginia Citizens Planning
           Association for its citizen-based planning efforts. The DRSC continues this tradition of
           being a citizen/landowner-based organization striving, to formulate effective and practical
           strategies to manage their Dragon Run resource.










                  In 1995 the Draaon Run Steerin- Committee was comprised of the following
                                 Z.,
           members:


                  Essex County

                         Bryan Taliaferro
                         F. L. Garrett, III
                         Dorothy Miller

                  Gloucester County

                         Jimmy Morgan
                         Elizabeth DeHardit
                         Buddy Bland

                  King and Queen County

                         Russell Williams
                         Jean Barrow
                         Donnie Sears, Vice-Chairman

                  Middlesex County

                         George Northam, Jr., Chai
                                                 irman
                         Buddy Moore
                         Jerry Bray

           The DRSC held nine monthly meetings (three months off) in 1995 and
           addressed a variety of issues.

                  The Steering, Committee provided input on all aspects of the
                             I                                                                                  I
           Dragon Run Watershed Manag  7ement Program. Efforts and accomplishments by staff
           were presented to the Steering Committee for advice and direction. The following are the
           major efforts in which the DRSC has' been involved:

                  Future Role of DRSC                      Land Development Issues
                  Water Quality Monitoring Program         Forestry and Agriculture Issues
                  Handbook of Current Programs             Water Rights and Uses
                  By-laws Development                      Open Space Development
                                                           Exceptional Waters










                                                                                                        7










           The formate of the meetinas provided guest speakers the opportunity to address their
           expertise as related to the Dragon Run. The following speakers presented to the Committee:

                  Land Development - Nick Hahn - Middlesex Co.

                  Agriculture - Kilby Majett - Natural Resources Conservation Service

                  Forestry - Bill Saunders - Va. Dept. of Forestry

                  Water Rj hts and Uses - Chip Neikirk - Virginia Marine Resources Commissions
                           9                                 11

                  Open Space Development and Exceptional Waters - Jim Uzel

           One of the most discussed topics was the mandatory use of Forestry Best Management
           Practices in the Dragon Run Conservation District. Of particular interest was the timbering
           of a tract of land in Middlesex near the route 17 bridae. The DRSC visited the site in June.
           Meetings with Bill Saunders of the Virginia Departm ent of Forestry clarified the DOF
           position of voluntary BVIP implementation. The locality had the sole enforcement mechanism
           through its zoning ordinance. The Steering Committee noted the need for better coordination and
           communication between the state and local a,_,encies concernina, B',\/fP actions. (See Attachment
           A)


           Public MeetinesfInformation


                  One of the most important tasks of the Dragon Run Watershed Manaaement
           Program is to involve the public in the decision making process at an early stage of plan
           development. The Dragon Run Steering Committee is the cornerstone of this approach, with
                                                 Cp
           landowners and boards of supervisors members. However, it is also important to provide
           information and opportunity for input to the public at large. In 1995 the effort of public outreach
           took the form of published and open DRSC meetings, and the water quality monitoring pro-ram.

                  Meeting notices are sent to all local and regional newspapers in advance of each DRSC
           meeting. The newspapers publish the notices as space permits. The papers include the
           Tidewater Review, Southside Sentinel, Gazette-Journal, Rappahannock Times, Daily Press,
           and Richmond Times-Dispatch. DRSC meetings usually attract one to five interested citizens
           (in addition to DRSC members) who are welcome to participate in the agenda discussion.











                   The water quality monitoring program was advertiset widely and requested interested
            citizens to become involved (more on this program below).

                   An additional public information activity will be the published availability of this
            annual report.

            Dr-non Run Access


                   Access to the Dragon Run Stream and lands have Iona been a topic of discussion and
                                    I                                 -
            controversy among landowners and recreationists. The Dragon Run Access Plan was adopted
            by the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission in JuIv, 1994.

                   The Access Plan emphasizes management of access acrivities by landowners and
            localities. Recognizing the wild and natural environment of the Dragon Run, limited and
            accountable access is recommended.


                   The N/1PPDC worked toward the first implementation of the Dragon Run Access
            Plan by proposing to manaae portion of a site owned by the Friends ofl5raaon Run (FDR)
            conservation group. TheiV-'IPPDC staff and FDR worked toatther in draftina aue-ment
            on terms of lease and an annual maintenance plan. (Attachments B & C). The project
            was, however tabled by the '1vlPPDC Board and the project was suspended.

            Exceptional Waters Assessment


                   A related project funded under a 604(b) -rant through the Department of Environmental
                                                          C         -
            Quality, provided basic information on the Dragon Run Watershed. The project assessed the 21
            Middle Peninsula Wate'-sheds on cn'teria developed by the DEQ and on the comprehensive
            plans of localities.

                   The Dragon Run Watershed ranked second among the 21 watersheds as possible
            candidates for Exceptional Waters nomination.













          Water Oualitv Monitorin2

                In early 1994, local newspapers published a call for volunteer water quality monitors at
          the request of the Dragon Run Watershed Mana ement Program. Initial response was good, and
                                                           Z.,
          ultimately eleven citizen monitors and backup monitors were trained under the protocol of the
          Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Citizen Monitoring Program. With the assistance of staff
          from the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, six water quality monitoring sites were established.
          Weekly monitoring began at most sites in April, 1994. After one year, three monitors retired
          and four new monitors and one back up monitor were recruited and trained. Two new sites
          were established and two sites were discontinued. The current sites are shown on Attachment
          D.
                The water quality parameters measured at all sites include air and water temperature,
          dissolved oxygen, ph, secchi depth, and observations.

          Handbook of Current Proarams


                One effort suggested by the DRSC was the formulation of a watershed handbook for use
          by the Steering Committee, local 'governments, and citizens which would outline the existing
          regulations and programs in effect at the local, state, and federal levels. The coal of this effort
           Z-                                                            C
          is to identify means of enforcement of existing requirements and avoid duplicity in future
          efforts.


                The handbook is still under development and will become part of the public
          awareness pro-ram of the project.

          Continifine EfTorts


                The Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission will continue the Dragon
                                                                             I
          Run Watershed Mana'gement Program development throughout the coming year. This
          final year of management plan development will result in a completed plan, with public
          presentations and review of the document.









                                                                                     Attachment A



                                    Troubled water














                                                                     7'








                                                                                                                                                          investigate the area around the
                                    C@u.,,,y affic:a1s and members of the OragOn Pun Steering Carnmrttee. =nremea             by the impac, at togging,                Otto monmwcauy Prwa
                                    swamp.
                                                                                                                                                                        Ruia
                                    :7imbering in                          LoLle-1119 at Dra
                                    Dragon Swamp
                                    I t.-cai officais and
                                    ccrservaticnists Mureb site.
                                                                  s                                                                                 d               le
                                    wnere firricering oceration i          concerns comm                                                                 ftc                                 -                      I
                                    cestroying,.vedands.                   By Mathe,   Pttust                     ders: along the borders Of Esm-@       the group. which included
                                                                           Daw Press                                    and Queem Middlesex and          Jimmy V. Morgam a member Of
                                                                                                   mioousEx       Gloucester counties until it           the Dragon Run Steering Cam
                                                                              Some enwronmentalists held          flares and becomes the                 mitree and treasurer of the non-
                                                    Midd9asm               their monthly meeting in a             ?;ankatank River. The group            profit Friends of the Dragon
                                           CY             Um               swamp last week. just so they          was led by members of the Md-          Run; Jim Uzel. environmental
                                                                           could see firsthand how a tim-         dle Peninsula Plantung District        programs coordingtor for the
                                           3=3
                                                          190              bering operation has scarred           Commission's Dragon Run                planning distric: commission.
                                      Le                                   one of the Middle Peninsula's          Steering Committee-                    Hoyt Wheeland. watershed
                                                  11mber                   aamrai resources - the 30-mile            At first the going was reia-        coordinator for the P;anka=nk
                                    0 =%        adoration                  Dragon Run.                            tively easy - on the feet if not       Watershed Projecz and George
                                                                              Braving bugs, snakes.               the senses - thanks to a swath         T. Hayfield, King and Queen
                                                                           humidity, mud, poison ivy and          cut through the 90-acre aact of        County 7mning administraror.,
                                                        Gi
                                          'Z              oucester                                                                                          'Look afthis poor old river,
                                                17        C'tim            the mucous laughter of bull-           woods. Recent mins had left
                                                                           frogs, a dozen hikers left their       parts of the 10-foot-wide clay         birch. It's stal trying to live.*
                                                                           rides on dry land in the early         road covered in water. at least a      said Lorna Vass. vice chair-
                                                                           evening on June 14 to plunge           foot deep in some of the ruts left     woman of Friends of the Dm9_
                                                                                                                                                                                   -ee snib
                                                                           on foot into the Dragon Run            by the wheels of dinosaur-size         an Run. pointing to a a
                                                                           Swamp. Located just off Route          logging machinery.                     beside the logging road. The
                                                                           17 on the Middlesex County                The sight of the devastation        river birch. she said. is the only
                                                                           side, Dragon Run is a swamp-           caused by heavy logging imrrie-
                                                                0  P       sandwiched strearn that mean-          diately darkened the mood of                       Pismo see Cragon/82
                                                                                                                                                                                              H
















                                                                                                                                           James C. Uzel,
                                                                                                                                           environmental pro-
                          E Dragon
                                                                                                                                           grams coordinator
                                                                                   7
                                                                                                                                           for the Middle
                                            Contlnued from Bi
                                                                                                                                           Peninsula Planning
                          birch species on the Eastern                  ML                                                                 District Commis-
                          Seaboard.
                                                                                                                                           sion, is one of
                             "You can come back 20 years and
                                                                                                                                           those assessing the
                          these ruts will still be there," said
                                                                                                                                           impact of the log-
                          Russell Williams, pointing to the
                                                                                                                                           ging operation on
                          deep, water-filled ruts. Williams is
                                                                                                                                           Dragon Run.
                          a member of the Dragon Run Steer-
                                                                                                                                           No MoralewDadv Press
                       _ing Committee, which coordinates
                          regional planning for conservation
                          ofthe Dragon.
                             They gawked at the ruins as they           heavy equipment from the banks of              Gloucester tract. said he plans to
                          stepped gingerly along bridges                streams. Garner said.                          reforest: the site. "like I do all the land
                          formed by trees that fell across                  iNliddlesex County halted Green's          I timber." Mason said he said the
                          streams and pools. And they took              timbering at the Dragon Run site in            timber rights to Flippo Lumber Co.
                          time to identify the sparse flora thar        ADiril because Green had nor filed a           of Doswell, which' subcontracted
                          remained and whatwas left Of t%---s           be'st-management plan and was log-             with Green.
                          that had been snipped off by the gar-         gmg "in a manner inconsistent" with                 Matt Poirot, state forest engineer
                          gantuan implement known as a                  such a plan's requirements.                    for eastern Virginia. said the fami-
                          "Timber Tiger." The Tiger can roil                R. Nicholas Hahn. ,ificidlesem zon-        ly-owned Green company moves
                          gri pallets through a swamp to pluck          ing administrator, said the county             from job to job and isn't easy to track
                          its prey with crane-Like a@ms after           has asked Green to return in the fall          down. He said he believes Green has
                          its
                             sawing teeth sheer the trunk with          to restore ruts that are deeper than           two crews now working on separate
                          a swipe.                                      the allowed eight inches. Such                 tracts in Hanover and Essex coun-
                             The machines that had yanked               restoration is best done in the fall,          ties.     -
                          m F-Y hardwoods out of this forest            Hahn explained, because the ground                  R.L. Green. the 75-year-old com-
                       Livere long gone, forced to flee in              is drier.                                      pany patriarch, lives in Caroline
                          ,A@pril after Middlesex County noti-              "The Forestry Depar=ent said it            County, Poirot said. Although the
                             .- . e harmster - RJ_ Green lag-           would do more harm than good if                company has a Hanover post office
                             g of Hanover - that it was vio-            they did it now, that it would just stir       box mailing address, it has no teie-
                          ating the county's Dragon Run                 a lot of things up," Hahn said. If             phone listing there. Attempts to
                          anservation zone ordinance.                   Green does not restore the damaged             reach Green for comment hav@ been
                             Prompted by the Planning district          land, "we'll have to take action               unsuccessful.
                             mmission. several counties adopt-          against the property owner," he                     Poirot said since the Forestry
                             Dragon         conservation zones          added. The site is owned by a trust            Department was given enforcement
                             protect the swarnl). but OrIlY Mid-        for Louise Hedrick, who is in a nurs-          auihority over logging operations
                          -esex made it mandatory for log-              ing home.                                      two years ago, Green has been cited
                             rs in the zone to Me a "best man-              Cre'en may also be cited by the            twice for violations in King William
                             ementplan" f timber harvesting             Forestry Department for operating              County, and has had one stop-work
                             cording to state guidelines, said          heavy equipment up to stream banks             order issued against him on a job in
                             PDC Diredor Dan Kavanagh.                  and leaving debris in st:rTmiis on a           Goochland County before last
                             Even the state can request only            60@ic:re ti ac 6n the Gloucester side          month's stop-work orderin Glouces-
                             luntary compliance with the man-           of Dragon Run, almost across from              ter.
                             ement-plan provision, said State           the Middlesex site. Nelson Jarvis,                  "He's probably been the one in
                             rester Jim Garner.                         chief forest warden for Gloucester,            my area rve had more deaUngs with
                             The state Forestry Department              said he may obtain a warr-ant for the          than anyone else," said Poirot. He
                             es have some ways to prevent               logger if he doesn't remove the                added that Green "usually fixes
                          ireams from becoming polluted                 debcris. -                                     problems' when they're pointed
                              sediment or ebris and can bar               -Hersey Mason Jr., who owns the              out.










                                           Attachment B








                                       TERMS FOR AGREEMENT


                                                 between


                                  FRIENDS OF DRAGON RUN (FODR)

                                                   and

                MIDDLE PENINSULA PLANNING DISTRICT C0MMISSION (MPPDC)

          Subject:      Purchase and Management of the 5.9 Acre Property on Rt. 603 at New Draqon
                       Bridge in Middlesex County with Utilization of Grant Aid from the Virginia
                       Coastal Resources Management Program.

         Purchase and Improvements: 1-5


           1.   Friends of Dragon Run agrees to purchase and hold title to subject property.
                                      

          2.    The Virginia Coastal Resources Management Program Grant, hereinafter referred to as
                the Grant; is to provide 50% of the appraised value as part of the purchase price.

                                   surveying an           - are to be partially covered by $500 from
                The costs of closing          d legal service
                the Grant, the balance to be paid by Friends of Dragon Run.

          4.    Immediate improvements are to be made to stabilize the launching ramp slope and the
                parking area for all weather use, costs not to exceed $1,500 of which the first $891 is to
                be provided by the Grant.

          5.    The labor and travel expenses for improvements are to be provided by volunteers from
                Friends of Dragon Run to achieve up to a value of $2,062 in matching funds as provided
                in the Grant.


         Lease Aqreement: 6-11

          6.    FODR agrees to enter into a lease agreement with the MPPDC on at least two acres of the
                property, including part of the Dragon Run frontage, the parking area and the launching
                access site. This lease would preclude its development for any use not in the interest of
                the protection and conservation of the waterway and its environs.
 












                                                                                                           Pa(Ye 2


           PROPOSAL FOR AGREE1NEENT/1N1PPDC

           7.      The lease would be drawn for a period of 25 years, but could be terminated for
                   convenience with three months notice by either party. Lease payments would be nominal
                   ($1. 00 year)?

           S.      The TVIPPDC is to provide FODR a Certificate of Insurance confrniing liability coverage
                   for this site by public use. The aggregate amount should be no less than S1,500,000.

           9.      FODR will provide an acceptable title opinion or title insurance to TMPPDC for its Grant
                   documentation.


           10.     FODR will provide an appraisal of the property acceptable to Nt[P'.DDC and its Grant
                   authority.

           11.     FODR will provide to MPPIDC a mat) and description of the property.

           Access Ni/fanagernent: 12-15


           11.     'Understandina that access to Dragon Run at this property has long been enjoyed by the
                   public, but that, to date, the volume and type of traffic has been relative!y harmless to the
                   waterway and its environs. It is mutually agreed that, for the time being and immediate
                   future, this volume of access can be continued and    manasied using only signs and an honor
                   system to assure reasonable care of the waterway, it environs and the access site. As
                   lessee NEPPDC would be responsible for day to day management of the access site and
                   execution of the management policy, e.a. permit issuance, volume control, user- fee
                   collection, etc.

           13.     In the more distant future, however, should the volume of traffic or abuse of the honor
                   system become a liability to the waterway, its adjacent land or the access site, then it is
                   mutually agreed that a more active system of management would be necessary. Such
                   active management might include, but not be limited to: parking and launching by permit
                   only, locked access requiring a key or combination, a limit on the number of persons
                   and/or watercraft launched in a given time period, user fees to cover administrative and
                   maintenance costs, a responsible party for each permitted use, waiver of liability or proof
                   of in@surance-





            PROPOSAL FOR AGREEMENTINIPPDC                                                             Page 3

            14.    The management policy of the leased access site would be controlled by a four member
                   policy board to be made up of two members each selected by N[PPDC and FODR_ The
                   policy board will be an associate committee to the Dragon Run Steering Committee. The
                   policy board would meet annually to review and if necessary, amend the policy and at any
                   other time for the same purpose upon the request of at least two members of the board
                   criving reasonable notice. Anv unreconciled disnutes shall be arbitrated bv an hoc
                   1.2                           1                1                         1
                   committee of three persons, one each selected by the-'.IVTPDC and FODR, and the third
                   aareed upon by both the 1V[PPDC and FODR_

            15.    It is a-reed that lona term maintenance due to customary wear and tear of use should be
                   the shared responsibility of the 'ivEPPDC and F0DR_ FODR will agree to provide
                   volunteer time as an in kind match when required to match ?V1PPDC finance grants for sire
                   maintenaric--limprovernent during the period of the lease (25 years). The specific FODR
                         I         * I be for quarterly site c!eanups and a once-a-year work day.
                   comm ttment wil                    I


            Public Access: 16


            16.    FODR will grant in the lease agreement a managed public access subject to the access plan
                   discussed above for the term of 25 years. The FODR will provide deeded easement of 2
                   acres for public access.


            Duration of A--reement: 17-20


            17.    Friends of Dragon Run, as a non-profit conservation organization, is to make provision for
                   the ownership of subject property to pass to another rion-profit organization if Friends of
                   Dragon Run should cease to exast; e.g., Chesapeake Bay Foundation or Virginia Nature
                   Conservancy.

            18.    The NTPDC will rely on grant grant funding and FODR volunteer labor to provide
                   maintenance of public access site. Should either grant funding or voluntee.- labor be
                   unavailable, the NiQPDC may terminate the lease agreement.

            19.    The contemplated Lease Agreement with NTPDC may be transferable with the consent of
                   FOD& The County of T'vfiddlesex will be offered the right of first refusal to accept the
                   transferred lease on the propert y.

            20.    This lease may be amended with mutual consent of Lessee and Lessor whenever required.















                                                                                                 Page 4



          PROPOSAL FOR AGREEMENT/MPPDC


          AGREED TO                 DAY OF


                                                            MIDDLE PENINSULA PLANNING
                                                            DISTRICT COMMISSION


          Witness:                                          By:


                                                            Title:


                                                            FRIENDS OF DRAGON RUNT


          Witness:                                          By-


                                                            Title:
 






                                  Attachment C





                     NEW DRAGON BRIDGE SITE MAINTENANCE PLAN


       Backaround: The public access management of two acres of land
       adjacent to the New Dragon Bridge, Route 603, Middlesex county on
       the Dragon Run stream will require periodic maintenance to
       provide a safe and attractive location for public use. The site
       design will allow for minimum structural and labor input on an
       annual basis.

       site Design: Key to minimizing annual maintenance costs will be
       the initial design of the site. The basic elements include
       gravel parking for 6 vehicles, stabilization of approximately 12
       feet of hillside (5 feet of elevation) , gravel path from parking
       lot to stream side, 2 trash receptacles, and one small sign
       (21x4l). These initial design improvements will be funded by the
       acquisition grant.

       Partners in Management: The Middle Peninsula Planning District
       Commission will be the lead agency responsible for the New Dragon
       Bridge Access Site Management and Maintenance. Key to this
       res-ccnsibility is the partnership with the Fri-ends of the Dragon
       Run, owners of the site; and the Virginia Coastal Resources
       Management Program, funding t-he aCqU4Siti on and annual
                                            .1.
       maintenance costs.

       The Fri-ends of the Dragon Run will provide for volunteer labor
       for site cleanups at least an a quarterly basis. The Friends of
       the Dragon Run will also provide volunteers for specific light
       physical maintenance an an annual basis (ie annuai work day) -               I

       ongoing regular maintenance, such as trash removal, and major-
       labor or equipment intensive repairs and materials will be
       managed by the MPPDC through grant funds provided from the
       Virainia, Coastal Resources Management Program (VCRMP).
       Presently, the VCRMP awards the MPPDC a basic Coastal Management
       grant of $20,000 per year, in addition, the VCP14P has provided
       three years of project funding for the Dragon Run Management
       Program, totaling $74,500. VCRMP has also awarded the $15,000
       for the public access project at New Dragon Bridge. Program
       managers at VCRMP have expressed a continued interest in
       supporting the MPPDC in the. integrated Watershed Management of
       the Dragon Run.

       The Friends of the Dragon Run and the VCRMP are considered the
       primary support to the MPPDC maintenance of the access'site.
       other organizations and funding sources will be sought from time-
       to-time to provide special projects for the site. Such funding
       sources may include the Virginia Department of Game and Inland
       Fisheries and the Virginia Department of Conservation and
       Recreation. Volunteer organizations such as civic clubs,'scouts,
       and youth groups may be utilized an specific projects designed
       for such groups.



New Dragon Bridge Site Maintenance Plan (continued)
Page 2

A volunteer water quality monitor presently visits the site to
collect and analyze water samples on a weekly basis. Friends of
the Dragon Run members also visit the site on a frequent basis.
These individuals can monitor the site on a regular basis and
contact the MPPDC if problems are observed.

MPPDC Maintenance Activities:

The MPPDC staff will be responsible for trash receptacle
emptying, general site cleanup, and site observation on a regular
basis. The staff will schedule a bi-weekly visit to the site.

Annual Cost Estimate:

Personnel          Formula      Man hours/yr.     Rate/hr*     MPPDC Total
    Match Total

MPPDC Staff      (1X2X12)       24 hours         $30           $720
FODR Volunteers  (10X6X4)       240 hours        $ 5 
      $1200

Materials

One Load Crush and Run gravel per year                $150
One Replacement Trash Receptacle per year              100
Trash bags                                              30
Miscellaneous                                          200
                                                     $1200     $1200

*Note: MPPDC staff rate include salary, fringe and indirect costs
       FODR unpaid volunteers rate of $5/hr used for match fund
       purposes.




  I     i
  I                                                                    Attachment D
  I                                                     Dragon Run Watershed                                                                                      I
  I
  I
  I
  I
  I                                                                             -
  1                                                                                  '11)
  I
  I
  1
                                                                                                   602
  1
  1
                                                                                                            0
  1
  I                           Water Quality Monitoring Sites
                                                                                                                                          17
  1
  I
  I




I
I
I
I
I
I                    LAND USE ANALYSIS REPORT
I           DRAGON RUN WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PROJECT
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I










                                      Land Cover Classification/Land Use Report


             Background

                     The Dragon Run is a forty-mile stream characterized by extensive non-tidal cypress
             swamp. The Watershed consists of 140 square miles, of which 10% are wetlands. The watershed
             is largely undeveloped and is recognized by the Smithsonian Institute as Virginia's most pristine
             waterbody to the Chesapeake Bay. The Dragon Run Watershed is located in the Counties of
             Essex, Gloucester, King and Queen, and Middlesex.


             General Characteristics


             Total Area                            140.2 square miles
             Area within Middle Peninsula                 140.2 square miles

             Locality              Watershed Area(sq.miles)              % Watershed           %Locality


             Essex                         28.9                                  21                17
             Gloucester                      8.9                                  6                  3
             King and Queen                72.3                                  52                16
             NEddlesex                     30.0                                  21                22


             Land Cover Classification


                                   Land Class                            Sauare Miles


                                   I-Egh Intensity-Urban                  0
                                   Low Intensity-Urban                    0.52
                                   Herbacious-Urban                       0.33
                                   Woody-Urban                            0.12
                                   Herbacious (Field)                    39.41
                                   Woody (Forest)                        99.25
                                   Exposed (Bare)                         0
                                   Water                                  0.13
                                   Emergent Wetlands                      0.53

                                   Total Land                            140.17


             % Undeveloped Lands: 99.3








                                  Dragon Run Watershed Management Plan

                                                                             Land Cover Classification















                                                           i"     a,








                                                                                     WV






                                                                   Vk'
                                                                           Ta-




                                                                                                     IMP,





                                                                                                                   54@ ""P"










                         0 LOW if&-wirv Urtan


                             1Vo,,Jv-iutan
                             flertwaous
                         L3 woodv-
                             aposed
                             wai'tr
                             Emer,=( Wetlands
                             S13vaTw and Shoreline:




                                1@11DDLE PENINSULA PLAINNG
                                                                                  on a,aa                        at
                                   EUTRICT' CONDMSION                        ntw                         V          M
                                          fuda, VkghU               da-g@ Gram    NA47     -01 Of dr afional
                                                                    and        w Ady-trabon. Ofte of Oman and
                                                                    Ca@           M=Wmm adff de C..W Z..
                                                                    Managmnt Act of 1917Z as a=n&d."










                    The Dragon Run Watershed is relatively undeveloped as compared to other Middle
             Peninsula watersheds. The percent undeveloped land (99.3%) is third among the region!s 21
             watersheds as delineated by the state Departments of Conservation and Recreation and
             Environmental Quality. Forest lands comprise of 71% of the watershed and field and farm lands
             make up 28% of the area.

                    The primary activities impacting the watershed from forest lands is the harvesting of
             timber which may contribute to sedimentation if BMPs are not employed. Timber harvest also
             alters wildlife habitat, however, disturbance may be temporary, as undergrowth and the
             development of a new stand of trees may simulate a natural forest succession process.

                    Farm lands in use without BUT measures may potentially contribute to water quality
             degradation through nutrient enrichment from fertilizer and animal wastes runoff. While the
             Dragon Run appears to develop significant oxygen depletion during the surnmer, this is more
             likely due to decay of swamp biomass than to algal blooms resulting from nutrient enrichment.

                    Urbanization and suburbanization of rural areas are major concerns in the Middle
             Peninsula region. The Dragon Run watershed has seen some commercial growth along the Route
             17 corridor near Saluda, primarily a fast food and a grocery store, with more retail stores
             proposed. There also exists the potential for the conversion of farm lands to residential
             development as farming becomes less viable economically.

             Future Land Uses


                    Essex: The Essex County Comprehensive Plan (1991) Land Use Plan shows the entire
             County portion of the Dragon Run Watershed to be designated as "Countryside District" which is
             intended to limit development below a level requiring substantial county services. Subdivision
             would be lin-fited to one acre per five acres owned.

                    Gloucester: The 1991 Gloucester Land Use Plan shows the majority of Dragon Run
             Watershed here as a "Rural Countryside District" with a "Rural Service Center" located at Glenns.
             The Rural Countryside District is intended to primarily maintain farmlands and woodlands. The
             Rural Service Center District is designed to provide for limited commercial and industrial needs of
             rural areas with some residential development.

                    King and Queen: The 1994 Comprehensive Land Use Plan show the entire Dragon Run
             Watershed here as a "Rural Development Area" whose components are forests, agriculture, rural
             residential, small subdivisions, and rural village centers. .

                    Middlesex: The Future Land Use Map of the 1994 Plan shows the majority of the
             Watershed as rural-open space. The area around Saluda and along Route 17 near Saluda are
             shown as areas for Commercial and Light Industrial growth, including the development of water
             and sewer utilities.







                                          Dragon Run Watershed Management Plan


                                                                                Middle Peninsula Watersheds




























































                                 b9DDLE PENINSUA PLVOWG
                                   DISIM                              Tlds map production, was fun" in paM by the Department of
                                        Cr COMMESSION                 Environmema] Quality's Coastal Resources Management Program
                                         ahwa, Virgin"                Uirough Cirant # NA47OzO287-01 of the National Oceanic
                                                                      and Atmosphenc Administration, Office of Occan and
                                                                      Coastal Rtsourec Managemen" under the Coastal Zone
                                                                      Management Act of 1972, as =ended."











          Floodplain Area: 21.17 square miles

           % Floodplain: 15.0



                          N-VVI WETLANDS CLASSIFICATIONS


                  CLASS                           AREA (SQMI)

                  L I UB                           0.10
                  PEM                              0.72
                  PFO                             10.9
                  PSS                              2.49
                  p T-M                            0.56
                  RIUB                             0.06
                  TOTAL                           14.83


           % Wetlands: 10.6








                               Dragon Run Watershed Management Plan.

                                                               Hoodplain and Wetlands







                             j,                                             A*









                                                          %






















                                                                       y




















                                                                                                                         vie









                    100 Year Floodplain
                    Wetlands




                         mrOmE PENINSLIA PLAM-ING
                                                     nu map production was funded. in part, by the Department of
                          DISTRIC17 COMMISSION A\    Firvirorrinental Qualily'8 Com. Re,oaroea Men, Prograrn
                                wk vk&"              ffirough Giant # NA470.=7-01 of ffie National Ocearac
                                                     and Atinosptiefic, Adintruatnuion, Offio: of Ocean and
                                                     Coustal Resource Marnigtancift, under the Contal Zone
                                                     Management Act of 1972, as arntruled.-













           Public Access Areas


                         SITENAME                      ROADNO                PARKING


                         Wares Bridae                  Rt. 602                   9
                         New Dra-on Bridcre            Rt. 604                   9


           Sites/100sq.mi.: 1.4


           Natural Heritage Species
                  TVT)e                        GlobalRank StateRank          Federal
           Natural Community
           Vascular Plant                      G3)G4          S2
           Vascular Plant                      G4             S2
                                                                             1C
           Vascular Plant                      G3             S2S' )


           Species/10 sq.mi.: 0.3


           Natural Heritage Sites: None



           Smithsonian Rank


                  The Smithsonian Institute ranked the Dragon Run as the second highest priority
           waterbody in the Chesapeake Bay region for ecological significance. This was the highest ranked
           Vircrinia waterbody.



           State Critical Areas: Ist of 8 for the TMddle Peninsula








                                     Dragon Run Watershed Management Plan


                                                     Public Access and Natural Heritage Areas






                                                                                         11151M
                                                                                  HM
                                        MR












                                                                                                            ... ... .
                                                                                                             ....... . .


















                                                                                         . . . . . . . . . . .
                                                                                      ..v
                                                                                          IN                               @EU, @-o&

















                                                                                                                              MOB
                       Legend

                          Natural Heritage Areas
                          Public Access Site

                           Pi..v R.ads
                                                                                                                      UL


                                                 s
                       im Streams and Shoreline,



                              AIMLE PO-MLIA PLqOU;G
                                DISMCT CONeMSION               TWs map production was fun" in part, by the Department of
                                                               Enviromental Qualiry's Coastal Resoutres Management Program
                                     A.J, Vghd.                through Cirant # NA47OzO287-01 of the National Ooeunc
                                                               and Atmospheric Adimmsmition, Offio: of Oman and
                                                               Coa%W Reactnoe Management, under the Coastal Zone
                                                               Management Act of 1972, as amended."














       VPDES Permits


                   VANUM      OWNER                       OUTFALL


                   VA0075302       Miller's Square Subdiv. WTP    001
                   VA0083011       Pitts Lumber Company Inc.      001
                   VA0028461       Rappahannock Community College 001




        Closed Shellfishing Waters

             The Dragon Run is Freshwater, but is technically closed to shellfish harvesting.



        Citation Fisheries: Dragon Run


             Freshwater 1984-1994 60 Total/6 Species

        Predominate Species Caught: Yellow Perch
 







                                             Dragon Run Watershed Management Plan

                                                  VPDES                 Peffnit Locations & Closed Shellfishing Waters


                                                                                                   Rig!.






























                                                                                                             . . . . . . . . . .
                                                                                                                     TIT1,111



















                            Legend

                                Condemned Shellfishing Areas
                                WDES Permitted Outfall






                                    MIDDLB PENIMMA KAMM                       Ttds map production was funded, in pW, by the Department of
                                       IXYIWCr C05SILSSION                    En@iromnentai Quality"Coastal Resources Management Program
                                              avad@ Vwgb"                     th-gh G-t # 'NA",          '.01 d th. National ().-.
                                                                              and Atmaspheric Administration, Offi of Oman and
                                                                              Coastal Re@ Manageanent, underothe Coa@tal Zone
                                                                              Management Act of 1972, as amended.-




                                                                                                         I
                                                                                                         I
         Comprehensive PkIn - % Development Zones: 3.6                                                   1
                                                                                                         1
                                                                                                         1
                                                                                                         1
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                                     Dragon Run Watershed Management Plan

                                                                             Population Density




































                         Legend       PaWle per Squuc NUe



                            Less Than 10

                            10 -49

                            5o -99
                        0100-499
                        EJ 5oo+









                              NUDDLE PENMUIA PLA@MG
                                E)ISMCr COMNOSION                11fis map production was funded, in part, by the Department of
                                                                 Environmental Quadity's Coastal Resources Management Program
                                      9.d@ Virgi.                through Grant # NA47OzO287-01 of the National Oceam
                                                                 and Atmospheric Administration. Office of Oman and
                                                                 Coasrad Resource Management, under the CoaAal Zbne
                                                                 Management Act of 1972, as amended.-




                                                                                                                  I
                                                                                                                  I
           Population Density: 65.0 People/sq.mi.                                                                 I
                                                                                                                  I
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                            Dragon. Run. Watershed Management Plan
                                                     Generalized Future Land Use

                                             Based On Local Comprehensive Plans



























                                                                                                                          U-D



                                                                                                                                R.


                  Legend
                  M Development Zones
                  VO Primary Roads
                     Streams and Shorelines





                       MIDDLE PININSUIA P1,kNNWG
                        mnacr                   This map production v@w funded, in part, by the Department of
                              COMMISSION        Envimmental Quality's Coastal Resources Management Program
                            S-b-1k V-9.i.       through Giant # NA47OzM7-01 of the National Oceanic,
                                                and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Oman and
                                                Coastal Resource Management, under the Coastal Zone,
                                                Management Act of 1972, w amendedu





                                                                                                                         I    NOAA COASTAL SERVICES CTR LISRARY
                                                                                                                         ,


                                                                                                                              3 6668 14110955 5 @































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