Strategi=
c Area
Plan
2003 - 2=
008
Prepared by the Old Dominion RC&D Council, Inc.
Acting for = the following sponsors:
Peter Franc= isco Soil and Water Conservation District
Piedmont So= il and Water Conservation District
Southside S= oil and Water Conservation District
Southside P= lanning District Commission
Address
Staff
Dave Roberts, RC&D Coordinator
Sue Adams, Administrative Assistant
The mission= of the Old Dominion RC&D Council is to initiate and coordinate resource development and conservation programs that enhance the social, economic, and environmental quality of the region.
Vision
A locally driven organization with a diverse and talen= ted council empowered to work cooperatively within the region to improve the environment and quality of life of its citizenry.
Overview
The Old Dominion RC&D Council Inc. is a non-profit= organization with 501(c)(3) Federal Tax Exempt Status. We work within our region to initi= ate, coordinate, and enhance projects that improve the standard of living for the constituents. We are a local organization with local leadership making positive decisions to improve the quality of our communities. We identified needs and opportunities within five resource areas:
A.&n=
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Agricul=
ture
and Forestry
B.&n=
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Fish and
Wildlife
C.&n=
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Land and
Water
D.&n=
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Recreat=
ion
and Tourism
= E. Human and Natural Resources Developmen= t
Using the strategic planning process, we blended a hos= t of ideas into a condensed list of objectives in order to develop the area plan. These objectives will t= arget our council's initiatives and energies over the next decade. Based upon need, local support, and available resources, we will select a realistic list of priority objectives= to pursue through a plan of work that will be updated annually. The plan of work will be the implementation tool of this strategic area plan.
Purpose and Role
Our role is rural development. Our primary interests include, but= are not limited to, the environment, recreation, education, tourism, and energy conservation. Local and state economic, industrial, and development commissions as well as planning distr= ict commissions are the primary leaders of economic development within our area. We strive to enhance ra= ther than compete with their activities.
Where possible, we try to stimulate the level of activ= ity by assisting with the small business growth and development of niche industries. We do not limit ourselves as a funding or grant-seeking service. We help to develop local leadershi= p and coordinate community and regional activities. Local people participating in the planning, decision-making, and implementation process accomplish this.
Viability of rural communities is important, and we as= sist our area in trying to overcome its vulnerability to financial constraints, declining political strength and leadership fragmentation. The result is a favorable climate = for expanding industry, economic growth and community services.
Old Dominion RC&D strives to enhance the area as an attractive place to live, work and play. The RC&D Council prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religi= on, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation and marital or family status.
Area Description
The 2000 census indicated a population of 185,257. 59% of the population is white, 39=
% is
African American, and 2% other races. According to the 2001 census,
unemployment within the Old Dominion RC&D area is above the state avera=
ge
with some counties 2 to 4% higher.
Income within the area is at least 30 percent below the state
average. Twenty percent of the
population lives within the poverty level. At least 60 percent of the adults
over the age of 25 have less than a high school education. The area consists of 3,132,753 acr=
es of
which 76 percent is woodland. A
larger percentage of the population's income is, in part, if not totally,
dependent upon natural resources related to forestry and agriculture. We are an important contributor to=
our
state's need for food, fiber, timber, recreation, and historical past.
Our Rural Needs and Opportunities
A.&n=
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Agricu=
lture
and Forestry
Our predominant landuse is forestry. The percentage of people employed =
in
agriculture is steadily declining.
The future outlook of a major economic producing crop (tobacco) is
questionable. Export of raw
materials and the lack of local processing industries are major concerns.
Agriculture G=
oal:
Support existing agriculture and research opportunities that complement
agricultural landuse through alternative crops, recreation, and cottage
industry activities.
The following objectives were identified as important:=
· Promote agriculture by encouraging agricultu= re awareness in public education
· Support Agribusiness Council
· Expand and develop markets
· Improve and support marketing of locally gro= wn crops (grains and vegetables)
· Lobby for staff positions located within our region
Strategy 1:
Partnerships:<= /i> Natural Resources Conservation Ser= vice, VA Department of Conservation and Recreation, Agribusiness, Cooperative Extension Service
Timeframe:= 2003-2008
Strategy 2: Provide leadership and technical s= upport with the exploration of non-traditional agricultural enterprises.
Partnerships: Natural Resources Conservation Ser= vice, Rural Development, private foundations, Agribusiness, localities
Timeframe:= 2003-2008
Strategy 3: Assist local citizens so they fully capitalize on opportunities within the 2002 Farm Bill
Partnerships: Natural Resources Conservation Ser= vice, Farm Services Agency, SWCDs
Timeframe:= 2003-2008
Forestry Goal:
Support revenue ventures that complement forest landuses through recreation=
al
and hunting activities and introduce cottage industries that enhance forest=
ry.
The following objectives were identified as important:=
· Explore income opportunities that combine wi= th forestry
· Encourage forestry awareness in public educa= tion programs
· Support and expand research on alternative timber uses including wood as an alternative fuel source
· Improve and support marketing of locally gro= wn timber
· Assist county governments in planning and implementing fire prevention strategies
Strategy 1:
Partnerships:<= /i> Natural Resources Conservation Ser= vice, VA Department of Forestry, VA Department of Conservation and Recreation, Agribusiness, Cooperative Extension Service
Timeframe:= 2003-2008
Strategy 2: Acquire grants and technical assis= tance to implement demonstration projects and entrepreneurial ventures.
Partnerships: Natural Resources Conservation Ser= vice, VA Department of Forestry, Rural Development, private foundations, Agribusiness, localities
Timeframe:= 2002-2007
B.&n=
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Fish a=
nd
Wildlife
Economic and recreational opportunities can be expande= d by utilizing our natural resources base if we continue to maintain and improve= our quality and quantity. Our rur= al setting provides an abundant habitat, which can serve the local residents a= nd surrounding metropolitan areas. Our function is to capitalize and enhance the resources contributing to this environment.
Fish and Wild=
life
Goal: Improve wildlife habitat.
The following objectives were identified as important:=
· Support the restoration of a balanced wildli= fe program
· Promote stewardship to protect water quality=
· Support public access points to outdoor activities
· Promote a good neighbor policy concerning natural resources and outdoor activities
Strategy 1: Offer training on wildlife habitat= management and promote availability of financial assistance.
Partnerships: Natural Resources Conservation Ser=
vice,
VA Department of Game and Inland Fisheries,
Timeframe:= 2003-2006
Strategy 2: Identify and market local outdoor recreational facilities.
Partnerships:<= /i> Corps of Engineers, US Fish & Wildlife Service, VA Department of Conservation and Recreation, VA Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, lo= cal municipalities, private landowners
Timeframe:= 2003-2008
C. Land and Water
Abundant, clean water is an attraction to our area for
recreational and industrial use.
Major streams, rivers and over 40 flood control reservoirs ranging f=
rom
small eight-acre impoundments to the 50,000 acre Kerr Reservoir (
Land and Wate=
r Goal:
Seek out existing and new landuse programs.
The following objectives were identified as important:=
· Maintain and improve existing and new public= and private land programs
Strategy:<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> Work with partners to identify new methods to promote new and existing land programs.
Parterships:= Natural Resources Conservation Service, Cooperative Extension Servic= e, and soil and water conservation districts.
Timeframe:= 2003-2008
D. Recreation and Tourism
Additional athletic facilities and organized recreatio= nal activities are needed in our area. Volunteers currently provide most of the support independently witho= ut an organized direction of leadership. A lack of adequate facilities exists because of funding competition = with state and federally mandated programs.&nbs= p; Located within 100 miles of two state capitals places us within proximity to promote tourism and outdoors recreational opportunities. There is an opportunity to generate dollars to help finance our own needs.&nbs= p; We can also market a tourist industry that is clean, environmentally safe and less burdensome on infrastructure services such as schools, housin= g, and health. Rich in heritage,= this area has uniquely preserved its historical significance of the nineteenth a= nd early twentieth centuries. Opportunities abound to capitalize on our potential attraction as a rural, scenic, and historic place to visit. Through planning and implementatio= n, we can provide a service that will make our area a more attractive place to li= ve.
Recreation and Tourism Goal: Promote economic development through tourism.
The following objectives were identified as important:=
· Advertise and publicize resources for touris= m
· Provide local training to host visitors and manage facilities
· Promote the preservation of our heritage and common identities
· Promote the development of our tourism inven= tory
Strategy 1: Work with localities to identify w= ays to promote and attract vacationers to the region.
Partnerships: Virginia Tourism Corporation,
Timetable:= 2003-2008
Strategy 2= : Hire a regional tourism coordinato= r
Partnerships: localities
Timetable:= 2003
E.&n=
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Human and Natural Resources Develop=
ment
Without question our greatest resource is the citizenr= y that live within the region. Every= thing we do should work to improve our quality of life and our environment. The prop= er use and development of our natural resources are directly linked to our qua= lity of life.
Human and Nat=
ural
Resources Development Goal: To promote the improvement of our environmental
quality of life.
The following objectives were identified as important:=
· Coordinate a strong and active volunteer pro= gram
· Provide assistance with management of recyclables
· Promote proper land use that is consistent w= ith the citizens' objectives based on the latest technology available
· Assist with educational opportunities to imp= rove the knowledge base of present and future leaders
Strategy 1: Actively pursue Earth Team volunte= ers to assist with carrying out goals.
Partnership: NRCS
Timeframe:= 2003-2008
Strategy 2= : Work with existing and newly formed committees to maximize educational opportunities pertaining to the wise use= of natural resources and develop local leadership.
Partnerships: Natural Resources Conservation Ser= vice, Cooperative Extension Service, soil and water conservation districts, Department of Conservation and Recreation, localities.
Timetable:= 2003-2008
"The Old Dominion RC&D Council agrees that the RC&D Program will be conducted in compliance with the nondiscrimination= provisions as contained in Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (Public Law 100-259) and other nondiscrimination statutes; namely, Section 504, of the Rehabilitation Act = of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination = Act of 1975 and in accordance with the regulations of the Secretary of Agricult= ure (7CFR-115, Subparts A & B) which provide that no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, marital status, or handicap/disability be excluded from participa= tion in, or be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discriminati= on under any program or activity receiving federal financial (or technical) as= sistance from the US Department of Agriculture or any agency thereof."
The Old Dominion RC&D Council, Inc. agrees that the signing of this document constitutes agreement to comply with federal laws concerning restrictions on lobbying, a drug-free workplace, and responsibilities for nonprocurement, suspension, and disbarment, and state review.
The Old Dominion RC&D Council, Inc. hereby adopts = this RC&D Area Plan and agrees to use effectively the assistance provided by= the Department of Agriculture to realize the goals and objectives outlined here= in.
Old Dominion RC&D Council, Inc.,
By: _________________________________ = &nb= sp; Date: ___________________
Chairman
This action authorized at an official meeting of the O= ld Dominion RC&D Council, Inc. on
__________________________.
Attest: __________________________________
&nbs= p; Secretary
The State Conservationist hereby acknowledges the atta= ched Area Plan of Old Dominion RC&D as meeting the requirements under Public= Law 97-98 to receive assistance from USDA.
Approved By: ______________________________ &= nbsp; &nbs= p; Date: ___________________
&nbs= p; &= nbsp; State Conservationist