How Healthy Are Our Watersheds? Ways to Protect Our Watersheds Stream Buffers Upper Thornton River Watershed Study
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Hazel River “Exceptional State Water”Good
News! The Hazel River in Rappahannock and Culpeper Counties has been
nominated for designation as an “Exceptional State Water,” also
known as Tier III classification. The nomination of the Hazel presents
a rare opportunity to honor and protect an outstanding, scenic river
that runs free and clean through an unspoiled part of two beautiful Virginia
counties, from the Blue Ridge to the Piedmont. Citizens who own property
or live in the county have a special role to play in the decision-making
process that potentially leads to ensuring that the Hazel remains a special,
undiminished resource of exceptional quality, serenity, and beauty. The Hazel River in Autumn by Sally MelloThe purpose of Tier III status is to MAINTAIN THE CURRENT QUALITY of pristine waterways and to protect them as a resource for the future. When a river is awarded Tier III status, THIS MEANS:
At the same time, Tier III status:
Prepared by the Piedmont Research Institute for the Hazel River Task
Force, CITIZEN SUPPORT NEEDEDFor the Hazel River, there will be public participation at the State and local level through a petition period, with the opportunity for public comment. Landowners having property directly along the Hazel River may share their opinions about this designation with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) until December 19th. All other citizens (note: residency in Rappahannock or Culpeper Counties is not a requirement in order to comment) may submit comments to DEQ starting November 28th until December 19th. The Hazel River Task Force was formed to help citizens learn about the Tier III nomination of the Hazel River. The Task Force would like you to CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SUPERVISOR and tell him you support the Tier III designation for the Hazel. It is VITAL that you do this now IN ORDER TO SHAPE THE PUBLIC POSITION YOUR SUPERVISOR WILL TAKE ON THE ISSUE. Please refer to the list below to find contact information for your supervisor. Rappahannock County Supervisors’ Contact Information by District:
If you own land along the Hazel River, please send your comments to DEQ NOW (all other citizens are asked to hold their comments until November 28th—DEQ will NOT consider comments received in advance of the designated time frame). Comments can be mailed, emailed, or faxed to: Mr. David C. Whitehurst
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