As adults we are taught to keep our passions on a low simmer. I say that’s a waste of time – especially when bugs are involved.
Partnership Signing Event
Partnership with Volunteers Helps Keep Virginia’s Waters Clean
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to Renew Commitment to Citizen Monitoring
Virginia DEQ Director David Paylor will join leaders from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Izaak Walton League of America, Virginia Citizens for Water Quality, and Virginia Water Monitoring Council to sign a new partnership agreement supporting citizen water quality monitoring.
The November 18 event at Browns Island (directly across from Tredegar Iron Works on Tredegar Street in downtown Richmond) is open to the public and press. The signing event will begin at 1:30pm and conclude by 2:30pm. Parking is available at the Belle Isle parking lot near the railroad bridge on Tredegar Street, metered parking on South 5th Street or at the parking deck located on Bragg Street near the Federal Reserve building.
: Signing event location
: Parking available on S. 5th Street and at the James River Park lot on Tredegar Street
Welcome to the Team!
Congratulations to Harry Reed on becoming a Regional Trainer! Harry is an experienced certified VA SOS monitor at the Izaak Walton League’s Warren County Chapter. He completed his trainer certification teaching an introductory stream monitoring workshop on Happy Creek on October 29, 2015. VA SOS staff observed the training to ensure Harry was following the proper procedure. We also visited the League chapter and got to experience it’s beautiful woodlands and pond.
2014 VA SOS Results
The results are in! In 2014, Virginia SOS volunteers monitored 119 sites on 79 streams across the state, taking samples during 298 monitoring events. Thirty-seven percent of the samples indicated unacceptable water quality.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) relies on volunteers to provide the most accurate picture of stream health across the state and uses this data in reports to Congress. Thanks to all the volunteer monitors who braved the elements in 2014 to provide this valuable data!