Shenandoah 2045: Water Resources / Agricultural, Forestal, & Geological Resources

Our conversation today with Tyler Hinkle, Shenandoah County's Planner is part of an ongoing series following the work on Shenandoah 2045 - Shenandoah County's comprehensive plan. The planning process will unfold over the course of four years with the majority of the community collaboration occurring from 2020-2022, with input in 2023-2024. Today's chat featured Mike Liskey & Jacob Bowman, District 2 Representative of the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). They gave us an update on the two chapters that they're working on: Chapter Two: Water Resources, and Chapter Three: Agricultural, Forestal, and Geological Resources. They explained how these chapters were created and the importance of breaking them out into standalone components from the previous plan. They encouraged listeners to reach out with any questions or suggestions. Tyler reminded us of all the different means of communication that are available which include email, their website, social media, as well as stopping by the planning department. You can find the chapter overview below and view the entire plan in various forms here: https://shenandoahcountyva.us/2045plan/ Chapter 2: Water Resources Provides a vision and objectives to protect and enhance aspects such as the rivers, creeks, and streams including their floodplains such as the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, Smith Creek, and Mine Run. karst topography, sinkholes, groundwater recharge areas for public wells, and the related groundwater resources in the county. important aquatic habitats and resources such as wetlands, ponds, lakes, and estuaries flash flooding and droughts and the potential impacts water, or the lack of it, poses to public and private investments water and sewer sanitation facilities as well as private wells Chapter 3: Agricultural, Forestal, and Mineral Resources Provides a vision and objectives to protect and enhance aspects such as the prime agricultural soils overall and for specific agricultural industries. existing forest coverage, old growth forests, and key wildlife corridors and habitats. steep slopes and areas that are prone to landslides. mining operations for minerals or rocks such as limestone quarries mountain top and slopes as well as key natural landmarks such as Round Hill. use of the land and methods to ensure the County retains its rural agricultural character in how land is used. (ie large scale poultry operations, industrial greenhouses, solar facilities, and other uses that pose an impact to valuable farm and forest land in the County) For more information about the planning process, visit their website: https://shenandoahcountyva.us/future/ and follow them on Facebook. You can listen to my previous conversations with Tyler about Shenandoah 2045 by clicking here.