Four Mile Run Workshop Agenda Straw Proposal

Four Mile Run Workshop Agenda

Straw Proposal

Revised LD 10/23/00

Goal: Create a widespread, united effort to conserve, protect, restore, regenerate, and enjoy the natural, cultural and economic values of the Four Mile Run watershed in Virginia 

Objectives:

• Expand and coordinate efforts with the Four Mile Run community, including Non-government organizations, businesses, individuals and non-traditional communities.
• Provide format for presenting the effects of urbanization, mandates, and personal influences on Four Mile Run
• Unite jurisdictional efforts by facilitating input and identifying priorities for the watershed (City of Alexandria, City of Falls Church, Arlington County, Fairfax County)

Date:  Saturday, April 28, 2001

Location:  

• Day 1--???? Arlington or Fairfax, community center
• Day 2—Alexandria, Birchmere Music Hall on Mt Vernon Avenue

            

Target Audience: 

Residents, local elected and appointed officials, merchants, landowners, recreation users, Commonwealth and Federal government representatives, educators, civic and private organization leaders, etc.

Day 1--Evening (6:00--9:00 p.m.)

Opening Session

Welcome by Local Elected Officials and Workshop Organizers

• Keynote "Anchor" Speaker.  
• Dave's Film
• Brief overview Workshop format
• Presentations describing regulatory framework, water quality issues, current and planned monitoring and restoration projects, recreation and access in the watershed

Day 2--Morning to After Lunch (9:00 a.m.--1:00 p.m.)

*  Keynote "Anchor" Speaker

Session I   Four Mile Run Assets/ Values & Issues

Participants go to breakout groups and identify the most

important assets/ values and problems, issues or matters of public concern related to Four-Mile Run

Session II   Four Mile Run Actions

Participants go to breakout groups to discuss ways to solve problems and save or restore assets (i.e. monitoring, outreach/ education, public access, recreation areas and linkages, etc.).  Each group develops priorities

Lunch

Summary of Values, Issues and Actions & Next Steps

Include the announcement of one or more grants or designations (i.e. VA Adopt a Stream; Conservation Foundation Greenway Grant, etc.)

Session III   Four Mile Run Experience

• Walking/ bike/ boating Route.   Participants take an experiential route to learn more about Four Mile Run.  The route includes stations (booths, exhibits, hands-on activities) with local people and/ or interpreters to provide participants with information.  Demonstrate assets, local plans and projects, history and ways to get involved.  
• Possible Activities include: 

water quality testing (chemical and biotic sampling)

wetland planting

tree-planting

boat safety

fishing

clean-up

native planting 

VA Water Wizard Van 

• Translators needed at every stop
• Bike map that tells story of Four Mile Run