Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Drew Parkin and the River Protection Movement
Drew Parkin and the River Protection Movement
February 12, 2008
J. Glenn Eugster
In 1979 I was working for the US Heritage Conservation & Recreation Service in Philadelphia, PA servicing a 13 state region including New England and Mid-Atlantic States and the District of Columbia. We were 2/3rds of the way to completing the Nationwide Rivers Inventory which was an effort to identify the most outstandingly remarkable rivers in America. The review and experience of assessing these great rivers of America made our group excited about not only the identification process but the eventual protection of these amazing rivers. While completing the inventory a number of us began to think about developing a technical assistance program to help governments and private groups protect rivers.
We had just learned of Section 11 of the WSR Act from Chick Fagan who was working on studies of the Shepaug and the Housatonic Rivers in CT and his description of that provision showed us a path that we would follow to develop the concept that would lead to the SLRCAP and what is now RTCA. Our earliest efforts were a supplement to the Implementation Assistance work that was coming out of the SCORP which helped to guide the LWCF.
Our early Implementation Assistance work committed us to do a Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regional Rivers Conference at Mohonk, NY and the planning of the gathering feed a spirit of partnership between the states, HCRS and groups such as the NE Rivers Center. The way that we had approached the NRI made it easier for state government leaders, especially in NY, MA, MD, VA, DE, RI and ME, to look at our small federal agency as an entity that was quite unfederal.
In addition to the Nationwide Rivers Inventory and the Mohonk Conference our office also made commitments through our LWCF State Liaison Officers to work with various agencies, and the public, on the CT Watershed Lands Project, the Delaware State Rivers Assessment, NY State Rivers Program Manual, Maine River Information System, James-Tye River Nuclear Proposal Assessment, and the Sheepscot River Assessment.
All of this work was a transition from NRI to river info systems, which we called Statewide River Assessments. It also broke away from the narrow wild and scenic, or natural rivers, orientation, toward a more holistic approach to rivers including ones with significant urban, cultural and recreation values. This direction also reflected a new philosophy that embraced the idea that the river stewardship role should generally be assumed by the lowest possible level of government that is willing to pursue minimum standards for environmental quality. River conservation was being advocated as a shared responsibility with the feds being one of the partners.
In May of 1980 the State of Maine and HCRS proposed the Maine Rivers Study. Work included assisting the state with a statewide inventory; establishing a technically sound and politically acceptable river conservation priority list; development of a model rivers inventory and priority process; further defining the appropriate role and relationships between Federal, State and local government agencies and private sector in river conservation.
While progress was being made in partnering to protect rivers, the bottom was falling out of the budgets that supported federal river conservation assistance. Interestingly in June of 1980 the HCRS leadership, in response to conservative political winds and anticipated budget cuts, made decisions to use temporary staff to get work done in the unit that did river protection work. "Keep permanents low and maximize temps", was the direction that HCRS Regional Director Bob McIntosh gave his rivers office.
Undaunted by the anticipated budget shortfalls, in October 11, 1980 the rivers office proposed to implement the most significant river conservation opportunities as identified by the NRI in partnership with states, local governments, private groups and landowners. The proposal called for staff and funding to establish greenway/ river corridor management plans; local tasks forces for each river; and technical assistance by HCRS.
Interestingly, early in 1981 the rivers office received a call from Farmington River Watershed Association who were interested in a possible technical assistance study as an alternative to National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act bill. A proposal to divert the Farmington’s flow was sparking citizen and local government support.
In March 1981, with the arrival of the Regan Administration, the managers of HCRS imposed a hiring freeze. The following month HCRS and NPS, including each of the agencies river functions, were proposed to be merged.
In May of 1981 a representative of the State, in response to interest by Governor Joe Brennan, requested the rivers office to accelerate the Maine Rivers Study. Maine’s rivers were being examined by energy interest and there was widespread concern about the negative impacts that the hydropower boom would have on the state’s rivers. A quick assessment was suggested and the project was accelerated.
As the Maine Rivers Study work accelerated existing staff continued to depart the agency fearing that a reduction in force that was being threatened would actually happen. By June, despite the interest of the Governor, the study team consisted of one person who also had significant other duties.
I first met Drew Parkin, then of Watertown, MA, when he was completing his Master’s degree at MIT. He responded to a flyer that I had posted at MIT as I look for college students who were interested in working with NPS to help Maine protect its rivers. We talked by telephone sometime between June 22 and July 20, 1981. Drew and I discussed his involvement in a NPS-State of Maine partnership project and the Governor’s interest in looking at meeting Maine’s energy and river conservation needs simultaneously.
As the project unfolded in Augusta, the State Capitol, we continued talking and eventually met in Boston in September with another college student from the University of PA named Dave Lange. Drew and Dave, from a distance with a very modest budget and no other staff support, served as the National Park Service project leaders of the Maine Rivers Study. The statewide rivers effort led to the protection of XX miles of Maine’s rivers from new hydro-power projects and established a river conservation policy that continues to be a model for other efforts across America.
Drew Parkin’s work on the Maine Rivers Study, also demonstrated the value of partnerships at all levels of government and the private sector and the importance of a quiet, enabling leadership role for the federal government. Not only did the study protect important rivers it demonstrated how these types of river assessments could be used to make objective decisions and integrate and achieve protection and development goals simultaneously.
The Maine Rivers Study was also the key building block for what would become the NPS Rivers & Trails Program. Not only did the project accomplish tangible results but it demonstrated the next generation of leaders and proved that a shared approach to river protection was not only essential but possible to achieve.
Drew Parkin’s work for NPS, first as a graduate student, then as a temporary employee, and finally as a permanent employee, revolutionized river protection work in the NPS, in more than 25 states across America. Initially he helped to design a statewide rivers methodology that melded good science with good civics as a way to decide what rivers, and their intangible and tangible values and functions should be protected, why and how. His work in Maine led to changes in river laws, regulations, policies and approaches that continue to be used 25 years later.
The methodology he helped to design relied on objective, quantitative and qualitative river information based on research studies and expert opinion. It enabled public and private leaders to identify different levels of river resource significance, identify the suitability of areas for different uses, and do comparative analysis. The Maine Rivers Study methodology was modified by Drew and others to assess the state’s lakes and most recently was used in Maine’s assessment of areas suitable for wind-power.
The methodology that Drew helped to design in Maine was sought out by many government and private sector leaders in the 1980’s and 1990’s. It was subsequently used to identify important river values and functions in Vermont, Washington, Oregon, Montana, North Dakota, New York, Maryland, South Carolina, Florida, North Carolina, Arizona, Utah, Texas, California, and Hawaii.
In addition to his leadership in statewide river protection efforts Drew also helped advance the approaches that have been used on specific river corridors and watersheds. While working in the Northeast Office of NPS Drew helped public and private partners successfully design and implement the Wildcat Brook National Scenic and Recreational River effort in New Hampshire and the Farmington Scenic and Recreational River effort in Connecticut.
Drew Parkin’s selfless river protection work over the last 25 years is outstanding. His commitment and approach to help others help themselves to protect rivers and their related land areas has had more impact on river values than any other individual during this time period. Recognizing Mr. Parkin at the 50th Anniversary of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act is both timely and appropriate. Throughout his career, due to his partnership approach and quiet and enabling leadership style he has largely gone unrecognized except by those people and living resources he has worked with and protected. He has implemented the vision, intent and spirit of the Act in ways that should, or at least would, make the authors of the legislation proud of the results and optimistic about the future of America’s rivers.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
DRAFT: Drew Parkin and the River Protection Movement February 12, 2008 J. Glenn Eugster
DRAFT: Drew Parkin and the River Protection Movement
February 12, 2008
J. Glenn Eugster
In 1979 I was working for the US Heritage Conservation & Recreation Service in Philadelphia, PA servicing a 13 state region including New England and Mid-Atlantic States and the District of Columbia. We were 2/3rds of the way to completing the Nationwide Rivers Inventory which was an effort to identify the most outstandingly remarkable rivers in America. The review and experience of assessing these great rivers of America made our group excited about not only the identification process but the eventual protection of these amazing rivers. While completing the inventory a number of us began to think about developing a technical assistance program to help governments and private groups protect rivers.
We had just learned of Section 11 of the WSR Act from Chick Fagan who was working on studies of the Shepaug and the Housatonic Rivers in CT and his description of that provision showed us a path that we would follow to develop the concept that would lead to the SLRCAP and what is now RTCA. Our earliest efforts were a supplement to the Implementation Assistance work that was coming out of the SCORP which helped to guide the LWCF.
Our early Implementation Assistance work committed us to do a Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regional Rivers Conference at Mohonk, NY and the planning of the gathering feed a spirit of partnership between the states, HCRS and groups such as the NE Rivers Center. The way that we had approached the NRI made it easier for state government leaders, especially in NY, MA, MD, VA, DE, RI and ME, to look at our small federal agency as an entity that was quite unfederal.
In addition to the Nationwide Rivers Inventory and the Mohonk Conference our office also made commitments through our LWCF State Liaison Officers to work with various agencies, and the public, on the CT Watershed Lands Project, the Delaware State Rivers Assessment, NY State Rivers Program Manual, Maine River Information System, James-Tye River Nuclear Proposal Assessment, and the Sheepscot River Assessment.
All of this work was a transition from NRI to river info systems, which we called Statewide River Assessments. It also broke away from the narrow wild and scenic, or natural rivers, orientation, toward a more holistic approach to rivers including ones with significant urban, cultural and recreation values. This direction also reflected a new philosophy that embraced the idea that the river stewardship role should generally be assumed by the lowest possible level of government that is willing to pursue minimum standards for environmental quality. River conservation was being advocated as a shared responsibility with the feds being one of the partners.
In May of 1980 the State of Maine and HCRS proposed the Maine Rivers Study. Work included assisting the state with a statewide inventory; establishing a technically sound and politically acceptable river conservation priority list; development of a model rivers inventory and priority process; further defining the appropriate role and relationships between Federal, State and local government agencies and private sector in river conservation.
While progress was being made in partnering to protect rivers, the bottom was falling out of the budgets that supported federal river conservation assistance. Interestingly in June of 1980 the HCRS leadership, in response to conservative political winds and anticipated budget cuts, made decisions to use temporary staff to get work done in the unit that did river protection work. "Keep permanents low and maximize temps", was the direction that HCRS Regional Director Bob McIntosh gave his rivers office.
Undaunted by the anticipated budget shortfalls, in October 11, 1980 the rivers office proposed to implement the most significant river conservation opportunities as identified by the NRI in partnership with states, local governments, private groups and landowners. The proposal called for staff and funding to establish greenway/ river corridor management plans; local tasks forces for each river; and technical assistance by HCRS.
Interestingly, early in 1981 the rivers office received a call from Farmington River Watershed Association who were interested in a possible technical assistance study as an alternative to National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act bill. A proposal to divert the Farmington’s flow was sparking citizen and local government support.
In March 1981, with the arrival of the Regan Administration, the managers of HCRS imposed a hiring freeze. The following month HCRS and NPS, including each of the agencies river functions, were proposed to be merged.
In May of 1981 a representative of the State, in response to interest by Governor Joe Brennan, requested the rivers office to accelerate the Maine Rivers Study. Maine’s rivers were being examined by energy interest and there was widespread concern about the negative impacts that the hydropower boom would have on the state’s rivers. A quick assessment was suggested and the project was accelerated.
As the Maine Rivers Study work accelerated existing staff continued to depart the agency fearing that a reduction in force that was being threatened would actually happen. By June, despite the interest of the Governor, the study team consisted of one person who also had significant other duties.
I first met Drew Parkin, then of Watertown, MA, when he was completing his Master’s degree at MIT. He responded to a flyer that I had posted at MIT as I look for college students who were interested in working with NPS to help Maine protect its rivers. We talked by telephone sometime between June 22 and July 20, 1981. Drew and I discussed his involvement in a NPS-State of Maine partnership project and the Governor’s interest in looking at meeting Maine’s energy and river conservation needs simultaneously.
As the project unfolded in Augusta, the State Capitol, we continued talking and eventually met in Boston in September with another college student from the University of PA named Dave Lange. Drew and Dave, from a distance with a very modest budget and no other staff support, served as the National Park Service project leaders of the Maine Rivers Study. The statewide rivers effort led to the protection of XX miles of Maine’s rivers from new hydro-power projects and established a river conservation policy that continues to be a model for other efforts across America.
Drew Parkin’s work on the Maine Rivers Study, also demonstrated the value of partnerships at all levels of government and the private sector and the importance of a quiet, enabling leadership role for the federal government. Not only did the study protect important rivers it demonstrated how these types of river assessments could be used to make objective decisions and integrate and achieve protection and development goals simultaneously.
The Maine Rivers Study was also the key building block for what would become the NPS Rivers & Trails Program. Not only did the project accomplish tangible results but it demonstrated the next generation of leaders and proved that a shared approach to river protection was not only essential but possible to achieve.
Drew Parkin’s work for NPS, first as a graduate student, then as a temporary employee, and finally as a permanent employee, revolutionized river protection work in the NPS, in more than 25 states across America. Initially he helped to design a statewide rivers methodology that melded good science with good civics as a way to decide what rivers, and their intangible and tangible values and functions should be protected, why and how. His work in Maine led to changes in river laws, regulations, policies and approaches that continue to be used 25 years later.
The methodology he helped to design relied on objective, quantitative and qualitative river information based on research studies and expert opinion. It enabled public and private leaders to identify different levels of river resource significance, identify the suitability of areas for different uses, and do comparative analysis. The Maine Rivers Study methodology was modified by Drew and others to assess the state’s lakes and most recently was used in Maine’s assessment of areas suitable for wind-power.
The methodology that Drew helped to design in Maine was sought out by many government and private sector leaders in the 1980’s and 1990’s. It was subsequently used to identify important river values and functions in Vermont, Washington, Oregon, Montana, North Dakota, New York, Maryland, South Carolina, Florida, North Carolina, Arizona, Utah, Texas, California, and Hawaii.
In addition to his leadership in statewide river protection efforts Drew also helped advance the approaches that have been used on specific river corridors and watersheds. While working in the Northeast Office of NPS Drew helped public and private partners successfully design and implement the Wildcat Brook National Scenic and Recreational River effort in New Hampshire and the Farmington Scenic and Recreational River effort in Connecticut.
Drew Parkin’s selfless river protection work over the last 25 years is outstanding. His commitment and approach to help others help themselves to protect rivers and their related land areas has had more impact on river values than any other individual during this time period. Recognizing Mr. Parkin at the 50th Anniversary of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act is both timely and appropriate. Throughout his career, due to his partnership approach and quiet and enabling leadership style he has largely gone unrecognized except by those people and living resources he has worked with and protected. He has implemented the vision, intent and spirit of the Act in ways that should, or at least would, make the authors of the legislation proud of the results and optimistic about the future of America’s rivers.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Potomac American Heritage River Friends of the Potomac & National Park Service Draft Mission Statement (6/29/99)
Potomac American Heritage River
Friends of the Potomac & National Park Service
Draft Mission Statement (6/29/99)
Background: The Potomac American Heritage River effort is intended to implement the 1997 Presidential Executive Order # 13061 directing federal agencies to establish and implement the American Heritage Rivers Initiative. The Initiative is intended to support communities in their efforts to restore and protect America’s rivers within existing laws and regulations, by providing them with better access to information, tools and resources, and encouraging private funding of local efforts deserving special recognition. Support for local and basin-wide projects and activities is being led by the Friends of the Potomac, a non-profit watershed coalition, and the National Park Service, the lead Federal agency for this partnership.
Purpose: To organize, manage and support community-wide initiatives that foster appreciation for and conservation of the Potomac River Basin through improved cooperation and coordination among federal agencies and programs. The Friends of the Potomac, and their Potomac American Heritage River partners, are committed to land stewardship and making land use decisions in an effort to:
- Improve water quality and foster environmental restoration;
- Promote enjoyment of natural, recreational and heritage assets and;
3) Encourage more citizen involvement in decision-making and community life.
Objectives:
- Restore living resources and historic Potomac fisheries
- Reduce acid mine drainage in the upper Potomac basin
- Reduce nutrient runoff from agricultural and poultry-processing land use
- Achieve the Chesapeake Bay Program’s year 2000 nutrient reduction goal
- Develop more effective flood-loss reduction
- Promote appreciation and development of heritage and recreational assets
- Encourage community revitalization through heritage development
- Increase opportunities to learn about the Potomac Basin’s natural features, history and culture
For more information: Karen Zachary, Coordinator, Friends of the Potomac,
- N. Randolph St. Arlington, VA 22201-4608. By telephone: (703) 522-8783)
River Navigator for the Potomac American Heritage River, 2000.
March 17, 2000
Dear Friends,
On March 6, 2000 Glenn Kinser of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service took over as River Navigator for the Potomac American Heritage River. Glenn will be detailed to the National Park Service’s National Capital Region (NCR) and work out of Harpers Ferry, WV. His current telephone number is (304) 876-7468.
I will be leaving EPA and returning to work for the National Park Service as Assistant Regional Director for Partnership Programs within the National Capital Region. My duties include seeking non-NPS funds to help park and program managers achieve goals; and coordinating NCR activities related to River and Trail Programs, the Chesapeake Bay Program, the Countryside Stewardship Exchange and the Potomac American Heritage River.
The last fourteen months on the Potomac have been interesting and challenging. Enclosed is a copy of River Navigator Status Report for 1999. I hope you and your office will continue to support locally led efforts to regenerate the ecology and economy of the Potomac River watershed. Thanks for your support. If I can help you with anything within this region please call on me at (202) 619-7492.
Sincerely,
Glenn Eugster
Assistant Regional Director
Partnership Programs
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposal to dredge the Potomac. 1999.
December 10, 1999
Dear Mr. Krause,
This letter is to follow-up on your request for information about the Lower Potomac River and whether the values of this segment of the river have been considered as part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposal to dredge the Potomac
(Potomac River Federal Navigation Maintenance Dredging Project). I'm not familiar with this project so I made calls to Wes Coleman of the Corps of Engineers; Rich Pepino and Mike Burke of EPA Region III and Tom Ross and Joseph DiBello of the National Park Service offices in Philadelphia and Washington to check on whether all of the environmental compliance requirements have been completed for the proposed COE's dredging project. I should hear back early this week
and will persist until I do.
I also took a look at the Chesapeake Bay report called "Habitat Requirements for Chesapeake Bay Living Resources" and include the following information.
The Lower portion of the Potomac is an important segment of the watershed. There are many values and considerable federal, state and local efforts are being made to conserve and restore this area.
For example:
1. The Chesapeake Bay habitats document recognizes many values in the Lower Potomac as being key to the overall protection and restoration of living resources which are so key to the Bay recovery. Recent meetings between the States, EPA and the Chesapeake Bay Commission are reinforcing the need for all levels of the government and the private
sector to take action to help improve the quality of the water in the Bay watershed.
- The National Park Service has worked to purchase lands in
Prince William Forest Park to help protect the water quality
of the Potomac. Considerable federal expense has and is going to complete this effort.
- The Trust for Public Land is working with local groups in
VA and MD to conserve the Lower Potomac and create a "green
- infrastructure" to protect water quality and living
resources.
4. The Friends of the Potomac, the Federal Emergency management Agency and the Alexandria Seaport Foundation have announced plans for a June 8 & 9, 2000 "Nation's River Bass Tournament" to celebrate the accomplishments, and the economic benefits, of the last twenty years to restore the water in the Potomac to a healthy condition.
Also included is information on Environmental Memorandum No. ES80-2 regarding the nationwide Inventory Rivers. The National Park Service is responsible for these reviews and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has a responsibility to follow the procedures to avoid or mitigate adverse effects on rivers listed on the Inventory. As I told you earlier, the segment of the Potomac from the Nice Bridge to Sandy Point is on the Nationwide Rivers Inventory and subject to this Presidential Directive.
I'll speak with you as soon as I hear from EPA, the COE and NPS. Please call me if you have any questions.
Thanks for your interest in the Potomac and the American Heritage River Initiative.
Sincerely,
J. Glenn Eugster, River Navigator
Potomac American Heritage River
Potomac River near Potomac Creek in King George County, VA.
Mr. Thomas E. Harris
County Administrator
King George County
10459 Courthouse Drive, Ste. 200
King George, VA 22485
November 21, 2000
Dear Tom,
I was delighted to learn the news that your Board of Supervisors has approved funds to purchase approximately thirteen acres of land along the Potomac River near Potomac Creek. The purpose of this letter is indicate our support for the County's initiative and reinforce the importance of what you are trying to accomplish.
Over twenty years ago I visited this part of the Potomac River area and was impressed with the special qualities and opportunities found in King George County. The initiative that the Board of Supervisors is taking obviously helps meet local recreation, conservation, environmental and quality of life needs while contributing to the overall water quality and living resources goals of the Chesapeake Bay Agreement.
Public access within this river segment is presently limited and your acquisition project will meet an important public need. The land to be acquired is along a part of the river that is recognized as one of the top 5 or 10 bass fishing rivers in the United States. This fishery not only provides an important recreation opportunity for your residents but it also can be a way to increase economic opportunities for nearby communities. The land that you intend to purchase will assure that your residents, and visitors, will benefit from the rich legacy and traditions associated with Virginian, and American, recreational fishing and boating.
More and more it seems that successful communities are using their waterfronts to help achieve economic prosperity and environmental health. The land you intend to purchase will also provide you with an opportunity to use your waterfront access to tell residents and visitors about the past, present and future of King George County. Public access areas like yours are places that can be used to shape peoples perceptions about their history and the future of their area. The access site can serve as both a window on the Potomac and a gateway to King George County to view and showcase the assets of the County, sparking local pride and attracting new residents and business to your communities.
Congratulations on your decision to purchase this important property. It is gratifying to see local elected officials make commitments that will be good for the economy, community and the environment. Communities located on rivers like the Potomac, and Potomac Creek, are blessed with good fortune. Your initiative recognizes your wealth and will be a decision that your residents will celebrate over and over.
Please let us know if we can help identify any additional funding you may need to make this project successful. If appropriate we are willing to assist your office pursue public and private grants.
Thanks for sharing the good news. May you have continued success in your work.
Sincerely,
J. Glenn Eugster
Assistant Regional Director, Partnerships Program
Potomac American Heritage River Initiative Potomac River Day--July 30, 1999
Revised Draft #7/ July 27, 1999
Potomac American Heritage River Initiative
Potomac River Day--July 30, 1999
Corporate Breakfast
July 30, 1999 8:00-9:30 a.m. Cosmos Club, Washington, D.C.
(By invitation only)
Goals:
1) foster a partnership between corporate leaders and the Friends of the Potomac preview the corporate commitments to be announced at the Anniversary Celebration
2) present Potomac American Heritage River activities and projects which corporations can support
Welcome, Opening Remarks and Introductions
Kevin Miller, Chairman of the Board, Friends of the Potomac (10 minutes)
Keynote Remarks
James Lee Witt, Federal Emergency Management Agency (15 minutes)
The Honorable James Moran, U.S. House of Representatives, VA (15 minutes)
Presentation on the Potomac American Heritage River
Mari Lou Livingood, Board, Friends of the Potomac (20 minutes)
Closing Remarks
Susann Felton, Group Vice President, Potomac Electric Power Company (15 minutes)
Guests:
Lockheed-Martin
Chrysler Corporation
America Online
U.S. Airways Inc.
Washington Gas and Light Co.
Allegheny Energy Co.
General Motors Corporation
Marina Operators Association
American Waterworks Association
Trex
Chadburne and Park
Potomac Electric Power Corporation
Draft #7 July 27, 1999:
Anniversary Celebration
July 30, 1999 1:30-3:00 p.m. Roosevelt Island, Washington, D.C.
Goals:
1) celebrate the Anniversary of the Potomac AHR;
2) recognize local success;
3) introduce and recognize corporate sponsors;
4) announce federal assistance to support the Potomac AHR.
Welcome, Opening Remarks and Selected Introductions (3 minutes)
Dottie Marshall, Deputy Superintendent, George Washington Memorial Parkway, National Park Service
Kevin Miller, Chairman, Friends of the Potomac
Congressional Perspective (15 minutes)
The Honorable Paul Sarbanes, U.S. Senate, Charles Robb, U.S. Senate, Congressman Moran, Congresswoman Morella and Congresswoman Holmes-Norton of the Potomac River Congressional Caucus.
Recognition of July 30, 1999 as “Potomac River Day” by the Potomac River Congressional Caucus
Recognition of Local Success (15 minutes)
Wilton Corkren of The Friends of the Potomac will recognize five community-based “Local-Federal Potomac Partnerships” which exemplify cooperative efforts in the basin.
#1. Evitts Creek Watershed Project, MD and PA
#2. Town of Hancock, MD C & O Canal
#3. Headwaters Riparian Partnership, VA
#4. Anacostia Watershed Restoration, DC and MD
#5. Piscataway Land Stewardship Education, MD
#6. Bell Spring of Opequon Creek, WV
Corporate Partners (5 minutes)
Mari Lou Livingood, Board Member, Friends of the Potomac will recognize the Potomac AHR "Corporate Partners”. Corporate representatives from PEPCO will be given the opportunity to make remarks.
Federal American Heritage River Assistance
Overview remarks and announcements by Robert Stanton, National Park Service including partnership efforts such as the “2000 Congress on the Potomac”, a Regional Heritage Tourism Initiative and the creation of a “Potomac Federal Lands Stewardship” effort (10 minutes).
In addition, Director Robert Stanton will recognize Federal agency commitments to the Potomac AHR initiative and include:
Remarks by Robert H. Wayland III, Director, Office of Wetlands, Oceans & Watersheds, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency discussing the Clean Water Act, support for the River Navigator, the Chesapeake Bay Partnership Agreement with the Friends and technical assistance for evaluating poultry waste management and preventing wet weather pollution on Federal facilities within the Anacostia and Rock Creek watersheds (7 minutes).
- Remarks by James Lee Witt, Director Federal Emergency Management Agency
describing three project IMPACT communities within the basin and the importance of a watershed approach (10 minutes).
Remarks by Marshall P. Jones, Acting Deputy Director, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the announcement of a Potomac River "Leadership in the Potomac Training Program" including a training course for Land Trusts sponsored by the Potomac Conservancy, technical assistance to local governments seeking funds for habitat and watershed conservation and habitat conservation services (7 minutes).
Remarks by Karen Miller, Secretary’s representative for the Mid-Atlantic, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announcing a series of Potomac “Community Partner Workshops”. The workshops will be lead by The Friends of the Potomac, in cooperation with the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, and include representatives from NPS, HUD, FS, FWS, NCRS, OSM, COE, State agencies, and local organizations, throughout the Potomac basin. The sessions are designed to help match existing programs with local initiatives. The workshops will respond to local initiatives and include the Cumberland, MD Region, Southern MD, the Shenandoah Valley, northern Virginia, and others (7 minutes).
Remarks by Glenda Humiston, Deputy Under Secretary of Natural Resources and the Environment, U.S. Department of Agriculture announcing Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program training, stormwater management assistance and outdoor classroom educational seminar training for youth on environmental issues and stewardship (6 minutes).
Remarks by Robin Lubitz, Deputy Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention within the Department of Justice and the announcement of the Youth Environmental Service recognition to the Alexandria, VA Seaport Foundation (7 minutes).
Friends of the Potomac Membership and Closing Remarks (5 minutes)
Karen Zachary of the Friends of the Potomac will announce the kick-off of a membership drive.
Subject: FY 1999 Potomac AHR Funds
Subject: FY 1999 Potomac AHR Funds
Background: The following proposal describes how funds allocated to the Potomac American Heritage River Initiative, by NCR and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Office, are to be allocated. NCR has provided $30,000 from Stewardship and Partnerships (see John Parsons earlier communication) and the Mid-Atlantic Office has provided $5,000 from the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program (See the attached communication from Robert Potter. Account Code #4565-4000-663). All of the proposed work should be completed by September 30, 2000.
1. African American Heritage Link: Geographic Information System (GIS) Mapping
a. Task: Prepare color GIS maps of various African American heritage sites within the Potomac River basin.
b. Product: State-by-state GIS maps of African American heritage sites within the Potomac watershed.
c. Funds allocated: $900.00
d. Allocate funds to John Knoerl, NPS-Heritage Preservation Services (343-2239). He needs an account number and a memo authorizing him to use the account.
e. Source of Funds: Account # Stewardship and Partnerships
- Strategic Plan to Implement Potomac AHR
- Task: The Memo of Understanding between NPS and the
Friends of the Potomac, to implement Executive Order 13061 regarding the Potomac American Heritage River, requires the Friends to cooperate with NPS and other federal agencies to develop strategies for achieving the goals of the AHR initiative and of the Nomination. As the lead non-federal organization for the Potomac AHR such a strategy and business plan is crucial to the success of the initiative.
- Product: A written strategic/ business plan, for the
Friends of the Potomac, describing tasks, activities, products, a schedule and a funding strategy for implementing the Potomac AHR. See Appendix: 2 for outline of the topics to be addressed.
- Funds allocated: $9,100
- Allocate funds to Wilton Cockren, Accokeek Foundation
on behalf of the Friends of the Potomac. Amend existing agreement # CA-3091-970001 or #MT-3018-0059.
e. Source of Funds: Account # Stewardship and Partnerships
3. Leadership Potomac Training
a. Task: Develop a plan to initiate the “Leadership Potomac” training program, described in Appendix 3, with the Friends of the Potomac, the US Fish and Wildlife Service-National Conservation Training Center, and other public and private partners.
b. Product: A written report which describes a strategy for initiating “Leadership Potomac” including goals, target audience, marketing plan, a schedule and funding needs.
- Funds allocated: $10,000
- Allocate funds to Wilton Corkren, Accokeek Foundation.
Amend existing agreement #CA-3091-970001 or #MT-3018-0059.
- Source of funds: Account # Stewardship and
Partnerships
4. Regional Heritage Tourism Initiative
- Task: Provide funds to hire a graduate student for 20
hours per week, for one semester, to identify and collect data from community-based and local government natural and cultural tourism (i.e. heritage tourism) efforts within the Potomac River watershed. The information is to be collected in a way to document/catalog locally initiated efforts and develop a database for future analysis.
- Product: A draft publication of 100 community or
locally initiated heritage tourism projects and a map locating these locally driven efforts. See Appendix 4: Case Study Format
- Funds allocated: $10,000
- Allocate funds to Professor Phil Ogilvie, George
Washington University (994-1814). Amend existing agreement # 1443CA000194018.
e. Source of funds: Account # Stewardship and Partnerships
- Hunting Creek Riparian Restoration Project
a. Task: Provide funds to the Alexandria Seaport Foundation to work, in cooperation with the City of Alexandria, the Dept. of Justice and the NPS, with at-risk and adjudicated youth to restore riparian areas adjacent to Hunting Creek and the George Washington memorial Parkway.
- Product: An event which brings youth to an
environmentally sensitive area to clean up and enhance the Creek corridor while providing a unique approach to student mentoring and stream corridor restoration. The event will include teaching youth to row the Alexandria Seaport Foundation's skiffs (enabling them to clean the Creek shoreline), clearing a portion of the Creek corridor of invasive and non-invasive plants, and planting indigenous and native species.
- Funds allocated: $2,500
- Allocate funds to Wilton Corkren, Accokeek Foundation
on behalf of the Friends of the Potomac.
Amend to existing agreement # CA-3091-970001 or #MT-3018-0059.
- Source of funds: Account # 4565-4000-663 Rivers, Trails
and Conservation Assistance Program (Robert Potter 215-597-1787)
6. Anacostia River Watershed Summit:
a. Task: In response to a request by the Anacostia Watershed Coalition, the National Park Service has agreed to co-sponsor a summit on the Anacostia River Watershed this October. The effort will initiative a series of "Potomac Land Stewardship Forums" to demonstrate Federal agency leadership and local cooperation in land
conservation and restoration.
The idea for the Forums was developed by Director Stanton and intends to encourage NPS land managers to strive to be exemplary of what it means to be a responsible land steward in the Potomac basin. The program for the Anacostia Forum will include presentations on: 1) current community-based efforts by local leaders; 2) ongoing NPS land management, planning and development; and presentations on the
Anacostia and other case study examples.
The Anacostia Watershed Coalition has requested assistance to have Beth Benson, Director of Environmental Management for the Toronto Waterfront Regeneration Trust present the Portlands of Toronto Green Infrastructure Project. Ms. Benson is nationally recognized for her work in this topic.
b. Product: The assistance will include providing travel and honorarium costs for Ms. Benson to make a presentation to local leaders on alternative ideas for how they might work with NPS, and others, to conserve, protect, restore and enjoy the Anacostia Watershed
- Funds allocated: $2,500
- Allocate funds to Wilson Corkren, Accokeek Foundation on
behalf of the Friends of the Potomac. Amend existing agreement #CA-3091-970001 or #MT-3018-0059.
- Source of funds: Account # 4556-4000-663 Rivers, Trails
and Conservation Assistance Program
Appendix 2: Strategic/ Business Plan
Meeting Purposes:
- To begin the development of a strategic/ business plan for the Friends/ NPS
- To review the Mission Statement and establish a Vision for the Friends
- To develop a preliminary strategic/ business plan for the Friends
Draft Agenda:
- Introduction to Strategic/ Business Planning
a. What is a strategic/ business plan?
- Outlining a planning process that fits our consortium
c. Addressing the benefits and concerns of strategic/ business plans
- Taking Stock of the Friends of the Potomac/ NPS-NCR
- Project elements/outlines
- Present situation and future needs
- Refining the Mission and Vision of the consortium
- Goals of the Friends
- Where do we want to go?
- Mission and Vision for the consortium: Is it appropriate?
- Outlining opportunities and threats for the consortium
- Programmatic opportunities
- Geographic emphases
- Other projects and institutions
- Funding opportunities
- Preliminary Strategic/ Business Goals for the consortium
- Protect and restore water quality and living resources
- Promote enjoyment of natural, recreational and heritage assets
- Encourage more citizen involvement in community decision-making
- Foster sustainable economic development
- Fund Raising Goals and Membership Strategy
VII. Critical Issues for Future
VIII. Next Steps
Appendix 3: Leadership Potomac-- A Leadership Development Program for the Potomac American Heritage River Communities
A Proposal from The Accokeek Foundation, the National Conservation Training Center, and the Friends of the Potomac
Revised, July 1999
The Rationale: This proposal is based on the premise that the Potomac’s communities continue to produce many leaders, but that there remains a critical need for basin-wide leadership. Still, as the large and effective Friends of the Potomac Steering Committee has demonstrated, there are a number of individuals who have demonstrated both interest in and commitment to the region as a whole. “Leadership Potomac” is conceived as an ongoing program to inform, inspire, and motivate a growing leadership cadre in the region who know one another and share a broad knowledge of the Potomac River Watershed and the critical issues it faces in the 21st century.
The Program: Beginning in the fall of 2000, an annual “class” of approximately 50 individuals from throughout the Potomac Basin will meet together for a series of four, 2-day meetings. This program will be a new approach to watershed leadership, and will draw on the experiences of community leadership programs that are operating in dozens of local, state, and regional communities around the United States. Each meeting will be devoted to a particular topic or issue of great significance in the region. Potomac Leaders will explore these topics and issues together and separately, looking at controversial issues from a variety of viewpoints. The program will bring in the best experts available on a given issue, as well as trained facilitators to ensure the effectiveness of the sessions. The class days will be tightly programmed to pack as much information and interaction into the experience as possible. The initial session will be held at the NCTC; each of the following meetings will take place in a different part of the basin.
The program content will have three main themes: Conservation Leadership; Group Development; River Understanding. Potomac Leaders will learn facts and figures about the Potomac and the people who live in its watershed. They will become conversant in a variety of subjects, from agriculture to urban development, and will develop a thorough understanding of what stewardship of the Potomac Watershed will mean in the 21st century.
A major benefit of the program will be the development of a network of leaders who share a common base of understanding of the entire basin. They will develop working relationships among themselves, pledging always to return a call from a fellow Potomac Leader promptly, and to work together to help one another out with local or regional projects when interests and abilities converge. This will result in a growing cadre of effective and committed leaders.
The Participants: a committee appointed by the Friends of the Potomac Board will select The fifty participants. They will be selected so that each class forms a diverse cross-section of people from throughout the basin, representing civil servants, elected officials, private businesspeople, non-profit executives, and community activists. Individuals will be chosen for their leadership potential, current and future ability to influence and effect positive change in the region, and their commitment to the Potomac region. Each class will form a coherent group of leaders who share significant common experiences and knowledge, and who will be prepared to work together for the benefit of the region. Each year a new class will join the larger group of Potomac Leaders, forming a basin-wide network of people who are committed to the positive future of the region.
Key Personnel: The Project Director will be Anne White, Director of Development for the Accokeek Foundation. Ms. White has been active in the community development movement for more than a decade. She participated in Leadership Hartford (CT), and later became the first executive director of Leadership Washington (DC). There she developed the programs, directed recruiting, and oversaw the achievement of financial soundness. She is currently a consultant to Leadership Anne Arundel (MD), Vice President of the Board of the Environmental Fund for Maryland, and is active in a number of other leadership and environmental programs. Anne White is a trained and experienced facilitator, and a former corporate executive. She can be released from current duties at The Accokeek Foundation for up to one third of full-time to work on Leadership Potomac.
Appendix 4: Regional Heritage Tourism Case Study Format
Each case study will describe a locally driven, community place-based heritage tourism project or activity and include the following information within a one or two page description:
- Background
- Project/ Activity Description
- Beneifts/ Results
4. Cost/ Funding Source
- Contact
Appendix 6: Anacostia River Watershed Summit
Draft proposed plan to conserve a 4-mile corridor of the upper reaches of the Anacostia River
Phase 1. The Anacostia Green Infrastructure Summit
Date: October 1999
Location: Earth Conservation Corps, Washington D.C.
Preferred Audience Size: 40-60 persons
The summit will allow the coalition to discuss its visions for a nature preserve for a four mile stretch of the Anacostia River that extends upstream from the railroad crossing at Anacostia Park and encompasses
Kingman and Heritage Island. Members of the coalition have expressed their interest in maintaining and enhancing the natural quality of the region and therefore our intent is to frame planning for the region
within the framework of a green infrastructure concept.
Greater national attention is currently being given to "green infrastructure" as part of the evolving dialogue in the US on sustainable development and sustainable communities, in particular. The concept has
its roots as far back as 1860 although efforts in the 1980's focused around open space conservation, outdoor recreation, and wildlife habitat.
In the 1990's, the dialogue has expanded to include natural resource protection and the restoration of ecological functions through the conservation, restoration and management of large contiguous open spaces, parks, conservation reserves, environmental corridors, riparian
areas, greenbelts, greenways, and even backyards.
Type of Presentation:
The session will highlight the need for this approach on the Anacostia River and focus on efforts underway in Toronto to bolster thinking about the environmental and related natural resource management aspects of
sustainable development related to communities and the ecosystems within which they exist. Beth Benson from the Toronto project will discuss the nature and scope of community and natural resource problems, and provide
information about various conservation practices and other tools being with this program.
The summit has two primary intentions: 1) to begin to open lines of discussion with the various federal agencies that are or could be involved with the Anacostia River and 2) to explore partnerships and funding opportunities with these agencies to produce and implement a green infrastructure plan along this corridor.
The session will open with introductory remarks on the Anacostia Watershed Coalition and the need for Green Infrastructure planning for the region. A 20-minute presentation of the Toronto case will follow.
An overview will be provided of the 4-mile stretch of the Anacostia that conservation is aimed toward. The Park Service will be requested to provide an update of its activities in the region as well as a status
report on the progress of a general management plan.
The second part of the summit will include a series of presentation by invited federal agencies to discuss the
resources available to assist the coalition in their efforts.
Participants should include representatives from:
The Mayor’s office and Council members Ambrose, Chavous, Orange and Mendelson’s office
National Park Service
Forest Service
Fish and Wildlife Service
National Resource Conservation Service
Army Corps of Engineers
Environmental Protection Agency
Navy
Coast Guard
NCPC
Members of the Anacostia Watershed Coalition
Goal: The anticipated result of this meeting will be to produce an agreement with one or more of the federal agencies represented to provide planning money to help communities prepare a vision for input into the NPS comprehensive plan for the 4-mile stretch of the Anacostia River.
Author: Robert Potter at NP-MARO
Date: 08/26/1999 4:49 AM
Priority: Normal
TO: Dave Linderman at NP-NCRO-FIN
CC: Mike Gordon
CC: David A. Lange
CC: Joe DiBello
CC: Linda Seifert
CC: Glenn Eugster at NP-NCRO-FIN
Subject: Authorization to use PHSO account number
------------------------------- Message Contents -------------------------------
Mr. Linderman,
Proceeding under the assumption that it is you I need to send this authorization
to, please consider this memo in that regard.
I am authorizing the use of our account code 4565-4000-663, not to exceed
$5,000, for contracts and/or cooperative agreements to be executed by Glenn
Eugster in conjunction with his work as river navigator on the Potomac American
Heritage River.
Paper copy of this memo will follow. Thank you you for your help.
Sincerely,
Robert Potter
Program Manager
Rivers and Trails
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