Potomac American Heritage River Status Report October 12, 1999

Potomac American Heritage River 

Status Report

October 12, 1999

I.  River Navigator Status:

Memo of Understanding: A memo of Understanding was approved between the NPS-NCR and the Friends on July 21, 1999.

Implementation Strategy: There is currently no overall strategy for implementing the Potomac AHR.  A “draft work plan” was prepared in collaboration with the Friends in May.  The Friends are resistant to identify a strategy or work plan for this collaborative effort.  A written request was made in July and the Friends Board is scheduled to discuss a business plan/ strategy on October 30, 1999.  The lack of a strategy to implement the Potomac AHR has hindered NPS-NCR efforts to assist participating local governments and private groups. 

River Navigator Position: The initial agreement between NPS and EPA for providing and funding the River Navigator position have changed.  EPA is willing to pay the EPA Navigator’s salary until March 1, 2000.  At that time either another agency must pay for the Navigator or the position will be returned to EPA.  

Federal Agency Team: A team of approximately 28 Federal agency representatives was assembled in March 1999.  Members of the team provided input into a list of 23 “Commitments to the Potomac” at the July 30 Potomac River Day celebration.  Members of the team have requested more detailed information, from the Friends of the Potomac and NPS, on local project needs.  The lack of specific local project need information has hindered assistance efforts and delayed the implementation of the AHR.

Project Status Report: The memo of Understanding with the Friends requires NPS to prepare preparation of a semi-annual project status report for ongoing projects.  The report requires input on local project assistance needs from the Friends.  Input from the Friends on this report was due on August 1, 1999 and is now scheduled to be completed on October 24, 1999.

Communication:  The River Navigator prepares “Notes” at least once a month to describe Potomac AHR past activities and upcoming events.  This information is distributed to NPS-NCR, CEQ, the Federal Agency Team, NPS-HQ, members of the House and Senate delegation staff and the Board of the Friends of the Potomac.

II.  Friends of the Potomac (Community Partner Organization) Status: 

Board of Directors: Eight Board members were appointed as “Interim” this year.  Carl Cole (DC) recently resigned and Harold Michael (WV) has not participated to date.  The Interim Board is scheduled to serve for one year and will be replaced by an 18 member elected Board in March 2000.  Board members will be elected by three Councils (State & Local Governments; Business and Agriculture; Nonprofit).  There is no schedule for when the Councils will be organized or when the election will be held.

Executive Director: Karen Zachary, Coordinator of the Potomac AHR nomination project, has been serving as a Board member and providing consultant services as day-to-day manager of the Friends of the Potomac.  An Executive Director position is currently advertised and will be filled in February 2000.

Budget:  The Friends of the Potomac currently have $8,000 in assets and approximately $40,000 of debt.  Current budget obligations are limited to Ms. Zachary’s salary (capped at $5,000 per month through 11/10/99) and minimal monthly web-page maintenance costs.  The Friends Board has scheduled a meeting on October 30, 1999 to begin to develop a business plan/strategy, which will include developing strategies for fundraising, membership and AHR implementation.  The Friends hope to reduce their debt by 50% by February 2000.

Office Space: The General Services Administration has agreed to provide NPS-NCR office space for the Potomac AHR, as their contribution to help implement the President’s Executive Order.  The NPS is considering using a portion of the space and making the remainder available to the Friends.  The Friends would be expected to pay for operations and maintenance costs.  Spaces in Washington, DC and Northern Virginia are being considered.  The schedule for making this space available is uncertain.

Membership:  The Friends do not have a membership strategy at this time.  A membership brochure is being distributed and organizations are joining.  

Project Needs: The Memo of Understanding between NPS and the Friends requires that the Friends provide NPS with a status report and a list of project needs by August 1, 1999. A draft list of project needs was provided to NPS-NCR in March 1999.  The status report and list of project needs is overdue and is now scheduled to be completed by October 24, 1999.  The lack of an accurate list of project needs has hindered the ability of NPS and other Federal agencies to respond to local AHR needs.   

Communications: The Friends of the Potomac agreed, during a May 1999 work session, to serve as the primary provider of information on the Potomac AHR to their member organizations.  An e-mail newsletter is scheduled to go out on the 1^st and the 15^th of each month to a list of approximately 275 names.  Due to computer problems the newsletter was not sent out in September. The newsletter generally features Friends activities rather than information related to the Potomac AHR.  A web-site is being developed (www.potomacfriends.org) with the assistance of Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and is proposed to include information on the Potomac AHR.  The schedule for having the web-site completed is uncertain.

Prepared by JGE/ NPS 10/11/99

Draft Remarks for NPS Director Stanton Potomac River Day

Draft Remarks for NPS Director Stanton

Potomac River Day

1. People to recognize: Attached is a current draft of the agenda with key elected officials noted. Sent separately.
2. Talking Points:

1. Welcome to Piscataway National Park and thanks for joining us to celebrate "Potomac River Day".  

The U.S. Congress created this area in 1961 to protect the view from Mount Vernon in VA.  It was created as a pilot project in the use of easements to protection significant places from obtrusive urban expansion.  It is a fitting place to hold this year's Potomac River day because it shows you what the American people, Congress, the National Park Service and the Accokeek Foundation have done working together to protect, conserve, interpret and enjoy the heritage of the Potomac.

Today is a time to celebrate the Potomac River, but also a time to recognize the importance of our partners and partnerships within this watershed.  More than a single grant or accomplishment, today is about the Potomac, its watershed, the people who live, work and visit here, and their vision of the future.  Congratulations to each of you for all you have done to make this area one of the great rivers of America.

Before we hear from other federal agency representatives about their Potomac River accomplishments and commitments, let me take a few moments to share my insights with you about the past year.  As you know, the National Park Service is the lead Federal government agency for the Potomac American Heritage River Initiative.  Like you, we have had-and will continue to have a long-term commitment to the protection and recreational use of the Potomac.  We also are committed to facilitating and supporting community-led initiatives that are aimed at caring for this special places we call the Potomac.

Since we last met a year ago at Roosevelt Island, it has gotten cooler.  Who could forget the temperature and humidity at last year's Potomac River Day?  The past year has been a year of progress, considerable accomplishment, and hard work for all of us.  With the leadership of the Board of the Friends of the Potomac and the River Navigator, Glenn Kinser--who is on detail to the NPS from the US Fish & Wildlife Service, and the assistance of many, many of the Friend's public and private partners, we have jointly supported and assisted locally-led efforts including:

• The Accokeek Foundation's Leadership Potomac
• An African American Heritage Guide to the Potomac
• A Potomac Regional Heritage Tourism Initiative led by the Potomac Heritage Partnership
• Helping the Friend's of the Potomac raise over $400,000 of funds for locally led projects and activities.
• Pendleton's County, WV's Integrated Waste Management Proposal
• The Friend's Nation's River Bass Tournament
• A Symposium on the North Branch of the Potomac River in MD
• The Potomac Conservancy's Land Trust Workshop

We have also worked together, with the financial assistance of the U.S. Appalachian Regional Commission, Forest Service, Environmental Protection Agency and National Park Service, to conduct "Community Partner Workshops" with communities throughout the watershed. 

The workshops attempt to bring federal government and private sector service providers together with community leaders to help local officials help themselves to conserve, protect, restore, revitalize and enjoy the Potomac River watershed.  To date we have worked together to help with:

   

• The Annacostia River Community Summit in Washington, DC
• A Coal Heritage Trail Community Workshop in Lonaconing, MD
• The Petersburg, WV Water Supply Workshop
• A Kitzmiller, MD Workshop
• The Four-Mile Run Community Workshop in VA
• The North Fork of the Shenandoah River Workshop in VA

This year, through large and small partnerships, we have moved the Potomac American Heritage River effort from a vision with potential to on-the ground results.

Now let's talk about the next year.  These representatives from federal agencies will each share their commitments to the Potomac.  The National Park Service is committed to continuing to serve as the lead agency for the Potomac American Heritage River and will assist the Friend's and their member organizations through existing programs and by helping to support the River Navigator. 

We also have appointed Glenn Eugster as Assistant Regional Director for Partnership Programs to assist and coordinate various agency program areas, and those of other government agencies and private groups, to find ways to use partnerships to help NPS park and program managers, and community leaders meet National, State and local goals and objectives. This effort will focus on seeking non-NPS funds to help park and program managers achieve goals; coordinating activities related to the Rivers and Trails Programs, Chesapeake Bay Program, the 

Countryside Stewardship Exchange and the Potomac American 

Heritage River Initiative.

             

The National Park Service, with the support of Congress and 

various public and private trail agencies and organizations, is committed as a full partner to the increasing interest in the concept of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.  NPS has selected Mr. Donald Briggs as the first Superintendent for the Potomac Heritage Scenic Trail to assist with coordination; with locally-led recreational, educational and conservation projects; and with support for the continuing growth in partnerships built around the Trail corridor designation.

                       

The National Park Service also commits to work with the Society of American Foresters (SAF), in cooperation with the Friends of the Potomac, the Alexandria Seaport Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service, the Potomac Heritage Partnership, and others, to work together on November 17, 2000 to help the residents and visitors of the Washington Metropolitan Region make the connection between the woods and their water and explore the legacy of 100 years of forestry in the United States. More than 1,700 attendees of the SAF centennial convention will be asked to give assist community and public land management forestry efforts in the neighborhoods, parks and public lands in and around DC.  Planned activities include tree plantings, community workshops, an international forum on forestry, forest 

walking tours, and habitat improvement within the Potomac and Chesapeake Bay watershed.

             

I hope you will take time to enjoy the progress you have made to protect, restore, revitalize and enjoy the Potomac.  May you have continued success in your work!             

Potomac American Heritage River: Pearl Re-enactment

Author:  Glenn Eugster at NP-NCRO-FIN
Date:    04/23/1999  5:23 PM
Priority: Normal
TO: marx.peter@epamail.epa.gov at NP--INTERNET
TO: mcshane.john@epamail.epa.gov at NP--INTERNET
TO: rob_campellone@nps.gov at NP--INTERNET
TO: piotrowski.joe@epamail.epa.gov at NP--INTERNET
TO: lraisbeck@aol.com at NP--INTERNET
TO: naughten .kate@epamail.epa.gov at NP--INTERNET
Subject: Potomac AHR NPS News
------------------------------- Message Contents -------------------------------
   
Dear Colleagues,

The following message includes information on the Pearl Affair Re-Enactment
which is scheduled for May 10-12 in the Washington DC Metro-area.  The event
will feature a re-enactment by students to illustrate how a group of slaves
attempted to escape from this area by boat in 1848.  The event is being
co-sponsored by the Friends of the Potomac, the University of MD and the
Muncaster Challenge Program.  The leaders of the group would like the students
to be able to do water quality testing as they journey down the Potomac.  They
are interested in any water quality testing assistance we can provide, or direct
them to.

This important event is an opportunity to link cultural interpretation together
with environmental protection.  Please let me or the project contact person,
Reggie Smith of the Muncaster Challenge Program, know if you can help.  His
number is (301)332-3155.

Thanks!

Glenn Eugster




______________________________ Forward Header __________________________________
Subject: Potomac AHR NPS News
Author:  Glenn Eugster at NP-NCRO-FIN
Date:    04/14/1999 5:49 PM


   
     Dear Colleagues,
   
     I thought you might like to be aware of the following activities
     related to the Potomac AHR.
   
     1.  Director Stanton Briefing:
   
     On April 12  Roger Stephenson, Wilton Corkren, Sally Blumenhtal and I
     briefed Director Stanton on the Potomac AHR.  After an overview and
     status we asked the Director what he wanted to accomplish with the AHR
     initiative.  Specifically we asked what he thought success looked
     like.  He indicated that:
   
     --He wasn't sure what success looked like but he would know it when he
     saw it.  He thought that our challenge was to recognize the values of
     the Potomac and the responsibility we have to contribute to the
     enhancement and quality of the river.
   
     --The Director indicated that it was important to recognize that what
     flows through the Potomac will have a good or bad impact on the Bay.
     He said that we should use the river to tell the larger story of the
     connections between the Potomac and the Chesapeake Bay.
   
     --He asked us to think about how we pass on the legacy of stewardship
     of rivers.  He suggested that each of the parks in the Potomac River
     watershed should be good neighbors.  Specifically he noted that the
     quality of the Potomac's water was important to all of us and that
     parks should be exemplary of what a good landowner is.
   
     --Director Stanton felt that we have a captive audience that visit the
     parks and we should use their visits to communicate how we are
     interconnected with the Potomac and its watershed.
   
     The Director will be assisting the Potomac AHR initiative by speaking
     to the 100 Friends of the Capitol City on Thursday; writing letters
     about the AHR effort to the Governors, Mayor of DC and Federal Agency
     Directors.
   
     Reenactment of the Pearl Affair:  On April 14 I meet with Vincent
     deForest of NPS and representatives from the Shriver Center at the U.
     MD and the Muncaster Challenge Program to discuss plans for a
     reenactment of the Pearl Affair.
   
     The Pearl Affair occurred on April 15, 1848, when seventy seven
     enslaved persons slipped away from their quarters in Georgetown and
     Alexandria to what was the 7th St. Wharf in Washington, DC, to the
     Pearl, a 54-ton bay-craft schooner awaiting in the Potomac River.
     Captured at Point Lookout, the unsuccessful escape ended when on
     Tuesday, April 18, the Pearl was towed back to Washington, DC.
   
     The NPS, Muncaster, Montgomery Co. MD, the Alexandria Seaport
     Foundation and the International Network to Freedom Association are
     sponsoring a three-day partial reenactment of called the Journey to
     Freedom II starting on May 10 in Montgomery Co.and ending on May 12 in
     Qunatico, VA.  The "quest for freedom" will involved secondary school
     student, adult educators, and others, traveling by bicycle and boat
     along the route.
   
     The Reenactment sponsors have requested the Potomac AHR initiative to
     assist their quest and are seeking: 1) assistance to publicize the
     event; 2) someone to join the group and help the students conduct
     water quality testing; 3) attend a "Departure Ceremony" press
     conference at the Washington, DC waterfront on May 11 at 11:30 p.m..
   
     Should you wish to participate or assist this effort please contact
     Mr. Reggie Smith of the Muncaster Challenge Program at (301)332-3155.
   
     Questions or comments?  Give me a call at (202)260-2772 or send me a
     note.
   
     Glenn Eugster
   

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;

*  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)  

Urban Watershed Renaissance in the U.S. - Restoring 4-Mile Run

Name:  Mr. Doug Pickford 

Title:  Director, Department of Environmental Protection Division

Organisation:  Northern Virginia Regional Commission

Email: pickford@novaregion.org

Phone: 703-642-0700

Fax: 

Address: 

Title of Paper:   Urban Watershed Renaissance in the U.S. - Restoring 4-Mile Run

Abstract :

Four Mile Run in Northern Virginia is a watershed of many environmental, economic, and cultural contrasts.  Among the most urbanized watersheds in the United States, there is a constant struggle among local jurisdictions and local practitioners to promote community-led integrated economic development, environmental protection, social inclusion and preservation of heritage.  Although the watershed is less than 20 square miles, it is home to approximately 156,000 people who reside in adjacent portions of four localities; the counties of Arlington and Fairfax and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church. Approximately 85 percent of the watershed's land area has been developed and nearly 40 percent of the watershed is covered with impervious surfaces associated with this development (such as buildings and pavement). Wherever present, these man-made impervious surfaces prevent the natural process of groundwater infiltration from occurring, which in turn greatly increase the volume of surface water runoff that Four Mile Run and its few remaining tributaries must carry downstream. The urbanization process has replaced most of the watershed's natural stream channels with an elaborate network of storm sewers. These sewers carry the increased volume of surface runoff downstream much more quickly than would the natural channels that the storm sewers replaced, which causes "flashier" and larger stream flows. Runoff from the Four Mile Run watershed quickly makes its way into the Potomac River, and eventually drains into the Chesapeake Bay.

Addressing the challenges of  Four Mile Run has required a thoughtful plan of inter-jurisdictional cooperation, vision, and leadership.  Since 1977, the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC), has coordinated the Four Mile Run Management Program – a long-term effort to restore the natural landscape, water quality, and integrity of the watershed.  The NVRC, an intra-regional planning council in the State of Virginia, works with the four local authorities (Fairfax County, Arlington County, and the cities of Falls Church and Alexandria) to model stormflows, monitor water quality, and develop long-term land-use plans to aid with the restoration.  

Among the most noteworthy successes of the Four Mile Run restoration effort are (environmental, economic, social)………..

The successes of the NVRC and Four Mile Run’s restoration are relevant for an international audience for a variety of reasons.  First, the program embodies the principals of sustainable development and Local Agenda 21, by linking locally-led watershed protection efforts, social inclusion efforts, and watershed protection.  Second, the program’s success with applying low-impact development strategies evolved in part through a partnership between the NVRC and the Verband Region Stuttgart.  The application of green rooftops, rain gardens, and decentralized stormwater management systems emanated from peer-to-peer exchanges among politicians and practitioners from both regional planning authorities.  

Water in our Cities

Water in our Cities

Stormwater management in urban areas is not only a necessary infrastructure, it is also a valuable resource and opportunity to provide an aesthetic experience for the city dweller while furthering environmental awareness and citizen interest and involvement. Until now, civil engineering and urban planning have given no heed to the fact that rain water needs time and space to run off and collect. Rainwater is not a waste, it’s a high valuable life giving resource with a great beauty.

But how can we combine environmental technology and esthetics?

In order to counter the negative consequences and to emphasize the positive attributes of water, Atelier Dreiseitl are developing new concepts for handling water in public and private spaces. Important elements of design include the open drainage of rain water on the ground surface via gutters and a variety of water features, retention and cleaning of water in planted ponds, and on-site percolation. These measures improve the surrounding climate, replenish ground water, prevent flooding, and improve water quality. Furthermore, the cleansing, and recycling of rain water for toilet flushes, laundry use, irrigation, etc. has a significant advantage of reducing demands on drinking water supplies. 

However, this can only be accomplished if all capacities, city planners, architects, landscape architects and engineers work together in a team effort from the inception of the project to its completion. The magic word being "Interdisciplinary work".

A much talked about but all too rarely practiced approach.

For example retention and evaporation can already begin on the rooftop. Storm peaks can be reduced, the micro climate improved due to the cooling effect of evaporation, and the water purified and filtered by the roof surface.

In almost every project it’s quite simple to integrate storm water management as part of the landscape in the overall design. For example one can create retention and rainwater treatment as a pond or constructed wetlands combined with attractive water features. But in all cases, technical aspects should not overshadow the key requirement of a careful design well integrated in the urban fabric.

In summary, urban hydrology has to become part of an aesthetic urban planning process.

Water needs allowed back into the social consciousness of a responsible urban society.

Hence, its ecological and harmonizing qualities need to be acknowledged through a new aesthetic.

Herbert Dreiseitl

www.dreiseitl.com

Riverworkers: Jon Berger

JON BERGER began canoeing at the age of 12, in 1958, at Camp Wabun on Lake Temagami. His first canoe trip into the Little North came in 1961 as part of a 10 person, 8 week camp trip around and across the headwaters of the Kenogami Branch of the Albany River in the vicinity of Nakina. The next summer of 1962, his camp section paddled the Albany River to James Bay via the Savant and Pashkokogan Rivers. These two trips began a life long preoccupation with following the rivers of Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec to James and Hudson Bay. These travels soon began to explore and document the routes across the basin divides in both the Shield and the Lowlands. Since 1962, with friends and family, on the west side of James and Hudson Bay, he has done the connections between and the rivers to Lake Winnipeg, York Factory, Fort Severn, Winisk-Peawanuk, Sutton, Attawapiskatt, Albany, Moose River, Lake Nipigon, Lake Superior. On the Eastmain of James and Hudson Bay he traveled similarly on the Rupert, Eastmain, La Grande, and Great Whale.

During this 46 year period, he came under the influence and tutelage of Sigurd Olson, Ian McHarg, and John Rassias. Olson was a professional ecologist and wilderness philosopher whose ten books explore the land ethic of Leopold in the context of wilderness canoeing and interpretation. The black and white drawings of  Francis Lee Jaques  that illustrate Olson's work inspired Jon Berger to paint and draw out on the trips and to begin a lifelong study of Canadian landscape art. Thus he has found kinship with and inspiration from the Group of Seven- in particular Lauren Harris who painted the north shore of Lake Superior - the southern boundary of The Little North.

Later his interest in ecology derived from Olson's work led him to meet McHarg and become his student at the University of  Pennsylvania where he received his masters and doctorate in ecology and land use planning. Working with and teaching for McHarg gave Berger the opportunity to learn the McHarg method of inventory, analysis, and synthesis to explore patterns of landscape use and abuse. For over 15 years he taught and wrote in the area of human ecology and landscape planning.

Since 1985, The Little North has become the focus of his landscape interpretation. The southern and western parts in the vicinity of Sioux Lookout proved to be a gentle wilderness- ideal for family canoe trips. Slowly the idea of an atlas that recorded  height of land connections and the portage routes along the rivers came into focus as he became more and more familiar with the area between Lake Winnipeg and James Bay. But the Atlas would be more - it would be a place to show his drawings - his own rendition of travel conditions with more than prose and maps - and further the book would be a record of knowledge gleaned from hundreds of conversations with native travelers. And more – it would be the focus of Rassias' "importance of being linguistically earnest,” McHarg's- "the place is because," and Olson's, "the movement of a canoe is like a reed in the wind."