CC Board of Supervisors votes to oppose transmission line

Experience Clarke County is used by permission by Clarke County Government

The Clarke County Board of Supervisors has unanimously voted to formally oppose the proposed Valley North Transmission Line Project.

The project calls for a roughly 260-mile, 765-kilovolt transmission line running from Putnam County, West Virginia, to Frederick, Maryland.

Three of the four proposed routes leaving Frederick County, Virginia, would cross properties in Clarke County.

The project would require an estimated 200-foot-wide rightof-way, with transmission towers standing between 150 and 170 feet tall.

County officials say the electricity would primarily serve areas east of Clarke County.

The Board of Supervisors joins several other county groups in opposing the project.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recently passed a resolution against a route through Chet Hobert Park.

The Planning Commission also opposed the proposed routes, citing conflicts with the county’s Comprehensive Plan.

The Conservation Easement Authority has raised concerns about impacts to protected properties.

The Board’s resolution cites potential effects on conservation easements, agricultural and forestal districts, rural historic districts, prime farmland, county parkland and groundwater resources.

Supervisors also expressed concerns about the project’s potential impact on Clarke County’s rural character, agricultural industry and preserved woodlands.

As part of its opposition, the Board unanimously approved a $500,000 legal contingency fund and authorized the county administrator and county attorney to hire outside legal counsel to challenge the project.

State lawmakers, including Delegates Delores Oates and Bill Wiley and Senator Timmy French, have also publicly opposed the proposed transmission line.

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DOF appreciates your help!

Virginia Department of Forestry used by permission from VDF Communication Specialist Cory Swift-Turner

Virginians collected a whopping 13 tons of acorns, chestnuts and walnuts for Department of Forestry’s (DOF) annual collection.

If you remember back in October they asked for help collecting the seeds.

The numbers are in and there is enough to grow 500,000 native trees!

Thank you for helping DOF grow the forests of tomorrow.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

VDF Enlists Goats to Combat Invasive Plants at Lesesne State Forest

Virginia Department of Forestry used by permission from VDF Communication Specialist Cory Swift-Turner

In a creative and eco-friendly approach to land management, the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) has partnered with Goat Busters.

A well-known goat browsing service, to clear invasive plant species from a four-acre section of Lesesne State Forest.

Starting this week, a herd of goats is clearing dense undergrowth and invasive plants in the forest to protect native species.

The project serves as a test method to evaluate the effectiveness of targeted grazing as an alternative to herbicides or heavy machinery.

The goats are monitored daily and safely contained using solar-powered electric fencing.

The animals will browse on invasive plants such as multiflora rose, autumn olive, and kudzu.

These species known for crowding out native vegetation and degrading forest health.

By clearing unwanted undergrowth, the goats are helping to protect important habitats and make way for native species to thrive.

This trial run is part of VDOF’s broader effort to explore sustainable land management strategies.

If successful, similar goat-powered projects may be implemented in other state forests and natural areas.

The public are advised not to disturb the animals, but are welcome to visit from a distance as nature’s most determined weed eaters get to work.

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Forest Restoration Program

Virginia Department of Forestry used by permission from VDF Communication Specialist Cory Swift-Turner

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Virginia’s forests have suffered extensive
damage.

The Virginia Department of Forestry has partnered with state and federal
agencies to provide support to affected landowners.

One of the key resources available is the Emergency Forest Restoration Program, which offers cost-sharing for forest restoration efforts.

If your forestland was impacted by the storm, reach out to your local forester for more information on the resources available to help you recover.

For further details, visit this link.

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Wildfires update

Virginia Department of Forestry used by permission from VDF Communication Specialist Cory Swift-Turner

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) and Virginia firefighters have responded to over 100 wildfires within the last 48 hours.

While several fires in the region, including the Yeawood Fire in Culpeper have been contained.

The Coal Mine Fire in Shenandoah County is approximately 80% contained as of Friday evening.

Thankfully rain has began to fall in the area.

As fires become under control, crews are reallocated to wildfires in Page, Rockingham, and Shenandoah Counties.

Additionally, Federal, State, and local resources are aiding in the efforts to protect lives and property.

In Page County, several fires including the 211 West Fire will be combined into one incident named the “Luray Complex,” under a partnership between the Southern Area Gold Incident Management Team, the USDA Forest Service and DOF.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.