VA seeks public input on Statewide Safety Plan

Virginia is updating its Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) – Arrive Alive.

This is a statewide initiative that establishes priorities and strategies for improving roadway safety across the Commonwealth.

The plan addresses safety for all road users, including drivers and passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists.

The SHSP is overseen by a Steering Committee.

Made up of the following organizations:

  • Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT),
  • Virginia State Police (VSP),
  • Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV),
  • Department of Health (VDH)
  • Other state and local agencies and transportation safety partners.

As part of the update, the committee is asking Virginians to share their experiences, concerns and ideas about roadway safety.

Public feedback will help identify safety priorities and inform the next version of the SHSP.

This will guide transportation safety efforts across Virginia in the coming years.

Residents are encouraged to share their perspectives to help shape strategies aimed at reducing crashes, preventing serious injuries and saving lives on Virginia roads.

Learn more about the Strategic Highway Safety Plan – Arrive Alive and how to provide feedback through the Virginia Department of Transportation’s safety plan page

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

Maiatico appointed to BHCD

Warren County Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshal Gerry Maiatico has been appointed to the Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development (BHCD).

Maiatico will serve as the representative of the Virginia Fire Services Board.

He currently represents the Virginia Fire Prevention Association.

His experience in fire prevention, code enforcement, and emergency response is expected to provide a public safety perspective for housing.

The BHCD is responsible for establishing regulations related to building safety, fire prevention, housing, and community development across Virginia.

The board oversees the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, Fire Prevention Code, and regulations governing manufactured and industrialized buildings.

The board also advises the Governor and state agencies on housing and community development issues.

Plus establishes regulations for programs such as the Virginia Enterprise Zone.

Local officials say Maiatico’s appointment will help ensure that the interests of communities, residents, and first responders are represented as the Commonwealth develops policies affecting public safety, housing, and community investment.

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

VA Statewide Tornado Drill – March 10, 2026

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is encouraging you to take part in the Statewide Tornado Drill on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 9:45 a.m.

Schools, businesses, government agencies, and families across the Commonwealth are invited to use this opportunity to practice tornado safety plans and review emergency procedures.

Participants are asked to register in advance at: https://www.vaemergency.gov/2026-statewide-tornado-drill

Officials say just a few minutes of preparation can make a critical difference when severe weather strikes.

Governor and first lady expand fentanyl crisis initiative

Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin are ramping up their efforts to tackle the fentanyl crisis with a major expansion of the “It Only Takes One” initiative.

As part of this expanded effort, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin will visit schools, Community Service Boards, churches, and recovery centers in key areas to raise awareness about fentanyl.

In addition, the First Lady introduced the Fentanyl Families Ambassador Program, which empowers families affected by the crisis to share their stories and enhance community understanding and engagement.

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

VT gray fox study

In the last twenty years, gray fox populations in North America have been declining.

While there haven’t been any official studies on gray foxes in Virginia, reports from various sources suggest fewer sightings, vocalizations, and camera captures in the state over the past decade.

To address this worrying trend, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is backing the Virginia Gray Fox Project led by Virginia Tech (VT).

The project’s main goal is to map where gray foxes currently are in Virginia and assess if their numbers are dropping by analyzing historical data over the state.

To achieve this, researchers plan to do a thorough camera survey all over Virginia.

To carry out this large-scale survey effectively, the research team needs volunteers who:

1. Already have trail cameras set up on their property.
2. Are willing to use and watch project cameras (if provided) on their property.
3. Are okay with letting researchers access their land to set up additional cameras.

Volunteers will need to follow specific rules for where to put cameras and how to collect data.

Checking the cameras to make sure they’re working and have enough battery life will be required.

The survey will take three years, with the focus of the 2024 field season being on the Appalachian Mountain region.

If you want to get involved with the Virginia Gray Fox Project, you can contact Victoria Monette by email at vmonette@vt.edu or leave a voicemail for Dr. Kelly at 540-231-1734.

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

Emerald ash borer cash-share program

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

Boosting the odds of safeguarding the genetic diversity of ash trees statewide, the initiative to treat these trees against the invasive Emerald Ash Borer is gaining momentum.

Through the Emerald Ash Borer Treatment Cost-Share Program, landowners and organizations can receive support covering up to half of the expenses for treating ash trees via stem injections with
insecticide.

This assistance caps at $7.50 per inch diameter at breast height for individual landowners, with a maximum cost-share payment of $1,250, while organizations can receive up to $5,000 in cost-share payments.

Virginia landowners and various entities such as municipalities, nonprofits, educational institutions, and homeowner associations qualify as eligible applicants for the program.

To be considered eligible, the trees must belong to the species of green, white, black, blue, pumpkin, or Carolina ash, with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of at least 12 inches.

Additionally, eligible trees must not exhibit more than a 30% crown loss, ensuring a minimum of 70% live crown. Before enrollment, all trees must undergo assessment by a forester from the Department of Forestry (DOF).
To apply,  please contact:
Connor D. Goolsby
Primary contact for: Clarke, Frederick, Warren, Winchester City
Title: Natural Resource Specialist
Email: connor.goolsby@DOF.virginia.gov
Primary Phone: (434)365-8225
Office Location: Woodstock Office

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

Riparian forest funding

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

The Virginia Department of Forestry is now accepting applications for Riparian Forests for Landowners Program project funding.

This is a new statewide landowner assistance program that helps landowners create riparian forest buffer.

Selected service providers will facilitate the installation of, and one year of maintenance on, riparian forest buffers at no cost to the landowner.

Riparian forest buffers are areas near streams, lakes, or wetlands that contain a combination of trees, shrubs, and other perennial plants, primarily to provide conservation benefits.

Riparian forest buffers filter nutrients, pesticides and animal waste from agricultural land runoff, filtering sediment from runoff, stabilizing eroding banks, providing shade, shelter and food for fish and provide wildlife.

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