On Thursday March 11th, VCN and several of our affiliate groups hosted a symposium on uranium mining. Experts discussed the potential health impacts that could occur in Virginia if the purposed Coles Hill uranium deposits are mined in Pittsylviania County. Around 175 people attended the event including press, public officials, and concerned citizens.
There is currently a ban on uranium mining that has been in place in Virginia since the 1980's but Virginia Uranium, the company purposing the Coles Hill mine, wants this ban lifted. They claim this mining will be not only safe but also will stimulate the local economy. Speakers at the symposium directly addressed these issues. Paul Robinson, of the Southwest Research & Information Center, believes not only are the deposits much smaller, meaning less valuable, than Virginia Uranium claims, but they would also effect other aspects of Pittsylviania County's economy. Robinson believes that property values would drop and farmers would be unable to sell the crops they grow in the area. The Health impacts of uranium mining was a major topic and Dr. Doug Brugge of Tufts University cited many studies showing the variety of horrible health impacts that can be transmitted from working directly in the mines or even just breathing air or drinking water from areas surrounding the mine. Other experts told of their first hand experiences with uranium mining in Africa, Canada, and the Southwest United States. South Central Virginia is not the only area that may be directly effect by this uranium mining. Many expect Virginia Beach's water supply, Lake Gaston, may be contaminated and that is why the panel of experts traveled to Norfolk the following day to answer questions on that subject.
The experts that spoke at both of these events are not in favor of the proposed mining in Virginia and hope that their information will allow citizens and lawmakers to make their own informed opinions and decisions. Click here to view footage of the experts.
Obama to Open Offshore Areas to Oil Drill for First Time March 30, 2010 - The New York Times
"The Obama administration is proposing to open vast expanses of water along the Atalantic coastline,the eastern Gulf of Mexico and the north coast of Alaska to oil and natural gasdrilling, much of it for the first time, officials said Tuesday."
Plans in the works for commuter bike trail
March 24, 2010 - Charlottesville Daily Progress
"Area planners are developing a commuter bike trail to connect the heart of Charlottesville with northern Albemarle County, and elements of the proposed route are already under construction."
Shell recycling starts in bid to help Bay oysters
March 26, 2010 - Fredricksburg Star
"The Oyster Recovery Partnership launched an oyster shell recycling alliance on Thursday, hoping to save a valuable resource in the effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay's dwindling oyster population."
Green Giveaway-a-Day Contest Virginia Natural Gas is celebrating Earth Day all April long with giveaways throughout the month. The company is encouraging customers to be energy efficient and weatherize their homes. To find our more information or enter to win click here or call 877-318-5714.
Freshwater Conservation
Freshwater species are some of the most sensitive animals on the planet and they are disappearing at the fastest rate. Conservation Fisheries, Inc. is trying to keep these rare populations in existence. They have had some successes including a stretch of the Powell River running through Virginia.
Dirty Water Stories Journalism Contest
Clean Water Network is seeking aspiring journalist to submit articles for Dirty Water Stories writing contest. Entries received by April 19th stand to win not only publication, but also prize money. For full detail see contest guidelines.
Assistant Director for Legislation and Development - Virginia Sierra Club Location: Richmond, VA
Sierra Club- Virginia Chapteris seeking a talented professional with proven experience in both lobbying and fund raising. Legislative and policy focus is the Va State Government. (Full Description)
Join Virginia IBA Program for Virginia's 20th IBA in Central Piedmont - May 14th to 17th
May 14th -17th Virginia Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program will be surveying for Virginia’s 20th IBA within the Central Piedmont IBA. Volunteers are needed to help survey distances less than 5 miles and record results. For more information or if you are interested in volunteering please contact David Bryan, Outreach Coordinator for the Virginia IBA Program, at dbryan.audubon@gmail.com or (804)-766-7880.
Bike, Bands and the Bay Festival - May 14th to 16th The sponsors of the Tour de Chesapeake are having the first ever Bike, Bands and the Bay Festival on May 14th- 16th. This year BikeWalk Virginia, Mathews County, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation are partnering to make the Tour de Chesapeake even better. The weekend will be filled with bike riding, great music, and water activities that embrace the scenic beauty and precious ecology of the bay. For more information and to register visit http://www.bikechesapeake.org/.
Join Friend's of Chesterfield's River Front for Tree Plantings - April 1st & 2nd
Friends of Chesterfield's Riverfront need your help! They need help to finish tree plantings on the following dates: Falling Creek at Meadowbrook Apartments, 5314 Whetstone Road, April 1st 1-5pm and West Branch at Otterdale Road, 7201 Otterdale Road, April 2nd 1-5pm. Please bring gloves and wear clothes that can get dirty. Light refreshments will be provided for volunteers. Children under 14 are welcome with an adult.
Forest Legacy Program Pre-Application Deadline: May 22, 2010
The Forest Legacy Program (FLP) assures that both traditional uses of private lands and the public benefits of America's forests are protected for future generations. (Full Details)
Grants Encourage Forest Management Partnerships Deadline: June 18, 2010
The Foundation's Collaboration Support Program provides grants to organizations working to proactively engage local stakeholders in forest management and conservation issues on and around National Forests and Grasslands. The program provides Capacity Grants of up to $5,000 for organizational development needs in collaborative efforts. Innovation Grants of up to $10,000 are available for expenses related to the implementation of new strategies that will move the field of collaboration forward and that have the potential to be transferred to other collaborative efforts across the country.(Full details)
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