Joseph Pines Preserve Expansion Update

[meadowview]

Hi Folks:

I've got some good news. We received the public notice yesterday from the Virginia Dept. of Environmental Quality that they are recommending funding our loan for purchase of the adjoining two parcels of 134 acres! There will be a public meeting in Richmond on Nov. 30, 2009 for public comment and review.

So.. we have passed a major hurdle on our way to purchasing more land and preventing the extinction of the longleaf pine/pitcher plant ecosystem in Virginia. I will keep you updated on events and thank you for your support of our efforts.

Sincerely,

Phil Sheridan
Director
Meadowview Biological
Research Station

[Brian Barnes]

Hey Phil,

Excellent news indeed!

Yes, please do keep us posted on the success of your endeavor and we appreciate your hard work.

Happy Growing,

Brian Barnes,
ICPS Director of Conservation.

[Michael]

Hi Phil -- is there anything that ICPS members, or other members of the CP community can do to help support this effort? In particular things that folks that don't live in the Virgina area could do like letters, emails, faxes, telephone calls of support?

Curiously, Mike

[meadowview]

Hi Michael:

There is a lot that non-Virginia (Virginia residents can help in the same manner) residents can do to support the Joseph Pines expansion.

First, donate to the preserve. While I don't want to dwell on the money aspect the bottom line is that pitcher plant habitats in Virginia (and elsewhere for that matter) aren't going to be preserved unless folks put up the money to buy the sites for their purchase and management. This really does come down to dollars. Money donated to the preserve either goes straight to principal or to the monthly payment. In a few cases, where the donor has authorized this use, money has gone to prescribed burns or for infrastructure at the preserve (running electricity to the camp site from the power pole for example).

Second, if you think someone or some organization (company) would be interested in this project please let them know and direct them to us (the web site is a good venue). You can always reach us either by phone at 804-633-4336 or e-mail at [e-mail]. The more people know of this work the more support we will get. So.. writing letters to help build support for this project is a big help.

Third, come take an eco-vacation and get directly involved in work at the preserve. Meadowview is an all volunteer organization. Volunteers have played critical roles at Joseph Pines and are responsible for planting and growing all the plants that we have reintroduced. We have a campsite on the preserve with potable water, electricity, and a refurbished camper. The camping experience has been a lot of fun for everybody and could make a great vacation. We typically have a late winter camping expedition in March and have a nice campfire and great food. Summers can be very hot in southern Virginia so most of our key work is March - May. Summer is for camping and visiting field sites for data collection.

Fourth, is there something you want to get rid of that might be useful on the preserve? Give us a call! We're working on restoring our next small camper for people to stay in on the preserve so if you know someone who wants to donate a camper let us know (no leaks please). We need a tractor and bush-hog and this is one of our big capital expenses that is looming. Maybe there is one that needs a new home?

Thank you all for your help and support in this project!

Sincerely,

Phil Sheridan
Director
Meadowview Biological
Research Station

[Michael]

Hi Phil, Great Suggestions!

I'm wondering if there is anything ICPS members, or other CP community folk can do related to your upcoming public meeting with the Virginia Dept. of Environmental Quality where they are considering recommending funding your loan to purchase the adjoining two parcels.

Do you think the Virginia Dept of Enviro Quality would be open to public comment and support from folks outside of Virginia?

I'm sure there are plent of folks that would be willing ( I would! ) to send a letter or email to get on the record if you thought it would be helpful (and not detrimental) to the cause.

Curiously, Michael

[meadowview]

Hi Michael:

I e-mailed the DEQ to see if they will accept out-of-state letters at the public hearing. I should hear back early next week.

If this is a go, we'll probably have you mail the letter to me and I will present the letters at the public hearing. Good idea and thanks for the support.

Best,

Phil

[Michael]

Phil -- sounds good. While I can't do much monetarily, I sure can write a letter or email.

I'll keep my eyes open!

Mike

[meadowview]

Hi Michael:

You can send letters of support for the expansion of the Joseph Pines to:

Walter A. Gills, Program Manager
Construction Assistance Program
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
629 East Main Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219

The public hearing is basically a pro forma event, they have already made the decision to fund us and don't expect anyone to show up and complain. However, letters are a plus so if anyone wants to send a letter of support go ahead.

Our critical meeting is this Thursday where I meet the state funding authority and convince them that we can actually pay the loan back. So.. if anyone is interested in making an annual or monthly pledge to pay the note please contact me soon.

Sincerely,

Phil Sheridan
Director
Meadowview Biological
Research Station

[Michael]

Hi Phil,
I put a letter into the mail on Friday. I scanned it, and will email you a copy on Monday.

Mike

[Michael]

Any updates? How did the meeting go?

Curiously, Mike

[meadowview]

Hi Michael:

The public hearing on our loan application was uneventful and we're moving forward. Your letter of support was a big help and really made the point that there is worldwide support for this project.

We received a call from one of the landowners (the 98 acres) from whom we are trying obtain property and they have agreed to our purchase price. This means we now have agreements with both landowners and can proceed to the contract phase. Our next major hurdle is securing the loan from the Virginia Resources Authority. I'll keep you posted on how things are going. Thank you all for your help.

Sincerely,

Phil Sheridan
Director
Meadowview Biological
Research Station

[Michael]

Phil, Super! I'm glad to hear the public meeting was uneventful, and went well! Also, good news on the agreements with the landowners. I'm glad I could help.

Mike

[Brian Barnes]

Hey Phil,

Congratulations on your recent successes! You're doing a fantastic job in protecting our rapidly disappearing Sarracenia populations. We appreciate your efforts.

Michael,

Thanks for your support. It's always wonderful to see our membership getting involved in protecting our beloved CP!

Happy Growing....and Holidays,

Brian Barnes,
ICPS Director of Conservation.