[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6201711,"mediaKeyId","3789370-870e9bd320ccc392a077aafb538c4fbb","parentId",3789370,"title","Board approves Wildlife Rescue League rehabilitation facility with conditions after contested public hearing","audioSeconds",2969,"startMs",5625000,"endMs",8594000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3789370-870e9bd320ccc392a077aafb538c4fbb&start=5625&end=8594","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3789370-870e9bd320ccc392a077aafb538c4fbb/thumbnail_5625000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6201711/Caroline-County/Virginia/Board-approves-Wildlife-Rescue-League-rehabilitation-facility-with-conditions-after-contested-public-hearing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6201711-e8614ee67be156bde8c5c400d22acdbf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770955244&Signature=Qc~TnnvsvMoFQPTtaxa4JuH1IBxbvmKsTvHJoebGDFwLZWe9LzJn2QX9YiQLASV8JjnvUAw3NExjNm-WChhLcUDptq3ydoQR8Chi7GCijljrvbsjTXS-X55290isBgNCEIcBD~6A2MtU8rb3I0BE2NWfloVfvxIgr9RRcgyrRL0qZ2kFMTfo3x0F-82nDFeZTEZny9OFKc18jcnHMzl6Qe5y465OPoa7BGrTmLHwOJI4VgIL-naNhY2gtz67ziKe9-vxC0NgaxXHIetquZD3g2hTbI3VflqTQiYnolnw44~2c50kUaZAe-3EX~AapI5nxqJs~UisEfn7h7nnMoFuWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Caroline County, VA","date","2025-06-11T05:03:44Z","article","The Board of Supervisors voted June 10 to grant a special‑exception permit to the Wildlife Rescue League to operate a wildlife rehabilitation facility on a 94.5‑acre parcel in the Woodford area, subject to conditions set by the planning commission and a set of additional conditions added during board discussion.

Planning staff described the request as a proposal to use an existing 1,568‑square‑foot dwelling and, later in a second phase, a 2,500‑square‑foot education building to receive, rehabilitate and release small native wildlife. The parcel is subject to a conservation easement that allows an education/rehab building of up to 2,500 square feet. The applicant said it intends to accept small mammals, songbirds, waterfowl and reptiles initially; state rules limit certain species and require federal permits for migratory birds and waterfowl.

The applicant’s representative, Beth Axelrod, said the Wildlife Rescue League operates a regional helpline and coordinates volunteer rehabilitators; the facility would provide indoor housing for short‑term care and secure outdoor enclosures for animals preparing for release. Her presentation estimated the facility could rehabilitate “300–500 animals per year,” roughly 1.5 admissions/releases per day on average, and said animals typically are released at or near their location of origin.

Opposition from several adjacent landowners and hunting‑club members focused on floodplain concerns, potential disease and carcass disposal, and increased traffic on narrow Edge Hill Academy Road. Several speakers urged the board to deny the permit or impose additional safeguards, saying the site floods occasionally and the surrounding properties are managed for hunting and timber. Speakers also worried about predators, carcass burial and potential water‑quality impacts to the nearby Mattaponi watershed.

Supporters included wildlife rehabilitators and the director of an established regional center who described high regional demand for rehabilitative capacity and said large seasonal caseloads are common. Blue Ridge Wildlife Center’s director told the board high intake numbers do not translate into many daily vehicle trips and said euthanized animals are handled under regulatory requirements and local cremation services or off‑county landfill disposal where needed.

The planning commission voted to recommend approval with 16 conditions addressing site layout, building permits, septic and well reviews, DWR licensing and fenced perimeter for the education area. During board debate supervisors added clarifying edits and three conditions the planning commission had requested in the staff report: (1) language that deceased animals be cremated or otherwise disposed of outside Caroline County or at a facility in County capable of cremating (board language clarified that cremation within the county is permissible); (2) a minimum 48‑inch fence and evergreen screening around the phase‑2 education center; and (3) a one‑year compliance review to begin after issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

The final motion to approve included an explicit prohibition on treatment of domestic animals at the facility. The board recorded one vote in opposition (Supervisor Floyd Thomas) and the motion passed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Caroline County Board of Supervisors 06/10/25","oneSentenceSummary","After a contested public hearing June 10, the Board of Supervisors approved a special‑exception permit allowing a wildlife rehabilitation facility on 94.5 acres in Woodford, attaching conditions on carcass disposal, fencing, permitted animals and a one‑year review.","taxTitle","Caroline County, Virginia","taxId",30582,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6201715,"Caroline County schools unveil environmental literacy plan to expand outdoor learning and watershed experiences",295,3827000,4122000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3789370-870e9bd320ccc392a077aafb538c4fbb&start=3827&end=4122","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3789370-870e9bd320ccc392a077aafb538c4fbb/thumbnail_3827000.jpg","/articles/6201715/Caroline-County/Virginia/Caroline-County-schools-unveil-environmental-literacy-plan-to-expand-outdoor-learning-and-watershed-experiences","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6201715-2fb8eb4809bb7c1371555383ad52af2e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770955244&Signature=Yj8zyIfXcYfLKnsxfW2WM6fJh4JqHEDZaF0TcRq92hxCV434N6Y3QoUk7qUiiZKEeWEHmkOgnnm0BdXVdKRkYYh2whS~A7Qsm3fq89JXN5bh01vMcdh~5vKfWXlmAj2f8z4Fa3ZphZKF-csPQJ8PlwXq1guYuK0U29Pk0PbBcm14NG3Aoc82jtj50PVsqoVVLHZGjsYsAMY39YlqLqM55dkMvLG~tm~z2gsDWNO3noXaR6jMlKTGFxp~5-KIpPe~57~~fQXfEWBhccMA9V04RyJMi33J6wGgEbeTyLY1028Qeact5i6r~ELt0u8SzZzY~iypvJ7eZcksfRctPX~R2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Caroline County Public Schools on June 10 presented an Environmental Literacy Plan the district developed with local partners to expand outdoor, watershed-based learning across K–12 grades.

Becca Schaeber, the district’s science instructional specialist, told the Board of Supervisors the plan is a two‑year effort distilled into an activity guide aligned with Virginia’s Standards of Learning. The plan lists grade‑by‑grade activities connected to local partners, and highlights “Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences” (MEWEs) as a recurring, multi‑grade field activity.

Schaeber introduced partner organizations that helped develop the plan, including the Hanover‑Caroline Soil and Water Conservation District and Chesapeake Bay partners. The steering committee, she said, aligned the literacy plan with the district’s Achieve 2027 strategic goals and then developed objectives covering career connections, watershed experiences, community partnerships and sustainable school initiatives.

Presenters described classroom‑adjacent activities, school gardens, hatchery projects and MEWEs already piloted during recent Earth Day events and field outings. The plan includes an activity guide that links each relevant SOL to suggested classroom and community activities and identifies local partners who can help lead outside experiences.

Board members asked about litter cleanup and community‑partnered roadside cleanups; staff said several pilot projects already included student trash pickups and school adoption of nearby roadway segments. The presenters said they would publicize the plan starting in September and return to the board with partner rollout plans. The plan’s authors asked the board to support dissemination and community engagement to scale field experiences across the district.","Caroline County Public Schools presented a new Environmental Literacy Plan on June 10 that aligns K–12 science standards with outdoor watershed experiences, partner-based fieldwork and a multi-year rollout; the board was asked to help publicize and support pilot activities.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6201720,"Habitat for Humanity reports regional spending, unveils modular zero‑step home design aimed at aging and first‑responder buyers",462,2653000,3115000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3789370-870e9bd320ccc392a077aafb538c4fbb&start=2653&end=3115","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3789370-870e9bd320ccc392a077aafb538c4fbb/thumbnail_2653000.jpg","/articles/6201720/Caroline-County/Virginia/Habitat-for-Humanity-reports-regional-spending-unveils-modular-zerostep-home-design-aimed-at-aging-and-firstresponder-buyers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6201720-2bc5426dddaa288765eb59fade5cdd4a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770955244&Signature=IxVVo~ouV9AgdFsVMcejG9qBL9MZp1vUEgEn6cGh3IBaqUzLGNDgorKTU5vFrDVybVdf5pukiZT1f-qblwSyV~oLsEEVxiYR1GsidCHez8ffshnRoD-lzm-XpSYuSSZdXk0-kzMvlmkTeoTtOlAY~QxL3Oh6Hz32z1utGOhYEdEN3jll88-PyXNjpzqoIyeAGjr7rIkABShTa2R8CCs4FBJV544~wB8o-JY0b-Nsq4nNaYGYIzlm7UIs0vLp00LcbNg3TsrYZEL8qHNMloRRiu~mfb6L3HBQszp8DLf-jWJ0-DUg-5BFAdXe7bVtU92kwmW1sxHaUcx1aNrf3ijn7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Central Rappahannock River Habitat for Humanity told the Caroline County Board of Supervisors on June 10 that its relaunch in 2020 has produced homebuilding activity and local economic spending and that the nonprofit is planning a modular, zero‑step housing prototype designed to expand accessible, affordable homes for rural communities.

Jason (Habitat representative) presented a regional “wealth” report that the organization said tracks money spent on materials and services as part of its building activity. The presenter said the organization has added equity for participating families through homeownership — 14 homes have produced collective equity of roughly $734,000 based on appraisal at sale, and the presenter said that number understates current wealth because appraisals have risen since sales.

The presenter told the board Habitat’s regional spending on materials and services totaled about $2.83 million and that the organization’s combined investment and appraisal value brings roughly $3.5 million of affordable housing value to their five‑county service area. Locally, the presenter said Habitat has been able to use county support and in‑county contractors when available.

The presentation described an ongoing build that will include nine homes plus other self‑help and student‑build projects, and it said the organization is preparing an application cycle (USDA and state funding) for the next two years of work. The nonprofit also reported progress on a targeted teachers-and-first‑responders program that combines down‑payment grants and loan products, and said it expects to start closing some of those homes in coming months.

Habitat’s most detailed new initiative is a modular, zero‑step house concept. Presenters described a design created with a local school construction program and a modular builder; the finished floor is set lower relative to the foundation so entry requires no steps, and the design is intended to be stretcher‑friendly and energy efficient. The presenter said a modular manufacturer is retooling its plant to produce the model at scale for rural markets, and Habitat described the design as a potential model for wider state and federal support because it enables accessible housing that reduces later costs for health and support services.

Board members asked for a timetable and application status for the teacher/first‑responder homes; Habitat representatives said they are packaging loans and down‑payment assistance and expect closings this summer for initial participants, and they said they will provide more detailed schedules and applicant lists to county staff as specific closings occur.

The Habitat representative said the nonprofit will return to the board with a request to refresh a county letter supporting its upcoming refinancing/refunding package and asked that the board consider another letter or resolution when the organization’s application is ready.","Central Rappahannock River Habitat for Humanity told the board it has leveraged county support to build dozens of homes, bring millions into the region, and is developing a modular, zero‑step prototype intended to expand accessible housing for rural areas and first‑responder/teacher programs.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6201725,"Regional transportation study flags truck parking, pedestrian safety and possible rail stop for Carmel Church",750,1115000,1865000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3789370-870e9bd320ccc392a077aafb538c4fbb&start=1115&end=1865","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3789370-870e9bd320ccc392a077aafb538c4fbb/thumbnail_1115000.jpg","/articles/6201725/Caroline-County/Virginia/Regional-transportation-study-flags-truck-parking-pedestrian-safety-and-possible-rail-stop-for-Carmel-Church","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6201725-ddef1e882053a82dae4bcbbd73c00226/orig.mp4?Expires=1770955244&Signature=Ozw10ovJlmomIoI7YUXbzF-pmgPplKTaNVb5knncuvQNOW0CGyemUiAZqHuzox1zttfqNWdfcEEIuLpsrx9KlQm5Eb94b6ndp-yTTQAAw1nl~y-wazg6R9i6l3XBp-oMAylnJOby8EJdvHjR9qSpny97~D7cxzio2AS3b-TWhRd6jFzAn8Jk8jSPZ1ZQCRsCxW~l~3rZvtEsPKhQE73--lQ8ULTMMHgfHPDrLPIJu6di8yEmFu5qywAMuouyD2TGOJMLxt7~AbROagFBpz653ROxOTiO9WGd9bcd8TbF2Rg5vnjqSTRI4arQxb1S1v9ObVv~fGGKTewwbYl1aLUQUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A regional transportation study presented June 10 to the Caroline County Board of Supervisors recommends a program of short-, medium- and long-term projects to address heavy truck traffic, truck parking shortages, pedestrian safety and commuter options in the Carmel Church growth area.

The study, prepared for Caroline County by the George Washington Regional Commission, concludes Carmel Church is an emerging employment center and a choke point for freight and commuter traffic. The report recommends targeted safety improvements, shoulder stabilization and truck-parking strategies, and further study of commuter options ranging from expanded vanpools to a possible future rail stop.

The plan’s lead presenter, Carrie Eaves, transportation program manager at GWRC, told the board the document is intended as a long-range plan: some recommendations are for the next six years while others are ideas for 20 years or longer as the area develops. The study mapped commuting and freight origins, showing Carmel Church as a major origin for trips to Fredericksburg and Stafford and noting heavy truck volumes on local roads.

Study authors used a commercial mobility analytics product (“StreetLight”) and VDOT data to estimate freight movements. The presentation said about 15,000 medium- and heavy-duty trucks pass through Carmel Church each week on Route 207 and the nearby ramps (not counting I‑95 through traffic). The county is also short of truck parking: a statewide truck‑parking study cited in the report estimated a regional shortfall of at least 200 truck spaces.

The GWRC team identified a set of near‑term pedestrian-safety improvements concentrated in the study area’s core where pedestrian activity and truck parking overlap. That core area also is a state-designated priority segment, which study authors said could support short-term crossing and crosswalk work. The report suggests “shoulder hardening” and other road fixes for freight, and it notes Dry Bridge Road as an example where a separate engineering study would be needed.

Planners put population and employment forecasts on maps and included a service-area analysis for a possible future rail station at Carmel Church. The study estimated roughly 22,119 people live within a 22‑minute drive of a hypothetical station site inside Caroline County; presenters said adding adjacent Hanover County would materially increase the station’s catchment and potential ridership.

Board members pressed staff on details. Supervisor Floyd Thomas asked whether the truck totals counted vehicles that merely pass through versus trucks that stop and patronize local businesses; GWRC said the analytics allow filters for stop behavior and origin/destination validation with VDOT counts. Other supervisors discussed road edge failures on secondary routes and asked staff to coordinate with VDOT on shoulder repairs and on truck-related pavement damage.

GWRC said the report recommends a future freight-focused project (a freight/parking assessment) and a selection of candidate safety projects suitable for grant programs such as SMART SCALE. The commission asked the board to open a 30‑day public comment period on the plan; the board agreed and planners said they will return after the comment window for final adoption.

Next steps for the county are to collect public comments during the 30‑day period, consider targeted short‑term pedestrian safety and truck parking projects, and prioritize longer-term options (including commuter service and possible station siting) for follow‑up analyses and grant applications.","A George Washington Regional Commission report presented to the Caroline County Board of Supervisors on June 10 recommends longer-range planning for freight, truck parking, pedestrian safety and commuter options in the Carmel Church area and opens a 30‑day public comment period.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6201706,"What the Caroline County Board voted on June 10 — summary and outcomes",315,4930000,5245000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3789370-870e9bd320ccc392a077aafb538c4fbb&start=4930&end=5245","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3789370-870e9bd320ccc392a077aafb538c4fbb/thumbnail_4930000.jpg","/articles/6201706/Caroline-County/Virginia/What-the-Caroline-County-Board-voted-on-June-10-summary-and-outcomes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6201706-46cde86342ade3e1228fca096977244a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770955244&Signature=TUyetQWSLm3rkf8wywa87QffjR1IFlOYeyZxQJtqsJNEsip~aykfIvTjh2ccEOBwgPegPYXAuR-enQ4R6bJHRhLf4OvQWcaUVfAixlwgy3wqVjZ8huygzQOHySkPMOXlB3RK9R2afnJOSPLUq4DPUHS11CmoufVyhO~SP~bnZ6BtFNDPyQEDhTklrcmAvEKoKb1N6wvK5txAARGEEvSG5uR~2Ng9TQhf5KP-Hx11m7xpKx6UzXGMTGmhS4lbRvkjJ8s~jZ4X7fR5LFh~vU~TM4q3ZQNUkZee8lbT3EdhY5hisTNIWVxZqTfT2neenNl3gTUFT6pOmzDgIOD0NhWnvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Caroline County Board of Supervisors took a number of formal actions June 10. Below are short, staff‑reported summaries of each action taken during the public meeting. Where roll‑call tallies were not read aloud in the record, the outcome is reported as the board stated at the meeting.

1) Sale of county property at Bullchurch Road (Marble Systems): The board held the required public hearing and approved a resolution authorizing sale of an 8.31‑acre county parcel (Bullchurch Road) to Marble Systems for $60,000, with an option for the county to repurchase if agreed project triggers are not met; proceeds were directed to the county recreation fund. Outcome: approved (unanimous).

2) Polecat Creek interceptor — condemnation/easements: The board held a hearing and adopted a resolution authorizing acquisition by condemnation if needed of easements for the Polecat Creek interceptor sanitary sewer project, which the county reported is necessary to remove a capacity bottleneck for the Ladysmith and Carmel Church service areas. Outcome: approved (unanimous).

3) Text amendment — private schools and educational uses (TXT‑01‑2025): After a public hearing and board discussion, the board approved an amendment that clarifies zoning definitions for “schools” (limited to public and private schools as defined), creates a new “educational use” definition for indoor and outdoor instructional uses, and requires outdoor educational uses in rural districts to be processed as a special exception. Outcome: approved (vote recorded in meeting; no roll‑call tally read aloud).

4) Special exception — Wildlife Rescue League (SPEX‑O08/2024): After an extended public hearing with many written and oral comments both for and against, the board approved a special exception to allow a wildlife rehabilitation facility on a 94.5‑acre parcel with conditions addressing carcass disposal, fencing and screening around the education area, required DWR and VDH approvals, site plan and building permits, and a one‑year compliance review after issuance of a certificate of occupancy. The motion passed with one recorded no vote. Outcome: approved (yes: majority; no: 1 recorded).

5) Code and zoning amendments for enforcement penalties (multiple TXT/CO amendments): The board held required hearings and adopted a package of amendments to the county property‑maintenance code and zoning ordinance to add civil penalties and revise criminal penalties for property‑maintenance, inoperable vehicles and growth/trash violations. Outcome: approved (board vote; no roll‑call tallies read aloud).

6) Credit/debit card payment fee ordinance (Chapter 103 amendment): The board adopted an amendment to the county code authorizing card‑processor‑collected service fees for online and in‑person card payments, with the processor collecting a service fee (no county handling fee). The treasurer’s office reported negotiated processor fees of 2.25% for consumer cards, 3% for business cards, and a $1.95 minimum. Outcome: approved (board vote).

7) Consent agenda and appointments: The board approved the consent agenda (items a–c, with updated procurement policy language added for item d) and forwarded the at‑large Board of Zoning Appeals nominee (Alvester Coleman) for appointment. Outcome: consent agenda approved; appointment nomination forwarded.

8) School budget and capital items: The board adopted the county and school budget-related resolutions and the FY 2026–2030 Capital Improvements Program as presented during the meeting (including school appropriations and a capital program adoption). Outcome: approved.

Notes on vote reporting: The transcript records multiple “all in favor, say aye” calls without roll‑call tallies for several items. Where a named no vote was recorded in the transcript, that is indicated above (Wildlife special exception: Supervisor Floyd Thomas voted no). For other items, the board declared the motion carried after the ayes/voice call.

If you need a copy of the executed purchase contract, the condemnation resolution, or the final text of any adopted ordinance, those are part of the official meeting packet and county records.","A consolidated list of formal actions and votes taken at the June 10 Board of Supervisors meeting, including property disposition, sewer easement condemnation authorization, zoning and code amendments, and appointments.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves Wildlife Rescue League rehabilitation facility with conditions after contested public hearing

Caroline County schools unveil environmental literacy plan to expand outdoor learning and watershed experiences

Habitat for Humanity reports regional spending, unveils modular zero‑step home design aimed at aging and first‑responder buyers

Regional transportation study flags truck parking, pedestrian safety and possible rail stop for Carmel Church

What the Caroline County Board voted on June 10 — summary and outcomes