Fluvanna board asks state to evaluate Hardware River for Virginia Scenic River status
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Summary
The board adopted a resolution directing staff to request that the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation evaluate segments of the Hardware River in Fluvanna County for possible inclusion in the Virginia Scenic Rivers program; the resolution also encourages coordination with Albemarle County.
The Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors voted to ask the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to evaluate the portion of the Hardware River within Fluvanna County for possible designation as a Virginia Scenic River.
Alex Porter of the county planning department described the DCR process, which includes a DCR study of eligibility, potential formation of a local administering committee, and eventual review by the state Board of Conservation and Recreation and the General Assembly. Porter told the board the designation would recognize the river’s scenic value, create eligibility for certain conservation grants, and require General Assembly approval for construction of dams or other obstructions on a designated segment. He emphasized that the designation would not alter local land ownership or automatically impose new local land-use regulations.
A motion to adopt a resolution authorizing staff to initiate the DCR review was made and seconded; the transcript records the chair’s vote as "5 4 0" and the item carried. Supervisors discussed coordinating with Albemarle County because the Hardware River flows through both jurisdictions.
Staff will work with Albemarle County and DCR on the eligibility review and may solicit letters of support from local civic groups and governments if DCR recommends designation.
