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Southampton County planning commission to seek presentation on Nottoway River scenic designation
Summary
Members discussed pursuing National Scenic River designation for the Nottoway River, citing conservation and grant opportunities, but also raised landowner concerns and misinformation at earlier meetings; the commission reached consensus to invite presenter Jamie Craig to speak at a future meeting.
The Southampton County Planning Commission spent the bulk of its September meeting discussing whether to pursue further study of a National Scenic River designation for the Nottoway River and agreed to try to bring a presenter back to the commission for a fuller briefing.
Members said the designation could provide federal recognition, access to some grant funding and conservation support while leaving local land‑use control intact. “It is the last one in Virginia,” a commissioner said during the discussion, arguing the river is a “jewel” and urging study to preserve its quality for future generations.
Supporters told the commission the designation is largely conservation‑focused and could open modest funds for monitoring, signage and facilities; one member cited roughly $75,000 as an example of available funding for monitoring or aesthetic signage. They also pointed to local stewardship efforts, including a map of river points compiled by volunteer Jeff Turner, and described sections of the waterway as biodiverse and home to about “35 or so” semi‑endangered species.
Several commissioners and members of the public said a prior informational meeting saw strong opposition driven in part by misinformation, including claims that the federal designation would allow officials to seize private land or prohibit ordinary uses. Commissioners disputed that characterization, saying the only restriction would be on activities that demonstrably harmed river quality, and emphasized that forming a local citizen committee was intended as a first study step, not a binding action.
Commission members discussed how a study committee might be composed and said a significant share of seats should be adjoining landowners so neighbors’ concerns are represented. The group also noted that the designation could support agritourism and ecotourism and that county oversight of land‑use decisions would remain in local hands.
By the end of the exchange the commission reached a consensus to try to contact Jamie Craig, who led the prior outreach, and to invite him back for a presentation; one commissioner volunteered to contact Craig and, if he agrees to appear, to report back and place him on a future agenda. The commission did not make any formal commitment to the designation; members said any formal recommendation to the Board of Supervisors would follow study and public hearings.
Next steps: the commission will attempt to schedule a return presentation by Jamie Craig and, depending on that briefing and public input, may consider creating a citizen committee to study designation options and report back to the planning commission.
