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Southampton County panel weighs National Wild and Scenic River designation for Nottoway River, asks for fuller presentation
Summary
The Southampton County Planning Commission discussed the possibility of pursuing National Wild and Scenic River designation for the Nottoway River, fielding concerns from landowners about access and control while proponents highlighted conservation, grant opportunities and tourism; the commission asked a conservation specialist to present at a future meeting.
The Southampton County Planning Commission spent the bulk of its meeting discussing whether to pursue a National Wild and Scenic River designation for the Nottoway River. Chair (Speaker 2) told the commission the presenter invited to explain the designation had declined to attend, and commissioners agreed to attempt to bring the presenter, Jamie Craig, back for a full presentation and public discussion.
Proponents said the designation could protect the river and open grant opportunities. "It opens the ability to get funds because the funding would come to help support the designation of being a National Wild and Scenic River," Speaker 3 said, adding that designation could provide about $75,000 for monitoring and related work. Speaker 4 described the Nottoway as "the only one left in the state that even qualifies for it" and urged the county to consider the long-term conservation and tourism benefits.
Several commissioners and attendees said the designation would not transfer ownership of private land to the federal government but acknowledged strong landowner resistance at earlier public meetings. Speakers described a campaign of misinformation among some landowners that the federal government would "take over" private property; Speaker 4 responded that federal protections would focus on activities that harm river quality, not routine private land use.
Members discussed forming a citizen committee to study the proposal if the presentation is favorable; multiple speakers emphasized that a committee should include a majority of adjoining landowners and stakeholders such as riverkeepers and conservation groups. Speaker 4 offered to contact Jamie Craig and return with a report; commissioners agreed to schedule a presentation and advertise it to solicit public input. No formal committee was formed and no final direction to the Board of Supervisors was taken at this meeting.
The commission emphasized next steps: secure a presenter, advertise the meeting to ensure landowner voices are heard, and consider a study committee only after a full presentation and public comment.
