New MD Law Requires Children Under 13 To Wear PFD
The State of Maryland had the good sense to pass this law. Virginia needs to put away the politics and protect our children on this one.
Archive for the 'news' Category
Virginia Needs A Child PFD Law
Below is commentary from Steve Stewart, Editor of the Tidewater News.
Extremist libertarianism
By Steve Stewart (Contact) | Tidewater News
Published Saturday, June 12, 2010
I get the libertarian philosophy. I appreciate its core principle. The less that government interferes in the lives of people, the fewer the obstacles to the Declaration of Independence’s promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Like many political philosophies, however, libertarianism can be carried too far.
Take, for example, the Virginia General Assembly’s steadfast refusal to adopt common-sense legislation that would require children in boats on inland waters to wear life preservers.
CLEAN RIVERS DAY 2010
The Blackwater Nottoway Riverkeeper Program (BNRP) hosted it’s ninth annual Clean Rivers Day Saturday the 24th. Though I was not able to be there due to being in the hospital, 145 hardy souls came out to help better our community and the environment. Over two tons (4,135 pounds) of trash and debris was removed from area ditches, stream and rivers. Some trudged along in boots and some attacked by boat. Thanks to the City of Franklin, Southampton County, Litter Control Council and VDOT for providing services that aided in this effort. Some of the groups that reported participating at the time of this report were; Bobby Clontz from The Nature Conservancy along with the Department of Conservation and Recreation who led a contingency of canoes and kayaks from Joyner’s Bridge to Franklin down the Blackwater River. Also participating was Southampton Academy, Friends of the Meherrin, Team Spirit of Moonpie, Team Kate Tiller, Franklin Black Achievers, Cub Scout Pack 27, Courtland Ruritan’s, YMCA Leaders Club, Franklin Garden Club, Ashland/Hercules, Team Curtis Newsom, Team Wendy and many other folks who cleaned up on their own. So far it appears that the Formidable Franklin Garden Club was the top team this year bringing in 1030 pounds of trash and debris. Special thanks goes to Anne Parker, Bobby & Nancy Turner and Doug Rogers for their assistance this year. And I also want to thank Dean Wagenbach for stepping in as the unofficial interim Riverkeeper for the event while I was laid up in the hospital. These volunteers removed over two tons of trash out of your environment this past Saturday. You should thank them for that great effort. Clean Rivers day is a community pride community team effort to better our little piece of this world we live in. Next year I hope every school and every organization, church and family will come out in April and help us keep the two rivers we call the Blackwater and Nottoway clean. Jeff Turner Blackwater Nottoway Riverkeeper
Eco-Cruises & Riverkeeper Visits On Hold
I will soon be having surgery to repair my shoulder. Unfortunately that means I will be out of commission for quite some time. I am suspending booking of all Eco-Cruises and appearances until further notice. It is my sincere hope that by summer I will be able to resume my “In River” Riverkeeper duties and activities. Until that time I am pretty much relegated to the office. I apologize for the cancellation of already booked Eco-Cruises and appearances. Believe me when I say, I do not look forward to this time away from the rivers. Clean Rivers Day will go on, however I will not be “on location” to check on groups and get equipment out. Groups need to get their equipment from me before April 7th.
Jeff Turner
BNRP Riverkeeper
CBF Power Plant Report Yields Dismal Outlook
Click the CBF Rept.Cypress Power Plant link below to read about how the Dendron Power Plant will affect where you live.
Surry Residents Seek Answers On Coal Plant
As residents of Surry County consider the prospect of hosting one of the state’s largest coal-fired plants, there are growing concerns about the impacts on health, environment, and community growth.
Continue Reading »
July 2009 Newsletter
View the latest Newsletter and find out what has been going on with the Blackwater Nottoway Riverkeeper.
Continue Reading »
A Sad Day
Well people this will be the hardest report I have ever written. On Friday May 29th 2009 little Moonpie passed away.
Continue Reading »
Clean Rivers Day A Clean Sweep
The ninth annual Clean Rivers Day (CRD) sponsored by the Blackwater Nottoway Riverkeepers was held on Saturday April the 18th. I am very happy to report it was a great success. We had 109 people who care about our local environment come out and participate in the clean up. Those 109 people picked up 5,060 pounds of trash, tires and other garbage out of our ditches, streams and rivers.
Continue Reading »
Three Miles of Blackwater River Frontage Protected
FRANKLIN, VA — March 19, 2009 — The Nature Conservancy of Virginia and Conservation Forestry, LLC announced today the protection of 416 forested acres along the Blackwater River in Southampton County. The property is home to a wide diversity of plants and wildlife, including Bald Eagles, and has been identified by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation as an area of “outstanding ecological significance.”
Continue Reading »
