Bath County ACP Camping Trip

On Saturday, August 24th, Wild Virginia hosted a camping trip in the mountains of Bath County, Virginia. While all 13 attendees enjoyed the beauty and serenity that one would expect from a weekend of camping, the trip was about much more than a weekend escape. The primary purpose of this excursion was to see and explore an area along the 550 mile proposed route for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP), a project headed by Dominion Energy, while learning about the effects that construction will have on the area.

The whole group, myself included, congregated at a 120 acre piece of land, owned by Bill and Lynn Limpert, which is directly in the current path of the ACP. The couple regularly invites campers of all ages to come and listen to their personal experience and extensive knowledge of the area while enjoying the land. The Limperts act as an advocate for the land and people alike as they emphasize the multitude of ways in which the ACP will negatively impact their community and the surrounding ecosystem if completed.

Not long after our arrival, Mr. Limpert led a tour around a portion of the forest and educated all of us about his land and how it will be affected by Dominion’s pipeline. His knowledge about seemingly every aspect of the land and how it would be affected by this project-from the water quality to soil composition to species in the area-made his passion for this cause evident.  His love and concern for the land was truly inspiring as it was not rooted solely in the way it would affect him, but the cumulative effect this would have on myriad communities, ecosystems, and future generations.

After a day full of discussions and explorations as well as a night spent under the stars, we departed from the Limpert’s special spot and headed to Fort Lewis Lodge in Millboro, Virginia. The devoted owner and lover of the outdoors, John Cowden, explained how the proposed pipeline route will affect both his business and the land. He was especially concerned about the creek, depicted below, as its scenic value and water quality (and therefore the lives of all of the aquatic species that live within it) would be greatly degraded by this project. Unfortunately, John’s situation is not the only one of its kind. Thousands of home and business owners are facing uncertainty in regard to the land they love and value for the sake of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline.  The good news is that this fight is far from over. There are various ways that we as individuals can help this cause and influence real change. This trip opened my eyes in many ways, but more than anything empowered me to believe that we can make a difference through our actions.

This weekend long adventure was truly unlike any trip that I have ever been on. I received an immense amount of insight into the activity surrounding the Atlantic Coast Pipeline from a variety of people including scientists, lawyers, passionate citizens and homeowners who will be affected, all while observing the beautiful mountains of Virginia. It was an extremely special experience that shed light on the reality of the ACP and has inspired me to take action against environmental injustices of all kinds since returning. To learn more about the pipeline and how to get involved, click the link below!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

SUGAR HOLLOW HIKE JUNE 23RD

On Sunday, June 23rd,  a group of Wild Virginia members went on a hike to Sugar Hollow. It was a beautiful, sunny day and the weather was absolutely perfect for an afternoon hike.

The Hike Begins!

Seven Wild Virginians set off on a hike led by Misty Boos, Hunter Frakes, and I. The objective of this hike was to educate members on what it takes to be an outings leader for the organization. At the trailhead, we went over the rules for backcountry areas such as Sugar Hollow, as well as the rules for wilderness areas. We also stopped to discuss National Forests and their purposes and reviewed leave no trace principles. As we walked through the woods, Hunter provided fun facts about the Sugar Hollow area and captured the attention of the hiking group.

When we arrived at Big Branch Falls, the group took a break and swam in the river. Moorman’s river runs along most of the Sugar Hollow trails and is a designated scenic river in Virginia. We found a lot of interesting things at the falls including moss, salamanders, crawdads, fungi, and mudstone. After the group was satisfied with the time we spent in the swimming hole, we began the hike back to the trailhead.  At the end of the hike, we reviewed the paperwork necessary to execute an outing with Wild Virginia. Finally, we went over how to follow up with event attendees.

The hikers were appreciative of the opportunity to learn about leading and had a wonderful time in the woods. We hope that everyone who came gives leading outings with Wild Virginia a try. We can’t wait to see where our new leaders take the organization! Our volunteers are the future of Wild Virginia.

Get Involved

If you find yourself interested in going on hikes with Wild Virginia, check out our Outings and Education page to see what we are planning next! Our outings include hiking, overnight camping, and fun water activities like canoeing and kayaking.

Wild Virginia Seeks Public Records from the Governor on Pipeline Maneuvers

Wild Virginia sent letters to the office of Governor Ralph Northam on November 21, 2018 asking for records related to two vital issues in the State of Virginia’s actions to regulate the Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley pipeline projects.

First, we asked for any documents describing a private meeting between Thomas Ferrell, Dominion Energy’s CEO, the Governor, and DEQ Director David Paylor on November 19th. (See article in Blue Virginia), We believe that while regulatory reviews of ACP are ongoing it is important that our State officials tell us exactly what their relations with the regulated parties are. That’s the principle behind the Freedom of Information Act – that the people know as much as possible about their government and its workings. As stated in the letter to Rita Davis, the Governor’s Counsel, “Governor Northam has repeatedly promised that regulatory processes will be fully transparent and fair.” And while we acknowledged that the Governor may be able shield these records from public view under exemptions in the law, our representatives may waive those exemptions and “[c]oncealment of the information requested in this letter will not be consistent with [the Governor’s] promises.”

Second, we requested records that would reveal the Governor’s process for deciding whether and when to remove members of the Air Pollution Control Board and the State Water Control Board.” The timing of dismissals of two members from each Board, especially the two Air Board members who had expressed concerns about the permit for ACP’s Buckingham compressor station, has raised serious questions as to whether the Governor has sought to influence what are supposed to be independent citizen Boards. All of these members’ terms had expired at the end of June this year and their sudden removals just weeks before the Air Board is to make a final decision on Buckingham air permit, raises serious questions. Was this action taken to influence the outcome of that vote? Can newly-named Air Board members possibly be adequately prepared to judge the complex issues involved by the time the Board meets on December 10? Will this action have a chilling effect on Board members who may question DEQ’s proposals in the future?

Full disclosure in regard to both issues we’ve addressed is necessary and we hope the Governor will live up to the ideals of open and honest government he has espoused. Stay tuned for news of his response to our requests.

Read the FOIA’s here

FOIA Request, Records Related to Meeting Between Governor Northam, Dominion Energy, and State Agencies

FOIA Request, Records Related to Dismissal and Appointment of Members of the Air Pollution Control Board and the State Water Control Board