Appalachian Trail Core Forest and Viewshed Protection Project Virginia Outdoor Foundation Forest CORE Fund Application

Transcription

1 Appalachian Trail Core Forest and Viewshed Protection Project Virginia Outdoor Foundation Forest CORE Fund Application

2 Appalachian Trail Core Forest and Viewshed Protection Project Protecting the Appalachian Trail, the iconic views from McAfee Knob and buffering Carvin s Cove 1. Project Description 2. Forest CORE Grant Application 3. Satellite and Conserved Lands Proximity Map 4. Topo Map 5. Distance to Mountain Valley Pipeline 6. Budget 7. Letter from willing seller Table of Contents 8. Letter of Intent to acquire from the National Park Service 9. Property Valuation 10. Supporting Documents a. Memorandum of Understanding for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Virginia b. The Appalachian Trail s National Register Nomination Form c. Appalachian Trail Conservancy s 501(c)3 Letter d. Letters of Support e. Appalachian Trail Conservancy Annual Report

3 Appalachian Trail CORE Forest and Viewshed Protection Project Description McAfee Knob is one of the most internationally recognized images of outdoor recreation in Virginia and the most photographed vista on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.). The narrow rock slab jutting out over Catawba Valley inspires visitors from around the world and delivers a powerful sense of the Commonwealth s natural beauty. Just minutes from downtown Roanoke, Salem and I-81, this iconic view speaks to the high-value National Park experience on display in Virginia. Protecting the integrity of this viewshed is critical to ensure that our outdoor recreation and natural heritage resources are available to generations to come. The view from McAfee Knob was only saved from intrusion and degradation by the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) due to its orientation on the landscape. Views from points further north and south along the A.T., which are oriented more southerly, were impacted by MVP. This project will protect one of the few views in over 75 miles of the A.T. not impacted by the pipeline. This project also protects the physical footpath of the A.T. in the Tinker Cliffs area and the primitive, wilderness experience for which it is managed. Guidance for the protection of this property can be found in the Foundation Document for Management of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail 1. Environmental Justice A quarter of the U.S. population is within a half day s drive of the A.T., and visitors can get from Manhattan or Washington D.C. to the Trail by train. Ensuring that all people can access recreation, wilderness and outdoor resources is a critical component in environmental justice. Currently, this section of the A.T. is one of the most accessible sections in the South, and accessibility will be drastically improved soon. The Trail s first park and ride trailhead is planned immediately north of this acquisition. This will allow public transit access to an A.T. trail head so people will be able to easily reach the Trail if they do not own a vehicle. Since this already popular section may soon be visited by an even wider variety of people, it is important to ensure that the A.T experience its viewsheds, wildlife, and wilderness are protected. Everyone should be able to benefit from the relaxation, rejuvenation and mental health benefits which the trail provides. About the Appalachian Trail Conservancy The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) was founded in 1925 to organize the construction of the Appalachian Trail and has been the Trail s chief advocate and management coordinator ever since. The Trail was established as the National first national scenic trail in 1968, a unit of the National Park Service. The annual report of the ATC is available at the link below 2. 1 The Foundation Document for Management of the A.T., including forest resources can be found at: 2 The Appalachian Trail Conservancy s annual report and financial information is available here:

4 TERRA Forest CORE Fund Project Application Applicant Information Applicant Partner Organization Contact Person Phone Number Address Type of Applicant/ Partner Organization Title Address Federal State Regional Local Soil & Water Conservation District Other Public Body Registered Non-Profit* Conservation Organization* * If you are a registered non-profit or private conservation organization, provide documentation that you are registered and in good standing with the State Corporation Commission. The URL of the organization s SCC Business Entity Details page will suffice: 8-Digit Hydrologic Unit (see appendix F of grant manual for map) Project Information Name of Project Location of Project Summary Description of Project (150 words or less) Please note that names will be publicized, and landowners may prefer not to have their names in press releases City/State Type of Project check all that apply Forest Protection Forest Establishment Forest Restoration/Enhancement Easement Afforestation Controlled Burning Fee Simple Acquisition Removal/Control of Invasive Exotics Timber Conversion Other on Existing Easement Restriction Amount of funds requested Amount of match (not required) 1

5 Project Characteristics *Virginia Outdoors Foundation Staff is available to assist with data research if not available to applicant. GIS data sets may be available for public use. Number of acres to be protected/acquired Number of acres forested Number of acres to be planted Number of acres to be enhanced Ecological Integrity and Forest Conservation Value of forested land.* (check all that apply) Ecological Integrity Property Adjacent Property C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 Natural Heritage Biodiversity Rating.* Property Adjacent Property B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 Not in a natural heritage conservation site, no rating Presence of TE water or wild trout streams on property.* Forest Conservation Property Adjacent Property FCV5 FCV4 FCV3 FCV2 FCV1 Presence of Natural Heritage Rare Communities.* Yes No Property Adjacent Property Presence of Threatened or Endangered or Tier I or II SGCN on property.* Yes No Property Adjacent Property Yes No Property Adjacent Property Is there a forest resource management plan for the property?* Yes (please attach along with a description of how No the recommendations of the plan are being implemented to achieve forest management goals) Are there any cultural or archeological resources known on the property/project area? Yes (please attach a description and resource No location map) Length (in feet) of intermittent and/or perennial streams, and water bodies on or adjacent to the property. Please include description of feature and location. Area (in acres) of wetland on or adjacent to the property. Please include description of feature and location. 2

6 Project Location Give a precise location of the project area. Include maps or other information that will assist in the evaluation of the proposal. Proximity (in miles) to pipeline impact Please specify type/location of conserved land (e.g. publicly-owned park, recreational area, natural area, forest, historic site, or wildlife and waterfowl refuge) Proximity (in miles) to conserved land Required maps (suitable for 81/2 x 11 reproduction) Location map, showing proximity to pipeline and conserved lands USGS 7.5-minute topographic map Aerial photograph Project Schedule Anticipated land acquisition/easement date Anticipated commencement date of activity (afforestation/enhancement/other) If requesting greater than the thirty-month standard contract length, please provide justification Access Anticipated project completion date Public access will be allowed year-round Public access will be allowed more than 50% of the year Limited public access (less than 50% of the year) will be allowed Property provides demonstrated visual access from designated scenic areas (e.g from scenic rivers or roads) Property provides demonstrated visual access from public areas No public access provided If public access will be allowed, please describe the level and type of planned access allowed on the property. Does the proposal meet a specific recreational or resource conservation need identified in or supported by: The Virginia Outdoors Plan Recreational need Yes, referenced on page No Resource conservation need Yes, referenced on page No The Virginia Natural Heritage Plan The Virginia 2015 Wildlife Action Plan Other plan Yes, referenced on page No The local comprehensive plan Yes, referenced on page No Name and page Yes, referenced on page No If not included in plan, is planned activity in conformance with plan? Yes, referenced on page No If not in conformance with the text found in comprehensive plan, is a letter from locality provided to show that interpretation of plan supports activity? Yes No 3

7 Landowner(s) has/have been notified and is/are receptive to negotiation on proposed projects Yes, letter from landowner attached If application is being made by a registered non-profit or conservation organization, show documentation that a public body is willing to be the holder or co-holder of the conservation easement on the funded property. Yes, documentation is attached No, application is not being made by a non-profit or conservation organization Describe what work has been conducted toward the completion of this project. (e.g. work completed such a survey and baseline or title report, contract of sale approved) Describe the land protection/enhancement project. Include the any elements unique to this property/project as well as any information not already captured in the application. Limited to 4 pages (single sided) or less. Description of proposal, including need and existing conditions (size and composition of property, natural resource values, proximity to impact, proximity to conserved land) Proposed goals and objectives Description of how protection of property/project in mitigating forest fragmentation impacts. Description of the scenic value of the property and how the project will protect the integrity of the existing scenic qualities. Degree of protection planned (details and protection that will be provided by a conservation easement, activities specifically allowed in the conservation easement Proposed management of land, specifically forested areas Applicant s administrative and financial capacity to manage the grant to ensure the success of the project Additional unique qualities not captured within application. Environmental Justice If applicable, describe how the community addressed by the project proposal meets the criteria of an environmental justice or underserved community. See appendix E of the grant manual for additional information on environmental justice. 4

8 Forest CORE Fund Project Application Checklist All applicants must provide three (3) paper copies as well as an electronic version of the full application on CD or USB. The various parts of the electronic application should be compiled as one complete document (Word or searchable PDF). Completed Application (3 copies) Location map showing proximity to pipeline Location map showing proximity to conserved lands Topography map (USGS 7.5-minute) Aerial photograph Landowner letter of interest/intent Budget request including detailed budget request form Substantiation of the value of the property to be protected if appropriate Appraisal, title report, boundary survey, and other reports if available Environmental survey if available/appropriate For all easement projects, provide a summary of restrictions that will be in the deed of easement and a letter from the public entity who will holding or co-holding easement. Support documents- including letters of support from individuals and organizations as well as resolutions from governmental bodies and others whose interest in the project proposal reflects wide community-based support for the application. As a means of raising the profile of the VOF grant program, applicants are also encouraged to inform their public officials, such as state legislators and locally elected officials, of the applicant s participation in the VOF grant ground. These letters should be sent as part of the application, not separately. Form W-9: Request for Taxpayer Identification Number(s) and Certification Tax Exempt Status (if applicant is a non-profit) Documentation showing applicant s organizational and financial ability to ensure appropriate long-term stewardship of the property 5

9 Appalachian Trail CORE Forest & Viewshed Protection Project APPALACHIAN NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL APPALACHIAN TRAIL A.T. ACQUISITION NPS LAND - APPA FEE NPS LAND - APPA EASEMENT NPS LAND - APPA ROW NPS LAND - APPA ADMIN TRANSFERRED LANDS FEDERAL LAND - NPS - OTHER FEDERAL LAND - USFS FEDERAL LAND - USFS ADMIN TRANSFERRED LANDS FEDERAL LAND - USFWS FEDERAL LAND - OTHER STATE LAND CONSERVATION LAND TOWN LAND I Miles Produced by the Appalachian Trail GIS Program Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community

10 Appalachian Trail CORE Forest & Viewshed Protection Project APPALACHIAN NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL APPALACHIAN TRAIL A.T. ACQUISITION NPS LAND - APPA FEE NPS LAND - APPA EASEMENT NPS LAND - APPA ROW NPS LAND - APPA ADMIN TRANSFERRED LANDS FEDERAL LAND - NPS - OTHER FEDERAL LAND - USFS FEDERAL LAND - USFS ADMIN TRANSFERRED LANDS FEDERAL LAND - USFWS FEDERAL LAND - OTHER STATE LAND CONSERVATION LAND TOWN LAND I Miles Produced by the Appalachian Trail GIS Program

11 Appalachian Trail CORE Forest & Viewshed Protection Project ^_ APPALACHIAN NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL APPALACHIAN TRAIL ^_ FEDERAL LAND (FEE) FEDERAL LAND (EASEMENT) PUBLIC LAND (FEE) PUBLIC LAND (EASEMENT) OTHER PROTECTED LAND TOWN LAND PRIVATE LAND A.T. ACQUISITION MOUNTAIN VALLEY PIPELINE From MVP to A.T. Acquisition: 16 miles I Miles Produced by the Appalachian Trail GIS Program Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

12 TERRA CORE Forest Fund-MVP Grant Round Budget Proposal Tax Exempt Status Project applications from nonprofit organizations shall provide documentation in the application that gives proof of tax-exempt status under 501 (c) (3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Additionally, the applicant must meet the holder requirements as described in Virginia Code to See Grant Manual, page TBD, Program Eligibility. Amount of Request Total Forest Protection Cost Total Forest Establishment Cost Total Forest Restoration/Enhancement Cost Total Forest Innovation Cost Total Acres to Be Protected $ Attached detailed budget request form required

13 Detailed Budget Request Item Amount Notes Preservation Costs $ Examples include: acquisition of property, easement, or additional easement restriction Establishment Costs $ Examples include: afforestation, site preparation Enhancement/Restoration Costs $ Examples include: control of invasive exotics, controlled burn Innovation Costs $ Stewardship Costs $ Recruitment Costs $ Contractual Services $ Identify consultants, services, costs, etc Equipment, Materials & Supplies $ Legal Fees $ Appraisal Fees $ Title Insurance $ Recordation Fees $ Environmental Site Assessment $ Other Direct Costs $ Specify type of expense Indirect Costs $ Specify type of expense TOTAL FUNDS REQUESTED $ Additional/Matching Funds (Not Required) $

14 Virginia Outdoors Foundation Attention: Forest CORE Fund 39 Garrett St., Suite 200 Warrenton, VA Re: 2018 Mountain Valley Forest CORE Fund Application Form Dear Sir or Madam: In the grant application submitted by our organization for the Virginia Outdoors Foundation s 2018 Mountain Valley Forest CORE Fund grant round, our project budget included a total match amount of $, of which $ is to be obtained through grant funding that is not yet committed by any granting agency. We agree that, if this project is funded through the Forest CORE Fund, we will commit our organization s resources to complete the project within the thirty month time frame or as required by the Forest CORE Fund program. Sincerely, Organization Representative Job Title

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21 Appalachian Trail CORE Forest and Viewshed Protection Project Supporting Documents 1. Memorandum of Understanding for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in the Commonwealth of Virginia 2. The Appalachian Trail s National Register of Historic Places Multiple Property Documentation Form (Submitted 2015). Provided here as documentation of the A.T. as a National Register eligible cultural resource. 3. Appalachian Trail Conservancy s 501(c)3 letter 4. Letters of Support Roanoke County Board of Supervisors Roanoke County Administrator Roanoke City Parks and Recreation Roanoke Alleghany Regional Commission Visit Virginia s Blue Ridge Botetourt County Carilion Clinic United States Department of Interior Blue Ridge Land Conservancy Roanoke Outside Foundation 5. Appalachian Trail Conservancy 2017 Annual Report

22 FS Agreement No. 10-MU Cooperator Agreement No. MOU MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING for the APPALACHIAN NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA I. BACKGROUND and OBJECTIVES The Appalachian Trail is a way, continuous from Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in Georgia, for travel on foot through the wild, scenic, wooded, pastoral, and culturally significant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachian Trail was completed in 1937 and, with the passage of the National Trails System Act in 1968 [82 Stat. 919, as amended], was designated a National Scenic Trail. By law, overall responsibility for administration of the Appalachian Trail rests with the Secretary of the Interior and is carried out by the National Park Service (NPS). Following provisions in the National Trails System Act, in 1984, the NPS and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) signed a landmark Delegation Agreement under which the NPS delegated certain management responsibilities to the ATC for NPS-acquired lands outside existing National Park boundaries. The NPS completed a Comprehensive Plan for the Appalachian Trail in 1981, which established the framework of a Cooperative Management System, a unique partnership arrangement between public and private groups. The Comprehensive Plan is supplemented by local management plans, which provide more specific policy and program direction for each section of the Appalachian Trail, and memoranda of understanding, which provide clear understandings of the roles and responsibilities of each management partner. Through these various agreements on Trail management needs, responsibilities are divided among volunteer organizations and governmental agencies. Together, these documents and agreements formalize and strengthen the traditional volunteer-based system of Trail stewardship. Ensuring the cooperative protection and management of the Appalachian Trail through the implementation of the National Park Service Comprehensive Plan is the objective of this agreement. 1

23 FS Agreement No. 10-MU Cooperator Agreement No. MOU II. PURPOSE This Memorandum of Understanding supersedes prior agreements between the National Park Service and the Commonwealth of Virginia for the Appalachian Trail and serves to describe specific understandings and working relationships among the Trail Partners within the Commonwealth. These Trail Partners and the Parties to this Agreement are: 1. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Appalachian Trail Park Office (NPS) 2. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USFS) 3. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DC&R) 4. Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) 5. Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) 6. Virginia Department of State Police (VDSP) 7. Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) 8. Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) 9. Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) 10. Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club (ODATC) 11. Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club (TATC) 12. Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club (NBATC) 13. Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club (RATC) 14. Outdoor Club at Virginia Tech (OCVT) 15. Piedmont Appalachian Trail Hikers (PATH) 16. Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club (MRATC) 17. Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club (TEHCC) The above listed Partners in this Memorandum formally agree hereby to work together cooperatively in the administration and management of the Appalachian Trail in the Commonwealth of Virginia. III. AUTHORITY This Memorandum of Understanding is authorized under following laws: 1. National Trails System Act: 82 Stat. 919; 16 U.S.C Code of Virginia of 1950: Section , as amended 3. Chapter 477, Virginia Acts of Assembly, April 7, 1942 IV. EXCLUSIONS 1. This Memorandum of Understanding does not change: 1.1 Any jurisdictional relationships between the National Park Service or any other Federal agency and the Commonwealth of Virginia, nor 2

24 FS Agreement No. 10-MU Cooperator Agreement No. MOU Any established relationships between Virginia State agencies or political subdivisions, nor 1.3. Any existing agreements, relationships, or jurisdictions between any State agencies and any other units of the National Park System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or any other agencies of the Federal Government. 2. This Memorandum of Understanding does not limit any Federal or State agency in respect to the exercise of its legislated mandates, prerogatives, privileges, management options, or authorities. 3. This Memorandum is not intended to and does not create any contractual rights or obligations with respect to the signatory agencies or any other parties. V. CONFLICT RESOLUTION The resolution of disputes or disagreements which may arise between Parties to this Memorandum of Understanding will be handled in the following fashion: 1. Negotiations will be held at the local (field) level between affected Parties. The Parties intend to exhaust all practical means of conflict resolution at the local level before resorting to any further appeals process. Failing satisfactory resolution by negotiations at the local (field) level; 2. The issue may ultimately be handled through established agency and/or judicial review and appeals procedures. 3

25 FS Agreement No. 10-MU Cooperator Agreement No. MOU VI. STATEMENT OF WORK (Responsibilities of each Partner) A. The National Park Service, Appalachian Trail Park Office Agrees: 1. To provide overall administration, coordination, and oversight of the Appalachian Trail as directed by Congress, with an emphasis toward achieving Trailwide consistency of management operations, development and maintenance standards, and conformance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies. 2. To continue to be responsible for all matters pertaining to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail that are not delegated to other parties. 3. That on National Park Service-acquired lands, these non-delegated responsibilities include, but are not limited to: enforcement of applicable portions of Federal Statutory law and the Code of Federal Regulations, surveying and marking the exterior corridor boundaries, authorizing or undertaking all research and resource management planning, Federally owned structures management, and compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. [Note: Some NPS-ANST acquired lands in Virginia have been or are intended to be administratively transferred to the USDA Forest Service George Washington /Jefferson National Forests. Upon their transfer, these lands are administered and managed by the George Washington /Jefferson National Forests in accordance with Forest Service regulations and policies.] 4. To provide oversight review of all Local Management Plans and the Virginia Statewide A.T. Management Plan for compliance with National Park Service policies and standards. 5. To provide, to the extent feasible, technical assistance for capital improvements, such as parking areas, shelters, footbridges, signage, and other management needs associated with the development, administration, and maintenance of the Trail and associated facilities, as appropriate. 6. To provide support, as funds and staffing permit, for programs to engage youth and get young people out on the Trail, to build new relationships with communities near the Trail encouraging sustainable tourism and healthful activities by Virginia residents, and to improve environmental stewardship. 7. To serve as the primary central contact point for all notification provisions of this Memorandum of Understanding. 4

26 FS Agreement No. 10-MU Cooperator Agreement No. MOU The primary National Park Service contacts for this Memorandum are: Park Manager Appalachian National Scenic Trail National Park Service P.O. Box 5 (Deliveries: 252 McDowell Street) Harpers Ferry, WV Telephone: Fax: or Chief Ranger Appalachian National Scenic Trail National Park Service P.O. Box 50 (Deliveries: 252 McDowell Street) Harpers Ferry, WV Telephone: Fax: National Park Service 24-hour Emergency Dispatch Service at Shenandoah National Park, Luray, Virginia:

27 FS Agreement No. 10-MU Cooperator Agreement No. MOU B. The Forest Service, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Agrees: 1. To provide coordination and oversight of the Appalachian Trail as described in the NPS: USFS Administrative Transfer in the Memorandum of Agreement for the management of the ANST, January 1993 (Control No. 84-SIE-002; NPS No. IA-ASFW ). Additional direction is provided in the George Washington National Forest Land and Resources Management Plan and the Jefferson National Forest Land and Resources Management Plan, and other MOA and MOU agreements. 2. To continue to be responsible for all matters pertaining to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail on national forest system lands and USFS-managed lands in Virginia that are not administratively assigned to other government agencies. 3. That on Appalachian National Scenic Trail-related lands, these non-delegated and nonassigned responsibilities include, but are not limited to, administration of Forest Service regulations and policies, authorizing or undertaking all research, resource management planning, and compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, and performance of other administrative and managerial functions normally associated with national forest system lands administration and management. 4. To provide oversight review of updates and revisions to local management plans developed by Trail-maintaining clubs for compliance with policies and standards. 5. To contact and consult with the other Trail Partners on significant matters regarding the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, including proposed projects, programs, and actions. Such coordination and consultation will normally take place through scheduled meetings among the Partners, but may also include communications through fax, phone, and To provide, to the extent feasible, technical assistance for capital improvements, such as parking areas, shelters, footbridges, signage, and other management needs associated with the development, administration, and maintenance of the Trail and associated facilities on federal lands, as appropriate. 8. The primary USDA Forest Service contact for this Memorandum is: Forest Supervisor George Washington and Jefferson National Forests 5162 Valleypointe Parkway Roanoke, VA Telephone: Fax:

28 FS Agreement No. 10-MU Cooperator Agreement No. MOU Alternate contacts: Deputy Forest Supervisor George Washington and Jefferson National Forests 5162 Valleypointe Parkway Roanoke, VA Telephone: Fax: or Recreation Staff Officer George Washington and Jefferson National Forests 5162 Valleypointe Parkway Roanoke, VA Telephone: Fax:

29 FS Agreement No. 10-MU Cooperator Agreement No. MOU C. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Agrees: 1. To serve, in accordance with Section of the Code of Virginia, as the lead State agency and primary point of contact for matters pertaining to the establishment, protection, and maintenance of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia. The Department will serve as liaison between the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and other State agencies on matters not covered in this agreement. 2. To delegate maintenance, development, operations, and corridor monitoring responsibilities for the Virginia section of the Appalachian Trail to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. 3. To cooperate with the local Trail clubs and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in preparing and updating the Local Management Plans and the Virginia Statewide A.T. Management Plan to refine and implement State, Federal, and Appalachian Trail Conservancy policies and procedures. 4. To apply and enforce applicable Virginia State laws on Department-owned lands in order to ensure consistent rules and regulations for public use. 5. To be responsible for coordinating law enforcement, fire control, search and rescue, and other emergency activities on Department-owned lands under established State policies and procedures. 6. When necessary, to inform appropriate State, county, and local authorities, officials, commissions, and/or agencies, private utilities, and other necessary parties about the location of and development constraints on Appalachian Trail lands and of the role and planning function of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the local Trail clubs. 7. To support, to the extent feasible, cooperative programs intended to identify and provide additional protection to natural, scenic, and cultural resources of significance adjacent to the Appalachian Trail. These programs may include acquisition or purchase of lands or conservation easements, designations to the Natural Areas Preserve System or Register of Natural Areas, designation to the State or National Register of Historic Places, and employing forestry management practices to enhance recreation and aesthetic values. 8. To coordinate with ATC and local Trail clubs in providing Appalachian Trail public education programs by assisting as a liaison with State and local tourism agencies, chambers of commerce, the media, and other groups. 8

30 FS Agreement No. 10-MU Cooperator Agreement No. MOU The primary Department of Conservation and Recreation contacts for this Memorandum are: Director Department of Conservation and Recreation 203 Governor Street Suite 302 Richmond, VA Telephone: Fax: or Director, Division of Planning and Recreation Resources 203 Governor Street Suite 326 Richmond, VA Telephone: Fax:

31 FS Agreement No. 10-MU Cooperator Agreement No. MOU D. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Agrees: 1. To accommodate the Appalachian Trail on Department-owned lands in accordance with the license agreement with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. The operations, development, maintenance, and monitoring responsibilities for the Virginia section of the Appalachian Trail are hereby delegated to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. 2. To cooperate to the extent feasible with the local Trail clubs in preparing and updating the Local Management Plans and the Virginia Statewide A.T. Management Plan in matters pertaining to Department lands, programs, and regulations. 3. To apply and enforce applicable Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Rules and Regulations on the designated Appalachian Trail corridor located on or within Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries lands in order to ensure consistent rules and regulations for public use. 4. To be responsible for coordinating law enforcement, fire control, search and rescue, and other emergency activities on Department-owned lands under established State policies and procedures. 5. To inform appropriate State, County, and local authorities, officials, commissions, and/or agencies, private utilities, and other necessary parties about the location of and development constraints on Appalachian Trail lands and of the role and planning function of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the local Trail clubs. 6. To support, to the extent feasible, cooperative programs intended to identify and provide additional protection to natural, scenic, and cultural resources of significance adjacent to the Appalachian Trail. These programs may include acquisition or purchase of lands or conservation easements, designations to the Natural Areas Preserve System or Register of Natural Areas, designation to the State or National Register of Historic Places, and employing forestry management practices to enhance recreation and aesthetic values. 7. To coordinate with ATC and local Trail clubs in providing Appalachian Trail public education programs by assisting as a liaison with State and local tourism agencies, chambers of commerce, the media, and other groups. 10

32 FS Agreement No. 10-MU Cooperator Agreement No. MOU The primary Department of Game and Inland Fisheries contacts for this Memorandum are: Director Department of Game and Inland Fisheries 4010 W. Broad Street Box Richmond, VA Telephone: Fax: or Assistant Director, Wildlife Division Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries 4010 W. Broad Street Box Richmond, VA Telephone: Fax:

33 FS Agreement No. 10-MU Cooperator Agreement No. MOU E. The Virginia Department of Forestry Agrees: 1. To serve, in accordance with Section of the Code of Virginia, as the lead State agency and primary point of contact for matters pertaining to wildland fire protection and control on Appalachian Trail lands outside of the boundaries of established Federally administered areas. The Partners to this agreement recognize that the Virginia Department of Forestry is precluded by law from fighting fire on Federal lands without reimbursement, except to the extent that a fire is a threat to adjacent private lands in the Commonwealth of Virginia. 2. To serve as the first point of contact and lead agency for the management of wildland fire protection and control on Appalachian Trail lands outside of the boundaries of established federally administered areas, and areas covered by the Master Cooperative Wildland Fire Management and Stafford Act Response Agreement signed in March 2009 with other federal agencies to coordinate these fire protection and control activities by receiving initial or preliminary reports; notifying appropriate agencies having primary jurisdiction; providing liaison as necessary with and between various involved agencies and jurisdictions; and activating and coordinating the suppression, control, and evaluation of wildland fire events affecting the Appalachian Trail. 3. The primary Virginia Department of Forestry contacts for this Memorandum are: State Forester Virginia Department of Forestry 900 Natural Resources Drive, Suite 900 Charlottesville, VA Telephone: Fax: or Chief, Fire Management Virginia Department of Forestry 900 Natural Resources Drive, Suite 900 Charlottesville, VA Telephone: Fax:

34 FS Agreement No. 10-MU Cooperator Agreement No. MOU F. The Virginia Department of Transportation Agrees: 1. To inform the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation as early as practical in the development of a project using the Environmental Review Process of any highway construction or maintenance reconstruction plans or activities which cross the primary zone of the Appalachian Trail. 2. To provide safe, convenient, and prudent highway crossings for Appalachian Trail hikers wherever Virginia State highways are crossed by the Appalachian Trail. 3. To utilize existing policies and procedures for issuing news releases and media alerts regarding transportation-related emergencies and safety considerations of which Appalachian Trail hikers should be aware. 4. To design, procure, install, and maintain safety and informational signs, where feasible and as funding permits, to protect Appalachian Trail hikers. To inform motorists of Appalachian Trail highway crossings, parking areas, and other highway-associated Appalachian Trail facilities at all road crossings within Virginia Department of Transportation rights-of-way. 5. To continue the Virginia Department of Transportation s practice of including an accurate, updated depiction of the Virginia section of the Appalachian Trail and other Appalachian Trail-related information in all revisions to the official State Transportation Map and the Map of Scenic Roads in Virginia. 6. The primary Virginia Department of Transportation contacts for this Memorandum are: District Environmental Programs Manager Virginia Department of Transportation 1201 East Broad Street Richmond, VA Telephone: Fax: or State L&D Engineer Virginia Department of Transportation 1401 East Broad Street Richmond, VA Telephone: Fax:

35 FS Agreement No. 10-MU Cooperator Agreement No. MOU G. The Virginia Department of State Police Agrees: 1. To provide law enforcement and police services, including investigation and prosecution of any criminal acts occurring on Appalachian Trail lands in the Commonwealth of Virginia, at the request of the National Park Service, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, or other entities in this agreement. If appropriate, the request may be forwarded to another Virginia State, County, or local law-enforcement agency. 2. To provide law enforcement and police services, including the investigation and prosecution of any terrorist act occurring on Appalachian Trail lands in the Commonwealth of Virginia, at the request of the National Park Service, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, or other entities in this agreement. If necessary, assistance may be requested from other Virginia State, County, or local law-enforcement agencies. 3. To provide search and rescue services, emergency evacuation and recovery services, and coordination for all search and rescue operations on Appalachian Trail lands in the Commonwealth of Virginia, in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, at the request of the National Park Service, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, or other entities in this agreement. If appropriate, the request may be forwarded to another Virginia State, County, or local agency. 4. To provide emergency management, in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, including the management of natural or man-caused disasters and/or threats thereof, including hazardous materials incidents, or any other emergency situations on Appalachian Trail lands in the Commonwealth of Virginia, at the request of the National Park Service, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, or other entities in this agreement. If appropriate, the request may be forwarded to another Virginia State, County, or local agency. 5. To serve as the first point of contact and initial lead agency for the management of all emergencies occurring on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia outside of other established units of the National Park System and National Forest System, and to coordinate these police services on Appalachian Trail lands within the Commonwealth by: 5.1. Receiving initial or preliminary reports of crimes, searches and rescues, and other needed police services from citizens, other police jurisdictions, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, or the National Park Service, then, 5.2. Providing the requested service or forwarding the request to another Virginia State, County, or local agency if they are better able to provide the necessary services. The Virginia Department of State Police will provide liaison as necessary with and between the various involved agencies and jurisdictions. 14

36 FS Agreement No. 10-MU Cooperator Agreement No. MOU The primary Virginia Department of State Police contact for this Memorandum is: Deputy Director of the Bureau of Field Operations Virginia Department of State Police P.O. Box Richmond, VA Telephone: Fax:

37 FS Agreement No. 10-MU Cooperator Agreement No. MOU H. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy Agrees: 1. To accept the Virginia agencies delegation of management responsibility for ensuring that the Appalachian Trail is managed satisfactorily, according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy s policies and Trail standards. 2. To serve as guarantor to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for adequate management of the Appalachian Trail on State-administered lands. 3. To ensure that the Appalachian Trail on these State lands is managed in conformance with the statutory provisions of Virginia laws and regulations. 4. To reassign responsibility for operations, development, and maintenance of the Appalachian Trail in the Commonwealth of Virginia to the local Trail clubs. 5. To serve in an advisory role to the local Trail clubs and, as necessary, to provide backup support to the local Trail clubs in carrying out day-to-day operational responsibilities for the Appalachian Trail. 6. To provide technical assistance to the local Trail clubs in the preparation of Local Management Plans. 7. To provide oversight review and approval of Local Management Plans and the statewide Virginia Appalachian Trail Management Plan to ensure conformance with Appalachian Trail Conservancy policies. 8. To assist the local Trail clubs with the implementation of the operational aspects of the Local Management Plans. 9. To the extent authorized by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Board, to provide technical and financial assistance to the local Trail clubs in the development and maintenance of the Appalachian Trail, for public information and education, and for monitoring and management of State-administered or National Park Service-acquired Appalachian Trail lands in Virginia. 16

38 FS Agreement No. 10-MU Cooperator Agreement No. MOU The primary Appalachian Trail Conservancy contacts for this Memorandum are: Executive Director or Chief Operating Officer Appalachian Trail Conservancy P.O. Box Washington Street Harpers Ferry, WV Telephone: Fax: Alternate contacts are: Director of Conservation Appalachian Trail Conservancy 110 Southpark Drive P.O. Box 174 Blacksburg, VA Telephone: Fax: Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Appalachian Trail Conservancy 4 East First Street P.O. Box 625 Boiling Springs, PA Telephone: Fax:

39 FS Agreement No. 10-MU Cooperator Agreement No. MOU I. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club The Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club The Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club The Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club The Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club The Outdoor Club at Virginia Tech The Piedmont Appalachian Trail Hikers The Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club The Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club Agree: 1. To continue their long-standing roles as the Trail organizations assigned responsibility by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy for the Appalachian Trail in Virginia. 2. To accept delegated day-to-day operational responsibilities and privileges associated with maintaining, operating, developing, and monitoring the Appalachian Trail in Virginia. 3. To operate, develop, monitor, and maintain the Appalachian Trail and its associated facilities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. 4. To recruit and organize volunteer member/workers. 5. To develop and present Trail education programs. 6. To prepare a Local Management Plan for their assigned section(s) of the Appalachian Trail and keep it updated via a scheduled review process. 7. To adequately monitor and cooperatively manage assigned Appalachian Trail corridor lands, including any lands administered by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and all lands acquired by the National Park Service for the Appalachian Trail in Virginia. 8. To plan and install necessary hikers facilities along the Appalachian Trail in consultation with and subject to the approval of the responsible agency partner. 9. To develop an annual work plan, in close consultation with appropriate agency partners, to establish objectives to be met during the Trail club s work year and the means to be employed to reach them. 18

40 FS Agreement No. 10-MU Cooperator Agreement No. MOU J. The Land Managing Partners (NPS, USFS, DC&R, DGIF, ATC, and the Virginia Trail Clubs) Agree: 1. That the legislated authority of each individual land managing agency to manage, regulate, operate, develop, use, control, and protect all lands under its jurisdiction shall continue to be the controlling authority, subject to normal agency and judicial appeal and review processes. 2. To provide, to the extent feasible, technical and financial assistance for capital improvements, such as parking areas, shelters, foot bridges, and other management needs associated with the development, administration, and maintenance of the Trail and related resources. 3. To promote, to the extent feasible, public awareness of the Appalachian Trail and assist in the development of public information and visitor education programs intended to enhance public use and enjoyment of the Appalachian Trail. 4. To notify each other expeditiously of major or controversial incidents occurring within each Trail partner s respective jurisdictions or areas of responsibility. 5. To include emergency management planning in each Local Management Plan. 6. To establish within legal limits an Appalachian Trail Corridor surrounding the Appalachian Trail footpath to preserve and enhance the Appalachian Trail experience across all lands included in the Trail corridor, consisting of: 6.1. A Primary Zone, which shall extend 200 feet on each side of the footpath (400 feet total width) on State lands and which shall include all lands specifically acquired by the NPS and the State for the protection of the Appalachian Trail Within this Primary Zone, structures, new roads, and forest management practices are generally considered incompatible with Appalachian Trail values and will not be constructed or undertaken prior to consultation taking place between the appropriate Trail partners, as provided for in the local management planning process. The Appalachian Trail will be the primary feature for which this zone is managed On lands acquired specifically for the protection of the Appalachian Trail, the Primary Zone shall include all lands so acquired, with no width or length restriction. The Appalachian Trail will be the primary feature for which these lands are managed and Trail use, protection, and enhancement will take precedence over other management priorities on these lands. 19

41 FS Agreement No. 10-MU Cooperator Agreement No. MOU A Visual Consultation Zone or secondary zone extending beyond the 400-foot primary zone and including such additional lands within one-half mile of the Appalachian Trail as can be seen from the Appalachian Trail footpath during leafoff seasons The extent of this Visual Consultation Zone will be determined by cooperatively identifying and field-mapping significant and scenic resources during the local management planning process Within the Visual Consultation Zone, all parties shall identify, discuss, and coordinate, on a case-by-case basis, proposed uses within the Zone, and on such additional lands as may be appropriate Appropriate uses and mitigation measures for high visibility/audibility projects that are proposed within the Visual Consultation Zone will be addressed through consultation among the appropriate Trail partners These Zones would make the Appalachian Trail corridor a minimum of 400-feetwide and a maximum of one-mile-wide in open, non-forested terrain. 7. To cooperate in identifying and mapping the Primary and Visual Consultation Zones, to coordinate actions and/or responses to actions within these Zones, and to provide, where feasible, additional protection to sensitive resources identified within these Zones. 8. To meet as necessary to develop annual work plans and to plan the implementation of all necessary actions to protect the Appalachian Trail. 20

42 FS Agreement No. 10-MU Cooperator Agreement No. MOU K. All Parties Agree: 1. To inform the National Park Service Appalachian Trail Park Office immediately (or within 24 hours) of any major emergency or controversial event occurring on Appalachian Trail corridor lands. The National Park Service will communicate this information to other Trail Partners as appropriate. 2. To meet as necessary to review the terms of the agreement, review each partner s contributions to management of the Appalachian Trail, and review any and all other matters pertaining to the Appalachian Trail within the Commonwealth of Virginia that may be of concern to any party to this agreement. 3. To promptly inform other appropriate partners of all proposals for change that may impact the Appalachian Trail. 4. To promote public awareness of the Appalachian Trail as opportunities arise and to assist, where appropriate and feasible, in the development of public information and visitor education programs intended to enhance public use and enjoyment of the Appalachian Trail. 21

43 FS Agreement No. 10-MU Cooperator Agreement No. MOU VII. TERM OF AGREEMENT This Memorandum of Understanding will be effective and remain in force for a period of ten (10) years from the date of signing by all Parties. At least six (6) months prior to its expiration, all Parties will review this Memorandum and determine if it should be renewed, modified, or terminated. VIII. TERMINATION This Memorandum of Understanding may be terminated by any of the Parties by providing sixty (60) days written notice to the others. In the event one or more Parties terminate their participation, it shall remain in effect as to all other Parties, unless they subsequently terminate participation. IX. MODIFICATION This Memorandum of Understanding may be modified or amended in whole or in part, at any time, by the mutual written consent of the designated representatives of the signatories hereto. Modifications may be proposed by any Party in writing to the others, but normally will be presented to the other Parties prior to their renewal meeting and will be considered for adoption at that meeting. X. REQUIRED CLAUSES 1. During the performance of this agreement, the participants agree to abide by the terms of Executive Order on non-discrimination and will not discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Federal participants will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. 2. No Member or Delegate to Congress, or resident Commissioner, shall be admitted to any share or part of this agreement, or to any benefit that may arise therefrom, but this provision shall not be construed to extend to this agreement if made with a corporation for its general benefit. 3. This Agreement and the obligations of the Parties hereunder shall be subject to the availability of funding, and nothing contained herein shall be construed as binding the Parties to expend in any one fiscal year any sum in excess of appropriations made by Congress or the Virginia Legislature and administratively allocated for the purpose of this Agreement for the fiscal year, or to involve the Parties hereto in any contract or other obligation for the further expenditure of money in excess of such appropriations or allocations. 22

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46 FS Agreement No. 10-MU Cooperator Agreement No. MOU The authority and format of this instrument has been reviewed and approved for signature. /s/ ROBIN STIDHAM FS Grants & Agreement Specialist DATE:

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52 Thomas C. Gates County Administrator ROANOKE COUNTY OFFICE OF THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR 5204 Bernard Drive, P.O. Box Roanoke, Virginia TEL: (540) FAX: (540) October 16, 2018 Brett Christina Glymph Virginia Outdoors Foundation Executive Director 39 Garrett St., Suite 200 Warrenton, VA Re: Support for "Appalachian Trail Core Forest and Viewshed Protection Project" TERRA application. Dear Ms. Glymph, This letter documents our full support of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy' s grant application to the Virginia Outdoor Foundation' s TERRA program called: "The Appalachian Trail's Core Forest and Viewshed Protection Project". This project will purchase land that will protect the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) footpath and the iconic views from McAfee Knob. The A.T. is a source of great pride for all Virginians and serves as an economic driver for our Commonwealth. McAfee Knob in particular, known as the most photographed vista on the entire A.T., is a defining part of Virginia's outdoor heritage that welcomes 90,000 visitors from around the world annually. We ask that you look favorably on this grant application and offer our sincere thanks to the Virginia Outdoor Foundation for their critical role in protecting the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Sincerely, Thomas C. Gates Roanoke County Administrator

53 PARKS AND RECREATION NOEL C. TAYLOR MUNICIPAL BUILDING 215 CHURCH AVENUE, S. W., ROOM 303 ROANOKE, VIRGINIA FAX: October 19, 2018 Brett Christina Glymph Virginia Outdoors Foundation Executive Director 39 Garrett St., Suite 200 Warrenton, VA Re: Support for Appalachian Trail Core Forest and Viewshed Protection Project TERRA application. This letter documents our full support of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy s grant application to the Virginia Outdoor Foundation s TERRA program called: The Appalachian Trail's Core Forest and Viewshed Protection Project. This project will purchase land that will protect the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) footpath and the iconic views from McAfee Knob. The A.T. is a source of great pride for all Virginians and serves as an economic driver for our Commonwealth. McAfee Knob in particular, known as the most photographed vista on the entire A.T., is a defining part of Virginia s outdoor heritage that welcomes 90,000 visitors from around the world annually. We ask that you look favorably on this grant application and offer our sincere thanks to the Virginia Outdoor Foundation for their critical role in protecting the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Best regards, Michael Clark, CPRP Director of Parks and Recreation

54 rvarc.org 313 Luck Avenue, SW Roanoke, Virginia P: F: October 17, 2018 Brett Christina Glymph, Executive Director Virginia Outdoors Foundation 39 Garrett Street, Suite 200 Warrenton, VA RE: Support for Appalachian Trail Core Forest and Viewshed Protection Project TERRA Application Dear Ms. Glymph: This letter documents our full support of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy s grant application to the Virginia Outdoor Foundation s TERRA program called: The Appalachian Trail's Core Forest and Viewshed Protection Project. This project will purchase land that will protect the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) footpath and the iconic views from McAfee Knob. The A.T. is a source of great pride for all Virginians and serves as an economic driver for our Commonwealth. McAfee Knob in particular, known as the most photographed vista on the entire A.T., is a defining part of Virginia s outdoor heritage that welcomes 90,000 visitors from around the world annually. We ask that you look favorably on this grant application and offer our sincere thanks to the Virginia Outdoor Foundation for their critical role in protecting the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Sincerely, Wayne Strickland Executive Director Member Governments: Counties of Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig, Franklin and Roanoke, Cities of Covington, Roanoke and Salem, Towns of Clifton Forge, Rocky Mount and Vinton

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59 BOARD OF TRUSTEES William M. Hackworth President Diana K. Christopulos, PhD President-Elect Ruth T. Dickerson Treasurer M. Rupert Cutler, PhD Secretary A. Sidney Barritt III, MD Dominic M. Basile Maureen McNamara Best Thomas M. Dunkenberger, Jr. Broaddus C. Fitzpatrick Joshua C. Gibson Renee D. Godard, PhD William Hunley Lowell F. Inhorn, MD George A. Kegley Betty H. Lesko Stuart Lynde Timothy J. Rowe, Sr. Isabel R. Thornton Fiona M. Tower Ann Bondurant Trinkle Jill Woltz ADVISORY COUNCIL Lucy R. Ellett Liza T. Field Talfourd H. Kemper Robert B. Lambeth, Jr. Janet Scheid STAFF David C. Perry Executive Director Meagan R. Cupka Assistant Director Tina L. Badger Office Manager Brooke Haas Outdoor Educator Kate K. Glass Stewardship Assistant Brett Glymph Virginia Outdoors Foundation 39 Garrett St., Suite 200 Warrenton, VA Dear Ms. Glymph, October 23, 2018 I m writing to support the Appalachian Trail Conservancy s grant application to VOF s TERRA Fund entitled Appalachian Trail Core Forest and Viewshed Protection Project. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy's proposal will protect forest land in the immediate viewshed of McAfee s Knob with a fee simple purchase of land. McAfee s Knob is considered the most photographed point along the entire 2,100-mile length of the Appalachian Trail. The land to be purchased extends to the ridgeline of Tinker Mountain where the AT footpath runs. It will greatly enhance the user experience along the AT by buffering the trail from encroaching development in the Catawba Valley. Thank you for your consideration of the ATC s request. Sincerely, David C. Perry Executive Director 722 First Street SW, Suite L Roanoke, VA Phone (540) Promoting the conservation of western Virginia s natural resources--farms, forests, waterways, and rural landscapes

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