Mayoral and City Council Candidates’ Views on Natural Resource Conservation

QUESTION:  Although much of our land has been developed, the City of Fairfax still has some natural areas including riparian stream areas and forested land that are home to native flora and fauna. The City of Fairfax also has a mature tree canopy. These natural resources, both publicly and privately owned, are vulnerable to degradation and even destruction without active preservation efforts.  How will you protect these important resources?

I. MAYORAL CANDIDATES

JERRY O’DELL–Has not responded as of April 17.

SCOTT SILVERTHORNE

I have a long history of supporting open spaces, including space for passive and active recreation in the city.   We have received the ‘tree city’ award for many years, and it’s something that we must maintain.    Storm water runoff (see previous question) also impacts our streams and it’s why we must continue to apply focus and resources to this challenge.

II. CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES

MICHAEL DEMARCO

We have a newly formed sustainability commission in the city that we should leverage and ensure that their charter includes natural resource preservation. This may warrant a subcommittee or possibly an entirely new commission. This subcommittee or commission should actively look for resources to help us develop a preservation program. As I understand it, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture delivers conservation technical assistance through its voluntary Conservation Technical Assistance Program (CTA).  CTA is available to many groups including local jurisdictions like ours. This preservation program should be fully integrated with all planning activities in the city.

DAN DRUMMOND

Through the voter-approved open space initiative of the early 2000s, which dedicated 5 cents of the real estate tax rate to preserving open space, the City has bought and protected more than 44 acres of open space. Ten percent of our 6.3 square miles is also dedicated to parks and open space. And we remain a Tree City USA locality. I also supported the demolition of the Westmore school property, which expands existing open space and lays the groundwork for a park in a region of the City that is in need of more parks and open space. We have a duty to preserve and enhance these resources and I will continue to support efforts that do just that.

JEFF GREENFIELD

Our City’s parks and trail system are some of the best in Northern Virginia.  In addition to the 56 acres purchased through the City’s open space initiative, the City has 21 parks within our six square miles that include play equipment, pavilions, trails and athletic fields.  Aside from protecting our parks from commercial encroachment, the City needs to continue monitoring our streams and provide the necessary funding for stream restoration when appropriate.

DAVID MEYER

Council should ensure Comprehensive Plan strengthens to the maximum extent feasible protection of RPAs and these protections should be included in development proposals before the Council.  City should work with Dominion Power to review tree cutting practices of Virginia Power’s contractors to ensure tree trimming is kept to an absolute minimal that keeps trees healthy and well-shaped.

GARY PERRYMAN — has not responded as of April 17.

CATHERINE READ

I think the city does an admirable job through Parks & Rec in maintaining our parks and green spaces.  I think civic organizations, HOAs, and even neighborhood groups can form coalitions of both large and very small sizes to take care of the green spaces throughout the city.  That could be the planting and beautification of a common area in a neighborhood, the plantings around subdivision entrances, cleaning up streams and other areas in the city, and being proactive in educating young people about the importance of stewardship of the environment.  Through scouting groups, church groups, classroom projects and Parks & Rec programs, we can make an impact on how the next generation sees their role and responsibility in caring for their communities.

ELLIE SCHMIDT

The update to the Comprehensive Development plan addresses these important resources particularly in the Environment-Our Natural Features and Resources chapter.  I fully support the guidance established in the Plan as well as the Tree Preservation ordinance.

STEVEN STOMBRES

The City of Fairfax is a Tree City and there are many methods to preserve the natural beauty of our community.  Public advocacy, reducing pollution, increasing recycling, and preserving and protecting open space will lead to a thriving natural environment and a more attractive city.

In addition, the city’s Community Appearance Committee has a robust plan to promote voluntary improvements, preservation, and beautification of the commercial, industrial, public, and residential areas of the city.   I support proactive programs intended to encourage the protection of our natural resources such as Adopt-a-Spot, Clean-Up Month, Residential and Commercial Appearance Awards, Keep America Beautiful and Tree City USA competitions.