Uploaded on 2016-04-27 by Martner

In 2003, Fairfax County initiated a process to develop comprehensive watershed management plans for each of the county's 30 watersheds. Today, more than half of the county has plans adopted by the Board of Supervisors; the remaining land area should have adopted plans by spring 2011. A watershed management plan initially serves as a tool to identify and address the issues impacting our environment, with the ultimate goal being the protection and restoration of county streams and other water resources. There are many new technologies and creative planning tools that can be applied to restore and protect our watersheds. There are two public meetings for each plan. These meetings provide education on watershed issues and seek resident input on issues confronting each watershed. Introductory and Issues Scoping Forum: At the first meeting, the county presented the planning process to the community and developed an initial list of watershed issues and concerns. This forum was designed to prepare the community for informed input on development of the watershed management plan. Draft Plan Forum: The second meeting will provide the community with an opportunity to review the draft watershed plan and provide input. Community involvement is a vital component in developing and implementing a successful plan. For each plan, a Watershed Advisory Group of local stakeholders was developed after the Introductory and Issues Scoping Forum. This group assisted in the creation of the plans by advising the county about community outreach opportunities, highlighting key issues affecting their watershed and reviewing the draft watershed management plan. ![Fairfax Watershed Map][1] http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/watersheds/involved.htm The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance was adopted to protect our local streams and one of the world's most productive estuaries, the Chesapeake Bay, from pollution due to land use and development. All of Fairfax County drains into the Potomac River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. In an effort to protect and improve the quality of these waterways, sensitive areas along streams throughout Fairfax County have been designated as Resource Protection Areas. ![Chesapeake Bay][2] The Fairfax County Farmers Markets operate 11 farmers markets across Fairfax County, under the Fairfax County Park Authority. By providing access to locally grown foods, our farmers market program strives to improve the health of Fairfax County citizens, support local food producers, and protect the environment.![Lorton Farmers Market][3] (2) . Habitat and Supporting Services: GREAT PARKS, GREAT COMMUNITIES 2010-2020 COMPREHENSIVE PARK SYSTEM PLAN Great Communities have Great Parks. With over 23,000 acres in 421 parks, the Fairfax County park system is well used and highly regarded. Parks are an essential element of life to residents of Fairfax County, about 80% of whom visit our parks each year to enjoy nature, historic sites, trails, sports, fitness, aquatics, programs, classes, events and so much more. Accredited and nationally recognized for excellence by the award of the prestigious Gold Medal for Parks and Recreation, Fairfax County's parks are ranked among the best in the nation. ![Lake Accotink Park][4] ![Scott's Run][5] (3) Cultural Services Celebrate Fairfax ![Celebrate Fairfax][6] [1]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14617287905314483.gif [2]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14617279522025827.jpg [3]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14617314293707507.jpg [4]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14617296498942296.jpg [5]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14617305399120432.png [6]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14617316487662139.jpg