Rivanna River Map and Guide
Rivanna Conservation Society researched and developed a comprehensive guide to the Rivanna for use by boaters and other recreational river users. Maps are distributed by RCA and by Great Outdoor Provisions in Charlottesville. The map details history, culture, GPS coordinates, and indigenous flora and fauna.
Rivanna River Roundtable
Rivanna Conservation Society members were intimately involved in the research and development of the State of the Basin Report and the series of public roundtables that took place in the late 1990’s and the early 2000’s. The result of this collaboration was the creation of both StreamWatch and the Rivanna River Basin Commission. The goal was to secure scientifically based water quality data (via StreamWatch) and to provide a forum for local officials to work together to create watershed-wide policy.
Rivanna Watershed Poster
Rivanna Conservation Society developed a watershed poster for use as a learning tool about watersheds in general and the Rivanna in particular. Posters are available for free upon request.
Scenic River Designation
Rivanna Conservation Society was instrumental in securing the Scenic River Designation from the Virginia General Assembly for the Woolen Mills segment of the Rivanna River. Working with a host of local organizations and government groups, RCS helped to develop the enabling legislation, communicated with appropriate members of the General Assembly and worked with other groups to secure passage of the designation and gubernatorial approval. The 2009 designation completes the work initiated by Minnie Lee McGehee who in 1975 set out to have the entire Rivanna designated as Scenic River.
Stormwater Code and Ordinance Review Project
RCA continues its work with the University of Virginia’s Environmental and Conservation Law Clinic and the Southern Environmental Law Center to analyze and make recommendations on how to improve the stormwater codes and ordinances from the four primary watershed communities (City of Charlottesville, Counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna and Greene). These recommendations are being implemented in jurisdictions throughout the watershed.
Stormwater Retrofit and Rain Garden
Rivanna Conservation Society and the Center for Watershed Protection partnered with Sojourners United Church of Christ to build a stormwater retrofit and rain garden, completed in May 2015. The project reduces stormwater run-off from the church’s property. The runoff water from the parking lot and roof now flow into drains, through underground tubing and empty into two large bio-retention cells. Native plants, recommended by the Center for Urban Habitats, were planted. This project was completed with the support of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the City of Charlottesville and the Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District. View a video of the construction and read more about the project’s background.
Woolen Mills Dam Breach
Rivanna Conservation Society volunteers worked for more than 7 years to secure government permits, fiscal support and ultimately contracted for the breaching of the Woolen Mills Dam, which took place on August 15, 2007. Water quality monitoring continues in order to ascertain the impact of the breach on water quality, aquatic habitat and the American Shad. Click here for the history of the Woolen Mills Dam and the process that led to the breach.