Strategy to fight back for nature in Arlington

I suggest a 3-pronged strategies for concerned citizens to fight back for nature in Arlington.

First, tell more people about what is going on and urge them to get involved. If you can, contact media and ask them to cover the story.

Second, contact county management and express your disapproval of the firings of Denise Chauvette of Gulf Branch and Jenn Truong of the Invasives program. Ask them to reverse these decisions and wait for the Board decision on the fiscal year 2010 budget.

Third, read the fiscal year 2010 budget proposal, especially the Gulf Branch and Invasives termination sections. See the budget at:

Budget

The most relevant text reads:

"Eliminate contract with Virginia Tech for invasive plant control ($60,000).
IMPACT: The technical expertise, educational outreach, volunteer recruitment and coordination would be lost. Existing County staff will be reassigned to do more education and removal projects to mitigate the loss of this position.

Close Gulf Branch Nature Center and shift most programming to the nearby Potomac Overlook Nature Center operated by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. Eliminate one Natural Resources Specialist position ($101,459, 1.0 FTE), temporary employee expenses ($10,700, 0.30 temporary FTE) and non-personnel material and supplies operating budget ($13,198) (utilities savings of $6,700 is in Park Management and Construction), reducing the two Nature Centers’ budget from $662,290 to $440,170.
IMPACT: The existing Gulf Branch Nature Center building will be demolished and most indoor programs will be hosted at Potomac Overlook Nature Center. The department will continue to use the Gulf Branch Nature Center site for some outdoor programs and the public will have continued use of the existing parking area and the site. The service impact to the customer will be the change in the location of programs to the nearby Potomac Overlook Nature Center."

Public hearings will be held March 24-26, 7-10 PM, in the County Board Room, room 307, 2100 Clarendon Ave. Members of the public can sign up on-line to testify beginning one week in advance. Even if you don't plan to testify, show up! And write to the Board. Let them know you oppose cuts to Arlington's already inadequate natural resources programs.