"Something is wrong with the way we're planning for growth... It makes more sense to allow greater density on smaller lots in town, or on the edges of town, to accommodate the people who are moving into the area…"

- Delegate Athey, July 2008, W.C. Sentinel.

FRLP believes if we do not protect the Shenandoah River, and our natural resources, what will we have left that is worth protecting? How often do we all recreate, swim, canoe, and fish in our river? Its' supply of fresh water literally provides life to our community and yet we continue to develop in ways that we know can be greatly improved? How important is it to do a better job protecting this community asset? For good reason, Earth Friendly land development techniques that protect our watersheds are being adopted across the Valley and beyond:

• To learn more about the specific changes that the Town could make to its Subdivision and Land Development Regulations to significantly improve developments impact on the environment Click here to go to our Shenandoah River – Town Codes Page.
• The Valley Conservation Council's mission is to "help the Shenandoah Valley region grow in a way that protects its natural, historic, and scenic assets."
  • Maintain a Clear Edge (Reduce Sprawl) and Build Livable Communities.
  • Better Models for Development in the Shenandoah Valley.
• Model Development Principles for the Central Rappahannock.
• CWP Presentation to the Town of Leesburg, Va on improving its development regulations. To see the full CWP: Model Development Principles Click Here.
• An Assessment of Residential Practices Affecting Water Quality in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Cooperative Extension, June 2003.
• Ground Water is vital to surface-water systems, USGS.
• Protecting Water Resources with higher density growth.
• Essential fixes for Urban and Suburban Zoning Codes.
• Alarming ‘Dead Zone’ grows in the Chesapeake. Washington Post, July 24, 2011.
• Report: Virginia's Phase I Watershed Implementation Plan for the Chesapeake Bay TMDL. Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.