Virginia Stream Barrier Removal Task Force
- Bridge in Richmond Virginia. Photo taken by Salome Guruli. Source: Unsplash.
Since its inception, the task force has taken the following actions:
- Motivated VA Dept of Transportation (VDOT) to start thinking about how they might be able to incorporate aquatic organism passage into their road-stream crossing projects and encouraged pilot projects
- Inspired discussions on using mitigation credits to fund dam removal projects
- Established a connection between the VA Dam Safety Program and other groups working on barrier removal in VA
- Encouraged information sharing on best practices and lessons learned on barrier removal projects
- Inspired new partnerships to work on road-stream crossing assessments
- Created an avenue for collaboration on World Fish Migration Day events
- Motivated discussion on future project planning and funding opportunities as well as opportunities for collaboration and project bundling for funding purposes
- Created a venue where federal, state, local, academic, NGO, and engineering consultants can gather to share ideas and find better ways to work together
You can view the work plan for the VSBRTF here: VSBRTF Work Plan
If you are currently a Virginia Stream Barrier Removal Task Force Member and want to access the private Virginia Stream Barrier Removal Task Force workspace please Login.
If you are interested in joining the Virginia Stream Barrier Removal Task Force or accessing the force's workspace please contact: Shawna Fix, [email protected].
If you want to explore barriers in Virginia visit our barriers page or click the buttons below.
Team Lead
Thomas-Blate, Jessie
Jessie Thomas-Blate, Director of River Restoration with American Rivers, is the lead organizer for the Virginia Stream Barrier Removal Task Force. Jessie has been working on restoring rivers since 2013. Her expertise focuses on dam removal project management throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. For 12 years, Jessie managed American Rivers’ flagship advocacy campaign for America’s Most Endangered Rivers®. She has a M.S. in Natural Resources from Delaware State University and a B.S. in Biology from Mary Washington College.
