Ainsley Simmons, a rising senior at Randolph College is Mountain Castle Soil & Water Conservation District’s (MCSWCD) new summer intern. Simmons has taken on the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP) for the district.
The program encourages stormwater management through cost-share programs that provide financial incentives to property owners installing eligible Best Management Practices in Virginia’s participating Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
Photo courtesy of MCSW
Simmons says that she is excited to put her college education into effect and provide technical assistance regarding resource concerns and stormwater runoff. Some of these Best Management Practices the program covers include Impervious Surface Removal, Conservation Landscaping, Rain Gardens, Rainwater Harvesting, Bioretention, and more.
Through retrofitting the land for these practices, the amountS of sediment, nutrients, and other contaminants reaching streams and rivers are reduced. The properly managed stormwater can help recharge groundwater and protect the land and streams from erosion. The selection of the most effective practice depends on the nature of the terrain, the intensity of development, and the sensitivity of receiving water.
Tim Miller, the District coordinator for Mountain Castles, said, “I am very excited to have Ainsley on board with us this summer. She has been a great help and seems truly enthusiastic about this program.”
They would like to hear from citizens and talk about possible problems Botetourt County residents may have on their property, as well as solutions or even if the community is curious about the program. For more information, contact Simmons at ainsley.simmons@mountaincastles.org, or call 540-400-0707.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
