1. Laurie Carroll Sorabella Inspiring a Community to Restore a River

2. Lynnhaven River & Watershed Watershed Area: 64 mi 2 (21% of City’s land area) Population: 225,000 (47% of City’s population)

3. Reduce Pollutant Inputs: Bacteria Excess Nutrients Sediment Toxins Restore Vital Habitats: Oyster Reefs Wetland & Buffer Habitats Underwater Grasses Goal: A clean and healthy Lynnhaven River Community Education & Engagement

4. Scientist - Community Interaction Identify environmental problem Link problem and public interest Foster community involvement in pollution reduction and restoration Ongoing scientific surveys

5. Water Quality Target Shellfish Consumption Limit: 14 MPN/100 ml Primary Contact Limit: 200 MPN/100 ml

6. In 2005, 50 acres met safe shellfish standards (1% of river)

7. Fecal Coliform Origins in Lynnhaven River (according to DEQ’s TMDL study 2003)

8. Reducing Human Inputs: Citizen education: –No Discharge Zone –Clean Marina Program –Vessel pump out City has undertaken: –Sewer pipe & system inspex & fix –Septic system hook up to city sewer –Greater oversight of SSO’s

9. Reducing Pet & Wildlife Inputs:

10. By 2009, 38% of the river meets safe shellfish standards

11. Sanctuary Reef Habitat Creation

12. Oyster Castle Habitat Creation

13. Research: 2012 Oyster Settlement with Spat Catchers F0-v 0-50 spat 50-100 spat 100–200 spat 200+ spat

15. Marsh & Riparian Buffer Restoration

16. Success in the Lynnhaven Results from Synergy of Many Partners Allied Concrete Aquaculture Industry Army Corps of Engineers Chesapeake Bay Foundation Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund Citizens City of Virginia Beach Dominion Power Fish America Foundation Lynnhaven River NOW National Fish & Wildlife Foundation National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Oyster Reef Keepers of Virginia Restaurants Saving Shell Schools & Teachers The Nature Conservancy Virginia Aquarium Virginia Institute of Marine Science Virginia Marine Resources Commission The community is a critical partner in sustainable river restoration The community is a critical partner in sustainable river restoration