ASABE Technical Library - Abstract

Abstract. From 1954 to 2001, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), formerly the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), assisted sponsors with the construction of 109 single-purpose flood control dams and 41 multiple-purpose structures in 35 watersheds within 27 counties across Virginia. NRCS originally installed these dams under the Pilot Watershed Program of 1953; Public Law 78-534 (PL-534), the Flood Control Act of 1944; and Public Law 83-566 (PL-566), the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act of 1954. The original cost was over $151 million dollars. Over time, the recreational benefits exceeded the levels expected during the planning process for many of the sites. Of the 41 multiple-purpose structures, NRCS built 25 with recreation as a purpose. Of those, 11 have public access recreational facilities. Ten of the 15 structures built with water supply as the only secondary purpose also have public recreation. There are also public recreation facilities at sixteen of the 109 single-purpose flood control dams. Twenty-five percent of all the dams have public access recreation. Fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and bird watching are just a few of the recreational benefits. From a social perspective, the dams have become part of the fabric of the community. In several places, lake-based events bring tourism into the county. All of these activities bring value to the community that is measured not only in the associated economics but also in giving an appreciation of nature, improving physical and mental health, and contributing to the quality of life.