notification of landowners affected and current
scientific data regarding the stream(s) involved.
WATER USE AND RIGHTS
West Virginia should continue the use of the
riparian rights doctrine, giving humans, animals of
husbandry and crops top priority.
WETLANDS
Farm Bureau recommends there be uniform
criteria for all agencies to use in designating
wetlands. We also recommend that all land
designated as wetlands be purchased at full market
value or owners compensated for the loss of use.
Land historically used for agriculture should be
considered converted farmland and not be subject to
wetlands regulations.
It is recommended by Farm Bureau that
counties currently requiring mandatory storm
water management plans monitor and enforce
these plans to assure compliance in meeting the
intended function and requirements of the permit.
Any economic damage caused by failure of
compliance with the permit or failure of design that
affects neighboring property owners should be the
responsibility of the permit holder.
NATURAL DISASTER DAMAGE
Farm Bureau recommends that the Division
of Highways and landowners be exempt from
regulations and environmental impact statements
when repairing roads, bridges and streams damaged
by natural disasters.
FLOOD CONTROL
Farm Bureau opposes land-consuming projects
proposed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Large downstream reservoirs created by high
dams of the type generally proposed by the Army
Corps of Engineers are generally detrimental to
the community and county in which such dams
are located. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
largely depends upon projected recreational benefits
to justify the construction of these dams and
the purchase of large acreages of land adjoining
the lake. Flood control studies undertaken by a
government agency should be subject to a public
forum.
Farm Bureau favors alternative methods of
flood control such as levies, dikes, dredging, small
watershed dams, ponds, relocations and local
protection projects.
INTERSTATE COMMISSION ON
POTOMAC RIVER BASIN
USE OF FERTILIZERS & NITRATES
The Interstate Commission on the Potomac
FOR ICE REMOVAL
River Basin should serve in an advisory capacity
Farm Bureau opposes the use of fertilizers and
to the states in the Potomac Basin. It should not
nitrates for snow and ice removal.
have approval or coercive authority within any
state. The West Virginia Legislature should examine
EROSION CREATED BY RIVER
the existing interstate agreements and consider
NAVIGATION
necessary clarification of any authority or implied
Farm Bureau recommends that the federal
authority over West Virginia residents, property or
government appropriate funds for control of
agencies.
erosion problems created by dams and locks. We
Decisions affecting West Virginia should remain
recommend that feasibility and environmental
studies be completed before the water level of a pool under the control, management, and responsibility
of elected officials of West Virginia.
is raised or lowered; and that farmers who suffer
damage because of the higher water tables shall be
SCENIC RIVERS AND PARKS
compensated for damages including payment for
Farm Bureau opposes any additions of West
land that is rendered useless by high water tables or
Virginia streams to the Wild and Scenic Rivers
by stream bank erosion.
Program of the U.S. Department of Interior or U.S.
We recommend that no-wake zones be created
along small streams navigable to pleasure boats due Department of Agriculture or any other program that
would impair title, management and local control of
to increased water levels created by the new locks
streams and river basins.
and dams.
Farm Bureau opposes the High Allegheny
26 West Virginia Farm Bureau News