The people of Richmond have a wonderful opportunity to protect one of the features that make our city great, the James River. There is a measure supporting a conservation easement is before the mayor and city council and up for vote on 2/23. The easement would limit development along the James Rivers. The easement was discussed in this earlier post.

Supporters must let their representatives know that they support protecting the river. Contact through mail, email or phone Mayor Jones, Chris Hilbert, Betty Squires and Ellen Robertson. The Sierra Club of Virginia through their Falls of the James Group Blog has an example of a letter that can be used. It is always better to personalize the letter with some of your own words so that is doesn’t come across as a form letter.

Dear Mayor Jones: On the eve of the Richmond City Council’s historic, landmark vote to approve the Conservation Easement on the City of Richmond’s most cherished natural treasure—-the James River Park System, I want to impress upon you how strongly I desire a favorable vote by Council in support of this most important legislation, as well as I do for your support of its approval. Please know that the vast majority of Richmond citizens treasure the James River Park System and fervently desire that its natural features be permanently and irrevocably protected. Thank you for giving this appeal your attention, and for your strongest support of the Conservation Easement on the James River Park System! Sincerely,