Dear Jeff,
I'm writing because I support Virginia’s pending End-User Poultry Litter Regulation and Shenandoah Riverkeeper’s efforts to support the same legislation.

I live on Main Street in Bridgewater, VA and my husband and I use the North River for relaxation and recreation. I also have friends who own property and reside on the North River.

My husband and I also own property on Smith Creek at Lacey Springs, near Dogtown Road (no street address). We use Smith Creek for recreation and fishing. Our adjoining property owners and we jointly stock trout in Smith Creek where we host fly fishing with barbless hooks only, catch & release trout adventures for friends and non-profit organizations.

My husband and I have lived in Bridgewater for over 35 years and we’ve always been deeply concerned about soil erosion, storm water management, sediment control and agricultural runoff in the valley. Our local poultry industry is a special concern because of the size of the industry and the unregulated practices related to poultry litter storage and distribution. The poultry industry in general appears grossly inadequate when it comes to environmental stewardship.

I remain concerned about the on-site disposal of dead poultry during the Avian flu epidemic a few years ago with what appeared to be absolutely no concern for where the diseased birds were buried. As if the diseased birds decomposition wouldn’t seep into nearby steams and waters. But that’s another matter.

I support the passage of End-User Poultry Litter Regulation and your efforts to improve the conditions of polluted waters and promote healthy stream stewardship.

Sincerely,

Patricia S. Williams
Member – Chesapeake Women Anglers
206 North Main Street
Bridgewater, VA 22812-1304
Daytime phone: 540-568-6801