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2004 survey: Land use, employment priorities
BY JAMES JACENICH • STAFF WRITER
MONTEREY - The Bath/Highland Virginia Cooperative Extension Leadership Council, chaired by Carol Bandy, said in its 2004 situation analysis, the top priorities in the counties were land issues, employment, youth concerns, agricultural profitability and resource management, health issues and elderly concerns, and lack of population in regard to education and volunteerism.
The analysis, conducted by the Bath/Highland extension service and the Council, was based on a survey of 19 key informants of which 13 responded (74 percent participation), and demographic data. Informants were community group leaders, department heads and government leaders. The report was finalized and presented to county officials Dec. 22, 2004.
Twelve of 13 informants rated employment issues - job availability, young people leaving area - important Land issues (property rights, taxation, conservation) came in second with 10 informants rating it important. (The survey had a five-part rating scale, important being the highest, followed by moderate, minimal, not an issue and don't know).
The report said the lack of industrial development in Bath and Highland counties force young and middleaged residents to pursue employment outside the counties. To counter this trend, the extension service said it provides "programming on starting a small business, agritourism, and horticulture, as well as building selfesteem in the youth so that they will be more confident, willing workers in society."
The report said Bath and Highland counties have low populations and increasing land values, which has heightened concerns over land use, property rights, conservation and taxation. The extension service identified "County government officials, the adoption of a new comprehensive plan, and similar measures (as) the best avenues for addressing land use, property rights, and taxation." The extension service will work with local gov- ernment, conservationists and farmers on estate planning, financial planning, conservation practices, and fence laws.
Youth concerns (drugs, vocational education, youth employment) were highlighted by the report, but survey results showed only 6 of the 13 respondents found it an important issue, though a number of informants wrote additional comments regarding youth. The report said residents recognize "youth and young adults as a critical part of the counties' future. They said (the counties) must offer educational opportunities, business opportunities, and a lifestyle similar to that offered in more urban areas even though the youth population is declining and no colleges or training centers are located in the counties."
Informants mentioned four key areas related to youth: developing a means to keep youth in the county or bring them back to the county after post-secondary education; developing vocational skills, life skills, and business opportunities that benefit youth; addressing juvenile crime and at-risk youth; and instilling in the younger population a sense of community and service to others.
"While (the extension service) may have little influence in bringing youth to the county, (it) can certainly assist in the planning to make it happen," said the report. "This may be achieved by working with local government leaders on economic development planning."
Furthermore, the extension service provides 4-H educational programs to provide skills training to youth. "Through project work and activities including Minding My Own Business, High School Financial Planning, and Reality Store, 4-H can offer vocational skills, life skills, career exploration, and the ability to launch into small business ventures."
The extension service promotes college attendance after high school graduation for youth and 4-H programs increase awareness of the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol.
The extension service promotes 4-H as a feeder for local volunteer and civic organizations by providing servicelearning opportunities for members and adults.
Seven of 13 respondents rated as important agriculture profitability (marketing, production, new initiatives/ opportunities).
The report said agriculture is the number one industry in Highland County and a significant player in Bath County. Both counties had a combined total over $15 million in farm production related sales in 2002.
Profitability is affected by increased land values and related real estate taxes, the report said.
"Increasing competitive livestock marketing options, proper management of our land resources, exploring new sustainable agricultural opportunities and increasing farmers' management, marketing, and production skills are all important components of a thriving agricultural community," said the report.
When the Monterey livestock market closed in 2003, the extension "led the marketing organizations to explore options to meet this need," the report said. "Extension has provided opportunities to explore agritourism, further processing of agricultural products, analysis of new enterprises, and management seminars on improving efficiencies of production practices. (The extension service) will continue to assist producers with the Virginia Quality Assured Marketing program, Beef Cattle Artificial Insemination Cooperative Program, Animal Identification Systems, exploring a regional slaughter facility, and (a) Multiflora Rose Eradication Program."
The Bath/Highland extension service has addressed many of these top issues through a series of educational programs, workshops, the 4-H program, assistance with the Highland Multiflora Rose Eradication Program, and membership on the committee working to establish a regional slaughterhouse.
While the argument could be made based on the steady decline of rural farms and the graying of rural farmers, that the extension service should do more to help Bath and Highland agriculture, it is clear that the service has attempted to identify the community's most important issues and is implementing a plan to address them.
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