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Library of Virginia
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Records of the Virginia Office of the Secretary of Natural Resources, 1992-2006 (bulk 2002-2005). [cite specific accession number], State records collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.
Transferred by Carol B. Denson, Office of the Secretary of Natural Resources, 1111 E. Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, 9 November 2005 (Accession 42294), 12 January 2006 (Accession 42398), 24 January 2006 (Accession 42458).
In 1970, the Governor's Management Commission Study recommended the creation of six "Deputy Governors" to assist the Chief Executive in his managerial duties. Compatible functions of government were grouped under these administrative heads, who would serve as the Governor's top management team. The Office of Secretary of Commerce and Resources was created on April 8, 1972. The Secretary of Commerce and Resources was responsible for assisting the Governor in implementing policies for the conservation and use of natural resources, for promoting economic development, providing managerial guidance and direction to Commerce and Resources agencies, and developing and promoting Commerce and Resources programs and budgets. In 1984 the Secretariat was split into two separate offices, the Secretary of Economic Development and the Secretary of Natural Resources.
The Secretary of Natural Resources is a member of the Governor's Cabinet, and is appointed by the governor, and is subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. During the administration of Governor Mark R. Warner, the Secretary of Natural Resources was responsible for the direction of, or had jurisdiction over, the following state agencies and boards: Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department (which became a division of the Department of Conservation and Recreation on July 1, 2004), Department of Conservation and Recreation, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Department of Historic Resources, Marine Resources Commission, Museum of Natural History, Chippokes Plantation Farm Foundation, and the Virginia Council on Indians. The Secretary of Natural Resources also served as the chairman of the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation, and was a Board Member of the Chesapeake Bay Commission. Additionally, the Secretary of Natural Resources was responsible for many smaller boards and commissions related to water control, pollution, rivers, waste management, and other environmental and recreational issues.
On December 28, 2001, Governor-Elect Mark R. Warner announced his appointment of W. Tayloe Murphy, Jr. as Secretary of Natural Resources. Prior to this appointment, "Tayloe" Murphy represented the 99th House district (Northern Neck region) in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1982 to 2000. While a member of the General Assembly, Murphy served as Chairman of the Chesapeake Bay Commission, and was also chairman of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission during a two-year review of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. He served as co-chairman of the House Labor and Commerce committee and held a seat on the committee on Corporations, Insurance, and Banking. As a Delegate, he was instrumental in the passage of both the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act and the Virginia Water Quality Improvement Act. Mr. Murphy served as Secretary of Natural Resources until the end of Governor Warner's term in January 2006.
On January 5, 2002, Governor-Elect Warner announced his appointment of David K. Paylor as Deputy Secretary of Natural Resources. Paylor had previously served as Director of Program Coordination for the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) from 1998 to 2002. He also served as DEQ's Regional Permits Director and Director of the Office of Spill Response and Remediation. From 1977 to 1992, Paylor worked in various roles at the Virginia Water Control Board, including Water Resources Manager. Paylor served as Deputy Secretary until the end of the Warner administration.
In November 2001, Governor-Elect Warner appointed Russell W. Baxter as Assistant Secretary for Chesapeake Bay Coordination. Previously, Baxter had served as the Virginia director and senior policy analyst for the Chesapeake Bay Commission. Baxter served as Assistant Secretary throughout Governor Warner's term in office.
Information about this office is also available in the archived website files of the Office of the Secretary of Natural Resources, (2005-2006). They can be found by searching the Library of Virginia's catalog using "Secretary of Natural Resources" as the subject.
Constituent and internal correspondence, appointment records, legislative files, photographs, speeches and other working papers and records created and collected by the Office of the Secretary of Natural Resources during the gubernatorial term of Virginia Governor Mark R. Warner, 2002-2006. This collection consists of nine records series which document the activities of the Office of the Secretary of Natural Resources, as well as the agencies and boards which fall under its heading.
This collection is arranged into the following series:
Series I. Agency and Board Appointment Records, 2001-2005 Series II. Appointment Calendars, 2002-2005 Series III. Correspondence and Supporting Documents, Agencies, 1992-2006 Series IV. Correspondence and Supporting Documents, Constituent, 2002-2006 Series V. Correspondence and Supporting Documents, Secretary W. Tayloe Murphy, 1997-2006 Series VI. Decision Briefs, 2001-2006 Series VII. Legislative Initiatives, 2002-2005 Series VIII. Public Relations Files, 2001-2005 Series IX. Special Program Files, 1999-2005Contains memorandums, correspondence, nominations, and resume material for, from, and about citizens who were appointed to agency and board positions within the Natural Resources secretariat by Governor Mark R. Warner. Also included are board profiles which explain the purpose and goals of many of the boards and commissions overseen by the Secretary of Natural Resources. This series provides information about the appointment process, as well as background on those chosen to serve. Much of the material is devoted to the earliest appointments made by Governor Warner.
Appointment files are arranged alphabetically by subject and then chronologically within. Board profiles maintain their original alphabetical arrangement under state agency headings. (Accession 42398).
Contains the monthly appointment calendars of Secretary of Natural Resources, W. Tayloe Murphy, Jr.
Arranged chronologically by month. (Accession 42398).
Contains correspondence, memorandums, reports, meeting material, and other working papers which document relations between the Office of the Secretary of Natural Resources and several of the agencies and boards under its heading including the Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department (CBLAD), Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Virginia Council on Indians (VCI), Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF), Department of Historic Resources (DHR), Virginia Marine Resources Commission (MRC), and the Virginia Museum of Natural History (MNH). Also included are files pertaining to the Secretary's involvement as a board member of the Chesapeake Bay Commission (CBC). Many of the records in this series contain information on various natural resources-related projects and issues, while other files contain agency-specific administrative information, general correspondence (including a limited amount of constituent correspondence), agency strategic plans, and meeting material, including agendas, print-outs of presentations, and minutes.
Arranged alphabetically by agency or board name, then alphabetically within. Files containing information on the Natural Resources secretariat as a whole can be found at the beginning of the contents list. (Accessions 42294 and 42398).
The Chesapeake Bay Commission (CBC) is a tri-state, legislative assembly comprised of cabinet members, legislators, and citizen representatives of Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. The Commission was created in 1980 to coordinate Bay-related policy across state lines and to develop shared solutions. The Chesapeake Bay Commission focuses on a wide variety of issues affecting the health and well-being of the Chesapeake Bay.
Contains an abundance of meeting material including agendas, minutes, hand-outs, and presentations collected by the Secretary of Natural Resources in his capacity as an active member of the Chesapeake Bay Commission. Also included is meeting material and information pertaining to Governor Mark Warner's involvement with the Chesapeake Executive Council. Additionally, this subseries contains information on the Chesapeake Bay Agreement 2000, and the work done by the Commission to protect the Bay, its tributaries, and its living resources.
Researchers should be aware that additional records pertaining to the Secretary's involvement with the Chesapeake Bay Commission can be found under the heading of Conservation and Recreation, Department of. It is unknown why these records were filed in two places by the office staff, and as a result there may be some overlap.
The Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department (CBLAD) was originally a separate entity, overseen by the Secretary of Natural Resources. As of July 1, 2004, CBLAD was merged into the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Within DCR, it became known as the Division of Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance. Its main purpose is to assist Virginia localities by studying current ordinances and making recommendations to bring them into accordance with the requirements set forth by the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement and the Chesapeake Preservation Act.
Contains general office files and working papers compiled by the Office of the Secretary of Natural Resources with regard to the Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department. Despite the subtle name change that occurred after the merger with the Department of Recreation and Conservation, the Secretary's office staff continued to refer to it by its original name. Most of the CBLAD files contain general correspondence and administrative information about the division and its work with the Chesapeake Bay Program and the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.
The goals of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) are to conserve, protect, enhance, and advocate the wise use of the Commonwealth's unique natural, historic, recreational, scenic and cultural resources. The agency operates 34 state parks, manages more than 45 natural areas, facilitates statewide programs to reduce water pollution, regulates dams, helps with land conservation efforts and inventories rare and endangered plants, animals and their habitats.
This subseries contains correspondence, meeting material, and other working papers compiled by the Office of the Secretary of Natural Resources with regard to the activities of the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Notable material includes Virginia Land Conservation Foundation Board meeting records, files pertaining to the Invasive Species Council, as well as files devoted to various issues involving Virginia's State Parks. Additional records pertaining to the Secretary's involvement with the Chesapeake Bay Commission can be found in Subseries A. Chesapeake Bay Commission. It is unknown why these records were filed in two places by the office staff, and as a result there may be some overlap. Researchers should utilize the records of both subseries.
The Virginia Council on Indians (VCI) serves as an advisory board to the Governor and the General Assembly. The Council's duties include studying and researching the Indian Tribes in the Commonwealth, and making recommendations to the state on issues affecting Virginia Indians.
This subseries contains correspondence and subject files. Most of the files contain general information on the Council, its budget and programs. The folders labeled "Memorial" contain this same type of information as well as a limited amount of information on a proposed Indian memorial (2005).
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) administers state and federal laws and regulations for air quality, water quality, water supply and waste management. The DEQ is responsible for issuing permits, conducting inspections, and enforcing environmental regulations. The agency promotes recycling and the prevention of pollution and litter, protects Virginia's coastal areas, and is responsible for reviewing the environmental impacts of state and federal projects.
This subseries contains correspondence, reports and other working papers pertaining to the activities of the Department of Environmental Quality. Notable topics include relations with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), landfill projects, the "Ghost Fleet" of decommissioned ships anchored in the Tidewater area, the 2002 drought and the King William Reservoir Project, and the department's yearly Environmental Stewardship Awards given to individuals and organizations involved in environmental awareness projects. Also included are general correspondence files and other administrative records. A majority of the DEQ records were divided up into the following categories: Air, Special, Waste Management, and Water. The files were alphabetically maintained in this order. Other files that were not included in a specific category can be found in alphabetical order after the categorized records.
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) is responsible for the management of inland fisheries, wildlife, and recreational boating for the Commonwealth of Virginia. DGIF seeks to provide opportunities for all to enjoy wildlife, inland fish, boating and related outdoor recreation. The agency also works to promote safety for persons and property in connection with boating, hunting and fishing.
This subseries contains general correspondence and administrative information, as well as files devoted to particular projects and issues such as elk hunting and chronic wasting disease, the "roadless rule," and various aspects of wildlife management.
The Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) serves as the State Historic Preservation Office. The agency's mission is to foster and support the stewardship of Virginia's significant historic, architectural, archaeological, and cultural resources.
This subseries contains general correspondence, much of which is devoted to pleas to save historic properties, as well as administrative information about the agency. Other files pertain to projects and issues such as those involving the Shenandoah Battlefields Foundation, the Clarkton Bridge over the Staunton River in southside Virginia, preservation of buildings at the Medical College of Virginia campus in Richmond, and most notably, the opening of the Tredegar National Civil War Center, also in Richmond.
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission (MRC) serves as steward of Virginia's marine and aquatic resources, and works to protect tidal waters. The Commission carries out current and long-term State policies effecting saltwater fisheries, handles a permit program that encompasses subaqueous habitat preservation and the protection and preservation of tidal wetlands and coastal primary sand dunes, and operates the Virginia Marine Police department which is responsible for the enforcement of commercial and recreational fishery laws, providing search and rescue operations, enforcing boating safety laws, investigating criminal activity, and providing counter-terrorism patrols.
This subseries contains general correspondence and administrative information about the agency. Most of the files pertain to specific projects and issues, such as crab, oyster, and fisheries management, disaster relief, and the development of the Undersea Warfare Training Range by the U.S. Navy. Also included is meeting information from a variety of roundtables and commissions such as the Menhaden Management Roundtable, the Licensing Roundtable, and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission.
The Virginia Museum of Natural History (MNH) is located in Martinsville, Virginia, and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. Its goal is to interpret Virginia's natural heritage in ways that are relevant to the citizens of the Commonwealth. Through exhibits and outreach programs, the museum promotes understanding of the state's natural history and the challenges of preserving and managing natural resources.
This subseries is comprised of mostly administrative files, specifically those that deal with a multitude of personnel problems faced by the Museum of Natural History. Some of the files also include information about the development and dedication of the new museum building, as well as changes in museum leadership.
Contains constituent correspondence pertaining to all agencies and boards overseen by the Office of the Secretary of Natural Resources. Most of the letters were originally addressed to Governor Mark Warner, but were assigned to the Secretary of Natural Resources for response based on their subject matter. 2002 topics include: budget cuts affecting DGIF, concerns that the VMRC was not doing enough to protect marine resources, protest over the King William Reservoir project aimed to serve Newport News by using the Mattaponi River, support and opposition to the gun ban in VA state parks, the Interstate Waste Bill (HR 1213), as well as the $5/ton tipping fee, the severe drought and water restrictions, the building of a golf course on land in Occoneechee State Park. 2003 topics include: budget cuts, particularly those affecting Virginia state parks, Attorney General Kilgore's support for weakening the EPA Clean Air regulations, continued protest of the King William Reservoir project, concern over the Battle Creek Landfill in Page County, requests for funding to continue the Bi-State Blue Crab Committee, and requests to allow hunting on Sundays. 2004 topics include: concern about air pollution caused by power plants in the Shenandoah River Valley and National Park, the presence of noxious aquatic weeds in Lake Gaston, proposed deforestation near the Washington and Old Dominion trail in Loudoun County to make way for Dominion Virginia Power electrical lines, support and protest of a proposed conference center in Occoneechee State Park, protest over changes to the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, menhaden fishing limits, and continued concern about the King William Reservoir project. 2005 topics include: allegations of fiscal irresponsibility at the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries resulting in the resignation of its director, concern for the future of the Zirkle Mill in Forestville and plans to transport it to the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton, hunting with dogs and issues of trespass and property rights, the Roadless Rule and the destruction of forests in Virginia, the water quality and frequent fish kills in the Shenandoah River, continued concern about menhaden fishing limits and the King William Reservoir project, and protest about the proposed "Black Bear" landfill just across the North Carolina border from Chesapeake, Virginia. More generally, constituents wrote about the need for recycling, concern for fish and animal well-being, and to inquire about various forms of pollution control.
Constituent correspondence is arranged chronologically by year, but also by the outgoing number generated by the Governor's Office. As a result, the letters are in rough chronological order, but there may be some overlap between months, especially during the December/January time period each year. (Accessions 42294 and 42398).
Contains correspondence and supporting documents that originated or were collected by W. Tayloe Murphy, Jr. during his tenure as Secretary of Natural Resources. The correspondence and documents in this series pertain to many of the Secretariat's agencies and boards, as well as to general natural resources related subjects. Notable files include budget material, the governor's office correspondence and legislators' correspondence, as well as Secretary Murphy's reading files. The reading files contain mostly constituent correspondence responses. Other files of note include the Governor-related files which feature information on meetings and events attended by the Secretary in place of the Governor, as well as information on meetings between the Governor and Secretary Murphy. The Department of Transportation folders contain information on the hotly contested Route 29 Bypass in Charlottesville, and the Environmental Organizations folders contain general information on agencies that worked closely with the Office of the Secretary of Natural Resources.
Secretary Murphy's correspondence and documents are arranged alphabetically by subject or form. The Reading Files are arranged chronologically, but within each year the documents are arranged in reverse chronological order. (Accessions 42294 and 42398).
Contains decision briefs and related documents pertaining to the disbursement of monies from the Virginia Environmental Emergency Response Fund. Approval from the Governor is required for disbursements of more than $100,000. Emergencies include the Starlight Lane tire fire in Roanoke (2002), and a Superfund site in Suffolk (2005).
Arranged chronologically. (Accessions 42294 and 42398).
Contains legislative records created and maintained by the Office of the Secretary of Natural Resources. The files include enrolled bill reviews, legislative action summaries, proposals and other items that document the legislative process. The bills and files here are related only to natural resources issues and agendas. Included in the material are opinions from the Secretary, as well as the agencies directly affected by the proposed legislation. The "graveyard" files include bills that were tabled or voted down. A few subject files are included here such as those that document the proposed tipping fee associated with interstate waste dumping (2002), the merger of the Chesapeake Local Assistance Department into the Department of Conservation and Recreation (2003), and issues surrounding the Water Quality Improvement Fund (2005). Some of the files many contain documents from the preceeding year, but were considered part of the General Assembly session for the following calendar year. The "Legislative Session" folders usually contain general information on the legislative activities of the Secretariat, unless a subtitle is noted.
Arranged chronologically by General Assembly session, then alphabetically within. Most of the bill files are arranged chronologically, though some may not be. Original order and titles of the files were maintained. (Accessions 42294 and 42398).
Contains three types of public relations material including event files, photographs and speeches from the Office of the Secretary of Natural Resources. The activities and visits files (event files) contain correspondence, newspaper clippings, and other working papers related to particular Natural Resources-related events and issues. The photograph files contain photographs of selected events, as well as limited correspondence and other material. Also included are photographs of Governor Warner's cabinet and portraits of the Secretary and Deputy Secretary. The speech files are the most numerous in number, each representing a particular event during which the Secretary or Deputy Secretary spoke. Most of the files include multiple transcripts of the speech or remarks given, as well as other working papers associated with the event.
Arranged alphabetically by type of file, then chronologically within. The photographs are arranged strictly alphabetically by subject, with no chronological order. (Accessions 42294 and 42398).
Contains files pertaining to specific organizations and issues related to Virginia's natural resources, such as the Governor's Leadership Summit and Partnership, the Statewide Agencies Radar System (STARS), and the King William Reservoir. Researchers should note that the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation folders also contain information on the Jamestown 2007 Steering Committee. The folders devoted to the King William Reservoir, the Ghost Fleet and Occoneechee State Park are comprised mostly of constituent correspondence. (Accession 42294).
Arranged alphabetically.