Last summer a Federal Court of Appeals decision struck down something known as the"Tulloch Rule" (pronounced "Tul-ic") thus allowing the drainage of vast tracts of Virginia wetlands. Under this Rule, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulated excavation activities in wetlands through the traditional Clean Water Act permitting process. When the Court struck down the Rule, the Corps concluded it lost its ability to oversee the great majority of ditching and draining activities. The resulting outcome of that Federal Court opinion has been swift and substantial.

In Southeastern Virginia alone, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) estimates that over 3,000 wetland acres have been drained or are about to be drained and another 5,000 acres are under immediate threat. Conservative statewide estimates suggest wetland losses may exceed 500,000 acres.

Wetland preservation is an essential ingredient in the efforts to restore Virginia's rivers, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay. Wetlands play a critical role in trapping and filtering pollutants, preventing erosion and flood damage, and providing habitat for recreationally and commercially important wildlife. As a signatory state to the Chesapeake Bay Agreement, Virginia has committed to a goal of no net loss of wetlands and a net resource gain of wetlands in the Bay watershed.

CBF has publicly applauded Governor Gilmore's stated goal of reversing Virginia’s long-term loss of wetlands during his administration. However, absent his immediate action to halt "Tulloch ditching" in Virginia, these goals will be impossible to reach. We need your help in convincing Governor Gilmore to act now before another acre of Virginia wetlands is lost.

What you can do!

Please take two minutes from your schedule right now and urge Governor Gilmore to take immediate action to stop this wholesale destruction of Virginia's wetlands.

You may reach Governor Gilmore in any of the following ways:

Mail: Governor Jim Gilmore, State Capitol, Richmond, VA 23219

Phone: 804.786.2211

Fax: 804.371.6351

E-mail: http://www.state.va.us/governor/govmail.htm

Simply tell Governor Gilmore that as a Virginian you agree with his stated goal of no net loss of Virginia wetlands and strongly urge him to immediately exercise his authority and responsibility to stop additional wetlands losses and to seek compensation for those that have already been lost due to the "Tulloch Decision".

Please pass this Action Alert on to other interested individuals and groups - Virginia cannot afford any further delay. With everyone's participation in contacting Governor Gilmore we can make sure he honor's his expressed concern and commitment to protect and restore Virginia's wetland resources. Thank you in advance.

For more information and status, contact the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.