Regional Management Philosophy Variations within Virginia´s Local Wetlands Management Program

In Virginia, local governments may establish wetlands boards to manage wetlands within their jurisdictions in accordance with general statewide standards. A survey of Virginia´s local wetlands boards was conducted to assess the variation in management philosophies among boards. Both individual member philosophies and composite board philosophies indicate significant differences among some boards. The potential this creates for inconsistent decisions within the state management program is mitigated in part by the possibility of state level review of local decisions. Another, perhaps major, factor in minimizing the importance of local variation in the state program is seen to be the regulatory program of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Reduction in Corps involvement may lead to increased practical and legal pressures on the state management program necessitating greater concern for internal consistency.