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By DOUG GARDNER
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CULPEPER — A proposal to recognize and help protect the Rappahannock River's scenic qualities got a mostly favorable reception at an infornational meeting recently.
Under the State Scenic River Program, the State legislature give the Rappahannock special designation. In practical terms, it would give riverfront landowners and local governments more say in proposals which might impede the natural flow of the river, said John F. Heerwald, a recreation planner with the Virginia Division of Paris and Recreation. ' v ,r ~ Citizens and government official* from Fauquier and Rappahafinoek counties were among about 40 people who attended the 90-minute meeting, sponsored by the Culpeper County Planning Commission. Local governments adjacent to the river must concur before the Virginia General Assembly is asked to approve the designation, Mr. Heerwald said.
The Friends of the Rappahannock, a group of riverfront (riparian) landowners interested in the preservation of the river, prompted Culpeper to investigate the program, said Mike Harvey, a member of the “Friends” and a representative on the planning commission. Mr. Harvey said it would be up to Fauquier and Rappahannock counties to initiate their own study of the program and to decide if they believe the designation is worthwhile.
The preservationist group wants first to attain scenic designation of the upper Rappahannock (from the headwaters near Front Royal to Deep Run at the Fauquier/Stafford County line). If successful it would then push for recognition of the remainder of the river, Mr. Harvey said.
The program provides for establishment of a local committee to monitor the river and requires the approval of the General Assembly for the construction of a dam or interbasin transfer of water.
Mr. Heerwald, whose department oversees the designation process, said it does not impose land use controls and
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