Members are being sought to participate in a sea level rise focus group in Gloucester County.

The group will consist of "a fair and balanced representation of Gloucester’s stakeholders and key interest groups," said Community Education director Christi Lewis.

The focus group, a partnership effort between the University of Virginia, the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and Gloucester County, will consist of 10-15 individuals who represent areas and groups potentially affected by sea level rise, Lewis said. Funding is being provided by the Virginia Sea Grant program.

Community representation from the following areas/groups is being sought: local property owners, farmers, businesses, developers, environmentalists, watermen, marine contractors, banks and insurance companies and real estate professionals.

Lewis said the group is designed to give participants an opportunity to communicate concerns about sea level rise and its implications.

The group is expected to meet for a half-day session this fall, Lewis said.

Those interested are asked to submit a Gloucester County Volunteer Board Bank form to be considered for appointment. The forms can be found online at www.gloucesterva.info (under "E-Services; Boards/Commissions Online). For more information, call the Gloucester County Planning Department at 693-1224.

To view this article in its entirety, subscribe here. Already an online subscriber? Login Here