Rachael Peabody, the acting executive director of the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission, was the featured speaker at last Thursday’s Mathews Land Conservancy Lecture Series event at Williams Wharf Landing.
Peabody is transitioning into the position currently held by Lewie Lawrence, who has been named managing director of the MPPDC. “I hit 30 years in VRS at the end of May,” Lawrence said. “This has been planned for a while.” In his new capacity as managing director, he will focus on setting up the municipal dredging program and coaching Peabody in her role. “The commission wanted me focusing on one of the most pressing regional long-term problems—dredging and material management,” he said.
In her new role, Peabody leads regional efforts to strengthen coastal resilience, support sustainable economic development, and protect vital natural resources. With a business and a master’s degree in biology, she combines her passion for entrepreneurship and natural resource expertise to guide innovative projects across the Middle Peninsula.
“We are delighted to welcome Rachael to Mathews County and look forward to working side by side with the MPPDC to advance our shared vision of conservation and waterway access,” Mathews Land Conservancy president Bernadette La Casse said.
Outlined in the presentation was MPPDC’s focus on working waterfronts, centered around three major areas: support for fishing, aquaculture, boatbuilding, and recreation; mapping, policy support, and funding for dredging and infrastructure; and preserving access and cultural heritage of the Middle Peninsula.
In Mathews County, there are three waterfront sites being investigated by MPPDC to determine the viability and feasibility of further development. The sites highlighted were East River Boat Yard, Winter Harbor Landing and Davis Creek Landing.
Peabody emphasized that she is “dedicated to advancing projects that align with the Mathews Land Conservancy’s mission to foster a thriving and resilient region.” To address changing environmental conditions in the Middle Peninsula, MPPDC continues to improve and update its program called Fight the Flood.
This initiative seeks to help property owners and communities with flood adaptation and resilience. Further, the program provides technical assistance, matching funds, and contractor connections. This effort aims to stimulate local economy while protecting property and tax base. To learn more about MPPDC go to www.mppdc.com and Fight the Flood go to https://fightthefloodva.com.
The Mathews Land Conservancy was formed in 1994 to acquire and protect Williams Wharf Landing from continued industrial use. The Maritime Center at Williams Wharf Landing, once completed, will house rowing clubs along with other groups with the shared values of environmental stewardship and conservation.
MLC relies solely on private donations, grants, and use fees for general operations as well as maintenance, improvements, and project construction. For more information about community water access and educational events, go to www.mathewslandconservancy.org.