A Virginia Jewel: The Smith River

"Fisheries biologists conduct a fish sampling survey on the scenic Smith River using electrofishing equipment that momentarily stuns the fish. The fish are quickly weighed, measured and released back to the water. The Philpott Dam, constructed in the 1950s, changed many characteristics of the river. The large trophy brown trout that once thrived in the cool tail waters below the dam are fewer today, and biologists like Scott Smith are working to best manage this river both for its native species and as a recreational trout fishing destination. This sampling effort is part of a multi-year study monitoring the numbers, sizes, and growth rates of fish in the river as they relate to environmental conditions and operation of the dam."
Clip length: 02:35

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/video/?video=15

Uranium Mining In Virginia

Here are links to various sources of information aimed at illuminating the issues and players around uranium mining in Virginia. I have purposefully tried to include links regardless of political affiliation. The goal of this entry is to raise awareness and to promote informed discussion. Please add reactions, comments, or suggestions for other links.

• Uranium Mining in Virginia, Southern Environmental Law Center
• New Uranium Mining Projects in US: Virginia, WISE Uranium Project
• Virginia Uranium, Ltd.
• Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy, Virginia Energy Plan, Commonwealth of Virginia
• Institute for Southern Studies, Uranium Mining in Virginia?

Blogs

• Southside Concerned Citizens Blog
• Uranium 2008
• Virginia Uranium Blog

Venus and the Moon

This is an image of Venus and a waxing crescent Moon in the SW sky captured by the VMNH WeatherBug cam just before 7 pm. Check it out tomorrow as we say goodbye to 2008, these two will be lined up in conjunction. For more go to StarDate.

Sunset on Winter Solstice 2008

Here's an image captured by the VMNH Weatherbug web cam at sunset (5:07 p.m.) December 21, 2008. The view is toward the southwest with the steeple of First Baptist Church on the left and the sun setting on the horizon.

How did turtles get their shells?: Scientific American Blog

How did turtles get their shells?: Scientific American Blog

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