Department of Conservation and Recreation
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Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 20, 2019
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Virginia State Parks Receives Three Virginia Green Travel Awards
RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia State Parks received three awards at the recent sixth annual Virginia Green Travel Conference.
First Landing State Park Assistant Manager Perry Demay was one of three individuals statewide to receive the Green Team All Star award.
Demay conceived the creation of a state parks alternative energy working group and now chairs the committee as it works to increase alternative energy options in Virginia’s state parks. He also worked closely with Tesla Automotive to install a car charging station at First Landing State Park, the first of its kind in a state park.
Innovative Green Project of the Year awards were given to Grayson Highlands State Park and Kiptopeke State Park.
At nearly 5,000 feet above sea level, Grayson Highlands was plagued by water shortages. By installing low-flow toilets compatible with the park’s low pressure gravity-fed water system, the park was able to save two to four gallons of water per flush. Signs in the restrooms explain to guests the water-saving measures.
Kiptopeke State Park, on the Chesapeake Bay, implemented a plan to reduce fossil fuel consumption. By moving a storage area within the park and using electric carts instead of gas-powered pickup trucks, the park has achieved significant savings in gasoline costs.
“Virginia State Parks have been open every day for the past 83 years and hosted tens of millions of visitors,” said Virginia State Parks Director Craig Seaver. “One of our core missions remains conserving and protecting Virginia’s environment and ensuring that Virginians have clean air, water and land to enjoy now and in the future. This recognition of our conservation efforts is appreciated as we continue our work on behalf of all Virginians.”
Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
The Virginia Green program is a partnership between the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the Virginia Tourism Corp., the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association, and the Virginia Green Travel Alliance. The program encourages green practices in all sectors of Virginia’s tourism industry. More than 1,800 businesses and partner organizations have voluntarily certified their green business practices through the Virginia Green program.
The conference was held on April 24-25, 2019.
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