HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 709 Offered January 10, 2007 Prefiled January 10, 2007 Requesting the Department of Conservation and Recreation to study the feasibility of establishing a state park along the South Mayo and North Mayo Rivers in Henry County. Report. ---------- Patron-- Hurt ---------- Committee Referral Pending ----------

WHEREAS, the Department of Conservation and Recreation is charged with the mission to conserve, protect, enhance, and advocate the wise use of the Commonwealth's unique natural, recreational, scenic, and cultural resources; and

WHEREAS, tourism is vital to the economy of Virginia, and it has been the Commonwealth's policy to encourage tourism and travel in Virginia; and

WHEREAS, in 2005, nearly seven million people visited state parks located within the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina is currently developing a major state park along the Mayo River just across the border from the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, establishing a state park along the South Mayo and North Mayo Rivers in Henry County would complement the new park in North Carolina; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Department of Conservation and Recreation be requested to study the feasibility of establishing a state park along the South Mayo and North Mayo Rivers in Henry County.  The Department is also requested to examine the feasibility and advantages of designating the South Mayo and North Mayo Rivers as scenic rivers under the Scenic Rivers Act (§ 10.1-400 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

In conducting its study, the Department of Conservation and Recreation shall seek and consider the views of local citizens, local governments, and regional organizations before making its final recommendations.

All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Department of Conservation and Recreation for this study, upon request.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation shall complete its meetings by November 30, 2007, and shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an executive summary and a report of its findings and recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document. The executive summary and report shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports no later than the first day of the 2008 Regular Session of the General Assembly and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.