Scott Cameron (2nd Vice President (VASWCD) presents Daphne W. Jamison with her 50th year service award at the 2025 VASWCD Annual Meeting in Williamsburg, VA! Congratulations Daphne for all of your hard work, service and astounding dedication.

1975 – present:  Director Blue Ridge SWCD serving on several committees Daphne W. Jamison has served the Blue Ridge Soil & Water Conservation District for forty-five years (representing Franklin County) and has been very active with the VASWCD. She has served as a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, Personnel Committee, Conservation Awards Committee Impoundment Safety Advisory Committee and Annual Tour Committee. Jamison has been instrumental in securing funding for programs (both education and technical) in all parts of Virginia.

 Chairman of Blue Ridge SWCD 1982-1984, 1994-1997, 2003-2020

Regional (Area V) Treasurer and other regional committees

1997 Elected Second Vice President of the VASWCD

2001 & 2002 President of the VASWCD -Her service to VASWCD included serving on the committee to award district employees for outstanding service and on the committee established to study funding and reorganize districts within Virginia

 2005 – “2005 Watershed Connections Award for the Roanoke Watershed”- many hours of volunteer time and leadership promoting soil & water conservation work

Tri-County Lake Administrative Commission (serving SML volunteer water monitor, SMLA & Ferrum College)

 July 1, 2009-June 30, 2013 Appointed by Gov. Timothy Kaine to serve on the VASWD (Virginia Soil & Water Board)

July 1, 2013-June 30, 2017 Reappointed by Gov. Bob McDonnel to serve on the VASWD Board

Oct. 14, 2016:  Presented with an award and certificate of appreciation by Del. Charles Poindexter and SMLA’s Water Quality Monitoring Chairman Larry Iceman for 30 years of service with the SML water quality monitoring program.

VASWD Board works with the DCR to guide the delivery of soil and water conservation services to citizens of the Commonwealth providing oversight and support of VASWCD and enforcement of non-point source pollution control programs, including Resource Management Plans and oversight and enforcement of dam safety and floodplain management regulations.

The Virginia Soil and Water Board’s responsibilities include:  oversight and support of VASWCDs and enforcement of non-point source pollutions control programs, including storm water management, erosion and sediment control, municipal separate storm sewers; oversight and enforcement of dam safety and floodplain management regulations and approval of loan criteria for loans from the Dame Safety, Flood Prevention and Protection Assistance Fund. 

Richard Chaffin (VASWCD Secretary/Treasurer) and Daphne W. Jamison present Sam A. Chappell (center) with the distinguished Chaffin Soil & Water Conservation District Employee of the Year Award (Award #1) at the 2025 VASWCD Annual Meeting in Williamsburg, VA.                 

High Energy! Since June 1, 2023, Sam has worked non-stop taking the required courses necessary to earn their Conservation Planner and working diligently to earn the Engineering Job Approval Authority. Not only has he diligently worked on conservation certificates, at the same time, hit the ground running on establishing an ongoing successful VCAP program by attending meetings, asking very pointed questions exhibiting a well-rounded understanding of VCAP and finding partners such as Wetland Watch and several environmental landscaping companies to partner with our district. Sam is currently in the process of partnering with two of the district’s entities on establishing required resiliency plans to pave the way for VCAP.  He has achieved exceptional understanding of the Ag tracking program, VCAP and VACS practices in less than one and one-half years of employment. In addition, for the past two summers, Sam volunteered to serve as a camp counselor for Conservation Camp (currently enrolled in grades 9-12) on the campus of Virginia Tech, sharing their knowledge and passion about the environment   with the next generation. In his spare time, Sam serves as a local soccer coach for 13 years old and younger students, instructing skills of the game as well as teamwork and leadership in these young players.1.               

  Not only has Sam spring boarded our district’s VCAP off of the ground, but he is also proficient in communication skills, excavating and heavy equipment experience, storm water management and very knowledgeable regarding computer skills. Sam is a joy to work with and is highly respected by the VCAP Coordinators and his fellow colleagues, directors and district partners. Congratulations Sam!