Virginia Scenic Rivers Program’s intent is to identify, designate and help protect rivers and streams that possess outstanding scenic, recreational, historic and natural characteristics of statewide significance for future generations. This program is managed by the state and should not be confused with the federal Department of the Interior’s Wild and Scenic Rivers Program. One of the program’s strengths is the partnership forged between citizens, local governments and the state. This partnership is initiated by the locality and runs from the evaluation phase through and after the designation process.
In addition to existing designated state scenic rivers, other river segments have been deemed worthy of further study. Use the Virginia Outdoors Plan Mapper to locate and view those segments.
The program focuses on recognizing and conserving scenic rivers and their corridors. State and federal agencies must take into consideration how projects and programs affect state scenic rivers.
The program’s enabling legislation is the Virginia Scenic Rivers Act of 1970, §10.1-400.
Listed below are various land conservation mechanisms that can be used to protect scenic and water qualities of river corridors.
In the late 1960s, Virginians and their elected representatives in the General Assembly recognized the need to identify and protect a cross-section of the more outstanding rivers and streams in the commonwealth, to ensure their use and enjoyment. In 1969, the former Commission of Outdoor Recreation (now the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation) recommended the establishment of the Virginia Scenic Rivers System. A groundswell of citizen interest and support resulted in the 1970 passage of the Virginia Scenic Rivers Act. To date, the system is comprised of 36 rivers or sections totaling 971 miles.
For questions regarding the Virginia Scenic Rivers Program, please contact us.