New Stuff at DCR

James River Heritage Trail Update: Public meetings will be held along the entire 340-mile corridor in October and November. Your help is needed to gather information for a series of maps and a conceptual plan. Building on water trails maps already completed by the James River Association, potential local government projects in need of funding will be identified in the conceptual plan. These projects may be eligible for future grant rounds of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Recreational Trails grant programs. More land trail experiences and park sites are needed to complement the water trail.

DCR is also partnering with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to identify agritourism opportunities along the corridor. Final maps will highlight pick-your-own farms, wineries and other enterprises that increase the river's recreational appeal.

The James River, entirely in Virginia, is a remarkable recreational resource. It serves as an outdoor classroom for learning skills, such as fishing, and lessons ranging from anthropology to zoology. Hundreds of significant historical sites are along the banks waiting to be discovered and interpreted. In these turbulent times, help us to create a river experience that Connects our Commonwealth. Contact Jennifer Wampler, (804) 786-9240, email jennifer.wampler@dcr.virginia.gov.

Meeting dates, locations and times:

Oct. 6, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Lynchburg Public Library (Jones E. Memorial Library), Community Room, 2315 Memorial Ave., Lynchburg, VA 24501. Jurisdictions covered: Amherst, Lynchburg, Appomattox, Campbell, Bedford and Nelson.

Oct. 7, 4-6 p.m. Greenfield Education and Training Center, 57 South Center Drive, Daleville, VA 24080. Click here for directions: Jurisdictions covered: Alleghany, Botetourt and Rockbridge.

Oct. 8, 4-6 p.m. Victory Hall Theatre, 401 Valley St., Scottsville, VA 24590. Jurisdictions covered: Albemarle, Buckingham, Cumberland and Fluvanna.

Nov. 3, 4-6 p.m. Richmond Regional Commission conference room, 9211 Forest Hill Avenue, Richmond VA 23235. Jurisdictions covered: Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Henrico, Hopewell, Powhatan, Prince George and Richmond.

Nov. 4, 4-6 p.m. Jamestown Settlement, 2218 Jamestown Road, Route 31 South, Williamsburg, VA 23185. Jurisdictions covered: Hampton, Isle of Wight, James City, Newport News, Suffolk and Surry.

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Soil and Water Conservation District directors and staff may now visit an online Conservation Marketing Warehouse for ideas and resources to improve their service and identity. The site has fresh ads, customized logos, research, white papers, fact sheets and messages to better reach farmers, who play a critical role in minimizing the effects of runoff pollution.

Click here to view recent news releases.