Virginia Scenic Rivers Celebrates 50 Years

For Virginians, the nation’s increasing environmental awareness in the late 1960s became personal through the Virginia Scenic Rivers Act. Passed by the General Assembly in 1970 – celebrating its 50th anniversary this year – the act designated “Scenic Rivers” as possessing “superior natural and scenic beauty, fish and wildlife, and historic, recreational, geologic, cultural, and other assets.”

Further, the act protects these rivers to ensure their health as well as their ongoing use and enjoyment by people, to future generations. The program is managed by the commonwealth’s Department of Conservation and Recreation in a partnership with citizens and local governments.

The system is currently composed of 33 rivers or sections totaling 860 miles. Designated portions within easy driving distance from Richmond include parts of the Rappahannock, Chickahominy, Appomattox, Rivanna and Rockfish rivers as well as three sections of the James – the Upper James River at the Rockbridge-Amherst-Bedford county line, the Lower James River at the James City-Surry county line, and the Historic Falls of the James in Richmond.

On July 1, six river sections were added to the program.

• Clinch River in Tazewell and Russell counties (36.8 miles)*
• Grays Creek in Surry County (6 miles)
• James River in Albemarle, Buckingham and Fluvanna counties (20 miles)*
• Maury River in Rockbridge County (19.25 miles)
• Pound River in Wise and Dickenson counties (17 miles)
• Staunton River in Charlotte and Halifax counties (11.5 miles)*

*Other sections of these rivers were designated in previous years.

Governor Ralph Northam also proclaimed June as Virginia Scenic Rivers Month.

“This is an exciting year for the program,” said Lynn Crump, Virginia Scenic Rivers Program coordinator. “Not only have we added over 110 new river miles – more than any other year in the history of the program – but six new segments in one year surpasses what we thought was possible. Through this program, communities are demonstrating the pride they have in their rivers.”

Learn more at DCR.Virginia.gov/sr50.

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

Scenic Virginia’s Virginia Vistas Photo Contest includes eight separate categories, including urban, farms, roadways, mountains, trees and wildlife. In recognition of the anniversary of the Virginia Scenic Rivers Act, the Rivers & Waterways category in 2020 is exclusive to designated Commonwealth scenic rivers. Deadline for photo submissions is July 31.

Find contest details at ScenicVirginia.org.