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.
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.
The Virginia Scenic Rivers Program was established in 1970 as a way to celebrate outstanding examples of Virginia’s more than 49,000 miles of rivers and streams. The program celebrated it’s 50th Anniversary in 2020 and continues to expand and protect Virginia’s rivers.
For questions regarding the Virginia Scenic Rivers Program, please contact us.