Virginia Flood Damage Reduction Act
Posted April 20, 2026
After a series of devastating floods — from Hurricane Camille in 1969 through major flooding in the 1980s — Virginia took bold steps to protect our communities. In 1987, the General Assembly consolidated all flood‑related programs under the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Two years later, the 1989 Virginia Flood Damage Reduction Act officially made DCR responsible for statewide floodplain management.
Today, we continue that mission by helping communities reduce risk, strengthen resilience, and prepare for the future.
Learn more about DCR’s floodplain management here.
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First Virginia Outdoors Plan – Virginia’s Common Wealth
Posted April 17, 2026
Since 1965, DCR has guided Virginia’s investment in outdoor recreation — administering more than $135 million in Land and Water Conservation Fund grants for 400+ projects and leading the Virginia Outdoors Plan for over six decades.
Today, the 2025–2030 Virginia Outdoors Plan continues this legacy with an interactive digital resource that helps shape parks, trails, and recreation access statewide. Virginians consistently show strong support for investing in the outdoors — and together, we’re building high‑quality places to explore, play, and connect.
Pictured are pages from the very first 1965 Virginia Outdoors Plan.
Read the full original document here.
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Virginia’s commitment to protecting open space runs deep.
Posted April 14, 2026
Since 1966, the Commonwealth has built a strong land conservation framework through legislation that created the Open-Space Land Act, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, and key preservation structures like the Virginia Cave Commission, Virginia Land Conservation Foundation, and the Land Preservation Tax Credit.
Today, more than 4.33 million acres — 17.15% of Virginia — are permanently protected for future generations.
Learn more at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/land-conservation/
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From six State Parks to 44, and from bold beginnings to statewide impact —DCR has been making history since 1936.
Posted April 8, 2026
On June 15, 1936, Virginia became the first state to open an entire system of state parks on the same day, launching a legacy of outdoor recreation, public access and cultural preservation that still thrives today.
With the opening of more parks, the protection of additional acres and the addition of new miles of trails, DCR has made accessibility a top priority.
Today, visitors can enjoy all-terrain wheelchairs, RightHear navigation technology for blind and visually impaired guests, and EnChroma-adapted viewfinders for colorblind visitors — ensuring Virginia’s outdoors are open to all.
Plan your visit to one of Virginia State Parks today: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/
Learn more at www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/history
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The foundation of the State Commission on Conservation and Development
Posted April 2, 2026
On March 17, 1926, the Virginia General Assembly passed landmark legislation creating the State Commission on Conservation and Development — the foundation of today’s Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
This new commission united the work of the Water Power and Development Commission, the State Geological Commission, the State Geological Survey, the Office of the State Geologist, and the Office of the State Forester. It also established the authority to acquire land for public parks, setting the stage for a century of conservation leadership.
Today, 100 years later, DCR continues a legacy rooted in protecting what Virginians value most.
Learn more at www.dcr.virginia.gov/dcr100/dcr100-history
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Department of Conservation and Recreation
