Media Center - News Release
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 30, 2026
Contact: Emi Endo, Senior Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-786-8442, emi.endo@dcr.virginia.gov
Tax-time donations help provide outdoor recreation opportunities in Virginia
Open Space Recreation and Conservation Fund also supports protecting natural areas
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: A project to improve accessibility for a Roanoke River Blueway access point was supported by the Open Space Recreation and Conservation Fund.][alt:Colorful large mural of a bird dipping its beak into water painted on a concrete wall alongside and arching over an accessible pathway under a bridge leading to a riverbank.)
RICHMOND, Va. — As Virginians head into tax season, those expecting a state tax refund can participate in a program that benefits outdoor recreation and conservation.
By donating all, or a portion of, their 2025 state income tax refunds to the Open Space Recreation and Conservation Fund, taxpayers passionate about enjoying and protecting the outdoors can make a difference.
The voluntary contributions fund outdoor grants like the Trail Access Grants program. For example, as the recipient of a grant, the City of Roanoke was able to complete a project to provide its first accessible Roanoke River Blueway access point for fishing, boating and recreation. Before the project, it was not accessible to people with disabilities.
The Open Space Recreation and Conservation Fund also supports the state’s efforts to buy land for conservation, including additions to the Natural Area Preserve System.
The fund is managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
To choose the Open Space Recreation and Conservation Fund, enter Code Number 68 on Schedule VAC (Virginia Contributions Schedule), Section II (Other Voluntary Contributions). This form accompanies the state individual tax return Form 760.
For more information, go to DCR’s tax checkoff page at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/checkoff.
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The Department of Conservation and Recreation is the state's lead natural resource conservation agency. DCR protects what Virginians care about – natural habitat, parks, clean water, dams, open space and access to the outdoors. For more information, please visit www.dcr.virginia.gov.
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