The public is encouraged to comment by July 31 on 2024 Virginia Outdoors Plan - Recreation for All. The plan
guides the Commonwealth’s communities in connecting people with their most desired outdoor recreation opportunities, and protection of natural and scenic resources that add value to our daily lives. The plan identifies Virginia’s strategies, priorities, and planned actions so that the state remains eligible for apportionment funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). With continual funding and fulfillment of LWCF obligations, Virginia will increasingly be recognized as best-in-class for outdoor recreation, and natural and cultural resources stewardship. (Source)
Comments are to be made online at the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall.
From an advocacy perspective, mentioning where you live or are speaking about (for example the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula, or Richmond, County) shows DCR that residents, business owners, and other stakeholders in a particular county or region are engaged and interested in the topic. This might result in more attention being paid to the region.
What’s in the plan and why you should care
The plan lays out the priorities and impact of outdoor recreation in human and economic terms. The plan is replete with data, maps, and thought and references myriad sources―state government, contracted, and independent―which articulate the many values of outdoor rec.
Perhaps the most robust example is the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s survey results: 2022 Virginia Outdoors Survey Report of Results (PDF). The survey covered a wide range of topics including safety, conservation, trails, state parks, outdoor activities in the past year, and outdoor activities needed, along with important demographic info.
In fact, the report includes a mention of the Northern Neck:
Theme 6: Comments about specific parks or localities
Respondents often gave feedback about their specific local/state parks, including improvements or additional amenities they wished to see in these parks. Respondents gave details about the needs of their community and how parks could help fulfill these needs.
*Please consider adding Natural Area Preserves with hiking and public water access to the system, particularly in the coastal areas of the state such as the Northern Neck. (p195)
“So what?” you may ask. Well, the plan is required by federal law and operationally helps the state and local governments apply for funding to improve all facets of outdoor recreation. And non-state funding is a good thing, especially when it drives tourism and tax revenue. The US Department of the Interior explains one pot of federal funding:
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) was established by Congress in 1964 to fulfill a bipartisan commitment to safeguard natural areas, water resources and cultural heritage, and to provide recreation opportunities to all Americans. The fund helps strengthen communities, preserve history and protect the national endowment of lands and waters. Since its inception in 1965, LWCF has funded $5.2 billion to support more than 45,000 projects in every county in the country. (Source: US Department of the Interior)