Resources
Reports and Tools
Conservation
- Survey of Virginia Voters Shows Overwhelming Support for Increased, Dedicated Investments in Conservation Virginians expect state government to protect our natural resources for future generations. Click the link above to review the survey findings. The Nature Conservancy, September 2021
- How does Virginia fit into a national effort to conserve 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030? Our state would have to nearly double its total amount of protected lands, which currently sits at around 16.5 percent, in order to meet the national 30 by 30 goal set out by the America the Beautiful initiative.
Virginia Mercury, November 2021 - Virginia’s Return on Investment in Land Conservation The Trust for Public Land conducted an economic analysis of the return on Virginia’s investment in land conservation through a variety of state programs that funded land acquisition statewide, and
found that every public $1 invested in land conservation returned $4 in natural goods and services to
the commonwealth. In addition, land conservation funded by Virginia supports key industries that
depend on the availability of high-quality protected land and water.
The Trust for Public Land, August 2016
Funding
- Funding for Wildlife Crossing Infrastructure An Evaluation of Revenue and Funding Mechanisms This report was prepared to evaluate state-level funding opportunities for wildlife crossing infrastructure.
Pew Charitable Trusts, April 2021 - Survey of Virginia Voters Shows Overwhelming Support for Increased, Dedicated Investments in Conservation Virginians expect state government to protect our natural resources for future generations. Click the link above to review the survey findings. The Nature Conservancy, September 2021
- Virginia Natural Resources Funding and How It Compares to Other States The average state spends about double the amount as a percent of their state resources versus Virginia’s spending on natural resources. Virginia spends less on natural resources than the surrounding states of North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and particularly Maryland.
VIRGINIAforever, September 2017
Local and State Parks
- Park Locator: Get to you know your VA parks and trails Discover new trails! Sort by region, or specific park features, like equestrian trails, boat rentals, or meeting space size.
Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation, updated regularly - Trust for Public Land 10-minute Park Score Parks are essential for public health, climate resilience, and strong connected communities. And yet, 100 million people in the U.S.—including 28 million kids—don’t have a park within a 10-minute walk of home. Click the link to explore park access levels for nearly every city and town in the United States.
Trust for Public Land, updated regularly - Virginia State Parks Dedicated Funding Sources and Recommendations The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of State Parks, completed this study to meet the directive of HB 1804, which unanimously passed during the 2021 General Assembly session.
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, November 2021
Trails
- The Economic Impact of Bicycling in the Central Shenandoah Valley The Economic Impact of Bicycling in the Central Shenandoah Valley study estimated the economic impact of bicycle-related tourism and business in the Central Shenandoah Valley.
- Virginia Bicycle Policy Plan The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has developed the State Bicycle Policy Plan to ensure bicyclists are an integral component of Virginia’s multimodal transportation system, and to provide bicycle policy recommendations that will guide the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of bicycle accommodations.
Virginia Department of Transportation, September 2011 - Virginia Department of Transportation Biking and Walking in Virginia Projects and Studies
Virginia Department of Transportation, updates regularly - Virginia Multi-Use Trails Initiative A Report on Multi-Use Trail Master Planning, Prioritization and Funding This report examines how Virginia can transition from this arrangement toward a single, unified vision to steward trail planning, programs, partnerships and funding of a world class trail system.
Virginia Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment, January 2022
FAQ
Q: Why does VA need dedicated funding?
A: There is increasing demand from communities all across Virginia for land protection, public access to trails and other outdoor recreation opportunities. A dedicated fund in the State budget would sustain Virginia’s conservation programs, which are chronically underfunded. This new funding source would also enable critical new initiatives to provide underserved communities with more access to parks and open space—progress that is essential for Virginia to advance toward environmental justice.
Q: How does Virginia conservation funding compare to other states?
A: According to the Census Bureau, Virginia ranks near the bottom when compared to other states’ spending on natural resources. The average state spends about double the amount as a percent of their state resources versus Virginia’s spending on natural resources. When compared to our surrounding states of North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and particularly Maryland, Virginia spends considerably less on natural resources.
Q: How can I help ensure our leaders create dedicated funding for conservation?
A: A coalition of over 30 organizations has come together to advocate for dedicated funding for a package of new and existing programs. We’ll be rolling out opportunities for advocacy over 2022, so sign up and stay informed!
Member Toolkit
