Resources

Environmental Policy Overview: Virginia Conservation Network’s Common Agenda

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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 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 Every public dollar invested in land conservation returns $4 in natural goods and services to the Commonwealth — in addition to supporting key industries that depend on the availability of high-quality protected land and water. The Trust for Public Land, August 2016

The 10-Minute Walk Program illustrates how 100 million people in the U.S.—including 28 million kids—don’t have a park within a 10-minute walk of home. Trust for Public Land, updated regularly
Virginia State Parks Dedicated Funding Sources and Recommendations 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

The Outdoor Recreation Economy by State measures the sector’s contribution to each state’s economy. Headwaters Economics, December 2024
Economic Contributions of National Park Visitor Spending tool displays results from the Visitor Spending Effects report series at national, state, and local levels. National Park Service with USGS, September 2024

Voter Survey Shows Overwhelming Support for Increased, Dedicated Investments in Conservation. Virginians expect state government to protect our natural resources for future generations. The Nature Conservancy, September 2021
Funding for Wildlife Crossing Infrastructure: An Evaluation of Revenue and Funding Mechanisms. PEW Charitable Trusts, April 2021
Dedicated Conservation Funding by State The average state spends about double the proportion of their state resources versus Virginia’s spending on natural resources. Virginia spends less on natural resources than neighboring North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and especially Maryland. Trust for Public Land, January 2025

BikePedRVA 2045 Richmond Regional Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan. Richmond Regional Transportation Planning Organization, May 2022
Northern Virginia Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Economic Impact Report The final report produced by NVRC’s consultant, BBC Research & Consulting, reports on the findings of the health, social equity, and economic impact of the trail in Northern Virginia. There is also an errata sheet for the report. Northern Virginia Regional Commission, January 2022
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.
Trail757 A Multi-use Trail Connecting the Hampton Roads Region
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 Intermodel Planning and Investment, January 2022