A Simple Way to Support the Outdoors at Tax Time
You can make a difference for Virginia’s natural areas by contributing a portion of your state tax refund to the Open Space Recreation and Conservation Fund.
The fund was established in 1988, and, each year since, DCR has received voluntary contributions from tax refunds. The fund is used to acquire natural areas for conservation and to develop recreational facilities for public outdoor recreation.
Recreation
In 2020, the physical and emotional benefits of being outdoors were highlighted as an essential part of daily activity. DCR has continued to support these ideals and raise awareness of the benefits of outdoor recreation. With 50% of the Open Space Recreation and Conservation Fund designated to support local government properties, the need for funding is crucial.
Virginia s Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) were established in the 1930s to develop comprehensive programs and plans to conserve soil resources, control and prevent soil erosion, prevent floods, and conserve, develop, utilize and dispose of water. Today, 47 districts serve as local resources for residents in nearly all Virginia localities. Districts, which are political subdivisions of the state, manage conservation programs, employ staff and deliver conservation services free of charge.
Since the mid-1980s, DCR has relied heavily on districts to help deliver many programs aimed at controlling and preventing nonpoint source (NPS) pollution, often on a hydrologic unit basis. With their volunteer boards and more than 150 full- and part-time technical and administrative employees, districts provide a valuable delivery system for Virginia s statewide nonpoint source pollution prevention programs.
Virtual Public Meeting for Twin Lakes State Park Master Plan
The meeting will be held virtually April 28 at 7 p.m.
Planners with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will present the draft master plan for Twin Lakes State Park. The master plan is the long-range plan for infrastructure, amenities, roads, funding and staffing at the park and will be updated every 10 years. Public comments will be taken at the end.
The development of the master plan is a public process, so your feedback is important to us.
If you can’t attend this virtual meeting, written comments will be accepted until May 29. Email comments to bill.conkle@dcr.virginia.gov or fax them to 804-371-7899.
Racial Diversity of Farmers in Virginia
From row crops to vegetables, cattle to chickens, farmers of every major racial demographic play an essential role in agricultural production as well as soil and water conservation throughout Virginia. The most recent Census of Agriculture conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2017 indicated that Virginia had over 2,500 farmers of color involved in some form of agricultural production. African Americans and Latino farmers make up the majority of this sizable group of Virginia farmers. Other groups represented include Asian American, Native American and Native Hawaiian farmers.
The map below shows the distribution of farmers of color throughout the commonwealth according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture. From north to south, east to west, these farmers make up an important part of Virginia s agricultural and economic fabric. They also play a critical role in the Division of Soil and Water Conservation s efforts to reduce nutrient
Share Your Flood Story
When flooding occurs, minority communities often have the longest road to recovery.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation invites you to share your flood story to help raise awareness of the dangers of floods and the costs to communities.
It could save a life.
We are looking for stories of flooding from across Virginia, especially in minority communities where flooding has had a disproportionate impact and where recovery has historically been a challenge. You may submit a written narrative, video, audio, photographs or any combination of media.
DCR will use your story to help educate and inform decision-makers about the impacts of flooding, help citizens be more prepared, and identify ways to speed recovery.