A Year in Review: VCN’s 2022 Annual Report
Over the last year, VCN worked with our 150+ Network Partners to maintain momentum around policy gains while continuing to navigate working within the confines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The year was defined by a gubernatorial election and the infusion of federal money into the state budget. It ended with a vastly different political landscape including a new, untested Governor and a change in conservation strategy from offense to defense.
Our Annual Report reviews Virginia Conservation Network’s work from Spring 2021 to Winter 2022. While it feels almost impossible to cover everything we worked on last year in only a few pages, we did our best to squeeze in the highlights, including:
- our strategy to advance conservation initiatives year-round,
- our policy gains and challenges through the General Assembly session,
- our Network Partner engagement events,
- VCN staff updates,
- …and more!
Read more of our recent updates from our blog:
PFAS in US Tapwater Interactive Dashboard
The US Geological Survey (USGS) has crafted the PFAS in US Tapwater Interactive Dashboard—an interactive map based from its 2021-2022 PFAS tapwater study.
Crossover Update from Virginia’s 2024 General Assembly Session
As of this Tuesday, we have reached “crossover” – the day that bills introduced and passed in one chamber of the General Assembly must “cross over” to be voted on by the other. VCN provides an update on the remaining conservation bills in this long session.
Bill of the Day: Advancing the Wildlife Corridor Grant Fund
VCN advocates for the Wildlife Corridor Grant Fund, securing funding for wildlife corridor and crossing projects, fostering improved habitat connectivity and ensuring motorist safety.
Habitat Connectivity Hub
Our Partners at Wild Virginia have released their Habitat Connectivity Hub, a StoryMap showcasing pivotal connectivity and wildlife crash reduction projects led by Virginia Safe Wildlife Corridors Collaborative’s partners.
Bill of the Day: Mitigating the Impact of Data Centers’ Explosive Growth
VCN advocates regulating data center growth to assess their impact on natural resources, energy consumption, and public health before development.
Recap: Over 250 Advocates Joined Us on Conservation Lobby Day
This was our largest Conservation Lobby Day yet! Over 250 environmental advocates, across more than 100 meetings with state legislators, urged their representatives to support strong conservation policies.