As the Virginia Scenic Rivers Program turns 50 this year, it has gained six rivers to the state scenic system. The additions became official July 1st, 2021. They are:

• Clinch River in Tazewell and Russell counties (36.8 miles)
• Grays Creek in Surry County* (6 miles)
• James River in Albemarle, Buckingham and Fluvanna counties (20 miles)
• Maury River in Rockbridge County* (19.25 miles)
• Pound River in Wise and Dickenson counties (17 miles)
• Staunton River in Charlotte and Halifax counties (11.5 miles)

*Other sections of these rivers were designated in previous years.

Passed by the General Assembly in 1970, the Virginia Scenic Rivers Act established an ongoing program to identify, designate, and protect rivers and streams with outstanding scenic, recreational, historic, and natural characteristics. It is a state level program and is managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

In order to establish a uniform gauge for all waterways to be measured, each river segment is evaluated using 13 factors or criteria. Some major components include water quality, corridor development, recreational access, historic features, natural features, visual appeal, quality of fisheries, and the presence of unique habitat or species.

If a river fits the mandated criteria, DCR staff prepares a scenic river report describing the river which includes support from local governments and comments from state agencies. If the locality supports the designation, its legislator must take a bill to the General Assembly for consideration. If the bill is passed by the General Assembly and signed by the governor, the waterway will be designated as a scenic river.

In addition to signing the six new scenic rivers, Governor Ralph Northam also proclaimed June as Virginia Scenic Rivers Month.

“VCN applauds the leadership of DCR and broad bipartisan General Assembly support for these new Scenic River designations across the commonwealth. Most importantly, Virginia’s communities — our cities, towns, and counties — are key to elevating their own local waters to gain the recognition that they deserve as outstanding scenic resources. Let’s double the number of designations in 2021!”

-Pat Calvert, Land & Water Campaigns Manager

“This is an exciting year for the program. Not only have we added over 110 new river miles — more than any other year in the history of the program — but six new segments in one year surpasses what we thought was possible. Through this program, communities are demonstrating the pride they have in their rivers.”

-Lynn Crump, Program Coordinator