Unfortunately, both Virginia HB 2025: Wildlife Corridors or Crossings; Action Plan and Programs and Virginia HB 2059: Virginia’s Great Outdoors Act were tabled at the start of the legislative session. This occurred in the House Appropriations Committee (HAC) and means we won’t see any movement on them this year. However, there are still opportunities this year to affect our public lands and waters. There are budget amendments that directly align with our mission at Backcountry Hunters & ...

Recently, I attended the 2025 Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival at the Meadows Event Park in Doswell, VA. I was representing the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, manning the booth we run every year at this event. It is always such a great opportunity for the Chapter to kick off the new year, and this year did not disappoint—even though we had some winter weather to contend with. Leading up to any event, there is always a little bit of anxiety. I ask myself if I got ...

As Virginia faces increasing challenges related to wildlife-vehicle conflicts, habitat fragmentation, and biodiversity loss, the Mid-Atlantic Chapter continues to support proactive measures that are being taken to address these pressing issues. The proposed legislation, HB 2025/SB 1341, led by Delegate Gardner and Senator Marsden, aims to create a framework that benefits both wildlife and communities throughout the state. Here’s a closer look at the significance of this legislation and its ...

The Mid-Atlantic Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is expressing its support for Virginia’s Great Outdoors Act (HB 1297). Introduced by Delegate Paul Krizek of Virginia’s 16th District, this legislation aims to provide $200 million in funding for trails, state parks, public lands, and grant programs focused on conserving natural resources and expanding outdoor access across the state. In line with this effort, our Chapter has joined the Our Virginia Outdoors Coalition, a group of ...