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 organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of Virginia’s outdoor spaces. As public landowners in Delaware, Maryland, D.C., and Virginia, we recognize the importance of preserving public lands and waters for future generations. Virginia’s Great Outdoors Act presents an opportunity to support the long-term sustainability and accessibility of these natural areas.

Why Virginia Needs the Great Outdoors Act

Despite their popularity, Virginia’s trails, state parks, and other public lands face funding challenges that impact their infrastructure, staffing, and programs. This bill proposes to address those challenges by providing financial resources to ensure the upkeep and improvement of public lands. Additionally, the legislation would help protect historic sites and preserve farmland and forests, which may otherwise be vulnerable to development pressures.

Key Provisions of the Bill

Virginia’s Great Outdoors Act proposes to allocate $200 million from recordation tax revenue—collected during the property deed recording process—without raising taxes or reducing local funding. These funds would be distributed as follows:

• $50 million for grant programs
  • $30 million for the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF)
  • $20 million for other land protection programs
• $150 million for public lands
  • $70 million for state parks
  • $30 million for other state lands
  • $50 million for trails

The Role of Funding in Public Land Management

While there may be questions regarding the use of recordation tax revenue for these purposes, proponents argue that public lands require ongoing funding to operate effectively. For instance, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources primarily relies on hunting and fishing license sales for its budget, with little to no general fund support. This bill would provide new resources for acquiring wildlife management areas and maintaining existing lands.

In addition to improving outdoor access and conservation, Virginia could also see an economic boost. In 2023, 23.3 million visitors to Virginia’s national parks contributed $1.5 billion to the state’s economy, supporting over 21,000 jobs, according to the National Park Service. Expanding such support to include all public lands may result in further economic benefits.

How You Can Get Involved

As part of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter board, we encourage you to stay informed on the progress of HB 1297  If you support this initiative, consider contacting your legislators to share your thoughts on the importance of preserving Virginia’s natural spaces. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue working with the Our Virginia Outdoors Coalition.