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 & Anglers. The Mid-Atlantic Chapter Board fully supports these budget amendments receiving full support and receiving the requested funding. Below is a summary of the budget amendments.

Establishing the Wildlife Corridor Grant Fund

With Chief Patron Marsden leading the initiative, the Virginia state budget for FY2025 and FY2026 includes a significant investment in wildlife conservation. The Wildlife Corridor Grant Fund has been allocated $4.5 million in the first year and $250,000 in the second year. This funding will be used to implement the Wildlife Corridor Action Plan, aiming to reduce vehicle-wildlife collisions and enhance habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species.

Additionally, $250,000 in the second year will be dedicated to hiring two biologists to oversee the plan's execution. The Department of Wildlife Resources has been authorized to collaborate with nonprofit and private entities to optimize site planning and monitoring activities for wildlife connectivity.

Investments in Open Space and State Parks

Virginia continues to prioritize land conservation and state park management. The Virginia Land Conservation Fund will receive $16 million annually for grant distribution, ensuring the preservation of open spaces with public access. Additionally, funding has been designated for the operation and enhancement of state parks, including:

• $590,944 annually for the development of Widewater State Park.
• $613,253 annually to support Sweet Run State Park.
• $198,752 annually to maintain Seven Bends State Park.

Reinstating the Get Outdoors Fund

The Get Outdoors Fund, managed by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, provides small grants to community organizations and localities to enhance access to safe open spaces, particularly for underserved communities. This program supports various initiatives, including:

• Enhancing accessibility in greenspaces by adding wheelchair-friendly trails and installing accessible playground equipment.
• Supporting educational programs to promote environmental awareness and outdoor recreation opportunities.
• Establishing new parks, trails, and community gardens to improve outdoor access and address food insecurity.
• Preserving historic sites such as African American cemeteries and Rosenwald schools.

From 2021 to 2024, the program received over 400 grant applications requesting $8.6 million in funding but was only able to award $1.2 million to 122 projects across 62 localities. Due to insufficient funding, the program was paused in FY2025. Advocacy efforts are underway to secure at least $2.5 million in FY2026 to reinstate this critical initiative and continue expanding outdoor access for Virginia communities.

Strengthening the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation

The Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF), a competitive grant program managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, plays a crucial role in acquiring land and conservation easements for public benefit. Since its inception in 2000, VLCF has awarded 356 grants totaling over $118 million, protecting more than 156,000 acres. This program safeguards:

• Working farms and forests, supporting Virginia’s largest industries.
• Open spaces for public recreation through parks and natural reserves.
• Wildlife habitats essential for biodiversity and ecological balance.
• Historic sites such as battlefields and cultural landmarks.

Despite its success, VLCF consistently experiences demand that exceeds available funding. Challenges include limited conservation efforts in high-cost regions, prolonged project timelines, and missed opportunities for securing matching funds. The FY2025-26 budget provides $16 million annually, but advocacy efforts seek an additional $14 million in FY2026 to reach a total of $30 million, aligning with the scale of conservation needs across the Commonwealth.

Enhancing Recreational Opportunities

These budget amendments outline improvements to outdoor recreational facilities, with increased investments in designing and constructing new facilities. A pilot program to introduce all-terrain power wheelchairs for accessibility is also being funded, aligning with recent legislative efforts to improve inclusivity in outdoor spaces.

Virginia must remain committed to conserving its natural resources while expanding public access to outdoor recreation. These investments reinforce the state's dedication to wildlife conservation, sustainable land management, and enhanced outdoor experiences for residents and visitors alike.