New Virginia Outdoors Plan aims to meet needs for land conservation, outdoor recreation and open-space planning

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia has launched its new comprehensive plan for meeting statewide needs for land conservation, outdoor recreation and open-space planning: the 2024 Virginia Outdoors Plan. According to the Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin, recreation resource planners, managers and community stakeholders rely on the plan to support applications for funding for open space and park projects. The updated plan fulfills a requirement to remain eligible for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, which announced a record funding of $7.2 million for Virginia in fiscal year 2024. The plan was informed by residents from throughout the state who shared their recreation needs and interests in the 2022 Virginia Outdoors Survey. A majority of folks who responded said access to outdoor recreation was "very important" and even more said they believe strongly in protecting Virginia's natural and open-space resources from development. The following are sections of the plan: Priorities, Implementation and the Recreation Economy Priorities and Implementation Economic Impacts of Outdoor Recreation Outdoor Recreation during the COVID-19 pandemic Recreation Recreation for All Providing Accessible Outdoor Recreation Trail Networks and Planning Land and Water Conservation Recreation Land Conservation Land Conservation Programs Conservation Conscience Grants and Planning Resources Recreation Grants and Funding Opportunities Grant Planning for Success Navigating Federal and State Requirements The plan will be implemented from 2025 through 2030. To view the plan, visit the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation's website.