Scenic Virginia looks to enhance Virginia’s scenic beauty with partnership with PEC

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Scenic Virginia announced on Sunday that it will be partnering with the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) to make more communities across the Commonwealth accessible.

According to a Jan. 11 press release from Scenic Virginia, this collaboration will build on Scenic Virginia's nationally recognized "science-based process for identifying and evaluating Virginia’s most significant views."

The PEC added that with this partnership, Scenic Virginia and PEC will bring the program to more places, empowering residents, planners and conservation partners to document and protect the views that define Virginia’s visual and cultural identity.

Kathleen Kilpatrick, president of Scenic Virginia, said that their partnership with PEC represents a natural alignment of missions.

"Together, we can put into the hands of more communities — and more quickly — a powerful tool to recognize, document, and thus better advocate for stewardship of the landscapes and vistas that give character and identity to communities and make Virginia truly extraordinary," Kilpatrick said.

"The Piedmont Environmental Council is excited to enter this partnership to help build on the successes of Scenic Virginia’s Treasured Views Program," said John McCarthy, senior advisor with PEC.

In addition to this move, Scenic Virginia will continue to both celebrate and promote the region's scenic assets through the program's annual photo contests and the Scenic Virginia Puzzle series, according to the release.

Both programs are designed to highlight breathtaking images of Virginia’s diverse landscapes.

Scenic beauty is one of Virginia’s greatest assets, economically, environmentally, and culturally,” said Chair Lisa Mountcastle. "Through partnerships, public engagement, and shared expertise, we can ensure that our treasured views remain a source of pride and inspiration for generations to come."

Questions about Scenic Virginia's upcoming events, programs or partnerships can be sent here.