Unfortunately, Virginia House Bill 2025 (“Wildlife Corridors or Crossings”) and House Bill 2059 (“Virginia’s Great Outdoors Act”) were tabled early in the legislative session by the House Appropriations Committee. While these bills won’t move forward this year, there are still critical opportunities to impact public lands and waters through budget amendments. The Mid-Atlantic Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers fully supports these amendments and urges their full funding.

Led by Chief Patron Sen. Dave Marsden, the FY2025-26 state budget includes a major investment in wildlife conservation. The Wildlife Corridor Grant Fund will receive $4.5 million in FY2025 and $250,000 in FY2026 to implement the Wildlife Corridor Action Plan . This initiative aims to reduce vehicle-wildlife collisions and improve habitat connectivity. The additional $250,000 in FY2026 will fund two biologists to oversee the plan’s execution. The Department of Wildlife Resources will collaborate with nonprofit and private entities to optimize site planning and monitoring.

Virginia continues to prioritize land conservation and park management, ensuring access to public lands. This includes $16 million annually for grant distribution to preserve open spaces with public access through the Virginia Land Conservation Fund. And it includes state parks funding such as $590,944 annually for Widewater State Park development, $613,253 annually to support Sweet Run State Park, and $198,752 annually to maintain Seven Bends State Park.

Managed by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, the Get Outdoors Fund provides small grants to localities and community organizations to improve outdoor access, particularly for underserved communities. Past initiatives have included accessible trails and playground equipment; environmental education programs; community gardens and new park development; and historic site preservation (e.g., African American cemeteries, Rosenwald schools).

Between 2021-2024, $8.6 million was requested, but only $1.2 million was awarded, leaving hundreds of projects unfunded. The program was paused for FY2025 due to budget constraints. Advocacy efforts seek at least $2.5 million in FY2026 to reinstate this initiative and expand outdoor access across Virginia.

Since 2000, the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) has awarded 356 grants totaling more than $118 million, protecting more than 156,000 acres of public lands, including working farms and forests; parks and natural reserves; wildlife habitats; and historic sites, such as battlefields and cultural landmarks.

Demand for VLCF funding consistently exceeds availability. The current budget provides $16 million annually, but advocates are pushing for an additional $14 million in FY2026 to reach $30 million, ensuring conservation projects across Virginia receive necessary support.

New budget amendments will improve outdoor recreation facilities, including increased investments in park infrastructure. A pilot program to introduce all-terrain power wheelchairs will promote inclusivity, aligning with recent legislative efforts to make outdoor spaces accessible for all Virginians.

Virginia must remain committed to protecting its natural resources while expanding access to outdoor recreation. These funding initiatives reinforce the state’s dedication to wildlife conservation, sustainable land management, and enhanced outdoor experiences for residents and visitors alike. Ensuring full funding for these amendments is crucial for the future of Virginia’s public lands and outdoor heritage.