50 Years of Scenic River Protection in the Piedmont.

A brief history of the partnership between PEC and the Virginia Scenic Rivers Program and a look forward to the future of river conservation

Meredith Hickman & David Malcolm

July 9, 2021

Introduction

The Virginia Scenic Rivers Program

In 2020, the state of Virginia commemorates 50 years of dedication and commitment to the conservation of Virginia's water resources with the 50th anniversary of the Virginia Scenic Rivers Program .

Over the past 50 years, The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) and our partners have utilized the Virginia Scenic Rivers Program to safeguard some of the most important waterways of Virginia and ensure the health and accessibility of our watershed for the communities of the Piedmont. In celebration of community efforts so far and of those yet to come, we've compiled this StoryMap to tell the story of this vital conservation program, where it is today, and where it can go with your support.

About the Program

What is a scenic river?

The Scenic Rivers Program was created by act of the Virginia General Assembly to identify and protect rivers with important scenic, historic, recreational, ecological, and cultural value. The designated waterways are tracked and managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and are recognized for their pristine beauty and contribution to the well-being of local communities through provenance of clean drinking water, meaningful recreation, healthy and beautiful freshwater wildlife habitats, and unique community landscapes. Protection of these streams through programs like the Scenic Rivers Program and partnerships with local residents and grassroots organizations help ensure these benefits for the people of Virginia and generations to come.

Over the 50 year history of the program, 37 river segments in Virginia have been honored with the scenic river designation, 10 of which run throughout the PEC's service area! Check out the video below from the DCR for a firsthand look at the program and the designation process:

The Virginia Scenic Rivers Program | Video courtesy of: DCR

An Interactive Tour

*Scenic Rivers in PEC Service Area | Map by: Watsun Randolph*

Within PEC's service area, 10 river segments have been designated as Scenic Rivers through the Virginia Scenic River Program! These rivers are honored for their natural beauty, ecological significance, and cultural importance which cements them as fixtures of our local communities. The different segments have been added over time since 1970, with the most recent segment of the James River being added in the summer of 2020.

Now that you've seen a bit about the program, we'd like to invite you on a short interactive tour of the 10 scenic rivers in the Piedmont! Scroll on to take a closer look at each of our Scenic Rivers in the order they were designated:

01 / 10

Rivanna River

Designated: 1975, 2003, 2009

Overview: 46 miles of river from the base of the South Fork Rivanna River reservoir to the junction of the Rivanna with the James River are designated Scenic.

In 1975, the Rivanna River became the first river segment to be designated Scenic in the PEC's service area. Through the work of dedicated conservation leaders and passionate citizens like Minnie Lee McGehee, the Rivanna River set the stage for Scenic River Conservation in the Piedmont. This original segment extended from the James River to the Albemarle County line.

Yet, there was still work to be done. With the leadership of PEC’s Kat Imhoff, PEC championed the initiative to add a second segment to the scenic designation - from the Fluvanna County line to Woolen Mills. This designation represented another critical step in achieving the community’s goal of having the entire river designated scenic. However, the presence of the Woolen Mills Dam meant Woolen Mills was as far as this designation could go at the time. The dam impeded both water flow and scenic value and therefore disqualified further designation.

Years later, the Rivanna Conservation Alliance coordinated the effort to demolish the dam, clearing the way for the last segment to be designated scenic - from Woolen Mills to the base of the reservoir. By 2009, that designation was enacted, officially protecting the entire Rivanna River as a state scenic river.

The story of the Rivanna River highlights the fact that scenic river designation is an ongoing effort that often involves the time, collaboration, and dedication of generations. Today, the Rivanna Conservation Alliance continues to conserve the Rivanna River through continual scientific monitoring and community outreach.

Photo by: Ashley Twiggs

Goose Creek

Designated: 1976

Overview: 48 miles of river from Fauquier County to its junction at the Potomac River in Loudoun County are protected.

The effort to get the Goose Creek designated was closely intertwined with the efforts in Catoctin Creek. Though the Goose Creek efforts started much earlier than the Catoctin Creek's, the combined efforts of conservationists and grassroots movements for both rivers helped earn the designations for both.

Two local organizations that carry the Goose Creek name are actively involved in its protection:

The Goose Creek Association, an independent non-profit, was founded in 1970 to fight the discharge of sewage effluent into Goose Creek. Its volunteer board guides multiple programs to steward the creek. They encourage landowners to improve the streamside habitat on their properties; maintain an active stream monitoring program and advocate for its protection in relation to proposed development, zoning and legislation that might impact the creek, its watershed and the region.

The Goose Creek Scenic River Advisory Committee is a state-recognized and designated citizens’ committee that also advocates for riparian protections along the creek. It is an official referral agency for Loudoun County government and provides input as development proposals for land along its banks are submitted for consideration.

Photo courtesy of: Frederick Eberhart

Catoctin Creek

Designated: 1977

Overview: 16 miles of Catoctin Creek from Waterford, VA to its junction at the Potomac River has been designated scenic.

The Catoctin Creek's battle for designation began with a grassroots movement to protect the creek from proposed intensive development. In 1974, a joint project between the Fairfax County Water Authority and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposed the construction of a dam and reservoir along Catoctin Creek. A passionate group of community members realized the construction would involve the flooding of a significant area of riparian land and decided to oppose the construction of the dam. Through cooperation with PEC (which underwrote the required technical surveying and report writing), local landowners and conservation leaders were able to protect Catoctin Creek in 1977. They continue to advocate for its protection today and work with PEC to support landowners putting their land in conservation easement. They also monitor development proposals to protect the riparian areas along the stream. Their story serves as the model for Scenic River designation in the Piedmont and continues to set the example for similar efforts today.

In 2015, PEC established the Catoctin Conservation Fund to ensure the preservation of this scenic resource. The Catoctin Creek Scenic River Advisory Committee works in close conjunction to engage in community outreach and advocacy for the waterway.

Highlight: A distinct characteristic of Catoctin Creek is the John G. Lewis Memorial Featherbed Land Bridge, which was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on June 25, 1974. PEC recently championed a rehabilitation project that will preserve the bridge’s historic appearance and continue to provide scenic value to Catoctin Creek for years to come.

Photo by: PEC

Shenandoah River

Designated: 1979

Overview: 21.6 miles of river from Warren-Clarke county line to the Virginia line are protected.

There are many segments of the Shenandoah that are qualified for designation and have been considered for potential scenic river status. Currently, the only segment of the Shenandoah that has attained designated status is within the PEC's service area.

Photo by: Hugh Kenny

Rappahannock River

Designated: 1985

Overview: 86 miles of the mainstem of the Rappahannock River in Rappahannock, Culpeper, Fauquier, Stafford, and Spotsylvania Counties and the City of Fredericksburg from its headwaters near Chester Gap to the Ferry Farm-Mayfield Bridge is designated scenic.

The Rappahannock Friends and Lovers of Our Watershed (RappFLOW) organization was founded in 2002 by citizen volunteers and remains in close partnership with PEC by working towards the maintenance and implementation of riparian buffers and general community outreach.

In addition, tremendous work is done by Friends of the Rappahannock which was founded in 1985 with a mission to be the voice and active force for a healthy and scenic Rappahannock River. The three pillars of their work are advocacy, restoration, and education. From the headwater streams to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, the Friends of the Rappahannock works to educate everyone about the river and to advocate for actions and policies that will protect and restore the Rappahannock River.

Photo courtesy of: FOR

Moormans River

Designated: 1988

Overview: In Albemarle County, the river from the Charlottesville Reservoir to its junction with the Mechums River is designated Scenic.

PEC's own Kat Imhoff was very involved in the designation of the Moorman's River, beginning as a recreational whitewater boater. Noticing the condition of the Creek, she began working on cleanup and restoration efforts before learning about the Scenic Rivers Program. Her team later formed an organization called Friends of the Moorman's River that successfully campaigned for the designation of the Moorman's as a Virginia Scenic River.

Photo by: Christopher Hawk

Rockfish River

Designated: 1990

Overview: 9.75 miles of river in Albemarle and Nelson Counties from the Route 693 bridge in Schuyler to its confluence with the James River are designated Scenic.

Photo courtesy of: Friends of the Rockfish Watershed

Jordan River

Designated: 2010

Overview: 12.5-miles of the Jordan are designated between its headwaters and its confluence with the Rappahannock River.

Designated largely through the actions and contributions of Hal Hunter, the Jordan River is particularly pristine with few access points throughout its length. The pristine and healthy qualities of this headwater tributary are of significant importance to the health and condition of larger, more used streams like the Rappahannock.

Photo by: Meredith Hickman

Hughes River

Designated: 2010

Overview: 10 miles of river from the Shenandoah National Park line in Madison County to its confluence with the Hazel River are designated Scenic.

Similar to the Jordan River, the Hughes was also designated mostly through the technical and political work of Mr. Hal Hunter. The health of the Hughes River, similar to the Jordan, is crucial to the overall health of the watershed and larger rivers within the Piedmont.

Photo by: Hugh Kenny

Middle James River

Designated: 2020

Overview: 20 miles of the river in Albemarle, Buckingham, and Fluvanna Counties from one mile upstream of Warren boat ramp to New Canton are protected.

The James River has been of great ecological and cultural value throughout much of Virginia's history. The first segment of the James River in PEC's area was designated Scenic in 1985 and the most recent was added this year in 2020.

Today, the James River Association works to guard the river through advocacy and work for the river through community education and restoration programs.

Photo courtesy of: Virginia Canals & Navigation Society

A Brief Look Back

The History of the Scenic Rivers Program

*1969 VA Scenic Rivers Report | Photo courtesy of: DCR*

The Virginia Scenic Rivers Program can draw its roots back to the same nationwide environmental movements that created the Environmental Protection Agency, Endangered Species Act, and the Clean Water Act among other notable environmental achievements.

After WWII ended in 1945, Americans returned home to one of the largest economic expansions in America's history. This period of growth brought great wealth and prosperity to our nation, but was invariably built on a number of irresponsible land use practices and taxing environmental decisions.

By the 1960s, industrial pollution and prodigious development had so pervasively degraded air and water quality that residents across the nation demanded legislative action and environmental protections. In 1965, DCR acted on the will of Virginia's residents and created the state's first outdoor plan in response to Land & Water Conservation Fund requirements. This plan set the stage four years later for the introduction of a special report entitled "Virginia's Scenic Rivers" which identified 29 waterways of great scenic value throughout the Commonwealth that were recommended for state protection. Also around this time, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, which began in 1968, was a key instigator for the Virginia program. In 1970, the General Assembly enacted the recommendations of the report as the Virginia Scenic Rivers Act of 1970 (§10.1-400) officially creating the Virginia Scenic Rivers Program. Since then, the program, with the help of local residents and grassroots organizations, has worked to protect over 900 miles of scenic rivers in Virginia.

The Program Today

How does the Program Serve our Rivers?

There are many reasons why PEC and our partner organizations encourage the designation of State Scenic Rivers in our communities. Designation of a river in the Virginia Scenic Rivers Program provides for:

Consideration of Scenic River resources in policy and planning decisions.
Tax benefit eligibility for riverside landowners to engage in conservation activities.
General Assembly approval of any dam construction or development of the rivers.
An opportunity for residents to voice their concerns for their local environment.

All without limiting or restricting a landowner's ability to decide how to use their land. The program does not: give the state any control over land use, prohibit any land use practices, require public access on private lands, or prohibit recreational activities like fishing and boating. The program provides an effective means for rivers to be honored and given special consideration and protection without limiting the rights of landowners and private communities.

Protecting Local Interests

The Scenic Rivers Program ensures that our beautiful rivers are clean and available for the interests of our communities. There are likely as many interests in the rivers as there are people to use them, so below we have compiled a small list of popular interests in the river that are protected by the Scenic Rivers Program:

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Canoeing and Rafting

The clean waters of Virginia's Scenic Rivers offer a number of opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. Throughout the history of the Scenic Rivers program, a number of successful efforts to designate a river began with passionate kayakers and rafters who got involved to protect the rivers.

Today, PEC and partner organizations like the Rivanna Conservation Alliance (RCA) are involved in river conservation and hold annual rafting and kayaking events like the RCA's Annual Rivanna River Race.

Canoeing, kayaking, and rafting are also major economic drivers for riverside communities, supporting burgeoning businesses such as outfitters, river guides, and rental companies that are encouraging both tourists and local citizens to go out and enjoy the natural beauty of the Piedmont.

Photo courtesy of: Milo Farineau

Fishing

From the cold, rushing headwaters of the Shenandoah River to the depths of the Rappahannock, the opportunities for recreational fishing in our Scenic Rivers are many. Fishing is a popular pastime in the Piedmont and provides many community members with a sense of connection to the rivers that inspires watershed conservation in a diverse set of communities. Scenic river designation does not prohibit fishing on the rivers, but rather encourages community engagement and participation in a piece of Virginia's outdoor identity.

Photo by: Christopher Hawk

Clean Water

Throughout the Piedmont, rivers and waterways provide us with sources of clean drinking water. Many of our Scenic Rivers are well-suited to this purpose and are actively managed to do so. For example, Goose Creek provides drinking water for much of Loudoun County and the City of Fairfax. Through careful land use planning and ongoing water monitoring efforts by local organizations like PEC, we can ensure safe water for drinking, swimming, fishing, and more.

Photo by: Isobel Lingenfelter

Healthy River Ecosystems

Monitoring and maintaining the ecological health of scenic rivers is a priority for PEC and is a main pillar of the scenic river program. The health of these river ecosystems is essential because they provide an incredible amount of biodiversity to our region, they support important species like the Brook Trout and American Shad, and they are the foundation of a beautifully complex web of ecosystem services that support our communities and other non-aquatic wildlife in many ways. PEC and partner organizations have worked to protect the vital ecosystems of these scenic waterways through water monitoring, riparian buffer restoration, and barrier removal so they continue to thrive into the future.

Recently, PEC collaborated with Trout Unlimited to restore brook trout and other aquatic species found in headwater streams in the Rapidan and Rappahannock watersheds by rehabilitating road-stream crossings and removing barriers that disrupt fish migration and fragment habitat. You can learn more about the brook trout restoration project by watching this video .

Through scenic river designation and collaboration with citizens and local organizations, we can work together to preserve and protect these unique ecosystems for generations to come. A healthy ecosystem supports not only fish and wildlife, but the myriad ecosystem services and scenic resources they provide to our communities.

Photo courtesy of: Doug Rogers

Historic Preservation

Rivers have been an integral part of Virginia's culture throughout the history of the state. Rivers are rich historical resources giving us stories: from the archaeology and study of the batteaux river boats along the banks of Virginia's streams, to the celebrations of historical figures like Frank Padgett, a black batteaux captain who sacrificed himself to save over 40 lives on the James River. PEC partners with organizations like the Virginia Canals and Navigation Society to celebrate Virginia's unique history and keep the stories and culture of Virginia alive and well into the future.

Photo courtesy of: Virginia Canals & Navigation Society

Community Engagement

Scenic river designation amplifies the credibility of the rivers and in turn promotes public access and community engagement. The designation process is a community engagement project in itself that involves landowners, stakeholders, community members, local organizations, and local government officials in the process. However, throughout the years, PEC and partner organizations use the scenic rivers to promote outreach and community engagement through events like Rivanna Conservation Alliance's Clean Stream Tuesdays or community monitoring efforts.

Photo courtesy of: Rivanna Conservation Alliance

Looking Forward

Over the past 50 years, dedication on the part of conservation advocates and concerned residents has given momentum to river conservation through this program that continues to grow today. As we look past 50 years of progress in conservation, we look forward to grand goals for our rivers.

Extending Scenic River Protections

Swipe to see the current scenic rivers in PEC's service area (shown in dark blue), compared to what the future of the program could look like with the potential scenic rivers (shown in green) and qualified scenic rivers (shown in light blue).

The Scenic River Program has grown to cover 36 sections of designated waterways in Virginia (many, but not all of the original 29 waterway segments from the 1969 report moved forward with designation). Despite this success, the Department of Conservation and Recreation continues to evaluate Virginia's waterways and search for rivers that are of great value to our communities. Though there are many streams designated as scenic today, there are around 121 stream segments throughout the state of Virginia that qualify as potential scenic rivers that have yet to be officially designated.

The designation process requires commitment from not only conservation organizations and government officials, but also community members and private landowners. In order to become a designated scenic river, a waterway must pass a 5-step designation process, outlined below, and meet a 14-point evaluation criteria:

A local government submits a request, with support from local organizations, for DCR to study a river segment.
DCR conducts a study to determine if the river meets the 14-point evaluation criteria. If so, DCR and a group of local organizers boat the river to evaluate its scenic value.
After approval from the DCR study, the locality then passes a resolution to support DCR's designation of the river segment.
The local board then takes this resolution to a state legislator who will sponsor a bill to have the river segment designated as a state scenic river.
The bill is passed by the General Assembly, signed by the Governor, and officially designated as a Virginia State Scenic River.

With some time and dedication, the designation process ultimately works to enrich our land and community for generations to come. By engaging in this work, it is our goal to uplift the communities of Virginia by celebrating our natural heritage and incorporating our land and rivers into our values.

Enriching Previously Designated Rivers

Beyond extending designation to all qualified streams, goals of utmost importance to PEC and the Department of Conservation and Recreation are the maintenance and enrichment of our current Scenic Rivers. Though these rivers' battles for designation have been won, it is apparent that maintaining support and recognition of them is crucial to upholding their health and value for our communities. In continuing to protect our Scenic Rivers, DCR has multiple goals for the Scenic Rivers Program as a whole, including:

Ensuring equity in access to scenic water resources for all community members regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background.
Promoting responsible use of the rivers for recreation and community engagement through the planning of community river events the protection of public access in public stream segments.
Furthering community outreach and building recognition among the community of the importance and value of Virginia's pristine waterways to public well-being, natural beauty, and community culture.
Identifying and implementing effective conservation tools and policies used by other states in the protection of their Scenic Rivers.
Repairing and replacing missing signage to commemorate our Scenic Rivers and inform community members of the special qualities of their waterways.

By furthering these goals and building support and appreciation for our rivers, PEC and our partners hope to continue the work that has been done for our natural resources and maintain the natural beauty of Virginia for generations to come.

Get Involved

Join Us in Supporting Virginia's Scenic Rivers

As a community-driven nonprofit organization, PEC relies on the support of concerned and passionate citizens like you to help us protect our waterways and natural resources. If you feel inspired, you could be involved in getting a river near you protected or supporting your existing local Scenic River by:

Contacting your local government and voicing your concern about protecting scenic rivers in your community.
Learning more about the State Scenic River Program and the 50th Anniversary on the Department of Conservation & Recreation website here .
Connecting with a DCR representative who can speak to your community and provide you with the support you need to protect scenic river corridors near you. Lynn Crump is the Environmental Program Planner at DCR and can be contacted at lynn.crump@dcr.virginia.gov or 804-786-5054 for more details.
Reaching out to one of our partner organizations below who work to support scenic rivers in your area and finding out how you can volunteer or donate:

Catoctin Creek Scenic River Advisory Committee
Friends of the Rappahannock
Friends of the Shenandoah River
Friends of the Rockfish Watershed
Friends of the Moormans River
Goose Creek Association
Goose Creek Scenic River Advisory Committee
James River Association
Piedmont Environmental Council
RappFLOW
Rivanna Conservation Alliance
Virginia Canals & Navigation Society

Visit the Department of Conservation and Recreation's 50th anniversary of the Virginia Scenic Rivers Program webpage !

Thank you!

We put this StoryMap together in 2020 during our time as summer fellows with The Piedmont Environmental Council. To be able to look back on such a rich history of river conservation in the Piedmont and throughout Virginia is a great honor. We hope that by joining us through this story, you have learned more about these very special resources with us. We want to thank you for reading our StoryMap and for your support as we work to make our goals for our rivers a reality. Here's to a great 50 years, and to a community of river protectors that will make the next 50 years just as good!

~Meredith and David