The Department of Conservation's latest draft of the Virginia Outdoors Plan (VOP) represents a significant shift from the comprehensive and regionally focused approach of prior plans. While previous plans have offered comprehensive background information and community-specific narratives that showcased the unique attributes and needs of various regions, the current draft doesn't quite achieve the same level of detail and specificity.
The innovative use of story maps in the new plan offers visually appealing and interactive elements, but it also places a greater burden on readers to actively connect and navigate the content. While the story maps are a modern addition, they should supplement rather than replace clear, concise explanations and data presentations. It is crucial for the plan to convey its messages explicitly and accessibly to ensure stakeholders can easily understand and implement its recommendations.
To enhance the new draft, we propose the following recommendations:
The Department of Conservation should also foster a collaborative and inclusive partnership with members of Our Virginia Outdoors to develop the next Virginia Outdoors Plan. This will ensure the plan addresses the varied needs and interests of Virginia’s communities. Additionally, leveraging the coalition's connections can amplify outreach efforts, encouraging broader community involvement and support.
Our Virginia Outdoors thanks the dedicated writers and the entire team at the Department of Conservation and Recreation for their hard work, vision, and commitment in developing the Virginia Outdoors Plan every five years.
This public comment for the draft Virginia Outdoors Plan is submitted on behalf of the organizations who are members of the Our Virginia Outdoors coalition. Our Virginia Outdoors is comprised of land trusts, trails advocates, outdoor recreation user organizations, and conservation groups committed to promoting Virginia’s outdoors for all and ensuring that everyone has access to Virginia’s remarkable natural resources.
Sincerely,
Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley
American Farmland Trust
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Bike Walk RVA
Capital Region Land Conservancy
CASA Virginia
Chesapeake Conservancy
East Coast Greenway
Friends of the Lower Appomattox River
Friends of the Rappahannock
James River Association
Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE)
National Parks Conservation Association
Northern Virginia Conservation Trust
Piedmont Environmental Council
Potomac Conservancy
Rail to Trails Conservancy
Scenic Virginia
Shenandoah National Park Trust
Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition
The Conservation Fund
The Nature Conservancy
Trust for Public Land
Valley Conservation Council
Virginia Association for Parks
Virginia Bicycling Federation
Virginia Capital Trail Foundation
Virginia Conservation Network
Virginia Horse Council
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
Virginia Trails Alliance
Virginia's United Land Trusts
Washington Area Bicyclist Association
Wild Virginia