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:

• Accountability: Create an implementation matrix with all recommendations on one page and more background on who is implementing the recommendations of the plan (Example - Pennsylvania's SCORP)
• Economic Impact Data: Update data to reflect 2022 figures from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (Outdoor Recreation Supports Virginia's Economy, Section 1.2)
• Executive Summary: Develop an executive summary that provides highlights of the plan and recommendations (Example - Colorado's SCORP)
• PDF Version: Add a PDF version of the plan for accessibility purposes and for organizations to reference page numbers when applying to grants
• Transparency: Include names of the members of the Technical Advisory Committee and the timeline of the Virginia Outdoors Plan
• VOP Archive: Include VOPs since 1965

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