Governor Spanberger celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

RICHMOND, Va. (VR)— Governor Abigail Spanberger has announced the beginning of the 100th anniversary of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) as the agency commemorates a century of stewardship, conservation and public service to the commonwealth. 

The anniversary commemorates the passage of landmark legislation on March 17, 1926, when the Virginia General Assembly approved the creation of the State Commission on Conservation and Development. This new body consolidated the powers and duties of the Water Power and Development Commission, the State Geological Commission, the State Geological Survey, the Office of the State Geologist and the Office of the State Forester. The legislation also granted authority to acquire land for public park purposes, laying the foundation for what would ultimately become today’s Department of Conservation and Recreation. 

“Virginia is home to the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the country. For 100 years, the Department of Conservation and Recreation has protected the landscapes, waterways, and public lands that color Virginia’s identity,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “As we celebrate this milestone together, we commend the vision that launched this agency and we renew our commitment to conserving our natural resources for future generations to enjoy.” 

Since its inception, DCR and its predecessor agencies have served as the commonwealth’s principal stewards of natural and recreational resources. Over the past century, the agency has grown into one of Virginia’s leading conservation and public recreation agencies, advancing programs that protect what Virginians care about – open space, clean water, natural habitat, safe infrastructure and access to the outdoors. 

“The work of DCR is at the very heart of our quality of life,” said Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources David Bulova. “Whether it is connecting people and families with nature, preserving biodiversity for future generations or protecting public safety through dam and floodplain management – DCR is a point of great pride for all Virginians. As we celebrate 100 years of excellence and service, I am excited about the next chapter and the many happy memories that DCR will help create.” 

DCR’s contributions over the past 100 years include: 

• Virginia State Parks: On June 15, 1936, Virginia became the first state to open an entire park system, consisting of six parks, on the same day. Since then, the system has grown to 44 parks. 
   
• Natural Heritage: Virginia’s Natural Heritage Program, founded in 1986 to lead statewide efforts to protect the biodiversity of the commonwealth, has worked to protect habitat for Virginia’s rare plants, animals and natural communities. Today, the program manages 69 natural area preserves protecting more than 66,700 acres. 
   
• Soil and Water Conservation: Since 1985, DCR has worked with soil and water conservation districts, promoting best management practices to reduce agricultural and urban runoff and providing technical assistance for water quality protection and restoration. 
   
• Outdoor recreation and land conservation: Through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, established in 1965, DCR has administered more than $135 million in grants supporting more than 400 projects to develop public outdoor recreation. First funded in 1999, the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation has protected more than 269,000 acres for open space, farms and forests, historic sites, and natural areas.  
   
• Floodplain Management, Resilience and Dam Safety: Beginning in the 1980s, DCR has worked to ensure the safety of Virginians by administering the commonwealth’s dam safety, floodplain management, and flood resilience planning programs, reducing risks and leading the state’s resiliency initiatives. 

DCR recognizes the generations of employees, partners, volunteers, and community leaders who have advanced the agency’s mission. 

“For a century, the strength of DCR has been its people,” said DCR Director Nikki Rovner. “The expertise, dedication and passion for conservation and recreation of our current and past employees have shaped the commonwealth’s natural legacy.  Our work has also benefited tremendously from strong partnerships with other agencies and organizations and will continue to do so for the next 100 years.” 

During its centennial year, DCR will celebrate its history while highlighting ongoing efforts to protect natural resources, strengthen climate resilience, expand outdoor recreation and preserve the landscapes that make Virginia unique. 

Additional events and commemorations will be announced throughout the year as part of the centennial observance. 

Learn more at www.dcr.virginia.gov/dcr100.