Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation awards $2 million to support maintenance of riparian forest buffers across the Commonwealth

Riparian forested buffers—forests located along streams, rivers, and other bodies of water—play an essential role in filtering pollutants before they enter waterways. These natural barriers trap sediment, absorb excess nutrients, reduce erosion, and even shade the water to keep temperatures cooler during the summer months, which is especially important for aquatic life.

“One of the most common concerns voiced by producers and other stakeholders is difficulty in maintaining a planted forested buffer,” said James Martin, DCR’s division director of Soil and Water Conservation. “It is time-intensive to maintain and financially significant if the planted trees die. To be adequately maintained, planted forest buffers need to be treated for invasive species, mowed to ensure that the trees have less competition for resources, planting materials need to be replaced when damaged and dead trees need to be replanted.”

A Unique One-Time Grant to Help Existing Buffers Thrive

The $2 million allocation comes from a 2023 earmark in the Water Quality Improvement Fund, designed specifically to support buffer maintenance on agricultural lands. While funding programs already exist for planting new riparian buffers, this initiative uniquely focuses on preserving what has already been established.

After opening the application process in August 2025, DCR received five proposals before the October 1 deadline. The agency has now recommended funding for all five projects submitted. These proposals represent a diverse geographical distribution, ensuring that multiple watersheds across Virginia benefit from the investment.

Breakdown of Funded Projects

• James River Association – Awarded $822,605
  Serving counties in the Middle and Upper James watersheds, including Albemarle, Chesterfield, Goochland, Nelson, and many others, this project received the largest grant.

• Friends of the Rappahannock – Awarded $542,781
  Covering the Rappahannock and York watersheds, this project spans over 20 counties, such as Stafford, Loudoun, Hanover, and Richmond.

• Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley – Awarded $272,604
  Focused on Augusta, Frederick, Rockingham, and surrounding counties, this grant will bolster efforts in the Shenandoah Valley.

• New River Conservancy – Awarded $100,000
  Supporting Carroll, Giles, Montgomery, and other New River watershed counties.

• New River Soil and Water Conservation District – Awarded $262,010
  Targeting Carroll and Grayson counties with direct conservation support.

These funds will be used for critical maintenance work such as mowing, checking survival rates of trees, removing invasive species, maintaining tree shelters, and replanting where trees have died. It’s important to note that these grants are not intended for the establishment of new buffers, but to maintain those already in place.

Although this is a one-time funding opportunity, DCR continues to support agricultural conservation efforts through its Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share (VACS) Program, which does include funding for establishing new forested buffers.

To learn more about the state’s ongoing soil and water conservation efforts or funding opportunities, visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/soil-and-water.

With this significant investment, Virginia continues to show its commitment to environmental stewardship, agricultural sustainability, and protecting the health of its rivers and streams.