This digest is #7 in a series of posts highlighting states that are leading the way in corridor and connectivity policies (see Colorado, Wyoming, Florida, Vermont, New Mexico, and California).
States that have connectivity policies enacted or introduced. More information can be found in the Corridor Policy Library. Credit: Center for Large Landscape Conservation. (Click to enlarge)
Virginia is celebrated for its exceptional richness in wildlife and diverse habitats, boasting an impressive array of over 700 vertebrate species and earning its place as one of the most biodiverse regions in the U.S. This remarkable biological diversity is mirrored by the wide spectrum of habitat types found within its borders. In recognition of the inherent value of this diverse flora and fauna, Virginia has taken proactive measures in recent years to ensure the preservation and safeguarding of its invaluable lands and waters.
One significant legislative action that underscores Virginia’s commitment to wildlife conservation is Senate Bill 1004, enacted in April 2020. This landmark legislation set forth an ambitious agenda aimed at wildlife corridor preservation. It mandates the collaborative efforts of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation in the creation of a comprehensive Wildlife Corridor Action Plan.
The plan is designed to fulfill a multifaceted role, encompassing the identification of wildlife corridors, an evaluation of existing or planned barriers impeding movement within these corridors, and the identification of regions characterized by a high incidence of wildlife-vehicle collisions.
Furthermore, the plan is meant to recommend the implementation of wildlife crossing projects, with the dual objectives of enhancing driver safety and facilitating the unimpeded movement of wildlife. The plan also catalogues high-quality habitat for priority species and ecosystem preservation, as well as map the migration routes of native, game, and migratory species, all rooted in the latest scientific knowledge.
Building upon the foundation laid by SB 1004, Senate Bill 1274 was signed into law in January 2021. This consequential legislative act extends the purview of the Wildlife Corridor Action Plan by incorporating the Department of Forestry into the consortium entrusted with its development. Additionally, it mandates that the Commonwealth Transportation Board meticulously integrate wildlife corridors and adhere to the recommendations laid out in the Wildlife Corridor Action Plan within the Statewide Transportation Plan.
In May 2023, Virginia’s Wildlife Corridor Action Plan was finally completed and put into action. These legislative endeavors serve as a testament to Virginia’s unwavering dedication to the preservation of its diverse wildlife and ecosystems. They set the stage for a future in which the state’s inhabitants, both human and non-human, can coexist harmoniously while enjoying the full benefits of Virginia’s extraordinary natural heritage.
Please note: This digest is intended to provide up-to-date information on policy development from a neutral, unaffiliated position as it relates to connectivity and corridor science and management.
Related Posts
State-by-state connectivity policy guide: Utah
Utah's recent initiatives solidify the state’s status as a national leader on habitat connectivity and wildlife crossings policy, particularly for migratory animals.
State-by-state connectivity policy guide: Virginia
In 2023, Virginia finalized its Wildlife Corridor Action Plan, building on years of legislation that supported landscape connectivity in a state with high biodiversity.
State-by-state connectivity policy guide: California
California has spent over a decade demonstrating a strong commitment to connectivity across a large region characterized by diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and burgeoning urban development.
