Program Partners
The James River Buffer Program is a unique program that brings together the expertise of the James River Association (JRA) and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) to restore riparian forest buffers. Partnerships in this effort are important to ensure the James River watershed has resilient streamside forests that improve water quality and that landowners’ visions are understood. Other key partners include the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF), and the Virginia Outdoors Foundation.
Lead Partners
James River Association
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The James River Association (JRA) is a member-supported nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to serve as a guardian and voice for the James River. Throughout the James River’s 10,000-square mile watershed, JRA works toward its vision of a fully healthy James River supporting thriving communities. JRA believes that “when you change the James, the James changes you". It is committed to protecting the James River and connecting people to it.
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Chesapeake Bay Foundation
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Since 1967, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), the largest regional non-profit working to Save the Bay, has fought for effective, science-based solutions to reduce the pollution degrading the Chesapeake Bay watershed. CBF works to Save the Bay through five main programs: policy advocacy, environmental education, selective litigation, environmental restoration, and strategic public communications. We are dedicated to reducing pollution, improving water quality, and creating a healthier environment for the 18 million people and 3,600 species of plants and animals that make this region their home. CBF is committed to providing farmers with the tools, expertise, and funding they need to make these important changes.
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Program Partnerships
Virginia Department of Forestry
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The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) was one of the lead partners of the James River Buffer Program from 2019-2023. VDOF protects and develops healthy and sustainable forest resources for Virginians. VDOF promotes healthy watersheds through the implementation of rigorous silvicultural best management practices, encouraging forest conservation, expanding urban tree canopy, and advocating for the establishment of riparian forest buffers across the state. VDOF has provided technical expertise in the establishment of riparian buffers for over 30 years.
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Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Districts
The mission of the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (VASWCD) and its Foundation is to provide and promote leadership in the conservation of natural resources through stewardship and education programs. The VASWCD and its Foundation coordinate conservation efforts statewide to focus effectively on issues identified by local member districts.
Five SWCDs will be working closely with JRA and CBF staff on outreach and guidance for agricultural landowners:
Five SWCDs will be working closely with JRA and CBF staff on outreach and guidance for agricultural landowners:
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Trout Unlimited
Trout Unlimited's (TU) mission is to bring together diverse interests to care for and recover rivers and streams so our children can experience the joy of wild and native trout and salmon. We envision communities across America engaging in the work of repairing and renewing the rivers, streams and other waters on which we all depend.
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Founded in Michigan in 1959, Trout Unlimited today is a national non-profit organization with 300,000 members and supporters dedicated to conserving, protecting and restoring North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. Our staff and volunteers work from coast to coast to protect, reconnect, restore and sustain trout and salmon habitat on behalf of today’s anglers and coming generations of sportsmen and women who value the connection between healthy, intact habitat and angling opportunity.
TU began working in Virginia in 2009 restoring coldwater habitat in the Shenandoah River watershed. In 2015, TU established the Upper James Home Rivers Initiative to address water quality and habitat degradation in the coldwater streams of the James River headwaters. In 2019, TU began a concerted effort to expand our technical assistance capacity in the watershed and foster our partnerships with federal and state agencies in the region. TU’s professional staff have been the “go to” organization for the coordination of coldwater conservation in the watershed, collaborating with numerous partners on stream habitat enhancement, riparian buffers, and streambank stabilization.
Rivanna Conservation Alliance
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The Rivanna Conservation Alliance is a Charlottesville-based nonprofit that works with the community to conserve the Rivanna River and its tributaries through water quality monitoring, restoration, education, and advocacy. RCA staff will support JRA by working with landowners in the Rivanna watershed to plan and install forested riparian buffers.
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Valley Conservation Council
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Valley Conservation Council is a non-profit organization founded in 1990 whose mission is to protect the natural and cultural resources of the greater Shenandoah Valley region through land conservation, education, and experiences to preserve the life-enriching benefits our land and water provide. VCC envisions a great Shenandoah Valley region that resists the pressures of unchecked development and remains defined by the spectacular open spaces, verdant fields and pastures, pristine water, productive soils, abundant biodiversity, unique geology, and lush forests. By preserving the natural and cultural resources, we enrich the lives and livelihoods of residents and visitors for years to come.
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Virginia Outdoors Foundation
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The Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) is Virginia’s leader in land conservation, protecting more than 800,000 acres in 107 counties and independent cities. VOF is a public organization, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1966. Their staff will be working closely with JRA on outreach to VOF easement holders in need of forested riparian buffers.
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A special thanks to the Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund for supporting this website.
This material is based on work supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Assistance Agreement No. CB96358201) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund, which promotes community-based efforts to develop conservation strategies to protect and restore the diverse natural resources of the Chesapeake Bay.
