Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced a total of $15.5 million in Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) funding to conserve 8,606 acres across the Commonwealth. The funding, designated for fiscal year 2026, will support 28 projects aimed at expanding state natural area preserves, public parks, and open spaces, as well as securing conservation easements that protect farmland, forests, historic battlefields, and culturally important lands.
Governor Youngkin emphasized that the funded projects span from Scott County in Southwest Virginia to Virginia Beach, reflecting a statewide commitment to protecting natural resources and strengthening local economies. He noted that expanding open spaces not only enhances recreational opportunities for residents and visitors but also stimulates local economic activity through tourism and outdoor engagement.
The grants are distributed across five main categories — farmland preservation, forest preservation, historic preservation, natural area protection, and open spaces and parks — supporting a diverse range of conservation priorities.
Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Stefanie Taillon highlighted the importance of the projects, noting that they represent impactful opportunities to safeguard the state’s most valuable lands, from working farms and forests to historic sites. She also recognized the vital role of private landowners and conservation organizations in ensuring that Virginia’s landscapes are protected for future generations.
Andrew Smith, Acting Director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), stated that the VLCF program has supported conservation efforts for over two decades, benefiting public parks, natural areas, historic lands, and agricultural communities. He noted that these new projects are strategically designed to enhance water quality and protect wildlife habitats throughout the state.
The VLCF Board of Trustees, which oversees the program, is composed of members appointed by the Governor, the Senate Rules Committee, and the Speaker of the House of Delegates, with the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry also serving on the board. The DCR provides staff support to facilitate the foundation’s conservation initiatives.
