Update/permit now required to access some rivers in VA

The following update was provided by our paddling friend Raymond Williams:

It appears that the Virginia paddling access fee will be delayed for at least a year.  The proposed state budget, which the General Assembly released Wednesday, includes an amendment to delay the DWR access fee until next fiscal year, which starts July 1, 2022. Meanwhile, a study group will look at the costs, benefits and impacts on recreational users, then submit a report to the General Assembly by Oct. 1.

I’m sure Raymond will let us know if the situation changes.

Original message:

Effective January 1, 2021, some access sites managed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) require a permit for any user who does not have a valid hunting or fishing license.  Not all rivers are impacted, but there are DWR sites on several popular rivers, including a number on the New River and Locher Landing on the Maury, which is the put-in for the Balcony Falls section of the James River.

According to some of our CCC members in Virginia, a bill has been introduced to delay implementation for a year to study the cost/benefit.  In the interim, you can find additional information at these sites:

Permits ($25 for Restore the Wild Membership or $23 for an access permit):

https://dwr.virginia.gov/restore-the-wild/

https://dwr.virginia.gov/access-permit/

FAQ Page for Virginia DWR Boating Access

https://dwr.virginia.gov/boating/access-faq/

 Boating Access Sites Requiring a Permit:

 https://dwr.virginia.gov/boating/boating-access-sites-requiring-a-permit/