Our vision for the future of Virginia’s Capital Region includes:
Capital Region Land Conservancy envisions a future where conservation of a regional network of healthy lands and waters results in thriving local communities and equitable access to nature for all.
- Protecting significant areas of land that preserve our healthy watersheds, historic landscapes, forests, and farms
- Promoting a healthy community that enjoys connected natural areas, a regional trail network, a vibrant economy, and a better quality of life
- Educating our community and nurturing a well-developed land conservation ethic
- Earning recognition as a preeminent and respected authority in land conservation
Conservation Vision:
Through our efforts and that of our partners, we will increase permanent protected land in our service area from 6% to 10% by 2030, representing approximately 65,000 new acres.
CRLC will work toward this goal by focusing on large tracts of farmland, forestland, and other open spaces, while also significantly increasing equitable access to public lands in urbanized areas.
In accordance with county and city comprehensive plans, CRLC has a vision of connected, high quality, culturally and ecologically significant protected areas across the capital region. Our service area includes 19 counties surrounding the City of Richmond.
Featured is our current Conservation Vision Map as adopted in the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.
CRLC was founded in 2005 to serve the City of Richmond and surrounding counties: Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan, and Town of Ashland.
As the fastest growing region of Virginia, the CRLC service area meets the critical need for land conservation in the following areas:
- Central Piedmont Wildlife Biodiversity Resilience Corridor along the Appomattox & James Rivers spanning portions of: Amelia County, Cumberland County, Dinwiddie County, Fluvanna County
- Areas not primarily served by another land trust within an hour drive time from Richmond: City of Colonial Heights, City of Hopewell, City of Petersburg, Prince George County
- Pamunkey River & its tributaries in: Caroline County, King William County, Louisa County