Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Dedication is the process of formally establishing and/or expanding a natural area preserve. NAPs may be acquired and owned outright by the Commonwealth, or owned by another entity and protected through a conservation easement held by DCR. In each case, a formal dedication process is required to prevent incompatible land-uses and activities that could otherwise damage or destroy the elements of biodiversity present.
This formal dedication process places permanent and legally binding deed restrictions on the land that stay with the property in perpetuity; this is referred to as a “deed of dedication”. The director of DCR has the sole authority to approve a Deed of Dedication. The dedication document will be recorded with the property deed. Upon recordation, the tract is placed into the Natural Area Preserve System. The dedication process codifies and commits landowners to the highest ideals of biodiversity management intent (BMI), making it the highest level of protection for natural heritage resources.
The first Natural Area Preserve was created in 1990, with a 1,246-acre property transfer from The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The Natural Area Preserve System has grown to include exemplary examples of the rarest natural communities and species in Virginia and boasts the greatest concentration of natural heritage resources in the Commonwealth. This system now includes sixty six dedicated natural areas totaling 61,208 acres.
Most of the preserves are owned by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, but some are lands owned by other state and local government agencies, universities, private citizens and private conservation organizations.
Each natural area preserve is managed primarily for the benefit of the rare plants, animals and natural communities found there. Twenty-two preserves feature low-intensity public access facilities such as trails and parking. These are open year-round during daylight hours but may be subject to temporary closure to protect sensitive species or during some management activities, such as prescribed burning. Access to other preserves is restricted but generally may be arranged by contacting the site owner or manager. Read and/or download a brochure about Virginia's Natural Area Preserves with public access . Find out about research opportunities on Natural Area Preserves.
Visiting a natural area preserve can be a wonderful and unique experience. A key to having a good visit is being prepared for the adventure. Most natural area preserves have no restroom facilities. Three preserves Buffalo Mountain, Crow's Nest and Pinnacle have only a port-a-jon. Likewise, preserves do not have trash cans, access to drinking water, or on-site staff. You'll need to plan your trip around bathroom breaks, practice "leave no trace" by packing out all trash, bring plenty of water, keep all dogs on a leash at all times and carry a cell phone for emergencies. Last, preserve parking lots are small, ranging from four to 20 spots. A full parking lot indicates the preserve has reached capacity. If you arrive and the lot is full, please return at another time. Do not park illegally on adjacent private property, along the access road, within a public road right-of-way, or in any other non-designated location.
The sandy shorelines of Virginia's coastal natural area preserves are not recreational beaches. Rather, these shorelines are managed primarily to provide habitat for rare species of plants and animals, plus critical nesting areas for shorebirds. Some preserves with sandy shorelines are open to the public and available for walking, photography, wildlife watching and birding. However, other shoreline areas are closed due to the presence of protected species and nesting birds. Check the preserve web page before visiting.
The Commonwealth of Virginia's natural area preserves, state forests, state parks and wildlife management areas offer hundreds of miles of trails designed for people to enjoy (or access) the outdoors. These trails offer the public opportunities to experience and enjoy the state's flora, fauna, cultural resources and scenic beauty. Hiking, angling, boating, hunting, wildlife watching, bicycling and horseback riding are proven contributors to good physical health and mental well-being – part of a healthy lifestyle that reduces illness, obesity and anxiety for all.
Effective March 15, 2011, these trails were opened to wheelchairs, including manual and power wheelchairs, personal mobility assistive scooters, and certain other similar devices designed primarily to assist people with disabilities. Users are encouraged to use caution when selecting trails, as many were designed for foot traffic only. Terrain might make them unsuitable for personal mobility devices. As part of their commitment to making Virginia's public lands places for all to enjoy, the Virginia Departments of Conservation and Recreation, Forestry, and Wildlife Resources are also in the process of evaluating safety concerns and environmental impacts of opening these trails to the use of other power driven mobility devices by individuals with mobility disabilities. Please check this webpage periodically for updates.
Except for certain specific situations, camping, fires, unleashed pets, hunting, off-road vehicles and removal or destruction of plants, animals, minerals or historic artifacts are prohibited on all Virginia Natural Area Preserves.
