Virginia Administrative Code Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Title 4 of the Virginia Administrative Code (VAC) is dedicated to "CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES." This extensive title encapsulates the regulations promulgated by various state agencies and boards within Virginia's natural resources secretariat, all working to manage, protect, and enhance the Commonwealth's natural and historical assets.
The agencies under this title include:
1. Agency 3 - BOARD OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION
This board provides guidance and oversight for the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Its regulations would often pertain to broad policy directions for state parks, natural area preserves, and recreational programs.
2. Agency 5 - DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION (DCR)
This is a primary agency within Title 4, responsible for a wide range of conservation and recreation activities. Its regulations cover:
State Parks: Rules for the use and management of Virginia's state parks, including camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, and general conduct within the parks. This also includes fees, permits, and specific rules for facilities like cabins and shelters.
Natural Area Preserves: Regulations for the protection and management of ecologically significant lands, often including rules for scientific research permits and restricted access to protect sensitive ecosystems.
Dam Safety: Regulations for the inspection, maintenance, and safety of dams across the Commonwealth to prevent failures and protect downstream populations.
Stormwater Management: Regulations related to controlling stormwater runoff to protect water quality, often including permitting requirements for land-disturbing activities.
Erosion and Sediment Control: Rules aimed at preventing soil erosion and sedimentation of waterways during construction and other land-disturbing activities.
Nonpoint Source Pollution Management: Programs and regulations to reduce pollution from diffuse sources, often tied to agricultural best management practices (BMPs) and nutrient management plans.
Outdoor Recreation: Regulations related to trails (e.g., Virginia State Trails System), recreational programs, and public access to natural areas.
Conservation Officers: Regulations concerning the authority and duties of DCR's conservation officers in enforcing state laws and department regulations on DCR-managed lands and waters.
3. Agency 10 - DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY
This agency focuses on the management and protection of Virginia's forest resources. Its regulations address:
Forest Fire Prevention and Control: Rules related to open burning, burn bans, fire fighting, and preventing wildfires.
Forest Management Practices: Regulations for sustainable timber harvesting, reforestation, and silvicultural practices.
Forest Insect and Disease Control: Rules for managing outbreaks of pests and diseases affecting trees.
Reforestation: Requirements for reforestation following timber harvesting.
Forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs): Guidelines and requirements for logging and other forestry activities to protect water quality and soil.
4. Agency 15 - DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES (DWR)
Formerly the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, the DWR is responsible for the management and conservation of Virginia's wildlife and inland fish, as well as the regulation of hunting, fishing, and boating activities. Its regulations include:
Hunting Regulations: Seasons, bag limits, methods of take, licensing requirements, and specific rules for various game species (deer, bear, turkey, migratory birds, etc.).
Fishing Regulations (Inland Waters): Rules for freshwater fishing, including seasons, creel limits, size limits, bait restrictions, and licensing.
Boating Regulations: Rules for safe boating, boat registration, personal flotation devices, and operating restrictions on inland waters.
Wildlife Management Areas: Regulations for public use of DWR-managed lands.
Wildlife Rehabilitation: Permitting and rules for wildlife rehabilitators.
Conservation Police Officers: Regulations outlining the authority and duties of DWR's law enforcement officers.
5. Agency 20 - MARINE RESOURCES COMMISSION (VMRC)
The VMRC manages Virginia's marine and tidal resources. Its regulations cover:
Commercial Fisheries: Licensing, quotas, seasons, gear restrictions, and reporting requirements for various commercial fish and shellfish species (e.g., oysters, clams, crabs, finfish).
Recreational Fishing and Crabbing (Tidal Waters): Seasons, bag limits, size limits, gear restrictions, and licensing for recreational harvest of fish and crabs in saltwater.
Shellfish Aquaculture: Regulations for oyster gardening, clam farming, and other aquaculture activities in tidal waters, including permits for structures.
Habitat Management: Rules for dredging, filling, and other alterations to submerged lands and wetlands, often requiring joint permits.
Waterfront Property: Regulations concerning pier construction, shoreline stabilization, and other activities impacting tidal waters and submerged lands.
Enforcement: Rules for enforcing marine resource laws and regulations.
6. Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
This is a relatively newer department (formed from the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy). Its regulations focus on:
Mineral Resources: Regulations for the exploration, extraction, and reclamation of coal, natural gas, oil, and other minerals, including permitting, bonding, and safety standards.
Energy Regulation: May include regulations related to energy efficiency, renewable energy development, and state energy policy.
Abandoned Mine Lands: Programs and regulations for reclaiming and safeguarding former mine sites.
7. Agency 50 - VIRGINIA SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION BOARD
This board provides oversight for the 47 local Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Virginia. Its regulations and policies primarily focus on:
Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs): Programs and funding (e.g., Virginia Agricultural BMP Cost-Share Program) to support farmers in implementing practices that protect water quality and soil resources.
District Operations: Guidance and standards for the operation of local soil and water conservation districts.
Dam Safety (related to district dams): May have regulations pertaining to dams managed by local districts.
In summary, Title 4 of the Virginia Administrative Code provides the regulatory framework for the sustainable use, protection, and enjoyment of Virginia's diverse natural resources, from its mountains to its coast, and from its forests to its waterways. To find specific regulations, it's essential to identify the relevant agency or board responsible for the particular aspect of conservation or natural resource management.
RELATED Blog
0 comments