LURAY, Va. — The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has announced $2 million in awards to support the maintenance of forested buffers across the state, including projects in Page County.
Riparian forested buffers — wooded areas along streams and waterways — help protect water quality by filtering sediment, nutrients and pollutants from agricultural runoff before they reach waterways.
Vegetation within the buffers also stabilizes stream banks, reducing erosion and sedimentation, and provides shade that can lower summer water temperatures.
In 2023, DCR received a $2 million earmark in the Water Quality Improvement Fund to offer additional incentives for agricultural producers to maintain existing riparian buffers.
DCR issued a request for proposals in August 2025.
The awards were limited to maintenance of existing riparian forest buffers. Establishment of new buffers was/is not eligible.
Approved maintenance activities included mowing, survival checks, replanting due to plant loss, invasive species management and upkeep of tree shelters.
The application period closed October 1.
The agency received five proposals — one of which was submitted by the Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley, to assist the counties of Page, Augusta, Frederick, Warren, Rockingham and Shenandoah. The recommended amount of funding for this region is $272,604.
To view a complete list of awarded Riparian Buffer Maintenance projects, visit the DCR website HERE.
Funding is available through the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share (VACS) Program.