Envision The James

by Justin Doyle, JRA's Outreach Manager

In partnership with Chesapeake Conservancy and  National Geographic Maps, the James River Association is currently promoting Envision The James (ETJ), an initiative that seeks to protect and enhance the numerous natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the James River Watershed. The ETJ Team began reaching out to individuals and organizations in the watershed in 2012 and recently established a collaborative vision for the James River based on the feedback it received. The Vision: Clean and accessible waterways, restored streamside vegetation and wildlife habitat, local economies benefitting from tourism and recreation, the celebration of culture and heritage, as well as protected landscapes.

To realize the Vision, the ETJ Team is promoting two core initiatives which will bring renewed focus and support to long-standing efforts along the river corridor and throughout the watershed. The two core initiatives are:

• James River Heritage and Recreation Corridor Initiative

• James River Wildlife Habitat and Landscape Conservation Initiative

In order to achieve the goal of each initiative, Envision The James will provide communities and partners with a mechanism for garnering leadership and coordinating assistance to plan and implement regional and river-wide activities. Envision The James will support new and ongoing projects by providing the necessary resources to complete them.

The Envision The James Team is hosting two events in July to promote the initiative. The public is strongly encouraged to attend the events and learn more about Envision The James. Both events will feature an interactive forum in which students on the James River Expedition will share their experiences on the river.

July 17, 2013 – 5:00 pm

Horseshoe Flats Campground

125 Snowden Road

Scottsville, Virginia 24590

July 31, 2013 – 5:00 pm

Chickahominy Riverfront Park

1350 John Tyler Highway

Williamsburg, VA 23185

For more information about Envision The James and the public events, please contact the James River Association’s Outreach Manager, Justin Doyle, at (804) 572-4667.