Long before it bore the name of an English king, the James River coursed through the heart of what is now Virginia, serving as a vital lifeline for Indigenous peoples. To the tribes who lived along its banks, the river was far more than a source of water and food—it was a spiritual, cultural, and… Read more
The James River is a beloved natural gem in Virginia, offering beautiful views and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. From kayaking and tubing to fishing and bird watching, there’s something for everyone. Wild Virginia encourages you to enjoy the river responsibly, protecting both yourself and its incredible ecosystem. Practicing responsible recreation is essential for maintaining… Read more
The James River, a river in Virginia that begins in the Appalachian Mountains and flows from the confluence of the Cowpasture and Jackson Rivers, meanders through the heart of Virginia for approximately 348 miles before emptying into the Chesapeake Bay. Its origins trace back to the Appalachian Mountains, specifically in the Allegheny Mountains, where the… Read more
This is the letter sent after the comment period on the PFAS discharges from a plant in Scottsville leaking PFAS into the James River. Dear Austin Galbraith: I am submitting these comments on behalf of Wild Virginia and our members and supporters across the state. We object to issuance of the referenced permit as currently… Read more
Wild Virginia is encouraging the public to let the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) know that we want it to prevent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from being released to the James River in Scottsville. Tune in to this podcast on what the status is on PFAS bills from this legislative session, and how… Read more
The public has a chance to tell officials that we want them to enforce the law, to protect people and the environment from PFAS being discharged to the James River in Scottsville. PFAS are a class of dangerous contaminants commonly known as “forever chemicals” and samples collected at a treatment plant operated by the Rivanna… Read more
Known as America’s ‘founding river,’ the James River is the lifeblood for much of Virginia’s biodiversity, the provider of water to 2.7 million residents, and acts as an abundant source of recreation for many. Though the James has a tumultuous history of pollution, significant progress has been made over the last several decades to restore… Read more
By Jessica Wen The James River is a prominent landmark in the state of Virginia. It serves drinking water to 2.7 million state residents, provides recreational and economic opportunities, and is home to countless species that make Virginia unique. However, this Virginia landmark often harbors trash and other pollutants. With an arduous history of pollution… Read more