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The James River Watershed
The James River is Virginia’s largest river, flowing across the entire state from its beginning at the headwaters of the Cowpasture and Jackson Rivers in Bath and Highland Counties, to its mouth at the Chesapeake Bay in Hampton Roads. It is Virginia’s largest tributary to the Chesapeake Bay.
The James River is a wonderful destination for recreation and enjoyment. Each year millions of Virginians go to the James and its tributaries to boat, fish, swim, hike or just take in the beautiful scenery. Let us help you enjoy the James »
News & Notes
Governor Northam’s Draft Chesapeake Bay Restoration Plan
PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 5th, 2019 CONTACT:Jamie BrunkowRiverkeeper and Senior Advocacy Manager(757) 634-4541jbrunkow@jrava.org Governor Northam’s Draft Chesapeake Bay Restoration Plan Charts a Course Towards a...
read more2017-2018 Chesapeake Bay Barometer
2017-2018 Chesapeake Bay Barometer: Encouraging Signs for Water Quality but with Challenges Ahead The Bay Barometer is a timely reminder that the Chesapeake Bay Cleanup effort is working, but that we have much work ahead to meet our 2025 goals. The annual Bay...
read moreUnchecked coal ash pollution from unlined ponds is a risk to the James, to our parks, and to our drinking water. As Virginia’s leaders examine the options for coal ash disposal, we encourage them to make pollution prevention a priority, and to keep heavy metals and toxins from reaching our waterways. Learn more about the risks of Coal Ash
The mission of America’s Favorite Flies is to generate funds to make fisheries and waters healthier through the important work of the Native Fish Society and the James River Association. The project’s centerpiece is a landmark book that features favorite flies and stories provided by 224 fly anglers from throughout North America. See the book.
Every time it rains, fertilizers, herbicides, bacteria from pet waste, and chemicals flow from our properties into local waterways. This pollution can make it unsafe for people and wildlife. Join other residents of the James River watershed in becoming a River Hero Home to protect the health and beauty of our local streams and rivers. Become a hero!
Every two years the James River Association publishes the State of the James, a report card reflecting the effort to bring the James River back to full health. For each indicator, we have identified and compiled a key measure of river health. Quantitative benchmarks have been set for what we need to achieve to have a healthy James River. See the full report card.
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