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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
Mayor Stoney’s Proposed Budget Supports a Healthy James River
While running for Mayor of the City of Richmond Levar Stoney stated, "It is 2016, not 1816. We should not be worried about clean water for our citizens. This needs to be a public health and an environmental priority." This statement refers to Richmond's...
read morePRESS STATEMENT: James River Association Praises Governor and General Assembly for New Coal Ash Legislation
PRESS STATEMENTFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2019 CONTACT:Jamie BrunkowRiverkeeper and Senior Advocacy Manager(757) 634-4541jbrunkow@jrava.org James River Association Praises Governor and General Assembly forNew Coal Ash...
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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