Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources

virginia.gov
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https://www.facebook.com/virginianaturalheritageprogram/?fref=ts

Department of Environmental Quality:
The Department of Environmental Quality is dedicated to protecting Virginia's environment and promoting the health and well-being of the citizens of the Commonwealth. We accomplish this by planning and implementing environmental programs and by resolving issues efficiently, openly, fairly and consistently. http://www.deq.virginia.gov

Department of Game and Inland Fisheries:
The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries strives to manage Virginia’s wildlife and inland fish to maintain optimum populations of all species to serve the needs of the Commonwealth; to provide opportunity for all to enjoy wildlife, inland fish, boating and related outdoor recreation and to work diligently to safeguard the rights of the people to hunt, fish and harvest game as provided for in the Constitution of Virginia; to promote safety for persons and property in connection with boating, hunting and fishing; to provide educational outreach programs and materials that foster an awareness of and appreciation for Virginia’s fish and wildlife resources, their habitats, and hunting, fishing, and boating opportunities. http://www.dgif.virginia.gov
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Department of Historic Resources:
The Department of Historic Resources' mission is to foster, encourage, and support the identification, stewardship, and use of Virginia's significant historic, architectural, archaeological and cultural resources. http://www.dhr.virginia.gov

Marine Resources Commission:
The Marine Resources Commission serves as stewards of Virginia's marine and aquatic resources, and protectors of its tidal waters and homelands, for present and future generations. http://www.mrc.virginia.gov
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Virginia Museum of Natural History:
The Museum of Natural History interprets Virginia's natural heritage within a global context in ways that are relevant to all citizens of the Commonwealth. http://www.vmnh.net/
https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaMuseumofNaturalHistory/info/


OUR INITIATIVES:

Chesapeake Bay Restoration:
The Chesapeake Bay is the world’s greatest estuary and one of our nation’s most significant natural resources. As a Commonwealth we must ensure that we are responsible stewards of the Bay so that future generations can enjoy this natural treasure as much or more than we can. The Bay provides recreation for Virginians and visitors, billions of dollars in economic activity, and tremendous numbers of jobs and products. We are working with all of the other states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, along with the federal government and the District of Columbia, to improve the Bay’s water quality and wildlife. Governor McAuliffe was recently named the new chair of the Chesapeake Bay Program’s executive council, and his leadership will be critical as we work to meet the requirements of the recently signed Chesapeake Bay Agreement. Land Conservation:
The Governor is committed to ensuring that open space and publicly accessible lands are preserved for future generations. Virginia is a state with wonderful open spaces: rolling hills, mountains, wetlands, coastal plains, farmland, forestland, and many other diverse landscapes. As our population and our development expand, it’s important that we manage that expansion in a responsible way that protects and preserves the diversity of the Commonwealth’s landscapes. The Governor is committed to preserving a mixture of culturally significant lands, historic properties, ecologically significant lands, forested and working lands, publicly accessible and private wildlife refuges, in tracts large or small. Protecting Virginia’s Air and Water:
Governor McAuliffe is committed to ensuring that Virginians have access to healthy air and clean water. In keeping with that commitment, he works to ensure that Virginia maintains reasonable and business friendly regulations that maintain environmental quality while supporting the growth of industry in the Commonwealth. Preserving Virginia’s History:
The Natural Resources Secretariat oversees the Department of Historic Resources and the Virginia Museum of Natural History. The Governor has made it clear that Virginia’s historic contributions to our nation – the greatest and most significant history in the United States – must be preserved and maintained. Moreover, that history must be communicated to future generations so that all Virginians can gain a greater understanding of our unique and continuing leadership role in our nation and the world. Climate Change and Resiliency Update Commission:
This Commission has evaluated the recommendations made by then-Governor Kaine’s Climate Commission and assessed what actions have occurred since. Workgroups have generated reports on specific policy areas that will be condensed into one cohesive set of recommendations by the full Commission.