Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced the advancement of what is being described as the largest open space public access easement in Virginia’s history. The Cumberland Outdoor Access Legacy (COAL) easement will encompass about 65,000 acres across Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Wise counties. This move aims to expand recreational opportunities for outdoor and wildlife enthusiasts in Southwest Virginia.
A letter of intent has been signed between The Nature Conservancy’s Cumberland Forest, LP (TNC) and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR). Governor Youngkin stated, “I am excited to announce that a letter of intent has been signed between The Nature Conservancy’s Cumberland Forest, LP (TNC) and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) to bring record-breaking recreational access to Southwest Virginia. Throughout my administration, we have been firmly guided by the principle that enhancing conservation and supporting local economies go hand-in-in hand, and I cannot think of a better example than this historic accomplishment.”
The easement will provide protection for habitats important to big game species such as elk, deer, bear, and turkey. It will also benefit species identified as needing conservation attention including American woodcock and Big Sandy crayfish. In addition to land-based activities like hunting and hiking, the easement includes access points along the Russell Fork and Pound rivers for fishing trout and smallmouth bass as well as canoeing and kayaking.
Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Stefanie Taillon commented on the project’s significance: “Throughout the Youngkin Administration, bolstering Southwest Virginia, improving access to outdoor recreation, and ensuring collaboration with partners have all been key priorities. This critical project embodies all of these individual goals, resulting in unprecedented access to public lands that will provide much-needed recreational opportunities, habitat expansion, and economic support to the region.”
Ryan Brown, Executive Director at DWR added: “This easement is a historic achievement for our conservation and recreation goals. In no other single transaction have we had the opportunity to preserve habitat at this scale while securing permanent public access for our hunters, anglers, and all others who enjoy the outdoors.”
Bettina Ring from TNC said: “For Southwest Virginia, natural resources and outdoor recreation are deeply connected to building community, advancing economic development, and contributing to the overall quality of life. At TNC we strive to balance the needs of people and nature; this collaboration reflects that commitment. It ensures biodiversity of this land will be conserved and restored while providing Virginians and visitors alike the chance to enjoy these spectacular lands waters and wildlife.”
The COAL easement is expected to be finalized by late spring 2026 with full public access available beginning July 1 that year.
