Open space is further protected through programs enabling the department to accept philanthropic gifts of money, securities and other property. DCR workers served on a team that wrote management plans for Virginia's two national forests. The forests provide about 1.6 million acres of open space, opportunities for recreation and biological diversity. As well, DCR programs address scenic rivers, highways and byways. The agency's experience with local planners makes it a natural to help localities plan for greenways.
Greenways are corridors of open space that connect recreational, cultural or natural areas.
Further, the department lends engineering expertise to localities. We coordinate flood prevention, public beach and shoreline erosion programs. And DCR writes permits for about 440 regulated dams.