Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced the advancement of the Cumberland Outdoor Access Legacy (COAL) easement, which will become the largest open space public access easement in Virginia’s history. The COAL easement will cover about 65,000 acres across Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Wise counties. This project aims to increase recreational opportunities for outdoor and wildlife enthusiasts in Southwest Virginia.
“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,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “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 new easement is expected not only to offer more recreational options but also to protect habitats for big game such as elk, deer, bear, and turkey. It will also benefit species needing conservation like the American woodcock and Big Sandy crayfish. Additionally, the area includes access points to both the Russell Fork and Pound rivers for activities like trout and smallmouth bass fishing as well as canoeing and kayaking.
“Throughout the Youngkin Administration, bolstering Southwest Virginia, improving access to outdoor recreation, and ensuring collaboration with partners have all been key priorities,” said Stefanie Taillon, Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources. “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.”
“This easement is a historic achievement for our conservation and recreation goals,” said Ryan Brown, Executive Director of DWR. “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.”
“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,” said Bettina Ring from TNC. “At TNC, we strive to balance the needs of people and nature, and this collaboration reflects that commitment. It ensures the 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 completion of COAL is planned for late spring 2026 with full public access set for July 1 that year.
