The Virginia CZM Program is known, in the national coastal zone management arena, as a “networked program”.  Basically, this means that to manage Virginia's coastal resources, the program relies on a network of state agencies and local governments to administer the enforceable laws and regulations that protect our wetlands, dunes, subaqueous lands, fisheries, and air and water quality – within the Virginia “Coastal Zone.” As with pieces in a puzzle, these laws and regulations fit together to form the Virginia CZM Program.

"Commonwealth of Virginia Coastal Resources Management Program and Final Environmental Impact Statement", July 1985, NOAA Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management. 

The Virginia Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Program was established in 1986 under Executive Order. An EO issued every four years by the incoming Governor continued the program for its first few decades.

In September 2018, a “Transmittal Letter” to NOAA that continues the program in perpetuity was signed. The letter  “directs all state agencies to carry out their legally established duties consistent with this Program and in a manner that promotes coordination among all government agencies.” The letter also outlines the goals of the Virginia CZM Program under “Coastal and Ocean Resource Protection”, “Coastal and Ocean Resource Sustainable Use” and “Coastal and Ocean Management Coordination”. 

Virginia CZM Program Network of State Agencies

  • Department of Environmental Quality
  • Department of Conservation and Recreation
  • Marine Resources Commission
  • Department of Wildlife Resources
  • Department of Health
  • Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs
  • Department of Forestry
  • Department of Historic Resources
  • Department of Energy
  • Department of Transportation
  • Virginia Economic Development Partnership
  • Virginia Institute of Marine Science

The above agencies administer enforceable laws, regulations and advisory policies that protect our coastal resources: 

  • Tidal and Non-Tidal Wetlands
  •  Subaqueous Lands
  •  Dunes and Beaches
  •  Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas
  •  Marine Fisheries
  •  Wildlife and Inland Fisheries
  •  Plant Pests and Noxious Weeds
  •  Commonwealth Lands
  •  Point Source Air Pollution
  •  Point Source Water Pollution
  •  Nonpoint Source Water Pollution
  •  Shoreline Sanitation

Geographic areas of particular concern:

  • spawning/nursery/feeding grounds
  • coastal primary sand dunes
  • barrier islands
  • significant wildlife habitat areas
  • significant public recreation areas
  • significant sand and gravel resource deposits
  • underwater historic resources
  • highly erodible/high hazard areas
  • waterfront development area

Learn more about Federal Consistency in Virginia's Coastal Zone and read the Narrative Enforceable Policies