Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) are roadmaps for how Chesapeake Bay states and the District of Columbia, in partnership with federal and local governments, will attain the Bay TMDL.

Over the past several decades, coordinated efforts by local government agencies, state and federal programs,farmers, landowners,conservation groups, consultants and many others have resulted in significant improvements to Virginia’s water quality. The Commonwealth’s successes are the result of the collective effort of the public and private sector.

Virginia’s Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP III) was completed in August 2019 in order to achieve nutrient and sediment reductions needed to restore the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries. It details best management practices, along with programmatic actions, necessary to achieve state basin planning targets for nitrogen and phosphorus.

The WIP III effort benefited from significant achievements from earlier WIPs, and local cooperation andinput from Soil and Water Conservation Districts and Planning District/Regional Commissions who forged a strong foundation while guiding development of new state initiatives.

To ensure further success, the WIP III relies on the continued support and engagement of all stakeholders in Virginia.