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Wilderness Road State Park hosts Community Appreciation Day
Wilderness Road State Park Visitor Center
SPorter / Submitted photo
In appreciation of continued support, Wilderness Road State Park is hosting a Community Appreciation Day on Saturday, July 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This family-friendly celebration is open to park neighbors, local residents and visitors from across the region.
Event highlights include:
• Historical activities and tours;
• Bounce houses;
• Water slides;
• Kids games.
Community Appreciation Day is our way of saying thank you to the local community and park enthusiasts who visit, volunteer and support Wilderness Road State Park,” said Park Manager Casey McClure. “It’s a day to connect, learn and celebrate the natural and cultural treasures we share.”
The special event is sponsored by the Friends of Wilderness Road State Park and is free to attend. To learn more, visit www.virginiastateparks.gov/wildernessroad-events or call the park at 276-445-3065.
Virginia Cannabis Control Authority seeks feedback on future cannabis regulations
The CCA is seeking feedback on future regulations for Virginia’s retail marijuana market, and a new survey gives stakeholders a direct way to share their input.
The survey is designed to bring real-world insight from people and organizations who are part of, or impacted by, Virginia’s evolving cannabis market. Feedback collected will help the CCA better understand a range of perspectives and will inform ongoing planning and decision-making as it considers future regulations.
“This is about making sure we hear directly from the people who are closest to the work and the impacts,” said Jamie Patten. “Stakeholder feedback is an important part of our process as we work to develop regulations that protect public safety, advance public health, and support a well-regulated cannabis market.”
The survey will be available through July 21 and can be accessed at: cca.virginia.gov/regulationsinput. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback on operational considerations, regulatory impacts, consumer interests, and other factors relevant to a future retail market framework. Responses will be reviewed as part of the agency’s ongoing regulatory development process.
Public comment period open for proposed fee increases, regulatory changes
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) 2026 regulatory cycle public comment period opened on July 7. This 30-day public comment period will close at 5 p.m. on Aug. 5. As part of the regulatory process, DWR solicits comments from the public on proposed regulations and provides an analysis of those comments to the Board of Wildlife Resources before any final action is taken.
This year, regulations related to wildlife, fisheries, and boating were proposed to the Board as well as fee increases related to hunting, fishing, trapping, and boat registrations.
Fee Increases
The Department is proposing fee increases to many of the hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses, which have not increased since 2012. Additionally, fee increases to motorboat registrations are being proposed for the first time since 2019. Lastly, the Department is proposing to assess a fee of $10 to camp on Department-owned lands where a free permit is currently required.
Wildlife
Proposed changes include incorporating updated lists of federally threatened and endangered species as well as native and naturalized fauna species in Virginia, adjusting the start of bear hound training season, changing the release date for rehabilitated deer fawns via permittees, and adjustments to the elk special conservation license program.
Fisheries
Fishing regulatory proposals include a prohibition on stocking flathead catfish and rock bass, as well as changes to some local trout regulations.
Though not a regulatory action, the Department is also soliciting comments on the Stocked Trout Management Plan, which will guide stocked trout management through 2035. Of note is a proposed change to how information on trout stocking is released, shifting to a system where all stocking plans will be announced in advance. Implementation of potential 25%, 35%, and 50% decreases to trout stocking is also outlined in the plan.
Boating
Proposed boating regulations include clarifying language related to vessel operation and waterway markers, adoption of the federal requirement for children under the age of 13 to wear a life jacket when underway, and adoption of the federal requirement for the use of engine cut-off switches.
For more comprehensive information on all the proposed regulations, fee increases, and Stocked Trout Management Plan, visit the DWR Public Comment page.
While the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources online comment system is the most efficient and effective way to submit your views, individuals may also submit comments by email at regcomments@dwr.virginia.gov or mail them to the department: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Attn: Regulatory Coordinator, P.O. Box 90778, Henrico, Virginia 23228.
Comments must be in writing and accompanied by the name, address, and telephone number of the party offering them. Comments submitted by means other than the online comment system must be received no later than 4 p.m. on Aug. 5.
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