Eco-Tourism Infrastructure Plan

In October of 2016, PlanRVA embarked on a study of the natural resources present in the Lower Chickahominy Watershed (LCW). During this 5-year project, funded by the  Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program , PlanRVA worked with stakeholders in the watershed to develop policies and action steps to accomplish a dual goal: natural resource conservation and economic development.

The 87-mile long Chickahominy River is located in eastern central Virginia. The river was named after the Chickahominy Tribe, a Native American tribe that was settled along the river when the English colonists arrived in 1607. The Lower Chickahominy stretches from Walkers Dam at the eastern edge of Chickahominy Lake downstream to the confluence with the James River.  The hatched area on the map below indicates the watershed area of the Lower Chickahominy River.  A watershed is the land and area that drains to a waterbody nearby (see video below for more information).

The LCW consists of three localities:  Charles City County ,  James City County , and  New Kent County . Each county boasts some of the most unique and valuable natural resources in the state of Virginia. The watershed is said to contain “nearly pristine” marshes and swamp forests and is home to some of the most impressive fresh tidal vegetation in the Mid-Atlantic region. Scientists performing fieldwork during the first year of this project noted that "the tidal freshwater wetland communities were among the highest quality remaining along Virginia’s tidal rivers."

While the counties are historically rural, in recent years they have experienced growth and development pressures as urban areas associated with Richmond and Hampton Roads expand. As there continues to be pressure to develop in the watershed, this plan aims to promote the project's dual goal of natural resource protection and economic development. The following Lower Chickahominy Watershed Eco-Tourism Infrastructure Plan provides an overview of the project, reviews the various aspects of the eco-tourism infrastructure analysis, and introduces the four main recommendations for the watershed.

The eco-tourism industry is an economic driver in the LCW. PlanRVA staff wanted to understand where existing public and private access sites are located to better promote the industry in the watershed. Through an inventory of existing access sites staff determined any gaps in opportunities to make informed recommendations for this plan.

Access sites included locations where people can enter or touch the water such as boat ramps, paddling craft put-ins, and docks or marinas. It also evaluated any sites where people can view waterways and interact with wetland or riparian areas, such as trails near waterways or boardwalks. While this projects focuses on the Lower Chickahominy River, the inventory expanded its scope to include sites within the entirety of the three counties considering they have an impact on the eco-tourism industry in the area.

This inventory included sites open and free for the public to utilize, as well as sites that may have fees or membership requirements for access. Private sites include marinas, golf courses, boat clubs, or other tourist attractions. PlanRVA staff carefully selected each site to adequately represent the county's existing eco-tourism infrastructure. Findings of the inventory were complied and StoryMaps for each county were created:

For the purposes of this project, eco-tourism infrastructure includes those elements of physical or mapped infrastructure that support the  eco-tourism industry :

• Bike and pedestrian infrastructure
• Interpretive signage, to include location and content
• Land trails
• Location or Cultural Heritage information signage
• Parking
• Public and private access to waterways
• Public parks (state and local) and other publicly owned lands open to the public, such as wildlife management areas or state forests
• Water trails

It is important to note that while easements and other conserved lands are displayed on the map document, not all of these lands are open to the public. However, they do support eco-tourism by expanding habitat, maintaining viewsheds and rural character, etc. Many of the sites displayed on the inventory map are not free to the public but require fees, memberships, or reservations. All sites have been reviewed by county officials and verified as beneficial to the eco-tourism industry.

In October of 2021, PlanRVA staff released a public survey for the Lower Chickahominy Watershed Project. This survey focused on eco-tourism infrastructure in the three counties: Charles City, James City, and New Kent. The purpose of this survey was to gain insight into community members' experiences, thoughts, and suggestions for public access in the study area. The findings of the survey helped to support the recommendations in this plan.

The survey consisted of four main sections: 1) demographics, 2) recreational experiences, 3) existing public and private access sites visited, and 4) gaps and recommendations. PlanRVA staff wanted to better understand who visits the watershed, what recreational experiences looked like (i.e., how far traveled, mode of transportation, and how often recreating), which sites they visited (public and private), and if they recognized any gaps or had any recommendations for improvements.

PlanRVA staff communicated with locality and agency staff members, as well as referenced plan documents to determine a list of planned improvements at the watershed's public access sites.

The map to the right reflects those sites that currently have near and long-term goals to make improvements. These planned improvements were considered when determining the recommendations in this plan

Brickyard Landing is located in the upper end of James City County. Originally the county only owned and operated the boat ramp located at the site, but in 2020 the entire 119 acre lot was purchased by the county for residents and visitors to enjoy.

In 2022, the county aims to make the following planned improvements:

• Increased parking
• Tending pier for boat ramp
• Boat ramp improvements

In 2023, planned improvements include the following:

• Develop a Master Plan for the park site
• Construct restroom facilities
• Construct picnic shelters

Chickahominy Riverfront Park is located in James City County. It offers access to a variety of outdoor recreation activities, including biking, boat access, camping, fishing, walking trails, and canoe/kayak rentals. One unique feature offered by the park is the 300-foot fishing pier that is open 24 hours a day. The park provides access to the Virginia Capital Trail and is located just 20 minutes from Colonial Williamsburg.

In 2027 the county aims to complete the following planned improvements:

• Design and construct ADA accessible paddlecraft area
• Construction of a boathouse
• RV/Boat storage area
• Additional parking
• Public access trail on shoreline

This Natural Area Preserve represents a partnership between the   Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Division of Natural Heritage  and   The Nature Conservancy  (which owns and manages the preserve). The 1,193 acres of fresh tidal marsh and upland buffer are located in northern New Kent County along the Pamunkey River. A small parking area includes trails to an ADA-accessible boardwalk and observation platform with interpretive signs. A 4.2-mile trail loops throughout the preserve for those interested in hiking.

The Nature Conservancy is currently working with New Kent County and is in the preliminary stages of completing the following planned improvements:

• Publicly accessible hand-carry boat launch
• Improved parking
• Improved signage

A historical park located in James City County, which dates to the 1650s, is home to a variety of landmarks, biking and walking trails, interpretive center, treetop adventure course, botanical garden, and wildlife viewing. The park provides over 20 miles of mountain biking trails across historical sites and beautiful natural scenery, as well as a 1-mile ADA-accessible paved trail. Located just north of Williamsburg, Freedom Park offers a wide variety of attractions and outdoor recreation for individuals of all ages and ability levels.

In 2027, James City County aims to complete the following improvements:

• Active recreation facilities (basketball/tennis courts and playground/pool)
• Improved parking
• Construction of storage
• Construction of shelters
• New restroom facilities

The Greensprings Interpretive Trail, located in James City County, offers views of Beaver Ponds and Wetlands, as well as 30 different interpretive signs. Located near Jamestown High School, this scenic route, which is part of the Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is home to a variety of birds and other wildlife species.

In 2026, the county aims to complete the following improvements:

• Trailhead restroom facilities

Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park is a 24-acre site located in Charles City County that provides visitors with outdoor recreational activities, wildlife viewing, and historical context. Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park offers a boat ramp, swamp boardwalk, wooded trails, and picnic area. While visiting there is a chance you’ll spot wintering bald eagles or a great blue heron rookery.

The county's long-term goals for the park include the following improvements:

• New kayak launch
• Construction of a pavilion
• Trail development

Located in the northern part of the county on the York River in Williamsburg, freshwater and saltwater meet to create a unique estuarine environment. The park is equipped with a boat ramp, fishing pier, playgrounds, picnic shelters, boat rentals, and other recreational rentals. The park offers more than 30 miles of hiking trails, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. All activities offer visitors beautiful views of the marsh, river, and wildlife. 

The park's  Master Plan , which covers a 20-year time frame, indicates there are several planned improvements in Phases I, II, and III. The improvements include the following:

Phase I:

• Upgraded Boat ramp and bulkheads
• Resurface parking
• Dredge launch area at Croaker Landing
• Enlarge Visitor Center and redesign interior to expand interpretive exhibits/meeting space
• Resurface Blue Bird Trail
• Implement road improvements on Croaker Road

Phase II:

• Resurface parking areas
• Construct primitive/canoe-in campsites (4)
• Upgrade canoe launch and pave trails at Taskinas Creek access point

Phase III:

• Resurface parking areas
• Construct 30-site campground with 3 camping cabins/yurts with access road at Woodstock Pond
• Construct group camp with small shelter/fire ring - shared bathhouse with campground

The Lower Chickahominy Watershed is home to some of the most impressive tidal freshwater vegetation in the Mid-Atlantic region. Its ecological value and outdoor recreational opportunities make it an exciting destination for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. The Lower Chickahominy river is an economic driver for the three counties that make up the watershed, with many sites located on or near the river.

After assessing the existing ecotourism infrastructure in the watershed it became clear where there were strengths in the three counties as well as where there is room for improvements. As the dual goal of the Lower Chickahominy Watershed Project (LCWP) is to harness both the ecological and economic value of the area, this plan offers four recommendations that promote the ecotourism industry to consider.

1|Improvements at Existing Public Access Sites

The first recommendation is to make necessary improvements to existing public access sites. Using the inventory of planned improvements listed above, as well as other resources such as park Master Plans and local Comprehensive Plans, it is important that improvements are funded and implemented to promote the ecotourism industry in the watershed. These improvements will support a variety of ecotourism opportunities in the watershed including kayaking, wildlife viewing, cycling, and hiking.

Improvements at existing public access sites may include increased signage (wayfinding and interpretive), boat ramps, ADA access, hiking trails, or increased parking. Additionally, the watershed would benefit from ensuring that public access sites have infrasturtcure (i.e., parking, trash recepticals, signage) appropriate to the site to facilitate public access.

2| Consider Additional Public Access Sites

Increased public access sites on or near the Lower Chickahominy river would promote the ecotourism industry in the three counties. To improve accessibility and promote sustainable economic development consider evaluating publicly owned land that could potentially become a new public access site in the watershed.

Land aquisition is a potential approach to accomplishing this recommendation. Funding sources for aquisition could include the Land and Water Conservation Fund, Virginia Land Conservation Foundation, and Virginia Outdoors Foundation. Additional public access sites may include increased trails (land or water) and other connection infastructure or new water access infrastructure (boat launches). Those access sites that would improve drive-time accessibility or enhance water trail opportunities in the region should be prioritized.

3| Improved Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure Networks

To better leverage ecotourism in the watershed, it is important to encourage active transportation (i.e., biking, walking, or paddling) to connect visitors to public access sites. Improved networks will better connect visitors of all ability levels to their natural environment. The Lower Chickahominy Watershed Project public survey indicates that the majority of respondents either drove alone or with others (37.5% and 58.3%, respectively). While some respondents indicated they either biked (15.3%) or walked (19.4%), there is still room for improvement.

One example of improved bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure networks in the watershed is located in New Kent County. In 2010,  New Kent became the first county in Virginia to have fully mapped and signed bicycle routes.  Residents and visitors alike can enjoy six different routes that range from 15 to 100 miles in length. With well-marked and color-coded arrows for wayfinding, this development benefits cyclists of all levels. This unique offering helps to better connect people to all that New Kent has to offer in a way that promotes healthy living and improved access to public and private access sites.

Given the importance of improved bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure networks, this plan offers four main recommendations:

Courthouse to Courthouse extension of the Virginia Capital Trail

The Virginia Capital Trail is a 51.7-mile multi-use path that runs through the watershed. It connects visitors to a wide range of attractions such as restaurants, historical landmarks, and public access sites. In recent years, there has been a push for the Courthouse to Courthouse extension of the trail which would connect the Charles City County Courthouse to the New Kent County Courthouse via Routes 155 and 249. The southernmost leg of the trail has been constructed, connecting the Charles City County Courthouse to the Charles City County Schools located on Route 155.  New Kent County is currently pursuing road shoulder widening, a form of on-road bike accommodation, along Route 155 to Route 249.    

Connection of the Appomattox River Trail to the Virginia Capital Trail

The  Appomattox River Trail  is a developing 25-mile multi-use path that will run through six different communities: Chesterfield County, Dinwiddie County, Petersburg, Colonial Heights, Prince George County, and Hopewell, from the Brasfield Dam at Lake Chesdin to the confluence of the James River. This trail is a bicycle-pedestrian path that connects visitors to a variety of public access sites, historical sites, and boat and water access. Currently, the Crater Planning District Commision and Tri Cities Metropolitan Planning Organization Study recommended a short-term solution (shuttle service) and a long-term solution when the Benjamin Harris Bridge is replaced to include bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.  Friends of the Lower Appomattox River  is the regional organization who is leading this collaborative effort. The vision for the trail is to provide active transportation users a safe and efficient connection between the Appomattox River Trail and the Virginia Capital Trail. The extension of the trail would connect visitors to the watershed and boost the ecotourism industry in the area. For more information on this project, please check out this  StoryMap. 

Birthplace of America Trail

The Birthplace of America Trail (BoAT) is a multi-use trail that will estend from the Virginia Capital Trail in James City County. This trail would allow visitors to walk, cycle, or roll in a safe manner free from motorized traffic. The trail would boost the ecotourism industry by linking public access sites, historical sites, and various tourist attractions. Additionally, the trail provides historical context by tracing the history of the first settlement of the new world in Jamestown, Virginia. For more information on this project, please visit the BoAT website.

Dominion Utility Lines for Shared Use Paths

Using the space below utility lines is a great way efficiently incorporate shared use paths to better connect people to places. This plan recommends working with Dominion Energy to utilize utility lines for shared use paths to promote the ecotourism industry in the watershed. Paths along utility lines could provide connections to the west, to recreational facilities, schools, and other trail heads of the Virginia Capital Trail.

4| New and Improved Signage

Signage, such as, wayfinding signage and interpretive signage is an important aspect of ecotourism in the watershed. Adequate wayfinding signage allows visitors to navigate to and from their destination as well as encourages visitors to respect property boundaries. In addition, interpretive signage allows the visitor to connect with the site on a deeper level. After conducting an inventory of existing signage in the watershed, this plan recommends improved signage throughout the watershed to improve the ecotourism industry. Uniform signage with distinct colors and logos will help visitors while attempting to locate public access sites.

Given the presence of three different Native American Indian tribes (Chickahominy, Chickahominy Eastern Division, and Pamunkey) in the watershed, it is recommended that new Tribal history interpretive signage is installed at appropriate locations. It is important that the counties work with Tribal representatives to ensure their history is accurately depicted and to determine the location of signage. Additionally, ecological interpretive signage will help visitors better understand the ecological value in the watershed. These signs could include native plants and species, history of waterways, and significance of marshes and other habitats.

The next steps for the Lower Chickahominy Watershed Project (LCWP) include the continued discussion surrounding ecological conservation and economic development in the study area. Through the progression of this project PlanRVA staff and staff from the  Institute of Negotiation and Engagement  at the University of Virginia have worked together to form the Lower Chickahominy Watershed Collaborative (LCWC). The LCWC is a collaborative effort to unite the three localities (Charles City, New Kent, and James City) and the three Tribal Nations (Chickahominy, Chickahominy Indians Eastern Division, and the Pamunkey) in the watershed. Through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the members, along with staff from PlanRVA and Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC), work together to foster positive relationships between local government staff and Tribal Nations to improve communication and planning.

The LCWC steering committee and workgroups aim to develop policies and programs that align with the goals of the LCWP. The LCWC will continue to work to integrate these recommendations into local (i.e., Comprehensive Plans and Capital Improvement Programs), regional (i.e., Bike and Pedestrian Plans and Long-Range Transportation Plans), and state plans (i.e., the Virginia Outdoors Plan and Virginia Coastal Resilience Master Plan). The Collaborative will also seek funding for siting, design, and implementation of the above recommendations.