Scenic River Evaluation Projects: Clinch and Dan Rivers

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) provides field work and evaluative documentation for qualifying Virginia jurisdictions who seek to designate local rivers in the state’s Scenic River Designation program. The Community Design Assistance Center (CDAC) was asked to assist DCR in the evaluation of two rivers.

The two river segments under consideration for Scenic River Designation: • Clinch River (Tazewell County) – a 30.3 mile segment • Dan River (Halifax County) – a 38.6 mile segment

Each river, or river segment, is evaluated and rated on fourteen different factors from which a cumulative score is derived. This score must meet a minimum rating score to be designated. Each factor was selected because of its ability to enhance the scenic experience and its contribution to the overall quality of the resource.

CDAC staff worked with DCR personnel to collect background data, conduct field studies along the rivers, utilize the gathered data to determine eligibility for designation under the Virginia Scenic River Program, and prepare a report of the field data findings.