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Local advocates and state lawmakers press Southampton County to support National Scenic River bid for the Nottoway
Summary
Jamie Craig and landowners presented a push to seek National Scenic River status for the Nottoway River, citing biodiversity, cultural resources and potential tourism and funding benefits; Delegate Otto Waxman voiced support and organizers plan landowner outreach and public meetings.
Jamie Craig, a local advocate, told the Southampton County Board of Supervisors that the Nottoway River — already a state scenic river — is eligible for listing under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and that a national designation would protect the river’s free‑flowing character and outstanding natural and cultural values. “Your river is incredible to paddle and fish,” Craig said, arguing the river’s intact hardwood forests, high biodiversity (dozens of documented species in some stretches) and historic features make it a strong candidate for national recognition.
Craig described practical benefits: potential funding to build boat ramps and create regularly spaced put‑in/take‑out points to establish 4–5 hour float sections, and the idea of a paddling permit modeled on existing Department of Wildlife Resources practice to help maintain access. He said the effort hinges on local landowner support and outlined grassroots outreach: a landowner meeting scheduled for Aug. 14 and mailed invitations to riparian property owners. Craig also noted ongoing conversations with state agencies including the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Department of Forestry, and the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, and said staff in neighboring Sussex County and members of the General Assembly had been engaged.
Delegate Otto Waxman, who represents the district in the House of Delegates and whose official address is in Sussex County, addressed the board during the citizen comment period and expressed personal support after decades of paddling Stony Creek and the Nottoway. “It’s our Nottoway River and our system through here is really a jewel,” Waxman said, urging joint county engagement and environmental‑tourism development.
Landowners appearing in a presentation video, including Richard Raley and Bruce Phillips, described placing large tracts in conservation easements and preserving riverfront forest, underscoring local stewardship. Craig said organizers would hold straw‑polls after outreach meetings to gauge support before asking the board to take formal action.
Next steps outlined by presenters include landowner meetings beginning Aug. 14, targeted outreach to tribal stakeholders and river groups, and potential legislative coordination for any state or federal steps required. No formal municipal action on designation was taken at the meeting.
