Virginia Law

To date 28,507 acres of ungranted state lands have been identified in Accomack and Northampton Counties. These ungranted state lands, which include state-owned beaches, marshes, meadowlands, commons, and other coastal lands, constitute a fragile and dynamic natural coastal resource of the Commonwealth of Virginia. As set forth in § 28.2-1504 of the Code of Virginia, the goal of this management plan shall be to conserve and protect the shores of the sea, marsh and meadowlands, and the natural values and natural processes associated therewith. To the extent not inconsistent with that goal, the management plan shall also consider the traditional uses of such properties and the promotion of tourism and commerce.

The purpose of this plan is the development of a comprehensive conservation and management strategy whereby these lands may be managed in such a manner as to conserve and protect the natural values associated with those lands (habitats, food webs, plant and animal species) while accommodating compatible traditional uses. This plan envisions single agency management with involvement of local interests and state natural resource agencies in the conservation and management of these lands, and provides a mechanism for the resolution of conflicting uses. These lands, and their management, do not stand alone. They are, especially on the Eastern Shore seaside, an essential and integral part of a large and complex working ecosystem which is subject to regulation and management by numerous agencies, government and nongovernment, at many different levels.