Virginia

The Commission:

  • Name: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Board
  • Regulatory or advisory: Regulatory
  • Number of voting members: 11
  • Term length: 4 years, no person shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive four-year terms
  • How selected: Appointed by Governor
  • Senate confirmation required: Yes
  • Selection criteria per statute

“The members appointed shall be citizens of the Commonwealth and shall be knowledgeable about wildlife conservation, hunting, fishing, boating, agriculture, forestry, or habitat. Each Department region…shall be represented by two members, and three members shall be members-at-large, each representing a different Department region.”

  • Visit the Commission’s website 

The Agency:

  • Name: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
  • Type: Standalone agency
  • Title of Agency Director: Director
  • Selection process: Appointed by the Department of Wildlife Resources Board
  • Mission statement from agency website

“The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ mission is to: Conserve and manage wildlife populations and habitat for the benefit of present and future generations. Connect people to Virginia’s outdoors through boating, education, fishing, hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing, and other wildlife-related activities. Protect people and property by promoting safe outdoor experiences and managing human-wildlife conflicts.”

Find Your State

America’s Wildlife Values was an extensive 2018 nationwide survey led by Colorado State University of public attitudes towards wildlife. Findings were compared with a 2004 survey to identify trends. Researchers also surveyed personnel at state wildlife agencies. Reports are available for national, state and agency results. (Some state agencies did not participate.)

State Report

Agency Culture Memo

National Report