Advocating for the river isn’t always a highlight reel, with success after success. It often takes years, if not decades, to see real change occur. But 2025 was a landmark year for protecting the Rappahannock. From national recognition to major policy wins, Friends of the Rappahannock helped drive changes that will safeguard the river for generations.
A National Wake Up Call: Most Endangered Rivers
In April, the Rappahannock was named the sixth-most-endangered river in America by American Rivers, its second time on the list in a decade. The designation, driven by the need for comprehensive, basin-wide water supply planning, opened doors for FOR to speak before the State Water Commission, the Rappahannock River Basin Commission, and several local governments. This attention is helping build momentum toward smarter, long-term water planning for the entire watershed.
Securing a Critical Study on Fish Health & River Salinity
While reviewing a surface water intake permit proposal in Caroline County, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) raised concerns about impacts on migratory fish. Working with lawmakers and partners during the 2025 General Assembly session, FOR helped secure $881,000 for a three-year VIMS study on how surface water withdrawals affect fish egg and larvae mortality, and upriver salinity migration. This research will provide data to help guide future DEQ surface water withdrawal permit decisions and support the development of a much-needed cumulative river basin water-supply model.
Strengthening the Blue Catfish Market
After helping establish the Blue Catfish Working Group in 2024, FOR continued to lead through 2025. The Work Group met throughout the year to evaluate current efforts, identify new market opportunities, and recommend actions that the Commonwealth can take to expand the market for wild-caught blue catfish. Its final report, submitted to state leaders in September 2025, lays the groundwork for reducing the ecological impacts of this invasive species while supporting local industry through market creation and expansion.
Improving the Caroline County Water Withdrawal Permit
Throughout 2025, FOR worked with partners to reduce the impacts of the proposed Caroline County surface water intake. The original draft permit authorized the withdrawal of water for industrial cooling projects and did not include drought protection. Thanks to persistent advocacy and strong public engagement, the revised draft permit removed industrial cooling as an allowable use and added daily withdrawal limits to ensure the river maintains a healthy flow. The final permit decision, issued on December 9th, is one-third lower than originally proposed, includes drought protections, and represents a step forward for instream protection.
Advancing Stronger Local Data Center Standards
With data center projects increasing across the watershed, FOR worked with residents and local officials to advocate for ordinances that better protect water resources and communities. This advocacy helped encourage localities to adopt (or consider adopting) standards that reduce potable water use, prohibit use of groundwater for cooling purposes, increase setback distances, and require stronger vegetated buffers along the river and nearby homes.
Together, these wins reflect a hopeful truth: our advocacy is working. Every meeting, comment letter, and conversation helped shape policies that will protect clean water, healthy ecosystems, and vibrant communities across the Rappahannock watershed. And with continued support, we’re building a stronger, more resilient river for the next generation.
Interested in supporting advocacy programs like these? Learn more about our advocacy efforts and how you can help HERE.