VIRGINIA CONSERVATION NETWORK

• is devoted to advancing a common, environmentally sound vision for Virginia.

• welcomes organizations with a history of pro-conservation efforts in Virginia as members.

• is comprised of representatives of groups committed to protecting Virginia's natural resources.

• is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization supported by annual membership dues and grants. The Network has a Richmond office maintained by full-time staff.

ACTIVITIES

• distributes information on environmental legislation via weekly strategy sessions, bill tracking sheets, a telephone hotline, a citizen lobby day, action alerts and an environmental voting summary. VCN does not lobby, but provides educational materials for its members.

• tracks development of regulations and provides members with background information and notices of opportunities to participate in the public decision-making process.

• hosts workshops and conferences to educate members on priority issues and concerns.

• coordinates information-sharing among member groups.

• monitors the progress of regulatory and legislative study committees, boards and commissions.

  Organizations Represented on the Board of Directors include:

  AMRERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION

  AUDUBON NATURALIST SOCIETY

  CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION

  GARDEN CLUB OF VIRGINIA

  JAMES RIVER ASSOCIATION

  NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION

  THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

  PIEDMONT ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL

  SIERRA CLUB, VIRGINIA CHAPTER

  SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER

  VALLEY CONSERVATION COUNCIL

  VIRGINIA AUDUBON COUNCIL

  Check out Chesapeake Bioregional Information Online Service (BIOS) at GMU