Cowpasture River Preservation Association

The Cowpasture River flows through some of western Virginia’s most scenic, rural landscape. Beginning in Highland County, it flows south through Bath, Alleghany, and Botetourt Counties for over 80 miles. At Iron Gate, it joins the Jackson River to form the James River. People who experience the river, whether as residents or visitors, find that its beauty and peace remain with them always. The Association was formed in 1972 by lovers of the river to try to make sure the Cowpasture remains clean and healthy into the future for all who enjoy it.

How is the River Running?

View current and historical field observations of the Cowpasture and Bullpasture Rivers featuring water temperature, discharge, specific water conductance, peak streamflow, field measurements, field/lab water-quality samples and more.

Cowpasture: McKinney Hollow/Clifton Forge

Bullpasture: Williamsville/Bath County

The River Runs Newsletter

Our Winter 2026 edition of The River Runs is now available online. Click the cover to view the issue. In this edition:

Ø From the President
Ø Love Letters to the River
Ø Executive Assistant’s Corner
Ø In Memory of George Beckwith
Ø Watershed Monitoring Coordinator
Ø Thank You to Our Donors
Ø Vernal Pools Field Trip
Ø In Memory of Rachel Johnson
Ø Education Committee Update
Ø Online Auction Update
Ø Watershed Scale Physical Chemistry Monitoring 2013-2018

Pipeline Updates

Atlantic Coast Pipeline Updates

The CRPA Board of Directors has conscientiously tracked the progress of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline application before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and before the U. S. Forest Service. The Cowpasture River Preservation Association has contributed to the greater public dialogue in two areas of critical concern – i.e., the erosion of soil, debris and rock in rugged mountainous terrain, and the threats to surface and ground water quality. Both water quality issues devolve from the essence of our corporate charter and represent the vital concerns of our membership who are primarily riparian landowners.