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 Summer 2025 edition of The River Runs is now available online. Click the cover to view the issue. In this edition:

Ø From the President
Ø Executive Assistant’s Corner
Ø Water Monitoring Update
Ø Educational Scholarship Recipients
Ø Walton Tract Signage
Ø Annual Meeting Update
Ø Summer Picnic
Ø Wetlands Restoration Field Trip
Ø Membership Survey Results
Ø VA Conservation Assistance Program
Ø Local Arts Community

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.