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 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 Benthic Monitoring Highlights
Ø Executive Assistant’s Corner
Ø Toxicology Report
Ø Walton Tract Clean-Up
Ø Summer Picnic
Ø Water Monitoring Update
Ø Wetlands Restoration Field Trip
Ø Annual Meeting Highlights
Ø In Remembrance
Ø Artist Retreat Highlights
Ø Membership

Environmental Data & Conservation Mapping

Environmental conditions monitoring including:

Ø Environmental Permits and Related Data
Ø Environmental Data Collection & Analysis
Ø Species Distributions
Ø County Boundaries, Parcels, & Zonin
Ø Conservation Lands
Ø Geology, Water, & Landcover
Ø Watershed Boundaries