The Virginia Department of Forestry is one of three partners selected to participate in the $6 million "Healthy Watersheds through Healthy Forests Initiative" (HWHF), which seeks to advance the connection between forest management and water quality and quantity. The other two participating organizations are the Conservation Trust for North Carolina and the Pinchot Institute for Conservation. The project will focus on three specific watersheds and is supported by a combination of funding, including $2 million from the NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants program, a $2 million investment from the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, and at least $2 million in on-the-ground match from project partners.