“The care of rivers is not a question of rivers, but of the human heart.” – Tanako Shozo

Renew the New
A group focused on stewardship of the 37 Giles miles of the New River.
The Renew the New Committee was formed in 2007 as a non-profit, grassroots conservation organization dedicated to keeping the New River clean and healthy. We are led by a volunteer committee made up of local river outfitters and guides, New River’s Edge, and New River Outdoor Co., VDGIF, DCR, National Committee for The New River, Giles Sheriff’s Department, Army Corps of Engineers, and Giles County personnel; as well as private citizens committed to the preservation and renewal of the historic New River.
We are citizens from all walks of life, whose common goal is to maintain the water quality, living resources, and scenic beauty of the New River and its tributaries. We work with landowners, railroads, state and local governments, and students, to educate about the river and to advocate for actions and policies that will protect and restore the values that make the New River so special.
The group has already spearheaded a push for making penalties for littering more enforceable, supported the County in erecting boat ramp kiosks for use by DGIF, installed trash-pick-up bag dispensers at boat ramps; and collaborated with the Giles County Sheriff’s department in the apprehension of felons perpetrating graffiti offenses on the Ripplemead bridge abutments.
Volunteer
Renew the New holds two clean-up efforts per year. In Spring is “Ramps ‘N’ Roads”, focusing on removal of debris and trash along the sides of the roads and the boat ramps. In the Fall is “Fall Into the New”, focusing on the river and tributary banks, the river bed, boat landings and bridge abutments.
Learn more about ReNew the New here: renewthenew.org

Stewardship and River Etiquette:
- Leave No Trace – Take out what you bring in and pick up what someone else or floods have left behind.
- Respect and Protect – the river, wildlife, and nature.
- Minimize Campfires – Don’t burn old tires or hazardous
materials. - Respect the Privacy & Rights of Private Landowners. Keep your garbage in your boat and don’t assume you are allowed to get out just anywhere along the river. There are many public places along the shore to make your stops. Keep your voices and noise to a minimum so everyone can enjoy the pristine beauty and solitude of the New River.
State and Local Governments