Section 1. Natural resources and historical sites of the Commonwealth.
To the end that the people have clean air, pure water, and the use and enjoyment for recreation of adequate public lands, waters, and other natural resources, it shall be the policy of the Commonwealth to conserve, develop, and utilize its natural resources, its public lands, and its historical sites and buildings. Further, it shall be the Commonwealth's policy to protect its atmosphere, lands, and waters from pollution, impairment, or destruction, for the benefit, enjoyment, and general welfare of the people of the Commonwealth. Section 2. Conservation and development of natural resources and historical sites.
In the furtherance of such policy, the General Assembly may undertake the conservation, development, or utilization of lands or natural resources of the Commonwealth, the acquisition and protection of historical sites and buildings, and the protection of its atmosphere, lands, and waters from pollution, impairment, or destruction, by agencies of the Commonwealth or by the creation of public authorities, or by leases or other contracts with agencies of the United States, with other states, with units of government in the Commonwealth, or with private persons or corporations. Notwithstanding the time limitations of the provisions of Article X, Section 7, of this Constitution, the Commonwealth may participate for any period of years in the cost of projects which shall be the subject of a joint undertaking between the Commonwealth and any agency of the United States or of other states. Section 3. Natural oyster beds.
The natural oyster beds, rocks, and shoals in the waters of the Commonwealth shall not be leased, rented, or sold but shall be held in trust for the benefit of the people of the Commonwealth, subject to such regulations and restriction as the General Assembly may prescribe, but the General Assembly may, from time to time, define and determine such natural beds, rocks, or shoals by surveys or otherwise.

Section 4. Right of the people to hunt, fish, and harvest game.
The people have a right to hunt, fish, and harvest game, subject to such regulations and restrictions as the General Assembly may prescribe by general law.

From the Governor's State of the Commonwealth address, January 8, 2003:

...It is also time to reform our thinking about the relationship between the economy and the environment. Virginians agree, as we saw in November when they approved our first major new investment in our state parks in over a decade. This new investment will help Virginia maintain our distinction of having the best-managed state parks in the country.

I don't believe that a strong economy and a clean environment are incompatible. In fact, the two are critical to a good quality of life in Virginia. So this spring, I will convene the Governor's Natural Resources Summit to bring together individuals and organizations to develop an action plan for a sustainable natural resource policy for Virginia. But, as we learned from last year's drought, some issues can't wait. That is why we have proposed significant immediate reforms to state water policy. First, our administration will work as a partner with local governments and others to develop comprehensive regional water supply plans. Even though this has been the law for thirty years, the state has failed to meet this basic responsibility. We will wait no longer. Second, we will clean 450 impaired rivers and streams by the end of my term. And finally, we will better coordinate existing water programs with a simple goal - providing safe drinking water to more Virginians. In this modern time, families shouldn't have to haul drinking water home in their cars or trucks. My drinking water initiative sets a goal of bringing clean drinking water to an additional 25,000 Virginians in Southwest and other rural parts of Virginia. With your help, we will meet this goal.

These proposals are good for our environment, good for our economy, and good for the people of Virginia...