VCEDA Seed Capital Grant Approved for River Hill Farms

LEBANON, VA – OCTOBER 21, 2025 – Developing a premier fly fishing destination along Big Cedar Creek in Lebanon, VA is the goal Judson Hill has as Harwood Cavalier Properties LLC, dba River Hill Farms, works to build a fishing lodge and fishing guide service on 65 acres which fronts a one-mile stretch of pristine waters teeming with wild rainbow and brown trout.

River Hill Farms is a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant. Seed capital grants are funded from regional funds received by VCEDA which are paid by the natural gas industry.

“River Hill Farms is seeking to capitalize on a tourism market which is largely untapped in our region, building a business model around fly fishing aimed at attracting anglers from not only the area, but well beyond our region and state,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “The new business projects one full-time employee and three part-time employees within five years.”

Hill noted River Hill Farms offers guided fly fishing trout catch and release expeditions along Big Cedar Creek while working on the construction/renovation of the lodge facility which is now about 75 to 80 percent complete. A projected opening for the three-bedroom, three-bath lodge is in early spring 2026. The lodge will be available for rental to those just wishing for a getaway to the mountains of Southwest Virginia, as well as to those adding fly fishing packages to the rental.

“The summer rains slowed our development, but we’re moving ahead,” Hill said.

Access roads to the lodge property and trails along the property are being constructed in addition to the actual lodge renovation and construction. Future plans -- in addition to the lodge -- include adding yurts and cottages to the property in what Hill called a phased approach.

River Hill Farms wade trips on Big Cedar Creek offer anglers what Hill said is an “unforgettable” adventure.

“With exclusive access to our private section of Big Cedar Creek, visitors will enjoy an unparalleled fishing experience surrounded by breathtaking scenery,” Hill said. “Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice, we have guides available that will ensure an experience tailored to individual skill levels and preferences. Fishing guides are preferred, but not required, and can be provided upon request for an additional fee.” 

Fishermen may choose between half-day and full-day excursions. Half-day trips are approximately four hours long, with morning and afternoon sessions available. Full-day trips extend up to eight hours, beginning at 8 AM and concluding by 4 PM.

Group rates are available and fishing equipment, including a fly rod as well as waders and boots, may be rented for a small fee if requested in advance. New fisherman needing instruction in how to fly fish may also benefit from an instructional time slot, also scheduled in advance.

Hill noted the VCEDA seed capital funds are being used for trout stocking, marketing, site development and early construction of the River Hill Farms lodge.

“It is a blessing to be awarded the VCEDA seed capital grant,” Hill said. “It provided a jump start to get our project going to develop a premier trophy fly fishing destination and to support the growth of outdoor tourism opportunities in Southwest Virginia.”

Hill expressed gratitude and praise for both the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) leadership at Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) in their guidance on his application to VCEDA and for the  Russell County Industrial Development Authority’s (IDA) support.

“River Hill Farms enhances the area’s recreational opportunities,” said Denise Harmon, director of the SBDC at SWCC. “We wish Judson Hill and River Hill Farms every success as they bring this exceptional fishing destination to life -- delivering community impact, sustainable tourism and lifetime memories for anglers in Southwestern Virginia.”

“It is an exciting opportunity to support a project that utilizes the natural resources of Russell County,” said Russell County IDA Executive Director Ernie McFaddin. “We look forward to the economic opportunities that River Hill Farms will create through tourism in our community.”

River Hill Farms may be found at www.riverhillfarms.net; on Facebook and Instagram; and may also be reached by calling 276-883-1684.

About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.

About the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Seed Capital Matching Grant Fund: VCEDA region for-profit businesses, within qualifying business categories, one year and under with less than 10 full-time employees are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000 from the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund. Applicants work with the Small Business Development Centers at Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia community colleges to prepare the applications to VCEDA that include detailed business and financial plans. Businesses must be located in or plan to operate in the VCEDA region in southwestern Virginia that includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton.

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PHOTO CAPTION: Judson Hill is developing River Hill Farms at Big Cedar Creek to provide a premier fly fishing destination in Russell County, VA along Big Cedar Creek. Harwood Cavalier Properties, LLC, dba River Hill Farms, is a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant.