By Sarah Watson, The News & Advance, Lynchburg, Va. Jul. 27--WHAT IS UP -- in this case, upstream -- doesn't always all come down. And that creates the potential for tension as dry conditions and increased demand sap water levels in areas served by reservoirs, such as the Pedlar in Amherst County.

By Justin Faulconer, The News & Advance, Lynchburg, Va. Jul. 8--PINEY RIVER -- Surrounded by tranquil waters of the Piney and Tye rivers, an outdoor trail straddling Amherst and Nelson counties could be a walk to remember when complete.

By Carrie J. Sidener, The News & Advance, Lynchburg, Va. Nov. 17--The statewide ban on burning is over but some counties in the Lynchburg area are not ready to lift their own restrictions.

By The News & Advance, Lynchburg, Va. Apr. 24--More than 500 acres of Friar Mountain in Amherst County continue to burn today. Officials with the Virginia Department of Forestry and U.S. Forest Service say no structures have been harmed by the blaze and no one has been injured.

By Carrie J. Sidener, The News & Advance, Lynchburg, Va. Nov. 24--Water was a scarce resource in Central Virginia in 2002. Wells ran dry, county reservoirs ran low and mandatory water conservation efforts were enacted.