The Forest Planning process for the George Washington National Forest is now well underway. The Draft Management Plan is being developed, and we expect release in June 2009. We encourage you to submit comments to the Forest Service now, and also submit a response once the Draft Plan is released.
In response to the Planning effort, VWC recommends several areas in the GW for Wilderness, National Scenic Area, and National Recreation Area. We have worked hard to limit conflict with other uses in these recommendations, and we want to keep roads open for hunting access. We've also worked hard to keep popular mountain bike trails open, and all private land-owner rights would be maintained.
On March 30, 2009, President Obama signed into law one of the most sweeping pieces of conservation and public land management legislation in years. H.R. 146 creates over 2 million acres of new Wilderness in 9 states - and includes the areas designated in the Virginia Ridge and Valley Act in the Jefferson National Forest.
Providing that mountainous western backdrop for much of the Shenandoah Valley, Shenandoah Mountain is not part of Shenandoah National Park, but is one of the least fragmented, roadless wildlands left in the Eastern United States. Wilderness advocates, mountain bikers, hikers, hunters, and many other folks who care deeply about Shenandoah Mountain have joined together to advocate for lasting protection for this very special area of the George Washington National Forest.
