VWC and the Friends of Shenandoah Mountain are working steadily to strengthen our list of supporters for the Shenandoah Mountain Proposal. Many businesses, organizations, faith groups, and individuals from up and down the valley as well as from other places near and far have shown support by endorsing the proposal.
The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) has recognized the work of the Virginia Wilderness Committee (VWC) by presenting the 2009 James E. Dockery, Jr. Environmental Leadership Award to Jim Murray. Jim accepted the Award on behalf of the many contributors to our success with the Virginia Ridge and Valley Act of 2009.
Legislative protection of our most outstanding public lands in Virginia always requires patience and persistence, and in some cases more than others.
The Clinton-era 2001 Roadless Rule has been in and out of courts since Clinton's announcement on Reddish Knob in the George Washington National Forest back in November of 2001. By decision of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in August 2009, the Rule is currently law of the land. However, the viability of the Rule now hangs with the 10th Circuit Court, who will make a decision in 2010. Congressional action is the best road to permanent protection for our roadless areas - and that process is now underway.
The Shenandoah Mountain Proposal is gaining footage as we work in the community to educate and inform the public about this opportunity to protect the best wild lands in the Shenandoah Mountain, Laurel Fork, and Kelley Mountain areas of the George Washington National Forest. We invite you to learn more about this proposal for National Scenic Area and Wilderness designations by speaking to your organization, class, church, or other group. Just contact us
The Virginia Wilderness Committee and Friends of Shenandoah Mountain encourage you to join our effort to build support for permanent protection of Shenandoah Mountain in the GWNF. We are soliciting endorsements (in the form of a signed statement, no money involved) -- just visit the Friends website and click on Join Friends/Endorse. The list is growing - check it out!
UPDATE: the salamander hunt occurred on August 19, a damp, warm summer night, perfect for the salamanders to come above ground. The group spotted around 20 salamanders, including Cow Knobs, Shen Mtns, and Red-backs. Our thanks to Billy Flint, JMU Biologist who led the way!
The Forest Planning process for the George Washington National Forest has been underway for a couple years now. However, a federal court ruled on 6/30/09 that the management guidelines developed by the Bush administration violate federal law and must be dropped. (Read the news article, or visit the Forest Service website.) We are currently unsure how the Planning for the GW will proceed, but it is sure to at some point, and your comments matter.
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.
