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Make plans to attend the Environmental Film Festival hosted by Wild Virginia and Blue Ridge Mountain Sports for an evening of inspiring films, raffle of premium outdoor equipment, good fellowship, and some conservation news. The event will be held at Vinegar Hill Theater in Charlottesville the evening of March 24, and at the Visulite Theater in Staunton the evening of March 25. Click here for details and ticket information.
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
Virginia Wilderness Committee will be present as an exhibitor at the 51st Annual Garden Club of Virginia Conservation Forum in Charlottesville, VA on Friday, November 6, 2009.
The theme for this year's Forum is Building Sustainable Communities. Go to the website www.GCVirginia.org to register to attend. The forum will be held in the Abbott Center Auditorium at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.
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!
Join Virginia Wilderness Committee and Friends of Shenandoah Mountain at this year's Virginia Environmental Assembly sponsored by the Virginia Conservation Network.
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!
