Board's Recommendation Goes To Forest Service
A divided Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors went on record Monday as supporting the idea of designating two new wilderness areas and one new National Scenic Area in the George Washington National Forest.
The supervisors voted 3-2 to adopt a resolution in favor of having additional areas in the George Washington National Forest protected in their natural state for their recreation, wildlife and scenic values.
The resolution states that Three Sisters, to the east of Glasgow and north of the James River, and Whites Peak, north of Buena Vista, are excellent candidates for wilderness designation, and that Adams Peak, west of Fairfield and northwest of Irish Creek, is an excellent candidate for National Scenic Area designation.
It's the supervisors' preference, as stipulated in the resolution, that Jordans Turnpike, Forest Road 76, which is the southern boundary of the Whites Peak area, remain outside of a designated wilderness area, and that Forest Road 104, in the Adams Peak area, remain accessible to the public, with signage designating access to the National Scenic Area and the Nature Camp.
Buster Lewis made the motion to adopt the resolution, which was seconded by Carroll Comstock. Lewis, Comstock and Hunt Riegel voted in favor of the motion.
This is part of the July 29, 2009 online edition of The News-Gazette.