VWC has been working to enact a new wilderness bill for the Jefferson National Forest since 2002. The Virginia Ridge and Valley Act finally became law on March 30, 2009, with the President's signature on the Omnibus Public Lands Act of 2009 [1].
The Ridge and Valley creates 6 new wilderness areas, a wilderness study area, 2 new scenic areas, and expands 6 existing wilderness areas in the Jeff. The bill is the result of a collaborative effort by Rep. Boucher, former Sen. John Warner, their staff, and many local, regional and national environmental and recreational organizations.
Endorsers include the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Garden Club of Virginia, the Virginia Council of Trout Unlimited, Scenic America, and many others. In addition, each of the proposed areas was endorsed by either the U.S. Forest Service or the Board of Supervisors of the county in which the area is located.
The new areas designated by the Act are listed below. The Ridge and Valley also designates additions to existing wilderness areas including Mountain Lake, Peters Mountain, Lewis Fork, Little Wilson Creek, Shawvers Run, and Kimberling Creek. Read here [2] about the special appeal of smaller wilderness areas, as demonstrated by Brush Mountain East.
Need a map of a particular area? Contact us [3].