Virginia Wilderness Committee is a citizens' organization, and is supported by hundreds of ordinary folks across Virginia who care about preserving the best of our wildlands. To join the effort, make a donation and become a member of VWC.
The Shenandoah Mountain Proposal is supported by a number of community organizations and businesses, including:
- Potomac Appalachian Trail Club
- Back Country Horsemen of Virginia
- Rockfish Gap Outfitters
- Wilderness Adventure
- Wilderness Voyagers
- Blue Ridge Mountain Sports
- Buckhorn Inn
- National Audubon Society, IBA Program
- Christians for the Mountains
- Trinity Presbyterian Church
- Creation Care Groups, Harrisonburg and Parkview Mennonite Churches
- Scenic America
- American Whitewater
- International Mountain Biking Association
- Sierra Club Virginia Chapter and Sierra Club National
- National Wildlife Federation
For a complete list of supporters of the Shenandoah Mountain Proposal, visit the website www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org.
Member Spotlight
Jim and Bess Murray
Jim and Bess Murray of Charlottesville are long-time activists and supporters of Virginia Wilderness Committee.
Jim and Bess have supported VWC since its inception, working alongside Ernie Dickerman for many years. They have been involved in the passage of all Virginia wilderness bills, most recently the Virginia Wilderness Bill of 2000, designating Three Ridges and The Priest. Jim was President of VWC from 1997-2008 and has been instrumental in the design and progress of the Virginia Ridge and Valley Act.
Reflections from a trail maintainer recently working along the AT bordering the new
Garden Mountain Wilderness Area
I can assure you that I won't be running out to rev up the old chain saw any more than I have to. It will be used judiciously to enhance access to the wilderness experience. Personally, I prefer to maintain to a "wilderness" standard. That is why [I was] working down the green briar with a fire rake instead of a weed-whacker and why I chose to be certified for crosscut saw use through the Forest Service when the additional wilderness in the area was becoming a reality. The crews I have worked with typically have a bow saw at hand and use it to clear blow downs and deadfall when they can. On the other side of the coin, dedicated volunteer maintainers are scarce and the use of power equipment has allowed us to keep access open with the limited number of volunteer hours available. I have seen workdays that would have required quadruple the manpower / time commitment without a chain saw. Whatever the case we will find a way to do what needs to be done as good stewards of the land. - D.L. from North Carolina