Virginia Wilderness Committee
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The Forest Service needs to hear from YOU!

The administration plans to end the “Roadless Rule,” opening 45 million acres of wild lands on America’s national forests to development. Tell the USFS to keep protections in place. 

Act today - the deadline is approaching!

Upcoming Events

Photo Contest for 2027 VWC Calendar submission deadline - September 15
Click here for more information

Wilderness Presentation - September 29, Kendal Hall, Lexington

National Forest Issues

Roadless Rule Repeal

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The U.S. Forest Service has announced plans to open more than 45 million acres of wild national forest land to large-scale logging, mining and other development, despite persistent public opposition across the country. Virginia, with the most designated “roadless area” acreage in the East, has much to lose.
The Forest Service will only take public comment through October 6. Send your comment soon! Click here.

Corridor H

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VWC and Stewards of the Potomac Highlands have filed a lawsuit against Corridor H Wardensville to the Virginia state line. Our goal is to stop construction and advocate for "spot" improvements of Rt. 55/48 that will increase safety and meet traffic needs without harming special resources in the George Washington National Forest, such as the Tuscarora Trail, Wood Turtle habitat, and 2.4 miles of intact older growth forest.  Corridor H would also have an impact on our Big Schloss National Scenic Area proposal.

Please donate to the Corridor H Legal Fund to help pay for this legal action.  


Campaigns

Shenandoah Mountain Act

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North River by Brad Striebig
In May 2025, Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) reintroduced the Shenandoah Mountain Act, which would designate more than 92,500 acres of the George Washington National Forest as the Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area and 5,779 acres as Beech Lick Knob Wilderness. If enacted, the National Scenic Area will preserve majestic forests, spectacular vistas, and more than 150 miles of trails on the western edge of the Shenandoah Valley. Find out more here.

​Rich Hole & Rough Mountain Wilderness Additions Bill

PicturePhoto credit: The Pew Charitable Trusts
In May 2025, Virginia Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner reintroduced the Virginia Wilderness Additions Act which calls for designating an additional 5,600 acres of the George Washington (GW) National Forest as Wilderness.  Those lands, which are already part of the GW, would be added to two existing Wilderness areas, expanding protections for this remarkable area to nearly 21,000 acres, located in the rugged territory in southeastern Bath County.  Full text of the Virginia Wilderness Additions Act is available here.


Virginia's Mountain Treasures
Virginia's Mountain Treasures
​VWC's inventory of 63 of the finest wild areas remaining in the GW.  It is from this bountiful reserve that any future additions to the National Wilderness Preservation System must be drawn. Read the full text and see maps.


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VWC is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization.  Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law


© Virginia Wilderness Committee, 2013

Contact us:
Virginia Wilderness Committee
[email protected]
P.O. Box 7257
​
Richmond, VA 23221