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City of Staunton Passes Resolution of Support for SMNSA

1/27/2020

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The Staunton City Council voted unanimously to pass a resolution of support for the proposed Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area (SMNSA) at its Jan. 23 meeting.  The resolution reaffirms the City's desire to include Staunton Dam, Elkhorn Lake, and surrounding National Forest land in the SMNSA, provided the City can "access, operate, maintain, replace and improve its existing water facilities in the proposed scenic area and, if necessary, to construct and maintain new water infrastructure."
Staunton stands to benefit from permanent protection of the Shenandoah Mountain area.  ​National Scenic Area designation will safeguard the City's water supply and protect outdoor recreation opportunities, scenic beauty, and wildlife habitat.   All this contributes to a high quality of life for City residents and helps draw visitors that support the tourism industry in Staunton and in neighboring counties and cities.
SMNSA legislation will make this special area off limits to fracking for natural gas and other industrial development that would mar the natural character of the area and threaten water resources.
Resolutions of support from local governments are a crucial component of our campaign to protect Shenandoah Mountain.  Augusta County Board of Supervisors has also endorsed the proposal.
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Virginia Wilderness Committee
info@vawilderness.org
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