On March 16th the Forest Service initiated its second large scale landscape project. The North Shenandoah Mountain Restoration and Management Project (NSMP) is located in northwestern Rockingham County. The project follows the successful conclusion of the Lower Cowpasture Restoration and Management Project in Bath and Alleghany Counties.
While the size and scope of the project has yet to be determined, the area under consideration includes Forest Service land north of US 33 and west of Route 259. Activities that may be considered include timber harvesting, prescribed fire, trails, stream restoration work and the removal of NNIS.
The initial roll out meeting’s purpose was to make the public aware this project is now in the planning phase. The meeting also served to educate the public on forest project planning rules and regulations. Project planning is expected to take two years.
The meeting was well attended and included people who represent many different user groups including mountain biking, hunting, active management, off road vehicles, fisheries, conservation and the George Washington National Forest Stakeholder Collaborative. The Stakeholder Collaborative has been active on the GW for several years. The Collaborative has developed a shared vision for the management of the forest including a mosaic of habitats from young forest to Wilderness. The Virginia Wilderness Committee’s primary interest in the project is the plan designated Beech Lick Knob Wilderness Study Area.
Beech Lick Knob was recommended to Forest Planner four years ago by the Stakeholder Collaborative and is included in the Revised Management Plan for the forest. Beech Lick is a 5,700 acre landscape of old growth forest, small streams and high elevation ridges. Its remote and unroaded character make it a prime candidate for Wilderness consideration.
The Virginia Wilderness Committee will keep you posted on meetings and opportunities to comment on the NSMP. Stay tuned.
While the size and scope of the project has yet to be determined, the area under consideration includes Forest Service land north of US 33 and west of Route 259. Activities that may be considered include timber harvesting, prescribed fire, trails, stream restoration work and the removal of NNIS.
The initial roll out meeting’s purpose was to make the public aware this project is now in the planning phase. The meeting also served to educate the public on forest project planning rules and regulations. Project planning is expected to take two years.
The meeting was well attended and included people who represent many different user groups including mountain biking, hunting, active management, off road vehicles, fisheries, conservation and the George Washington National Forest Stakeholder Collaborative. The Stakeholder Collaborative has been active on the GW for several years. The Collaborative has developed a shared vision for the management of the forest including a mosaic of habitats from young forest to Wilderness. The Virginia Wilderness Committee’s primary interest in the project is the plan designated Beech Lick Knob Wilderness Study Area.
Beech Lick Knob was recommended to Forest Planner four years ago by the Stakeholder Collaborative and is included in the Revised Management Plan for the forest. Beech Lick is a 5,700 acre landscape of old growth forest, small streams and high elevation ridges. Its remote and unroaded character make it a prime candidate for Wilderness consideration.
The Virginia Wilderness Committee will keep you posted on meetings and opportunities to comment on the NSMP. Stay tuned.
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