We Can Protect 54,000 More Virginia Acres
By Rick Boucher
Virginia is fortunate to have some of the nation’s most beautiful and unspoiled public lands – including two National Forests that are home to many of the state’s picturesque mountains, streams, and wildlife habitats. Since the nation’s founding, the natural landscape has played an important role in Virginia’s culture and in its economy.
Virginia has long placed a high value on the conservation and protection of its ecosystems. For example, Virginia is home today to more roadless areas than any other state east of the Mississippi. Last month, we took an important step in furtherance of Virginia’s long tradition of natural resource protection when the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation I introduced, H.R. 1011: the Virginia Ridge and Valley Act. The bill carries the co-authorship of a six-member bipartisan majority of Virginia’s House delegation and both of our U.S. senators.
The bill builds on our existing inventory of wilderness lands by designating nearly 54,000 acres of the Jefferson National Forest in Southwest Virginia as wilderness or national scenic areas. These designations protect a pristine resource, while enhancing Southwest Virginia’s growing tourism economy by enticing travelers to visit and enjoy the untouched landscape.
Wilderness designation enables the U.S. Forest Service to preserve the scenic and undisturbed character of the landscape while accommodating a wide range of recreational activities. The pursuits of hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, picnicking, backpacking, bird watching, horseback riding, cross- country skiing, snowshoeing, spelunking, rock-climbing, and many other outdoor activities would be continued and encouraged in the new wilderness areas. Motorized traffic and mechanized equipment will be permitted only in emergency situations when required to preserve human life and safety.
The legislation approved by the House creates new wilderness areas and new national scenic areas, and expands six existing wilderness areas in portions of Bland, Craig, Grayson, Giles, Lee, Montgomery, and Smyth counties. The areas contain scenic vistas, miles of trails, and diverse wildlife.
The legislation confers both economic and environmental benefits. Old-growth timber, wildlife habitat, and dramatic views will be preserved permanently.
The outdoor activities available within the Jefferson National Forest are a major contributor to our tourism economy, which is one of the fastest-growing industries in my congressional district. More than $860 million in travel expenditures were made in Southwest Virginia in 2006. This number represents an increase of travel spending of nearly $50 million in our region over the previous year.
It is within wilderness and scenic areas that Virginia’s premier outdoor experience can be found. Our region offers the highest mountains, fast-flowing rivers, and an excellent outdoor experience.
As our wilderness areas are becoming more highly treasured by the American public as a haven for outdoor activities and recreations of many varied kinds, it is essential that we preserve the unique characteristics that have made the areas so desirable. Expanding the inventory of public lands receiving enduring protection is a sensible step promoting both our natural heritage and our economy.
The new wilderness areas will also provide habitat for wildlife and help to maintain our clean air and water. The conservation of these lands will ensure that they are enjoyed by future generations.
The Virginia Ridge and Valley Act was approved by the House on a broad bipartisan basis, and was introduced by a majority of Virginia’s congressional delegation. Identical legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sens. John Warner and Jim Webb.
For the betterment of both our economy and our environment, I am pleased that the House has acted to protect the scenic beauty and natural heritage that characterizes Southwest Virginia, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate for enactment of this measure.
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Jefferson National Forest
The Virginia Ridge and Valley Act (H.R. 1011) designates and protects 54,000 acres of the Jefferson National Forest as wilderness or national scenic areas. The designation would enhance the economy by enticing visitors. In 2006, tourism to Southwest Virginia injected more that $860 million into the region’s economy.
Rick Boucher represents Virginia’s 9th District in the House of Representatives.
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO, MAP
MEMO: JEFFERSON NATIONAL FOREST
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