Senator Webb Calls for New Wilderness Area Designations at Senate Hearing on the Virginia Ridge and Valley Act

FROM THE OFFICE OF SENATOR WEBB

April 15, 2008

Contact:  Kimberly Hunter, 202-228-5258
Jessica Smith, 202-228-5185


Washington, DC – Senator Webb today submitted the following statement into the Senate Record at the Committee on Environment & Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests hearing on the Virginia Ridge and Valley Act:

  “Good afternoon Chairman Bingaman, Ranking Member Domenici and members of the Committee.  I would like to thank you for holding a hearing on this important matter.  I am proud to join with my colleague, Senator Warner, in supporting the Virginia Ridge and Valley Act (S. 570).  The Virginia Ridge and Valley Act would designate nearly 43,000 acres of the Jefferson National Forest as wilderness or wilderness study areas.  In addition, the legislation would designate more than 10,000 acres of the Jefferson National Forest as National Scenic Areas.  If enacted, this bill would create new Wilderness Areas, new National Scenic Areas and would expand six existing Wilderness Areas in portions of Bland, Craig, Grayson, Giles, Lee, Montgomery and Smyth Counties, Virginia within the Jefferson National Forest.

  “Virginia is fortunate to have such an abundant supply of pristine lands.  The ridges and valleys of western Virginia are an integral part of the lives of its inhabitants and our state’s shared heritage and the protection of these lands will preserve them for future generations to enjoy.  Our children and grandchildren will be able to experience the same untouched landscapes their ancestors experienced for generations before.

  “The bill will also help promote ecotourism in Southwest Virginia.  Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in Southwest Virginia and the designation of these wilderness and scenic areas within the region will support increased tourism and outdoor recreational opportunities.  The areas under consideration will provide opportunities for solitude and wilderness recreation including hiking, hunting, fishing, camping, rock climbing, canoeing, backpacking, horseback riding and many other outdoor activities which are enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike.   “I would note that a similar bi-partisan measure, H.R. 1011, was approved by the House of Representatives in October of last year under the leadership of Congressman Rick Boucher.  Congressman Boucher worked diligently with his colleagues in the Virginia delegation, the House and the Forest Service to pass this important piece of legislation.  It enjoys the support of Congressmen Frank Wolf, Tom Davis, Jim Moran and Bobby Scott, as well as the late Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis.  The legislation also been endorsed by Virginia Governor Tim Kaine and a broad range of local communities, local businesses, tourism organizations, and conservation groups.

  “I thank the Committee for holding a hearing on the Virginia Ridge and Valley Act and I look forward to working with you to secure its expeditious passage.”

  ///