Warner & Kaine Applaud Unanimous Committee Passage of Virginia Wilderness Bills

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry’s unanimous passage of their two bills to protect lands and watersheds in Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, and Bath counties. Both bills are the result of years of Virginia stakeholder-driven collaboration. In June, the senators sent a letter to the committee’s leadership requesting consideration of the legislation.

“Virginia is home to beautiful wilderness spaces and natural resources that should be preserved for future generations to enjoy,” said Warner. “These two bills protect and expand the Commonwealth’s lands as well as support local economies that depend on tourism and outdoor recreation. I urge my Senate colleagues to join us in supporting this legislation for the benefit of all Virginians.”

“As an avid hiker, I know how important it is to preserve Virginia’s natural resources, which are some of our greatest treasures and critical parts of local economies,” said Kaine. “I’m glad the Senate Agriculture Committee advanced our legislation to preserve wilderness in Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, and Bath counties. I urge my colleagues to support these bills on the Senate floor.”

The Shenandoah Mountain Act would establish a 92,562-acre Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area (SMNSA) in Rockingham, Augusta, and Highland counties. National Scenic Areas protect the scenic, historic, recreational, and natural resources in specific areas and allow compatible uses such as outdoor recreation activities.

The Virginia Wilderness Additions Act would add 5,600 acres to the existing Rough Mountain and Rich Hole wilderness areas within the George Washington National Forest in Bath County.

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