Virginia has 805 acres of BLM lands and 1,663,914 acres of National Forests. The last wilderness areas designated in Virginia were in 2000: Priest, Three Ridges.

Bills

Jefferson National Forest

Courtesy SELC

Bill title:

Virginia Ridge and Valley Wilderness and National Scenic Area Act

Bill number:

S. 570/H.R. 1011

Sponsors:

Rep. Rick Boucher (D-VA), Sen. John Warner (R-VA) and Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA)

Summary:

Legislation will protect 55,000 acres in the Jefferson National Forest as wilderness, wilderness study or national scenic areas. Parts of the Appalachian Trail run through this area, which offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge, covered by old-growth trees and incised by clear streams. Rock outcrops formed in the last Ice Age can also be found here. The protections in this bill will ensure that the area remains pristine and continues to draw anglers, hunters, climbers, and outdoorsmen for generations to come.

More info:

Virginia Wilderness Committee [1]
Southern Environmental Law Center [2]
Southern Appalachian Forests Coalition [3]

Local Conservation Groups

• Virginia Wilderness Committee [4]