Wild Virginia
Wild Virginia is a grassroots organization dedicated to preserving wild forest ecosystems in Virginia’s national forests – remote and inaccessible mountaintops, large expanses of undisturbed forest, wild animal populations, cool mountain streams, intact natural communities, rugged landscapes, and more. Since its beginnings in 1995, Wild Virginia has fought to keep these natural features a reality. With more than 300 members around the state, the ability to protect these wild areas is growing.
A cascading stream on Shenandoah Mountain.
The mountainous regions of western Virginia are home to two national forests – the Jefferson and George Washington. At almost 1.8 million total acres combined (including 123,384 acres in West Virginia), the opportunity for meaningful conservation is real. Since a Forest Plan for the Jefferson NF was approved in 2003, Wild Virginia has focused its attention on the George Washington NF (GWNF).
At the heart of Wild Virginia’s work is the desire to enhance the ecological integrity and biological diversity of our national forests and ensure they are maintained for future generations. The Shenandoah Mountain area of the GWNF is a special place and a focus of our work. It contains many headwater and wild trout streams, a healthy black bear population, and a diversity of natural communities and rare species (including the Cowknob salamander, Plethodon punctatus, and least trillium, Trillium pusillum var. monticulum). It is also known for areas of high elevation forest where more northerly occurring birds like the red crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) and winter wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) are sometimes known to breed.
In addition to ongoing efforts to monitor U.S. Forest Service activities and projects, educate and mobilize citizens, and encourage people to get outside and enjoy our forests, Wild Virginia has several specific goals and areas of interest.
A recent report by Wild Virginia, The State of Our Water: Managing and Protecting the Drinking Water Resources of the GWNF, describes the tremendous importance of the GWNF as a source of public drinking water. More than 22 communities in western Virginia obtain some or all of their drinking water from surface waters of the GWNF. The watersheds providing this drinking water cover approximately 44% of the GWNF land in Virginia. As a result of the report, Virginia Conservation Network and 32 other organizations (including 14 localities) adopted resolutions calling on stronger protection of drinking water resources in the national forest.
Another huge priority is permanent protection of the Roadless Areas in our national forests. The Roadless Area Conservation Rule was established by the Clinton administration in 2001 and protected these large, critical areas from commercial use. During the Bush administration, a series of changes were made to dismantle the rule in an effort to allow new roads, timber and mineral extraction, and other development. Some changes to the rule were
deemed illegal by a federal judge in November 2006, but a final and decisive legal ruling has not occurred.
In June 2009, President Obama effectively issued a one year “time out” on all projects in roadless areas, while his administration determines their long term strategy for these areas. The fate of roadless areas should not be determined by changing administrations, more legal challenges and future judicial interpretations.
Federal legislation is the safest and most appropriate manner to permanently protect roadless areas.
The Forest Plan for the GWNF is being revised to replace the existing one, which was completed in 1993. The Forest Plan is very important, as it will outline how the forest is to be managed for the next 10-15 years. Revising the plan is a public process. Wild Virginia is heavily involved to make sure drinking water resources, roadless area protection, wilderness recommendations, protection of rare species and natural communities, and many other issues are properly addressed. Wild Virginia actively seeks involvement by all concerned citizens, and encourages everyone to participate by attending public meetings and submitting comments about the plan to the U.S. Forest Service. Through its website, newsletters, and email list, Wild Virginia keeps all interested parties
informed about how to become involved.
Day to day efforts to protect our forests can take a variety of forms. Working with various agency
employees and legislative staff, even on the most critical of issues, can sometimes leave concerned
citizens and dedicated conservationists feeling somewhat unfulfilled. That is one reason why Wild Virginia sponsors monthly outings, which are usually day hikes to some of the beautiful spots our mountains have to offer. Hikers are often able to clear their minds and cleanse their spirits during a day outdoors. The outings are free and open to anyone who is interested and physically fit enough to enjoy them. Visit www.wildvirginia.org to read descriptions of upcoming hikes and see pictures of past ones.
Virginia’s national forests are truly natural treasures, full of many diverse gems. Please get out and enjoy them! From wild trout streams, challenging trails, wildflowers and shrubs in full bloom, wilderness areas, incredible views, bird migrations and more, there is something for everyone. Please join Wild Virginia in helping protect these resources.
To get involved or learn more about Wild Virginia, contact Conservation Director David Hannah at P.O. Box 1065, Charlottesville, VA, 22902, or 434-971-1553, or dhannah@wildvirginia.org, or visit www.wildvirginia.org.
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