West Virginia Highlands Voice

By Dave Saville

We are all somewhat disappointed that the Senate wasn’t able to take up the Omnibus Public Lands Packageduring the recent lame duck session due to the short schedule and the need to address the financial/economic crises.

Flowing waters of Spice Run: Photo © Jonathan Jessup

Senate Leader Harry Reid has pledged, however, to bring this important conservation measure to a vote early in the next Congress. He said that the lands bill would be reintroduced as the “first or second” action taken in January and could be placed quickly on the Senate calendar without having to go back through the committee process.

This package of public lands related legislation contains some 150 bills including our own Wild Monongahela Act which would forever protect over 37,000 acres of special wild places in West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest. Protecting these places as Wilderness will ensure that people will always be able to enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking and other recreational opportunities in the unparalleled natural surroundings these areas provide. The measure would expand the existing Cranberry, Dolly Sods and Otter Creek Wilderness areas, and also create three new Wilderness Areas: Big Draft, Spice Run and Roaring Plains West.

This legislation is the result of many years of work and collaboration by many different stakeholders and a broad base of constituencies including business owners, sporting and faith communities, locally elected officials, conservationists and many statewide organizations. It was sponsored by West Virginia’s entire Congressional Delegation and its strong bipartisan backing helped it move forward, nearly to passage this year. It certainly deserves to be a priority in the new Congress.

Dolly Sods: Photo © Jonathan Jessup

On behalf of the citizens of West Virginia, and everyone who loves and appreciates these special places, we look forward to continuing our work with the Senate and House leadership to make sure passage of this important conservation measure is among the top priorities early in the 111th Congress.

It has been through the cooperative work of many people that we have been able to bring this legislation to the brink of passage. We continue to do everything possible and necessary to ensure its ultimate success. I am truly humbled by the number of people who have contributed to the success of this effort. A huge thank you to all of our supporters whether you’ve written a letter, attended one of our grassroots organizing workshops, joined us on a lobby trip in Washington, DC, or made a donation to help us in our work. Please continue your support for a short while longer.

It’s been over 25 years since the Cranberry and Laurel Fork Wilderness areas were designated in 1983 and nearly 35 years since Dolly Sods and Otter Creek were protected in 1975. It will be an historic day in West Virginia, one that will be celebrated by multitudes of supporters, when the Wild Monongahela Act becomes law. I am more optimistic than ever that day will be soon.