Shenandoah Mountain Act
Summary
The Shenandoah Mountain Act would create a National Scenic Area covering approximately 92,562 acres of federal forest land in Virginia. The designated area would protect scenic quality, water resources, wildlife habitat, and old-growth forests while allowing continued recreational access through existing trails and roads. The bill would also designate four new Wilderness Areas totaling around 28,000 acres, which receive the highest level of federal protection and restrict logging, gas drilling, and pipeline construction.
The legislation would not require acquiring private land, as the area is already federally owned. Existing roads and public access would be maintained, including Virginia's access road to Shenandoah Mountain's crest. The bill aims to balance conservation with recreation and tourism, which currently generates over $720 million annually in the region. The designation represents the culmination of 20 years of collaborative work among diverse stakeholders including conservationists, recreation groups, timber industry representatives, hunters, and anglers.