George Washington National Forest (VA)
A long-range vision for our public lands
©Lynda Richardson
Sunrise at Reddish Knob, a popular destination for hikers in the George Washington National Forest.
The George Washington National Forest in western Virginia has been a haven for generations of outdoor enthusiasts, from hikers and campers to hunters and horsemen. Our national forest is also a haven for wildlife such as black bear, warblers, native brook trout and many other species, and is the source of clean drinking water and economic benefit for dozens of communities.
All Virginians, indeed all Americans, have a right to enjoy the benefits provided by these public lands.
The George Washington (GW) is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, which is undertaking a two-year effort to revise the management plan for the 1.1 million acre forest - the largest national forest east of the Mississippi.
In the past, the agency has unfortunately focused heavily on commercial logging and roadbuilding, which too often damage other natural resources, such as pure mountain streams, scenic views and habitat for vulnerable wildlife. The agency's initial outline for the new GW plan would continue on this track.
A majority of Virginians favor protecting the natural resources on our national forest for the long-term. The plan revision process presents a rare opportunity to tell the agency we want a responsible and responsive plan for our national forest to ensure that we enjoy all the benefits of these public lands, and leave a healthy forest for the next generations.
The Southern Environmental Law Center and a broad coalition of conservation and forest-protection groups are working together to persuade the Forest Service to focus on protecting clean water, diverse wildlife habitat, old-growth forests and remote, wild areas, as well as prime recreation spots. We will be involved at every step to ensure the final plan holds to these values.
