West Virginia Wilderness Bill Passes House

Press Release

West Virginia Wilderness Bill Passes House

Capito Votes for Legislation to Protect Wilderness and Preserve Local Flexibility

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today voted to support the Wild Monongahela Act: A National Legacy for West Virginia's Special Places, joining her colleagues in the West Virginia Congressional Delegation to preserve wilderness areas in the Monongahela National Forest. Introduced by Chairman Nick Rahall (D-WV), the legislation was co-sponsored by Capito and Rep. Alan Mollohan (D-WV).

"West Virginians have a unique appreciation for our state's beauty and majesty," said Capito. "They are hunters, anglers, mountain bikers and outdoorsmen who recognize that we must preserve and protect our natural landscape. With this legislation we can establish new wilderness areas to preserve the splendor of our forests and mountains, while also respecting the needs and wishes of those who live and interact with our state's natural wilderness."

The product of nearly two years of discussion between Capito and local leaders, this legislation will create the 6,800-acre Roaring Plains West federal wilderness area in West Virginia's Second Congressional District. The United States Forest Service recommended the addition of the Roaring Plains West wilderness designation after a lengthy study of the Monongahela National Forest.

The Wild Monongahela Act expands on the 1964 Wilderness Act, which first provided for the permanent protection of natural and undisturbed wilderness areas. In addition to the creation of the Roaring Plains West, the legislation will expand or create federal wilderness areas to include Big Draft in Greenbrier County, Cranberry Expansion in Pocahontas and Webster Counties, Dolly Sods Expansion in Tucker County, Dry Fork in Tucker County and Spice Run in Greenbrier County.

Speaking in support of the legislation on the House floor, Capito reflected on discussions with her constituents in Randolph and Pendleton Counties.

"The people of this area are well acquainted with wilderness," she said. This legislation "reflects their desire to preserve these natural treasures, while maintaining important flexibility for local residents."

The legislation must now garner support from the United States Senate.

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