Virginia Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner are reintroducing legislation to protect nearly 93,000 acres of the George Washington National Forest by designating it as a national scenic area. The goal of the bill is to preserve the natural beauty of the Shenandoah Mountain region and limit activities like logging.
Kaine emphasized that the effort has been supported by a diverse range of groups, including community organizations, local government boards, churches, and outdoor enthusiasts. He described it as a long-standing initiative to secure better protection for the forest's landscape.
Kaine also mentioned his plan to push for the bill's inclusion in an end-of-year public lands legislative package. This process typically involves cooperation with lawmakers who have their own land priorities. He expressed optimism about working with Republican colleagues to gain bipartisan support, explaining that legislative deals often involve mutual backing of each other's projects.
The scenic designation would cover wilderness areas in Rockingham, Augusta, Bath, and Highland Counties, helping to safeguard the land from development and preserve its natural state for future generations.