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Expanding Virginia Wilderness Areas: Protecting 5,600 Acres of National Forest.

This law permanently expands two existing Wilderness Areas (Rough Mountain and Rich Hole) within the George Washington National Forest. This action places approximately 5,600 acres under strict protection, limiting development and motorized use. Citizens benefit from larger, preserved natural spaces for non-motorized recreation, while the law allows temporary work to improve water quality.
Key points
Adds 1,000 acres immediately to the Rough Mountain Wilderness Area, ensuring immediate protection for this land.
Designates 4,600 acres as a potential Rich Hole Wilderness addition, which will gain full protection within five years or sooner, once water quality improvement projects are finished.
Allows temporary use of motorized equipment in the Rich Hole addition solely for necessary water quality and aquatic ecosystem restoration work before its final designation.
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Placed on Calendar
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_1680
Sponsor: Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
Process start date: 2025-05-08