[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 108 (Monday, August 8, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
    GEORGE WASHINGTON NATIONAL FOREST MOUNT PLEASANT SCENIC AREA ACT

  Mr. de la GARZA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass 
the bill (H.R. 2942) to designate certain lands in the Commonwealth of 
Virginia as a national scenic area for protection of the watershed and 
scenic values, recreation use, protection of wildlife and their 
habitat, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 2942

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``George Washington National 
     Forest Mount Pleasant Scenic Area Act''.

     SEC. 2. PURPOSES.

       The purposes of this Act with respect to the George 
     Washington National Forest Mount Pleasant Scenic Area are 
     to--
       (1) ensure appropriate protection and preservation of the 
     scenic quality, water quality, natural characteristics, and 
     water resources;
       (2) protect and manage vegetation to provide wildlife and 
     fish habitat, consistent with paragraph (1);
       (3) provide areas that may develop characteristics of old-
     growth forests; and
       (4) provide a variety of recreation opportunities that are 
     not inconsistent with the preceding purposes.

     SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF MOUNT PLEASANT NATIONAL SCENIC AREA.

       (a) In General.--
       (1) Establishment.--There is hereby established in the 
     George Washington National Forest, Virginia, the George 
     Washington National Forest Mount Pleasant Scenic Area (in 
     this section referred to as the ``scenic area'').
       (2) Lands included in scenic area.--The scenic area shall 
     consist of certain lands in the George Washington National 
     Forest, Virginia, which comprise approximately seven thousand 
     five hundred and eighty acres, as generally depicted on a map 
     entitled ``Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area--Proposed'', 
     dated June 21, 1993.
       (3) Maps and descriptions.--As soon as practicable after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
     file a map and boundary description of the scenic area with 
     the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
     Representatives. The map and description shall have the same 
     force and effect as if included in this Act, except that the 
     Secretary is authorized to correct clerical and typographical 
     errors in such boundary description and map. Such map and 
     boundary description shall be on file and available for 
     public inspection in the Office of the Chief of the Forest 
     Service, Department of Agriculture. In the case of any 
     discrepancy between the acreage and the map described in 
     paragraph (2), the map shall control.
       (b) Administration.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture (in this 
     section referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall administer 
     the scenic area in accordance with this Act and the laws and 
     regulations generally applicable to the National Forest 
     System. In the event of conflict between this Act and 
     other laws and regulations, this Act shall take 
     precedence.
       (2) Management plan.--Within three years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a 
     management plan for the scenic area as an amendment to the 
     Land and Resource Management Plan for the George Washington 
     National Forest. Such an amendment shall conform to the 
     provisions of this Act. Nothing in this Act shall require the 
     Secretary to revise the Land and Resource Management Plan for 
     the George Washington National Forest pursuant to section 6 
     of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act 
     of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604).
       (c) Roads.--After the date of the enactment of this Act, no 
     new permanent roads shall be constructed within the scenic 
     area, except that this prohibition shall not be construed to 
     deny access to private lands or interests therein in the 
     scenic area.
       (d) Vegetation Management.--No timber harvest shall be 
     allowed within the scenic area, except as may be necessary in 
     the control of fire, insects, and diseases and to provide for 
     public safety and trail access. Notwithstanding the 
     foregoing, the Secretary may engage in vegetation 
     manipulation practices for maintenance of existing wildlife 
     clearings and visual quality. Firewood may be harvested for 
     personal use along perimeter roads under such conditions as 
     the Secretary may impose.
       (e) Motorized Travel.--
       (1) Authorized routes.--Motorized travel in the scenic area 
     shall be allowed on State Route 635. Subject to such 
     conditions as the Secretary may impose, motorized travel in 
     the scenic area shall also be allowed on Forest Development 
     Road 51.
       (2) Other areas.--Other than as provided in paragraph (1), 
     motorized travel shall not be permitted within the scenic 
     area, except that the Secretary may authorize motorized 
     travel within the scenic area as necessary for administrative 
     use in furtherance of the purposes of this Act and on 
     temporary routes in support of wildlife management projects.
       (f) Fire.--Wildfires shall be suppressed in a manner 
     consistent with the purposes of this Act, using such means as 
     the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (g) Insects and Disease.--Insect and disease outbreaks may 
     be controlled in the scenic area to maintain scenic quality, 
     prevent tree mortality, reduce hazards to visitors, or 
     protect private lands.
       (h) Water.--The scenic area shall be administered so as to 
     maintain or enhance existing water quality.
       (i) Mining withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, 
     all federally owned lands in the scenic area are hereby 
     withdrawn from location, entry, and patent under the mining 
     laws of the United States and from claims under the mineral 
     and geothermal leasing laws of the United States, including 
     amendments to such laws.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Texas [Mr. de la Garza] will be recognized for 20 minutes, and the 
gentleman from Florida [Mr. Lewis] will be recognized for 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas [Mr. de la Garza].

                              {time}  1630

  Mr. de la GARZA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2942, as amended, would establish the George 
Washington National Forest Mount Pleasant Scenic Area out of a 7,580-
acre tract within the George Washington National Forest in the State of 
Virginia.
  The legislation, introduced by the gentleman from Virginia [Mr. 
Goodlatte], would provide permanent protection for the Mt. Pleasant 
area.
  Although the forest plan for the George Washington National Forest 
provides protection of many of the values within the area, that plan is 
subject to amendment or revision. The specific management requirements 
contained in H.R. 2942 would provide for permanent protection and were 
developed in consultation with the Forest Service, the Amherst County 
board of supervisors, and local citizens, environmental, and timber 
representatives.
  The scenic area designation would provide protection for the 
headwaters of the North Fork of the Buffalo River, which is a high-
quality source of drinking water for the town of Amherst, VA. The 
scenic area designation would also protect groves of old growth oak, 
yellow poplar and ash, fish, and wildlife that are found in the Mount 
Pleasant area.
  The Committee on Agriculture modified the bill to include a new 
section 3(i), which is a provision relating to mining. The Committee 
recognizes the jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural Resources in 
regard to matters relating to mining interests generally, according to 
House rule X. The bill is not intended to alter the jurisdiction of the 
Committee on Agriculture or the Committee on Natural Resources in any 
way. In addition, we recognize the right of the Committee on Natural 
Resources to be represented in any conference proceeding that may be 
held with respect to section 3(i).
  The Committee on Agriculture appreciates the cooperation of the 
Committee on Natural Resources in allowing the bill to the floor.
  Mr. Speaker, the bill received bipartisan support in the Committee on 
Agriculture, and I urge its passage.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LEWIS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2942, a bill to 
designate certain lands within the George Washington National Forest in 
Virginia as the Mount Pleasant Scenic Area.
  I would like to take this opportunity to commend the sponsor of this 
legislation, Mr. Goodlatte, for his diligent work in carefully crafting 
this legislation. This bill enjoys overwhelming support of the entire 
Virginia delegation, the local county board of supervisors, local 
environmental groups, and private businesses in the area.
  As the ranking minority member of the Speciality Crops and Natural 
Resources Subcommittee of the Agriculture Committee, I urge my 
colleagues to support this legislation to ensure a more permanent level 
of protection for the unique scenic qualities of the Mount Pleasant 
Area.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman 
from Virginia [Mr. Goodlatte].
  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time 
to me.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of Amherst County, VA, I am 
pleased to see H.R. 2942, The George Washington National Forest, Mt. 
Pleasant Scenic Area Act come before the House today.
  I want to thank Chairman de la Garza, ranking member Pat Roberts, and 
all the members of the Agriculture Committee and the Agriculture 
Committee staff for their assistance in the hearing and markup process 
necessary to bring the bill to the floor. I would also like to thank 
Chairman Rose and ranking member Lewis of the Subcommittee on Specialty 
Crops and Natural Resources for their assistance in this effort.
  Last year, the Amherst County Board of Supervisors, local sportsmen, 
business leaders, hikers, and families have expressed their desire to 
permanently protect an area surrounding Mt. Pleasant in Amherst County, 
VA. This area features some of the highest peaks on the Blue Ridge 
Mountain chain in Virginia, and that afford some of the most 
spectacular views of the Blue Ridge. This area includes valuable 
resources such as the Buffalo River's watershed, native wild trout 
streams, waterfalls, a portion of the historic Appalachian Trail, and 
many other notable features.
  This legislation draws together recommendations from the Forest 
Service with the specific concern voiced to me by the local board of 
supervisors and concerned citizens from the area. This bill designates 
approximately 7,580 acres in this region as a scenic area. It will 
protect Mt. Pleasant from environmental damage, allow fish and other 
wildlife to flourish and preserve old forest stands within the area.
  In the development of this plan, I considered a broad array of 
options and listened to my constituents' opinions about how best to 
manage this area and its vital natural resources. Most importantly, as 
the local board of supervisors pointed out, the solution needed to 
provide a full range permanent protection of the areas resources.
  I came to the belief that to effectively protect all of the special 
attributes of Mt. Pleasant, a tailored approach was necessary. One 
which would not leave this area vulnerable to severe damage from 
wildfire, pests like the gypsy moth and southern pine beetle, floods, 
and pollution. Furthermore, many senior citizens and handicapped people 
voiced their desire to maintain their ability to enjoy Mt. Pleasant.
  This legislation will provide a permanent framework for sound 
management with the flexibility needed to manage the area locally. It 
will also ensure that this beautiful region of Virginia will be 
available for everyone to enjoy for years to come.
  I am grateful to all of the concerned citizens across the sixth 
district who contacted me to provide their opinions and am pleased with 
the support from groups such as the Sierra Club, the Wilderness 
Society, the National Audubon Society, and I also appreciate the 
support of some of the business groups in the area, paper mills that 
manufacture nearby as well as the Appalachian Forest Management Group, 
as well as the unanimous consent of the Amherst County Board of 
Supervisors.
  I also appreciate the unanimous support of the Virginia congressional 
delegation and the strong bipartisan support this bill has received in 
the House. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2942 includes matters within the 
jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural Resources. It is being brought 
to the floor today with certain understandings between the Committee on 
Agriculture and the Committee on Natural Resources. These include the 
recognition by the Committee on Agriculture of the jurisdictional 
interest of the Committee on Natural Resources as to the mining 
language contained in the bill. Further, and more importantly, the name 
of the area has been changed to delete the designation of a ``national 
scenic area'' and instead identify the area as a ``scenic area.''
  The Committee on Natural Resources has had a longstanding and active 
legislative interest in the designation of ``national scenic areas'' 
and related ``national recreation areas'' on national forest lands 
regardless of whether these lands are located in eastern or western 
national forests. I was concerned about H.R. 2942 because of potential 
questions as to the need and nature of the designation. The Committee 
on Agriculture agreed to delete the word ``national'' from the 
designation to avoid potential conflict with the Committee on Natural 
Resources jurisdiction over various national conservation system units. 
The Forest Service does have the administrative authority to designate 
``scenic areas'' and the designation in H.R. 2942 is consistent with 
that administrative authority. However, the designation of an area as 
``national'' implies an importance and significance that transcends an 
individual area and as such should be considered to a higher standard. 
The Committee on Natural Resources has legislated extensively on such 
national designations and I believe if the bill were to retain such a 
designation the committee would have a jurisdictional claim. The 
Agriculture Committee has agreed to delete such a ``national'' 
designation, but I want to make it clear that I believe it should not 
and does not prejudice any claim the Committee on Natural Resources may 
have to this bill and similar legislation.
  Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the H.R. 2942. The 
gentleman from Virginia [Mr. Goodlatte] is to be commended for his 
efforts and leadership for bringing this bill to the floor. More 
important is the balanced approach Mr. Goodlatte has taken with the 
George Washington National Forest Mount Pleasant Scenic Area Act. I 
understand the bill has the support of the entire Virginia delegation.
  H.R. 2942 would designate approximately 7,580 acres in the George 
Washington National Forest in Virginia as a national scenic area under 
the management of U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. The 
purpose of the legislation is to ensure appropriate protection and 
preservation in the beautiful Shenandoah Mountains in western Virginia.
  Less than 2 weeks ago I had the privilege of visiting this region of 
Virginia, represented by Mr. Goodlatte. While certainly not as 
beautiful as the golden plains of Kansas, I was indeed struck by the 
beauty of the region and it is worthy of preservation and the 
gentleman's bill strikes a good balance between preservation and 
recreational uses.
  The Agriculture Committee reported the bill without dissent and I 
urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2942.
  Mr. LEWIS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for 
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. de la GARZA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Richardson). The question is on the 
motion offered by the gentleman from Texas [Mr. de la Garza] that the 
House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2942, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  The title of the bill was amended so as to read: ``A bill to 
designate certain lands in the Commonwealth of Virginia as the George 
Washington National Forest Mount Pleasant Scenic Area.''
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________