[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 27 (Tuesday, February 13, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1913-S1914]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. WARNER (for himself and Mr. Webb):
  S. 570. A bill to designate additional National Forest System lands 
in the State of Virginia as wilderness or a wilderness study area, to 
designate the Kimberling Creek Potential Wilderness Area for eventual 
incorporation in the

[[Page S1914]]

Kimberling Creek Wilderness, to establish the Seng Mountain and Bear 
Creek Scenic Areas, to provide for the development of trail plans for 
the wilderness areas and scenic areas, and for other purposes; to the 
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Virginia 
Ridge and Valley Act of 2007. This bill seeks to add six new wilderness 
areas, expand six existing wilderness areas, and create two new 
national scenic areas in the Jefferson National Forest. Today, 
Congressman Rick Boucher will join me by introducing companion 
legislation in the United States House of Representatives.
  Throughout my nearly three decades in the United States Senate, I 
have strived to preserve Virginia's natural resources through the 
designation of wilderness areas and, today, I am proud to say that 
Virginia boasts just over 100,000 acres of designated wilderness lands. 
However, there is still much work to be done. If enacted, the Virginia 
Ridge and Valley Act of 2007 will substantially increase this figure by 
expanding our opportunities for uninterrupted enjoyment in the forest 
with the addition of nearly 43,000 acres of new wilderness and 
wilderness study lands and almost 12,000 acres of national scenic 
areas.
  Virginia is blessed with great natural beauty and diversity. From the 
coves and inlets of the Chesapeake Bay, to the exquisite peaks of the 
Shenandoah Mountains, residents and visitors alike can enjoy a 
bountiful array of natural treasures. As demand for development in 
Virginia continues to increase, it is imperative that Congress act 
expeditiously to protect these wild lands. Through wilderness and 
national scenic area designations, we can ensure that these areas 
retain their natural character and influences.
  As an avid outdoorsman, I enjoy opportunities for recreation like 
most Americans. Therefore, I want to stress the many joyful outdoor 
activities that will be enhanced by the wilderness designation in these 
areas, including: hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, canoeing, and 
horseback riding, to name a few. By designating these lands as 
wilderness and scenic areas, we ensure that Virginians will be able to 
enjoy these activities in an unspoiled playground for generations to 
come.
  I am pleased that my colleague from Virginia, Senator Jim Webb, has 
agreed to co-sponsor this important legislation, and I urge the rest of 
my colleagues to join me in support of this bill. I thank you for this 
opportunity to speak on behalf of the Virginia Ridge and Valley Act of 
2007
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