[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 13 (Monday, January 28, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E82]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HUNTING IN THE NEW RIVER GORGE NATIONAL RIVER

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                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 28, 2008

  Mr. RAHALL. Madam Speaker, the New River Gorge National River in 
southern West Virginia was designated as a unit of the National Park 
System in 1978. At times referred to as the `Grand Canyon of the East' 
we in West Virginia refer to the Grand Canyon as the `New River Gorge 
of the West.' The national river is comprised of over 70,000 acres of 
mostly rugged terrain and is renowned as a destination for its world-
class whitewater recreation, rock climbing and other outdoor 
activities. But it is also a place where generations of West Virginians 
have hunted and fished. Unfortunately, the ability to hunt in the gorge 
is now being drawn into question.
  As the Congressman from New River Country, today I am introducing 
legislation to ensure that hunting remains a purpose of the New River 
Gorge National River.
  I view it as a God given right for West Virginians to hunt in the New 
River Gorge. This area is not immune from activities such as housing 
developments that are placing a premium on lands where hunting by the 
general public may take place.
  Unfortunately, the National Park Service, as part of the development 
of a new general management plan for the park unit, has included a no 
hunting alternative. It is doing so because the legislation which 
established the New River Gorge National River states that hunting 
``may'' be permitted. The enabling statute for the nearby Gauley River 
National Recreation Area, on the other hand, states that hunting 
``shall'' be allowed. In fact, this is the case for the vast majority 
of the 62 units of the National Park System in which hunting is 
permitted.
  The bill I am introducing today simply changes the ``may'' to a 
``shall'' in the law which established the New River Gorge National 
River. While there is no doubt in my mind that the current 
Superintendent of this park unit will do the right thing and allow 
hunting to continue in the final general management plan, this is too 
important of an issue to remain at the discretion of future managers of 
the park unit.

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