[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 132 (Tuesday, September 28, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S7635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. ROCKEFELLER:
  S. 3863. A bill to designate certain Federal land within the 
Monongahela National Forest as a component of the National Wilderness 
Preservation System, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy 
and Natural Resources.
  Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the 
Monongahela Conservation Legacy Act of 2010. This important piece of 
legislation sets aside 6,042 acres of the Monongahela National Forest 
on North Fork Mountain in Grant County, WV, to be included in the 
National Wilderness Preservation System.
  West Virginians have a proud tradition of mining and logging that 
provides needed resources for our entire country. I have no doubt that 
this tradition will continue for many decades to come. However, at the 
same time, new development is coming to West Virginia. This is needed 
development that provides jobs for West Virginians and helps support 
our economy. But with this increased development comes a responsibility 
to set aside some part of our natural environment for those who come 
after us.
  The Monongahela National Forest encompasses nearly 920,000 acres of 
land in the heart of the Appalachian Mountain Range and contains some 
of the most ecologically diverse regions in the country. North Fork 
Mountain is one of these incredible areas and has earned the Forest 
Service's highest rating for Natural Integrity in its Wilderness 
Attribute Rating System. The mountain is a nesting site for peregrine 
falcons and home to 120 rare plants, animals, and natural communities. 
With this wilderness designation all of these ecological treasures will 
be permanently protected.
  Over the years I have heard from hundreds of West Virginians about 
how important wilderness is to them. I have heard from West Virginians 
who want to make sure that they will be able to continue to fish 
pristine streams and hunt in the forests. Wilderness is a major draw 
for the outdoor tourism industry and will provide jobs.
  Finally, I want to extend my thanks to Congressman Mollohan, who has 
introduced identical legislation in the House of Representatives, for 
his leadership on this issue. I will continue to work with all 
stakeholders involved to move this legislation forward and to address 
any concerns while ensuring the preservation of this truly special 
place.

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