[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 130 (Thursday, July 27, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S3763]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. KAINE (for himself and Mr. Warner):
  S. 2630. A bill to establish the Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic 
Area in the State of Virginia, and for other purposes; to the Committee 
on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
  Mr. KAINE. Madam President, today, I am introducing legislation that 
is the product of at least 18 years of collaborative work by a diverse 
group of stakeholders in Virginia, including local recreation groups, 
conservationists, timber industry representatives, and sportsmen.
  The Shenandoah Mountain Act would designate more than 92,000 acres of 
the George Washington National Forest lands in Virginia as the 
Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area, SMNSA.
  Congress designates national scenic areas to protect the natural and 
scenic value of lands that are also compatible with recreational uses 
such as hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, mountain biking, among 
others.
  The SMNSA encompasses four wilderness areas: Skidmore Fork, Little 
River, Ramsey's Draft, and Lynn Hollow, which in total include 10 peaks 
above 4,000 feet and 150 miles of trails to attract campers, hikers, 
mountain bikers, fishermen, birders, and equestrians. The legislation 
also establishes a 5,779-acre wilderness area at Beech Lick Knob, 
located 10 miles to the north.
  The SMNSA will protect important water resources, as it covers 
headwaters for the Potomac and James Rivers and watersheds that provide 
drinking water for Harrisonburg, Staunton, and communities farther 
downstream, such as Washington, DC, and Richmond. This area is also a 
hotspot for biodiversity. Cold mountain streams in the area are a 
stronghold for native brook trout. Today's legislation would 
permanently protect these rivers and streams from industrial 
development. It would also help safeguard plant and wildlife habitat 
for black bears, wild turkeys, more than 250 species of birds, and at-
risk species like the Cow Knob and Shenandoah Mountain salamanders.
  The Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area will provide a boost to 
the region's growing tourism industry. In 2021, the tourism economy 
directly employed 6,543 people and generated $728.5 million in Augusta, 
Rockingham, Bath, and Highland Counties, as well as Harrisonburg, 
Staunton, and Waynesboro. In addition to the direct benefits to 
tourism, James Madison University scientists estimate that lands within 
the SMNSA proposal already generate $13.7 million per year in other 
local benefits, including the value of the water supply. Designation of 
the SMNSA would further grow these benefits.
  The challenges of the past 3 years have underscored that getting out 
into nature is critical to our health and well-being. I am proud that 
the Shenandoah Mountain Act will expand these opportunities within the 
George Washington National Forest for visitors near and far, while also 
boosting our local economies, protecting drinking water sources, and 
preserving the wildlife that makes this area so special.
  The local governments of Staunton, Augusta, Rockingham, and 
Harrisonburg, along with over 400 businesses and organizations, have 
endorsed the new designation for the vast benefits it will have on the 
surrounding communities. I thank my colleague Senator Mark Warner for 
joining me in introducing this legislation. I also commend our local 
stakeholders for working on this proposal for so many years.
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