Congress still has time to preserve wilderness with Wild Monongahela Act

Charleston Gazette       September 29, 2008
Rev. Dennis D. Sparks, Robert Bitner Jr., Mike Price and John Manchester

As West Virginians we believe that preserving our wilderness is one of the greatest things we can do for our state. That's why we have all come together in support of the Wild Mon bill. We think it is the best thing for all of us, including future generations of West Virginians.

Election season is upon us and while it seems that we are bombarded by information about the presidential candidates, Congress still has time to get some great work done on the Wild Monongahela Act before the end of the session.

Senators Byrd and Rockefeller have an opportunity to help move legislation through the Senate that would forever protect some of America's greatest wild public lands including 37,000 acres of the Monongahela National Forest right here in West Virginia.

The Wild Monongahela Act has been crafted to support many interests -- going to the table and making compromises, but all with the final goal of preserving some of West Virginia's most "wild and wonderful" places.

As West Virginians we believe that preserving our wilderness is one of the greatest things we can do for our state. That's why we have all come together in support of the Wild Mon bill. We think it is the best thing for all of us, including future generations of West Virginians. That is why we testified in favor of this legislation in the Congressional hearings. The citizens whom we represent support the permanent protection of our wild and wonderful heritage.

The AFL-CIO unanimously voted to support wilderness designation because they believe it will help with the economy and development of rural communities. People are attracted to, and businesses want to locate or stay in, places that offer a high quality of life, are clean, beautiful and where there are ample opportunities to connect with nature.

These wilderness areas provide outdoor recreation such as hunting, fishing and hiking, which improves the quality of life for West Virginians. They also increase the tourism economy here in West Virginia -- protecting these areas and the outdoor recreation opportunities they provide not only keeps West Virginia competitive in regional and national markets, but also provides a much-needed and affordable outdoor experience for our local residents.

Among the many draws to areas like Roaring Plains are the hunting and fishing opportunities that can be found there. Trout fishing in the Mon can't be beat and that is why the Mountaineer Chapter of Trout Unlimited wholly supports the Wild Mon bill. This legislation would protect and help to restore some of the finest Eastern Brook Trout streams in the world.

The appeal for these wild areas does not stop there. Many members of the faith community, including the West Virginia Council of Churches, have also come out in support of wilderness protection. As Jesus of Nazareth often drew apart to wild places to pray, we recognize the continuing power and importance to the human spirit of our remaining wild lands. It is a place where you can find spiritual inspiration and meaningfully connect with God. These examples are just a sampling of the varied and well-rounded support that the Wild Mon Bill has received.

It would be a shame to make it this far in the legislative process only to come away empty-handed because Congress ran out of time. We, who testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee in support of the Wild Monongahela Act, as well as all of the citizens of West Virginia, are counting on Sen. Byrd and Sen. Rockefeller to try their best to get this bill passed and leave the lasting legacy of West Virginia's most gorgeous wild lands for future generations to enjoy.

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