WILD VIRGINIA works to protect the wilderness. We hope you’ll take a look and join our efforts to protect some of the last wild places in eastern North America, right here in Virginia.

All Greenhouse Gas Emissions Must be Regulated

In the national clamor to find renewable sources of energy, biomass is being promoted in many corners.  The use of biomass to generate electricity, heat, and other types of energy certainly has much potential.  There are many factors to consider though, as not all biomass production and use is truly sustainable and should not be assumed to be renewable.  Just as with fossil fuels and other organic materials, the burning of biomass emits carbon dioxide.  Analysis of all energy sources, including all forms of biomass, should take into account carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.  (read more) 

Forest Planning for the George Washington National Forest - Please Participate!

Forest Planning for the George Washington National Forest officially resumed on March 10, 2010.  A series of public meetings was held in April, and public comments were accepted as well.   A draft Forest Plan and draft Environmental Impact Statement will be released in late 2010 or early 2011, followed by a 90 day comment period.  Please become involved by letting the Forest Service know how you would like to see our public lands managed.  (read more)

Support for Drinking Water Protection Continues to Grow

Through mid-March of 2010, 16 localities and numerous other organizations have adopted resolutions calling for improved management of drinking water resources in the George Washington National Forest.  Information forming the basis for the resolutions comes from the recently released report by Wild Virginia, The State of Our Water: Managing and Protecting the Drinking Water Resources of the George Washington National Forest.  Click here to learn more about the study and report.  The list of organizations that have submitted resolutions, and some of the resolutions, are viewable here.  The Shenandoah Valley Network and other partners have been instrumental in making many communities aware of the critical link between the GWNF and local drinking water.

The 2010 Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival was a Big Success

Wild Virginia wants to thank the many volunteers and sponsors who helped organize and host the Film Festival.  We especially want to thank the many people who attended and enjoyed the festival with us.  We are very proud that many of you decided to become members of Wild Virginia!

Want to learn more about the event?  Click here for information and details about the festival.

New Wilderness Areas in Virginia!

The long-awaited Virginia Ridge and Valley Act has finally come to fruition.  It was part of a large, public lands bill signed into law in March 2009, permanently protecting an additional 53,000 acres in the Jefferson National Forest in southwest Virginia.  We should celebrate the many years of hard work it took to make this happen.  Click here to read more.

Newspaper Coverage of Forest Planning

The cover story of the Feb. 15, 2009 Charlottesville Daily Progress was an interesting and informative article about forest planning on the George Washington National Forest, with an emphasis on wilderness areas.  Media coverage on this process has been lacking to date.  Wild Virginia and others are mentioned as being active participants.  Click here to see the article.  The article was also carried in the Waynesboro News Virginian and Lynchburg News and Advance.

The Roadless Areas in our National Forests remain at risk from logging and mining.

View the “Wild At Heart” report, released in conjunction with the Center for Biological Diversity, to learn more.

ACT NOW TO HELP PROTECT VIRGINIA’S ROADLESS AREAS:
Write a letter to Congress to support the Roadless Area Conservation Act!  Click here to take action.

Spring 2010 Newsletter is online here.

Upcoming Hikes and Outings are listed listed here.  We hope to see you in the woods!