WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine released the following joint statement on the U.S. Forest Service’s announcement of a final management plan for the George Washington National Forest: 

“We’re pleased that the Forest Service’s final management plan announced today for the George Washington National Forest closes the overwhelming majority of lands in the Forest to horizontal drilling activities, with the remaining portion comprising acreage that has been leased in the past but never developed. We have long urged the Forest Service to seriously consider the concerns of Virginians about the potential impacts of horizontal drilling and applaud Supervisor Speaks for taking the time to ensure all stakeholders were heard during this process. We also applaud the recommendation of a National Scenic Area designation for Shenandoah Mountain.  We recognize the hard work that went into this plan and remain committed to doing everything we can to preserve Virginia’s beautiful public lands.”

More information on the management plan is available here.