Making a “Wild” New Year’s Resolution
Monday, December 31, 2007
Charleston, WV – Even if they're not into wild New Year's Eve parties, West Virginians can make a "wild" resolution this year. A state environmental group is asking them to resolve to help protect the state's unique wild areas.
Matt Keller with the West Virginia Wilderness Coalition says when Congress starts up again, West Virginia's delegation has a chance to give wilderness protection to key areas of the Monongahela National Forest. He says volunteers from around the state have brought those protections close to reality, but more West Virginians need to help by getting involved.
"It's not just about us; it's not just about this current generation that's able to go out and enjoy these places. We need to make a resolution to make sure these places are around for future generations."
Places under consideration for federal wilderness designation include the Big Draft and Spice Run areas at the southern end of the forest, and the scenic Roaring Plains area in the north. Also on the list is the Seneca Creek area in Pendleton and Randolph counties, a top haven for trout fishing.
Keller says in addition to boosting the quality of life for West Virginians, protecting wilderness has a real economic payoff for the state.
"It's a draw, not just for tourism, but for people who want to live and stay, and relocate and bring businesses, to really help the economy grow and thrive."
get more stories like this via email
United Nations experts are raising concerns about chemical giants DuPont and Chemours, saying they've violated human rights in North Carolina…
Social Issues
The long-delayed Farm Bill could benefit Virginia farmers by renewing funding for climate-smart investments, but it's been held up for months in …
Environment
Conservation groups say the Hawaiian Islands are on the leading edge of the fight to preserve endangered birds, since climate change and habitat loss …
Environment
April has been "Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month," but the pests don't know that. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it's the …
Health and Wellness
The 2024 Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium Public Conference kicks off Saturday, where industry experts and researchers will share the latest scientific …
Environment
Environmental groups say more should be done to protect people's health from what they call toxic, radioactive sludge. A court granted a temporary …