[Senate Report 110-349]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Calendar No. 781
110th Congress Report
SENATE
2d Session 110-349
======================================================================
VIRGINIA RIDGE AND VALLEY ACT
_______
June 16, 2008.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Bingaman, from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany S. 570]
The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, to which was
referred the bill (S. 570) to designate additional National
Forest System lands in the State of Virginia as wilderness or a
wilderness study area, to designate the Kimberling Creek
Potential Wilderness Area for eventual incorporation in the
Kimberling Creek Wilderness, to establish the Seng Mountain and
Bear Creek Scenic Areas, to provide for the development of
trail plans for the wilderness areas and scenic areas, and for
other purposes, having considered the same, reports favorably
thereon with an amendment and recommends that the bill, as
amended, do pass.
The amendment is as follows:
Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert in lieu
thereof the following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Virginia Ridge and Valley Act of
2008''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Scenic areas.--The term ``scenic areas'' means the Seng
Mountain National Scenic Area and the Bear Creek National
Scenic Area.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
Agriculture.
SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF ADDITIONAL NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND IN
JEFFERSON NATIONAL FOREST, VIRGINIA, AS WILDERNESS
OR A WILDERNESS STUDY AREA.
(a) Designation of Wilderness.--Section 1 of Public Law 100-326 (16
U.S.C. 1132 note; 102 Stat. 584, 114 Stat. 2057), is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``System--'' and inserting ``System:'';
(2) by striking ``certain'' each place it appears and
inserting ``Certain'';
(3) in each of paragraphs (1) through (6), by striking the
semicolon at the end and inserting a period;
(4) in paragraph (7), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
period; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(9) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 3,743 acres, as generally depicted on
the map entitled `Brush Mountain and Brush Mountain East' and
dated May 5, 2008, which shall be known as the `Brush Mountain
East Wilderness'.
``(10) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 4,794 acres, as generally depicted on
the map entitled `Brush Mountain and Brush Mountain East' and
dated May 5, 2008, which shall be known as the `Brush Mountain
Wilderness'.
``(11) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 4,223 acres, as generally depicted on
the map entitled `Seng Mountain and Raccoon Branch' and dated
April 28, 2008, which shall be known as the `Raccoon Branch
Wilderness'.
``(12) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 3,270 acres, as generally depicted on
the map entitled `Stone Mountain' and dated April 28, 2008,
which shall be known as the `Stone Mountain Wilderness'.
``(13) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 8,470 acres, as generally depicted on
the map entitled `Garden Mountain and Hunting Camp Creek' and
dated April 28, 2008, which shall be known as the `Hunting Camp
Creek Wilderness'.
``(14) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 3,291 acres, as generally depicted on
the map entitled `Garden Mountain and Hunting Camp Creek' and
dated April 28, 2008, which shall be known as the `Garden
Mountain Wilderness'.
``(15) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 5,476 acres, as generally depicted on
the map entitled `Mountain Lake Additions' and dated April 28,
2008, which is incorporated in the Mountain Lake Wilderness
designated by section 2(6) of the Virginia Wilderness Act of
1984 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note; Public Law 98-586).
``(16) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 308 acres, as generally depicted on
the map entitled `Lewis Fork Addition and Little Wilson Creek
Additions' and dated April 28, 2008, which is incorporated in
the Lewis Fork Wilderness designated by section 2(3) of the
Virginia Wilderness Act of 1984 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note; Public
Law 98-586).
``(17) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 1,845 acres, as generally depicted on
the map entitled `Lewis Fork Addition and Little Wilson Creek
Additions' and dated April 28, 2008, which is incorporated in
the Little Wilson Creek Wilderness designated by section 2(5)
of the Virginia Wilderness Act of 1984 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note;
Public Law 98-586).
``(18) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 2,219 acres, as generally depicted on
the map entitled `Shawvers Run Additions' and dated April 28,
2008, which is incorporated in the Shawvers Run Wilderness
designated by paragraph (4).
``(19) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 1,203 acres, as generally depicted on
the map entitled `Peters Mountain Addition' and dated April 28,
2008, which is incorporated in the Peters Mountain Wilderness
designated by section 2(7) of the Virginia Wilderness Act of
1984 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note; Public Law 98-586).
``(20) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 263 acres, as generally depicted on
the map entitled `Kimberling Creek Additions and Potential
Wilderness Area' and dated April 28, 2008, which is
incorporated in the Kimberling Creek Wilderness designated by
section 2(2) of the Virginia Wilderness Act of 1984 (16 U.S.C.
1132 note; Public Law 98-586).''.
(b) Designation of Wilderness Study Area.--Section (6)(a) of the
Virginia Wilderness Act of 1984 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note; Public Law 98-
586) is amended--
(1) by striking ``certain'' each place it appears and
inserting ``Certain'';
(2) in each of paragraphs (1) and (2), by striking the
semicolon at the end and inserting a period;
(3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
period; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 3,226 acres, as generally depicted on
the map entitled `Lynn Camp Creek Wilderness Study Area' and
dated April 28, 2008, which shall be known as the `Lynn Camp
Creek Wilderness Study Area'.''.
SEC. 4. DESIGNATION OF KIMBERLING CREEK POTENTIAL WILDERNESS AREA,
JEFFERSON NATIONAL FOREST, VIRGINIA.
(a) Designation.--In furtherance of the purposes of the Wilderness
Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), certain land in the Jefferson National
Forest comprising approximately 349 acres, as generally depicted on the
map entitled ``Kimberling Creek Additions and Potential Wilderness
Area'' and dated April 28, 2008, is designated as a potential
wilderness area for incorporation in the Kimberling Creek Wilderness
designated by section 2(2) of the Virginia Wilderness Act of 1984 (16
U.S.C. 1132 note; Public Law 98-586).
(b) Management.--Except as provided in subsection (c) and subject
to valid existing rights, the Secretary shall manage the potential
wilderness area in accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131
et seq.).
(c) Ecological Restoration.--
(1) In general.--For purposes of ecological restoration
(including the elimination of nonnative species, removal of
illegal, unused, or decommissioned roads, and any other
activity necessary to restore the natural ecosystems in the
potential wilderness area), the Secretary may use motorized
equipment and mechanized transport in the potential wilderness
area until the date on which the potential wilderness area is
incorporated into the Kimberling Creek Wilderness.
(2) Limitation.--To the maximum extent practicable, the
Secretary shall use the minimum tool or administrative practice
necessary to accomplish ecological restoration with the least
amount of adverse impact on wilderness character and resources.
(d) Wildness Designation.--The potential wilderness area shall be
designated as wilderness and incorporated in the Kimberling Creek
Wilderness on the earlier of--
(1) the date on which the Secretary publishes in the Federal
Register notice that the conditions in the potential wilderness
area that are incompatible with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C.
1131 et seq.) have been removed; or
(2) the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 5. SENG MOUNTAIN AND BEAR CREEK SCENIC AREAS, JEFFERSON NATIONAL
FOREST, VIRGINIA.
(a) Establishment.--There are designated as National Scenic Areas--
(1) certain National Forest System land in the Jefferson
National Forest, comprising approximately 5,192 acres, as
generally depicted on the map entitled ``Seng Mountain and
Raccoon Branch'' and dated April 28, 2008, which shall be known
as the ``Seng Mountain National Scenic Area''; and
(2) certain National Forest System land in the Jefferson
National Forest, comprising approximately 5,128 acres, as
generally depicted on the map entitled ``Bear Creek'' and dated
April 28, 2008, which shall be known as the ``Bear Creek
National Scenic Area''.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the scenic areas are--
(1) to ensure the protection and preservation of scenic
quality, water quality, natural characteristics, and water
resources of the scenic areas;
(2) consistent with paragraph (1), to protect wildlife and
fish habitat in the scenic areas;
(3) to protect areas in the scenic areas that may develop
characteristics of old-growth forests; and
(4) consistent with paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), to provide
a variety of recreation opportunities in the scenic areas.
(c) Administration.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall administer the scenic
areas in accordance with--
(A) this Act; and
(B) the laws (including regulations) generally
applicable to the National Forest System.
(2) Authorized uses.--The Secretary shall only allow uses of
the scenic areas that the Secretary determines will further the
purposes of the scenic areas, as described in subsection (b).
(d) Management Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop as an amendment to
the land and resource management plan for the Jefferson National Forest
a management plan for the scenic areas.
(2) Effect.--Nothing in this subsection requires the
Secretary to revise the land and resource management plan for
the Jefferson National Forest under section 6 of the Forest and
Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C.
1604).
(e) Roads.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), after
the date of enactment of this Act, no roads shall be
established or constructed within the scenic areas.
(2) Limitation.--Nothing in this subsection denies any owner
of private land (or an interest in private land) that is
located in a scenic area the right to access the private land.
(f) Timber Harvest.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and
(3), no harvesting of timber shall be allowed within the scenic
areas.
(2) Exceptions.--The Secretary may authorize harvesting of
timber in the scenic areas if the Secretary determines that the
harvesting is necessary to--
(A) control fire;
(B) provide for public safety or trail access; or
(C) control insect and disease outbreaks.
(3) Firewood for personal use.--Firewood may be harvested for
personal use along perimeter roads in the scenic areas, subject
to any conditions that the Secretary may impose.
(g) Insect and Disease Outbreaks.--The Secretary may control insect
and disease outbreaks--
(1) to maintain scenic quality;
(2) to prevent tree mortality;
(3) to reduce hazards to visitors; or
(4) to protect private land.
(h) Vegetation Management.--The Secretary may engage in vegetation
manipulation practices in the scenic areas to maintain the visual
quality and wildlife clearings in existence on the date of enactment of
this Act.
(i) Motorized Vehicles.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
motorized vehicles shall not be allowed within the scenic
areas.
(2) Exceptions.--The Secretary may authorize the use of
motorized vehicles--
(A) to carry out administrative activities that
further the purposes of the scenic areas, as described
in subsection (b);
(B) to assist wildlife management projects in
existence on the date of enactment of this Act; and
(C) during deer and bear hunting seasons--
(i) on Forest Development Roads 49410 and
84b; and
(ii) on the portion of Forest Development
Road 6261 designated on the map described in
subsection (a)(2) as ``open seasonally''.
(j) Wildfire Suppression.--Wildfire suppression within the scenic
areas shall be conducted--
(1) in a manner consistent with the purposes of the scenic
areas, as described in subsection (b); and
(2) using such means as the Secretary determines to be
appropriate.
(k) Water.--The Secretary shall administer the scenic areas in a
manner that maintains and enhances water quality.
(l) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, all Federal land
in the scenic areas is withdrawn from--
(1) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(2) operation of the mineral leasing and geothermal leasing
law.
SEC. 6. TRAIL PLAN AND DEVELOPMENT.
(a) Trail Plan.--The Secretary, in consultation with interested
parties, shall establish a trail plan to develop--
(1) in a manner consistent with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C.
1131 et seq.), hiking and equestrian trails in the wilderness
areas designated by paragraphs (9) through (20) of section 1 of
Public Law 100-326 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note) (as added by section
3(a)(5)); and
(2) nonmotorized recreation trails in the scenic areas.
(b) Implementation Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a
report that describes the implementation of the trail plan, including
the identification of priority trails for development.
(c) Sustainable Trail Required.--The Secretary shall develop a
sustainable trail, using a contour curvilinear alignment, to provide
for nonmotorized travel along the southern boundary of the Raccoon
Branch Wilderness established by section 1(11) of Public Law 100-326
(16 U.S.C. 1132 note) (as added by section 3(a)(5)) connecting to
Forest Development Road 49352 in Smyth County, Virginia.
SEC. 7. MAPS AND BOUNDARY DESCRIPTIONS.
(a) In General.--As soon as practicable after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall file with the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources
and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives maps
and boundary descriptions of--
(1) the scenic areas;
(2) the wilderness areas designated by paragraphs (9) through
(20) of section 1 of Public Law 100-326 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note)
(as added by section 3(a)(5));
(3) the wilderness study area designated by section 6(a)(5)
of the Virginia Wilderness Act of 1984 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note;
Public Law 98-586) (as added by section 3(b)(4)); and
(4) the potential wilderness area designated by section 4(a).
(b) Force and Effect.--The maps and boundary descriptions filed
under subsection (a) shall have the same force and effect as if
included in this Act, except that the Secretary may correct any minor
errors in the maps and boundary descriptions.
(c) Availability of Map and Boundary Description.--The maps and
boundary descriptions filed under subsection (a) shall be on file and
available for public inspection in the Office of the Chief of the
Forest Service.
(d) Conflict.--In the case of a conflict between a map filed under
subsection (a) and the acreage of the applicable areas specified in
this Act, the map shall control.
SEC. 8. EFFECTIVE DATE.
Any reference in the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) to the
effective date of that Act shall be considered to be a reference to the
date of enactment of this Act for purposes of administering--
(1) the wilderness areas designated by paragraphs (9) through
(20) of section 1 of Public Law 100-326 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note)
(as added by section 3(a)(5)); and
(2) the potential wilderness area designated by section 4(a).
Purpose
The purposes of S. 570 are to designate certain National
Forest System lands in the State of Virginia as wilderness, a
wilderness study area, and national scenic areas, and to
provide for the development of trail plans for those areas.
Background and Need
The Jefferson National Forest is composed of approximately
725,000 acres located primarily in the Appalachian Mountains of
southwestern Virginia. Currently, the Jefferson National Forest
contains 11 wilderness areas totaling approximately 57,000
acres. The Jefferson National Forest contains some of the best
wildland recreation and habitat in Virginia, and is host to
millions of visitors, hundreds of species of birds, and many
dozens of species of mammals, fish, amphibians, and reptiles,
It has an existing transportation network of nearly 3,000 miles
of roads.
The Virginia Ridge and Valley Act of 2008 would designate
nearly 40,000 additional acres of wilderness and more than
10,000 acres as National Scenic Areas. Specifically, the bill
designates six new wilderness areas, additions to six existing
wilderness areas, a wilderness study area, a potential
wilderness area, and two National Scenic Areas, and directs the
Forest Service to develop trail plans.
Legislative History
S. 570 was introduced by Senators Warner and Webb on
February 13, 2007, and the Subcommittee on Public Lands and
Forests held a hearing on the bill on April 15, 2008. At its
business meeting on May 7, 2008, the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources ordered S. 570 favorably reported, with an
amendment in the nature of a substitute.
A companion measure, H.R. 1011, was reported by the
Committee on Natural Resources in the House of Representatives
on September 4, 2007, with an amendment. It passed the House of
Representatives by voice vote on October 23, 2007, with an
additional amendment.
Committee Recommendation
The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, in open
business session on May 7, 2008, by a voice vote of a quorum
present, recommends that the Senate pass S. 570, if amended as
described herein.
Committee Amendments
The amendment recommended by the Committee includes a
number of adjustments to the boundaries of the designated areas
to improve manageability and to address a number of other
concerns raised by the Administration and other interested
parties. The amendment also provides additional flexibility
regarding the development of a trail along the southern
boundary of the Raccoon Branch Wilderness, permits seasonal
motorized access on specific Forest Service roads within the
scenic areas, and includes numerous technical and conforming
changes.
Section-by-Section Analysis
Section 1 contains the short title of the bill.
Section 2 contains the definitions for the bill.
Section 3 designates certain lands in the Jefferson
National forest as Wilderness by amending section 1 of Public
Law 100-326 (as amended by Public Law 106-471) to add the
following twelve paragraphs, beginning with paragraph (9):
Paragraph (9) designates approximately 3,743 acres
(identified as ``Brush Mountain East'' on the referenced map)
to be known as the Brush Mountain East Wilderness.
Paragraph (10) designates approximately 4,794 acres
(identified as ``Brush Mountain'' on the referenced map) to be
known as the Brush Mountain Wilderness. A 500-foot utility
corridor, which is generally described in the Jefferson
National Forest's land and resource management plan and is
generally depicted on the map, separates the Brush Mountain
Wilderness from the Brush Mountain East Wilderness. The
boundary of the wilderness also is described by other notations
on the map, such as 100 feet from the center of an adjacent
road that is depicted on the map.
Paragraph (11) designates approximately 4,223 acres
(identified as ``Raccoon Branch'' on the referenced map) to be
known as the Raccoon Branch Wilderness. The Virginia Highlands
Horse Trail is a popular trail in the area, and a portion of
the Trail would be within the Raccoon Branch Wilderness. In its
testimony before the Committee, the Forest Service stated that
cooperative agreements and commitments from user groups to help
maintain that portion of the trail would be necessary to
protect the resources and to provide for continued equestrian
use of the trail. It is the Committee's understanding that a
number of local user groups have volunteered to do so and
agrees that such cooperation will be helpful to the successful
implementation of that aspect of the bill.
Paragraph (12) designates approximately 3,270 acres
(identified as ``Stone Mountain'' on the referenced map) to be
known as the Stone Mountain Wilderness.
Paragraph (13) designates approximately 8,470 acres
(identified as ``Hunting Camp Creek'' on the referenced map) to
be known as the Hunting Camp Creek Wilderness.
Paragraph (14) designates approximately 3,291 acres
(identified as ``Garden Mountain'' on the referenced map) to be
known as the Garden Mountain Wilderness.
Paragraph (15) designates approximately 5,476 acres
(identified as ``Mountain Lake Addition A'', ``Mountain Lake
Addition B'', and ``Mountain Lake Addition C'' on the
referenced map) as an addition to the Mountain Lake Wilderness
designated by section 2(6) of Public Law 98-586.
Paragraph (16) designates approximately 308 acres
(identified as ``Lewis Fork Addition'' on the referenced map)
as an addition to the Lewis Fork Wilderness designated section
2(3) of Public Law 98-586.
Paragraph (17) designates approximately 1,845 acres
(identified as ``Little Wilson Creek Addition A'', ``Little
Wilson Creek Addition B'', and ``Little Wilson Creek Addition
C'' on the referenced map) as an addition to the Little Wilson
Creek Wilderness designated section 2(5) of Public Law 98-586.
Paragraph (18) designates approximately 2,219 acres
(identified as ``Shawvers Run Addition A'', ``Shawvers Run
Addition B'', and ``Shawvers Run Addition C'' on the referenced
map) as an addition to the Shawvers Run Wilderness designated
by paragraph 4 of Public Law 1O0-326 (as amended by Public Law
106-471).
Paragraph (19) designates approximately 1,203 acres
(identified as ``Peters Mountain Addition'' on the referenced
map) as an addition to the Peters Mountain Wilderness
designated by section 2(7) of Public Law 98-586.
Paragraph (20) designates approximately 263 acres
(identified as ``Kimberling Creek Addition A'' and ``Kimberling
Creek Addition B'' on the referenced map) as an addition to the
Kimberling Creek Wilderness designated by section 2(2) of
Public Law 98-586.
Subsection (b)--designates approximately 3,226 acres
(identified as ``Lynn Camp Creek Wilderness Study'' on the
referenced map) as the Lynn Camp Creek Wilderness Study Area by
adding a new paragraph (5) to section 6(a) of Public Law 98-
586.
Section 4(a) designates approximately 349 acres of the
Jefferson National Forest (identified as ``Kimberling Creek
Potential Wilderness'' on the referenced map) as a potential
wilderness area to be added to the Kimberling Creek Wilderness
designated by section 2(2) of Public Law 98-586.
Subsection (b) directs the Secretary of Agriculture
(hereafter referred to as ``Secretary'') to manage the
potential wilderness area as wilderness, subject to valid
existing rights and the provisions in subsection (c).
Subsection (c) provides that the Secretary may use
motorized equipment and mechanized transport in the potential
wilderness area for ecological restoration until it is
designated as wilderness. The use of motorized equipment and
mechanized transport also is subject to the limitation that the
Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, use the
minimum tool or administrative practice necessary to accomplish
ecological restoration with the least amount of adverse impact
on wilderness character and resources.
Subsection (d) states that the potential wilderness area
shall be designated as wilderness either on the date on which
the Secretary publishes in the Federal Register notice that the
conditions in the potential wilderness area that are
incompatible with the Wilderness Act have been removed or five
years after the date of the enactment, whichever is earlier.
Section 5 designates (1) approximately 5,192 acres of the
Jefferson National Forest (identified as ``Seng Mountain'' on
the referenced map) as a National Scenic Area to be known as
the Seng Mountain National Scenic Area and (2) approximately
5,128 acres of the Jefferson National Forest (identified as
``Bear Creek'' on the referenced map) as a National Scenic Area
to be known as the Bear Creek National Scenic Area.
Subsection (b) provides the purposes for which the National
Scenic Areas are established.
Subsection (c) directs the Secretary to administer the
National Scenic Areas in accordance with this Act and the laws
and regulations generally applicable to the National Forest
System, but shall only allow such uses as will further the
purposes established in subsection (b).
Subsection (d) directs the Secretary to develop a
management plan for the National Scenic Areas through an
amendment to the Jefferson National Forest land and resource
management plan within two years after the date of enactment.
It also makes clear that this section does not require the
Secretary to revise the entire land and resource management
plan.
Subsection (e) prohibits establishing or constructing roads
within the National Scenic Areas, but provides that this
prohibition shall not be construed to deny access to private
land or interests in land within those National Scenic Areas.
Subsection (f) prohibits the harvest of timber within the
National Scenic Areas, except as necessary to control fire,
provide for public safety or trail access, or control insect
and disease outbreaks, and except for personal firewood use
along perimeter roads, subject to any conditions the Secretary
may impose.
Subsection (g) states that insect and disease outbreaks
within the National Scenic Areas may be controlled by the
Secretary for the specified purposes.
Subsection (h) states that the Secretary may engage in
vegetation manipulation practices in the scenic areas to
maintain the visual quality and wildlife clearings as they
exist on the date of enactment.
Subsection (i) prohibits motorized travel within the
National Scenic Areas, except as authorized by the Secretary
for necessary administrative use in furtherance of the purposes
of this section, in support of wildlife management projects
that exist on the date of enactment, and on specified roads
during deer and bear hunting seasons.
Subsection (j) states that wildfire suppression within the
National Scenic Areas shall be conducted in a manner consistent
with the purposes of the National Scenic Areas and using such
means as the Secretary determines are appropriate.
Subsection (k) directs the Secretary to administer the
National Scenic Areas to maintain and enhance water quality.
Subsection (l) withdraws all Federal land within the
National Scenic Areas from location, entry, and patent under
the mining laws and from leasing under the mineral and
geothermal leasing laws, subject to valid existing rights.
Section 6(a) directs the Secretary to establish a trail
plan for hiking and equestrian trails in the new wilderness
areas and additions designated by section 3(a), as well as
nonmotorized recreation trails within the two National Scenic
Areas established by section 5(a).
Subsection (b) directs the Secretary to submit a report to
Congress on the implementation of the trail plan within 2 years
after the date of enactment.
Subsection (c) directs the Secretary to develop a specific
trail for non-motorized travel. The Virginia Highlands Horse
Trail is a popular trail in the area enjoyed by hikers,
equestrians, and trail cyclists. A portion of the Trail within
the proposed Raccoon Branch Wilderness is already closed to
bicycles and would remain closed upon designation of the
wilderness. The development of this sustainable trail is
intended to provide users with a continuous route along the
southern boundary of the proposed Raccoon Branch Wilderness
connecting to forest development road 49352.
Section 7 directs the Secretary to file with the relevant
congressional committees a map and legal description of each
scenic area designated by section 5, each wilderness area
designated or expanded by section 3(a), the wilderness study
area designated by section 3(b), and the potential wilderness
area designated by section 4(a).
Subsection (b) states that the maps and legal descriptions
shall have the same force and effect as if included in the Act,
except that the Secretary may correct clerical and
typographical errors in the maps and legal descriptions.
Subsection (c) states that the maps and legal descriptions
shall be on file and available for public inspection in the
Office of the Chief of the Forest Service.
Subsection (d) provides that if there is a conflict between
one of the filed maps and the acreage estimates specified in
the Act, then the map shall control.
Section 8 clarifies that any reference in the Wilderness
Act to the effective date of that Act shall be considered to be
the date of enactment of this Act for purposes of administering
the wilderness areas designated or expanded by section 3(a) and
the potential wilderness area designated by section 4(a).
Cost and Budgetary Considerations
The following estimate of costs of this measure has been
provided by the Congressional Budget Office:
S. 570--Virginia Ridge and Valley Act of 2008
S. 570 would designate 53,000 acres of federal lands within
the Jefferson National Forest in Virginia as wilderness,
wilderness study, potential wilderness, or scenic areas. Under
the bill, the Forest Service would develop management plans for
the proposed scenic areas within the next two years. Finally,
the legislation would prohibit timber harvesting and new
mineral leasing within the scenic areas.
Based on information provided by the Forest Service, CBO
estimates that implementing S. 570 would cost approximately $3
million over the 2009-2013 period, assuming appropriation of
the necessary amounts. Of this amount, $2 million would be used
by the agency for planning, marking the newly designated areas,
developing trails, and preparing legal descriptions and maps.
The remaining $1 million would be spent over the next five
years to administer the new areas.
Designating federal lands as wilderness could result in
forgone offsetting receipts if, under current law, those lands
would generate income from activities such as timber harvesting
and mining. According to the Forest Service, the lands affected
by S. 570 currently generate no significant receipts but do
contain timber valued at $2 million that may be harvested in
the future. Such sales proceeds can be spent by the Forest
Service without further appropriation. Thus, enacting this
legislation could affect both offsetting receipts and direct
spending, but CBO estimates that the net effect of any changes
would be negligible over the next 10 years. Enacting the bill
would not affect revenues.
S. 570 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and
would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments.
On July 30, 2007, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for H.R.
1011, the Virginia Ridge and Valley Act of 2007, as ordered
reported by the House Committee on Natural Resources on June
28, 2007. The two versions of the legislation are similar, and
their estimated implementation costs are the same.
The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Tyler Kruzich.
This estimate was approved by Peter H. Fontaine, Assistant
Director for Budget Analysis.
Regulatory Impact Evaluation
In compliance with paragraph 11(b) of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee makes the following
evaluation of the regulatory impact which would be incurred in
carrying out S. 570.
The bill is not a regulatory measure in the sense of
imposing Government-established standards or significant
economic responsibilities on private individuals and
businesses.
No personal information would be collected in administering
the program. Therefore, there would be no impact on personal
privacy.
Little, if any, additional paperwork would result from the
enactment of S. 570, as ordered reported.
Congressionally Directed Spending
S. 570, as reported, does not contain any congressionally
directed spending items, limited tax benefits, or limited
tariff benefits as defined in rule XLIV of the Standing Rules
of the Senate.
Executive Communications
The views of the Administration were included in testimony
received by the Committee at a hearing on S. 570 and H.R. 1011
on April 15, 2008.
Statement of Joel Holtrop, Deputy Chief, National Forest System, Forest
Service, Department of Agriculture
* * * * * * *
S. 570 would designate 27,817 acres in the Jefferson
National Forest as new components of the National Wilderness
Preservation System (NWPS). Specifically, the bill would
designate the following areas: Brush Mountain East Wilderness,
Brush Mountain Wilderness, Raccoon Branch Wilderness, Stone
Mountain Wilderness, Hunting Camp Creek Wilderness, and Garden
Mountain Wilderness. S. 570 would also designate 11,344 acres
as additions to existing wilderness areas namely, Mountain Lake
Wilderness, Lewis Fork Wilderness, Little Wilson Creek
Wilderness, Shawvers Run Wilderness, Peters Mountain
Wilderness, and Kimberling Creek Wilderness.
S. 570 would designate 3,226 acres in the Jefferson
National Forest as the ``Lynn Camp Creek Wilderness Study
Area.'' The bill also would designate 349 acres depicted on the
map as the ``Kimberling Creek Additions and Potential
Wilderness Area'' as a potential wilderness area for eventual
incorporation in the Kimberling Creek Wilderness. The bill
would set forth requirements regarding ecological restoration
within this area and would provide for the designation of the
area as a wilderness within five years.
In addition, the bill would designate 11,583 acres of the
Seng Mountain and Bear Creek areas as national scenic areas for
purposes of ensuring the protection and preservation of scenic
quality, water quality, natural characteristics, and water
resources; protecting wildlife and fish habitat; protecting
areas that may develop characteristics of old-growth forests;
and providing a variety of recreation opportunities.
Finally the bill would direct the Secretary of Agriculture
to develop a management plan for the designated national scenic
areas. The Secretary also would be required to develop a trail
plan for hiking and equestrian trails on lands designated as
wilderness by this Act and to develop a plan for non-motorized
recreation trails within the Seng Mountain and Bear Creek
National Scenic Areas. The bill also would direct the Secretary
to develop a sustainable non-motorized trail in Smyth County,
Virginia.
We recognize and commend the delegation and the Committee
for its collaborative approach and local involvement that has
contributed to the development of this bill. The Department
supports several of the designations included in the bill but
we object to other designations and to mandatory planning and
construction requirements. The Department would like to work
with the Committee to offer suggestions which we think will
improve S. 570.
wilderness proposals
During the development or revision of a forest land and
resource management plan (LRMP), a national forest conducts an
evaluation of potential wilderness or wilderness study areas
that satisfies the definition of wilderness found in section
2(c) of the Wilderness Act of 1964. On National Forest System
(NFS) lands in the Eastern United States (east of the 100th
meridian) the criteria for evaluating potential wilderness
recognizes that much, if not all of the land, shows signs of
human activity and modification. The Record of Decision for the
revised Jefferson National Forest LRMP, signed on January 15,
2004, was developed over an 11-year period with extensive
public involvement. It contains recommendations for 25,200
acres of wilderness study areas, including new wilderness study
areas and additions to existing areas designated as wilderness.
The Department supports the provisions in S. 570 that would
designate new components of the NWPS that are consistent with
the Jefferson National Forest LRMP recommendations for
wilderness study. These areas are the proposed Garden Mountain,
Hunting Creek Camp, and Stone Mountain Wilderness areas.
The Department supports the designation of additions to
existing wilderness areas for the following areas: Kimberling
Creek A and B Additions, Lewis Fork Addition, Little Wilson
Creek Addition, Mountain Lake A and C Additions, Peters
Mountain Addition, and Shawvers Run A Addition.
The Department does not oppose the designation of the
``Lynn Camp Creek Wilderness Study Area,'' the Mountain Lake B
Addition, and Shawvers Run Additions B and C areas. However, we
have concerns about the suitability of the Lynn Camp Creek
Wilderness Study Area as a component of the NWPS due to its
small size, configuration, and manageability (due to
outstanding mineral rights). The Department is willing to work
with the committee to look at other options for protection of
this area. We also have concerns about the suitability of the
Mountain Lake B Addition and the Shawvers Run Additions B and C
as components of the NWPS due to their size and configuration.
An additional concern with the Mountain Lake Addition B is that
it contains a 59-acre private inholding which could require
associated road access in the future if the parcel is
developed.
The Department does not support the designation as
``potential wilderness'' for the 349-acre portion of the
Kimberling Creek area. The designation ``Potential Wilderness''
is not a designation referenced in the Wilderness Act of 1964.
A subsequent designation of wilderness following a fixed time
period and associated compulsory changes in conditions can
serve to limit the Secretary's discretion in the allocation of
scarce resources and other management actions associated with
the administration of the NFS and the NWPS. We use the term,
potential wilderness, in our wilderness evaluation process
under our LRMP efforts to evaluate areas as potential additions
to the NWPS. The Kimberling Creek addition was recently
acquired as NFS land and in its current condition does not
contain the basic natural characteristics that make it suitable
for wilderness due to an extensive road network. We would
recommend that the Committee consider allowing the Secretary to
continue the current management prescription for this area
which is Dispersed Recreation-Unsuitable. This management
emphasis provides for a variety of dispersed recreation uses
with minimal vegetation management and would allow use of
motorized and mechanized equipment for needed road and trail
rehabilitation work. We plan to develop rehabilitation plans
and implement these plans within the next 5 to 10 years. While
this area was not recommended as a potential wilderness area in
the LRMP, future wilderness designation of this area could be
reevaluated after restoration activities occur.
The Department does not support wilderness designation for
the Brush Mountain and Brush Mountain East areas. These areas
lie on the north side of Brush Mountain and are separated by a
345 kilovolt powerline corridor. They were not recommended for
wilderness study in LRMP. They contain fire-dependent forest
habitat which make up approximately 50 percent of these two
areas. Additionally, the areas are largely surrounded by
private lands. Wildland urban interface (subdivisions and
housing developments) exists on the north and south boundaries.
If designated as wilderness, our ability to utilize prescribed
fire for the maintenance of southern yellow pine forest
communities and to conduct hazardous fuels reduction projects
would be hampered in these interface areas. Our ability to use
prescribed fire is compromised when we cannot mechanically
construct firelines to better control fire management
activities. Additionally, the narrow width of these areas and
the bisecting powerline corridor within these areas detract
from their naturalness and offer few opportunities for
solitude. We have also recently identified a need for a small
boundary change in the proposed wilderness area along the
northwest side of Brush Mountain East. An electric distribution
line is located along Craig Creek and the current boundary
includes some of the line within the proposed wilderness. If
the Committee proceeds with wilderness designation, we would
like to work with the Committee to adjust the boundary to
exclude this existing line.
The Department could support the designation of the Raccoon
Branch area as a wilderness area if agreements are reached in
resolving trail maintenance issues in the area and if the
requirement contained in section 5(d) of the bill for a
sustainable trail is amended to provide more flexibility for
any future alternative trail locations. Nearly six miles of the
Virginia Highlands Horse Trail (VHHT) and the Dickey Knob Trail
traverse this area. These trails are heavily used by both
equestrians and mountain bikers. Currently only four of the six
miles of the VHHT in the Raccoon Branch area are open to
mountain bike use due to the steep nature of the trail where it
enter the west end of Raccoon Branch. Wilderness designation
would eliminate mountain bike use within the area. While
equestrian use is compatible with wilderness designation, heavy
use and ground conditions along the VHHT necessitate extensive
maintenance to sustain the integrity of the trail and protect
watershed and other resources values. To maintain the trail to
the standards that are needed without mechanized or motorized
equipment will require cooperative agreements and commitments
from user groups to help in maintenance to protect the
resources and to provide for continued equestrian use of the
trail. We would like to work with the Committee to adjust the
boundary as now proposed in the bill. The adjustment would
exclude the section of VHHT from the western boundary to its
intersection with Hickory Ridge Trail #4516 which we believe
would alleviate much of the concern with maintaining the trail
for equestrian use.
national scenic area proposals
Section 4 of S. 570 would establish Seng Mountain and Bear
Creek National Scenic Areas (NSAs). In August 2007, the
President signed Executive Order (E.O.) No. 13443,
``Facilitation of Hunting Heritage and Wildlife Conservation.''
This E.O. requires Federal land management agencies to ``. . .
Manage wildlife and wildlife habitats on public lands in a
manner that expands and enhances hunting opportunities . . .''
Forest Service direction on compliance with the E.O. is being
developed. Portions of both the Seng Mountain and Bear Creek
NSAs are managed under the LRMP to manage black bear habitat.
We would like to work with the Committee on language that would
allow a low level of habitat management for black bear that
would be consistent with the E.O. and compatible with the
purposes for which the scenic areas are being established.
The proposed Seng Mountain NSA is within the
congressionally designated Mount Rogers National Recreation
Area (NRA). The Mount Rogers NRA is managed to provide public
outdoor recreation benefits and the continued use by a
diversity of recreation uses. The Seng Mountain area contains a
motorized trail, the Barton Gap Trail #4624. Motorized use of
the trail would be prohibited under S. 570. The Barton Gap
Trail is one of only five designated motorcycle trails on the
George Washington and Jefferson National Forests and is an
important part of the diversity of recreation opportunities
that we provide the visitors that use the Forest and the Mount
Rogers NRA. The Department would like to work with the
Committee to resolve any confusion resulting from the
overlapping designations for the Seng Mountain area. The
Department recommends that the overlapping designation be
clarified and continued motorized use on the Barton Gap Trail
be allowed.
trail development plans
S. 570 would require the Secretary to establish a trail
plan to develop hiking and equestrian trails on lands
designated as wilderness by this bill. The designated lands
would be administered in accordance with the Wilderness Act.
The Forest Service already addresses trail management and
planning standards within the LRMP planning process. The
Department considers the requirement to develop additional
trail plans to be unnecessary.
S. 570 also would require the Secretary to develop a
sustainable trail to provide a continuous connection for non-
motorized travel between State Route (SR) 650 and Forest
Development Road 4018. This trail would be along SR 16. We
believe that it would be costly and difficult to provide a
trail in this general location that would be safe for both
equestrians and mountain bikers. The existing gravel road (SR
650) is winding and narrow and contains several blind curves.
It receives high local use and is the main access road for
campers and recreational vehicles to enter Hurricane
Campground. Further, a potential connector trail for horses and
bikes from SR 650 along the route of the old Marion-Rye Valley
rail bed would require crossing SR 16, a 55-mph State highway
that receives heavy commercial use, in a location with poor
sight distance. Trail construction along the stream would be
unlikely to meet our Forest standards for riparian protection.
The bill language that specifies the terminus of the connector
route limits our ability to locate and construct a trail that
will meet Forest Service standards for safety and in a manner
that is environmentally appropriate. We would like to work with
the Committee on language that would allow us to construct
trail facilities with adequate consideration for alternatives,
priorities, and costs.
house amendment to h.r. 1011
The Department had the opportunity to provide testimony on
this bill to the House Natural Resources Committee on two
separate occasions, May and September of 2007. H.R. 1011, as
passed by the House, contains the following amendments to the
bill as introduced.
Section 2 was amended to adjust the acreage of the Brush
Mountain East Wilderness from 3,769 acres to 3,743 acres to
provide for a setback of 100 feet along the 345 kilovolt
powerline corridor. The Department supports this acreage
adjustment, but we remain concerned designating this area as
wilderness for the reasons stated earlier in this testimony.
Section 4 was amended to adjust the acreage of the Seng
Mountain National Scenic Area from 6,455 to 5,192 acres to
provide for continued motorized use of the Barton Gap Trail and
Black Bear habitat management. The Department supports this
acreage adjustment but would like to work with the Committee to
refine the boundaries of the designation further.
Section 4 was amended to authorize motorized travel on
Forest Development Road 6261 in the Bear Creek NSA during bear
and deer hunting seasons. In testimony before the House
Committee on Natural Resources in May 2007, the Department
expressed concerns regarding the proposed Bear Creek NSA.
Specifically, we were concerned about the limitation on our
ability to improve black bear habitat and to provide
opportunities for hunting as a result of this designation and
mandated closure of the road. The Department indicated it could
support the Bear Creek NSA designation if allowances were made
for seasonal motorized use of the road during hunting season.
The Department supports this amendment since it provides these
allowances.
Section 5 was amended to allow motorized access for
emergency purposes involving the health and safety of persons,
including search and rescue efforts and responses to an Amber
Alert. The Department considers this addition to be unnecessary
as these actions are currently allowed in wilderness under
section 4(c) of the Wilderness Act of 1964 and Forest Service
policy, and recommends its deletion from the bill. Section 5
also was amended to provide more flexibility for the location
of a non-motorized trail located along the southern boundary of
the Raccoon Branch Wilderness. The Department supports this
part of the amendment.
Changes in Existing Law
In compliance with paragraph 12 of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, changes in existing law made by
the bill S. 570 as ordered reported, are shown as follows
(existing law proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black
brackets, new matter is printed in italic, existing law in
which no change is proposed is shown in roman):
A. Public Law 98-586
AN ACT To designate certain national forest system lands in the State
of Virginia as wilderness, and for other purposes
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled, That this
Act may be cited the ``Virginia Wilderness Act of 1984''.
* * * * * * *
DESIGNATION OF WILDERNESS STUDY AREAS
Sec. 6. (a) In furtherance of the purposes of the
Wilderness Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall review, as
to their suitability for preservation as wilderness, the
following lands in the State of Virginia:
(1) [certain] Certain lands in the George Washington
National Forest, which comprise approximately nine
thousand three hundred acres, as generally depicted on
a map entitled ``Rough Mountain Wilderness Study Area-
Proposed'', dated January 1984, and which shall be
known as the Rough Mountain Wilderness. Study Area[;].
(2) [certain] Certain lands in the George Washington
National Forest, which comprise approximately five
thousand six hundred acres, as generally depicted on a
map entitled ``Rich Hole Wilderness Study Area--
Proposed'', dated January 1984, and which shall be
known as the Rich Hole Wilderness Study Area[;].
(3) [certain] Certain lands in the Jefferson National
Forest, which comprise approximately five thousand
eight hundred and seventy-five acres, as generally
depicted on a map entitled ``Barbours Creek Wilderness
Study Area--Proposed'', dated February 1984, and which
shall be known as the Barbours Creek Wilderness Study
Area[; and].
(4) [certain] Certain lands in the Jefferson National
Forest, which comprise approximately four thousand
three hundred acres, as generally depicted on a map
entitled ``Shawvers Run Wilderness Study Area--
Proposed'', dated February 1984, and which shall be
known as the Shawvers Run Wilderness Study Area.
(5) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 3,226 acres, as generally
depicted on the map entitled ``Lynn Camp Creek
Wilderness Study Area'' and dated April 28, 2008, which
shall be known as the ``Lynn Camp Creek Wilderness
Study Area''.
* * * * * * *
B. Public Law 100-326
AN ACT To designate certain national forest system lands in the States
of Virginia and West Virginia as wilderness areas
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF WILDERNESS AREAS.
In furtherance of the purposes of the Wilderness Act (16
U.S.C. 1131-1136), the following lands in the States of
Virginia and West Virginia are hereby designated as wilderness
and, therefore, as components of the National Wilderness
Preservation [System--] System:
(1) [certain] Certain lands in the George Washington
National Forest, which comprise approximately 9,300
acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled ``Rough
Mountain Wilderness Area--Proposed'', dated June 1987,
and which shall be known as the Rough Mountain
Wilderness Area[;].
(2) [certain] Certain lands in the George Washington
National Forest, which comprise approximately 6,450
acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled ``Rich
Hole Wilderness Area--Proposed'', dated June 1987, and
which shall be known as the Rich Hole Wilderness
Area[;].
(3) [certain] Certain lands in the Jefferson National
Forest, and George Washington National Forest which
comprise approximately 5,700 acres, as generally
depicted on a map entitled ``Barbours Creek Wilderness
Area--Proposed'', dated June 1987, and which shall be
known as the Barbours Creek Wilderness Area[;].
(4) [certain] Certain lands in the Jefferson National
Forest and George Washington National Forest, which
comprise approximately 3,665 acres, as generally
depicted on a map entitled ``Shawvers Run Wilderness
Area--Proposed'', dated October 1987, and which shall
be known as the Shawvers Run WIlderness Area[;].
(5) [certain] Certain lands in the Jefferson National
Forest, which comprise approximately 72 acres, as
generally depicted on a map entitled ``Lewis Fork
Wilderness Area Addition--Proposed'', dated June 1987,
and which shall be known as the Lewis Fork Wilderness
Area[;].
(6) [certain] Certain lands in the Jefferson National
Forest, which comprise approximately 2,500 acres, as
generally depicted on a map entitled ``Mountain Lake
Wilderness Area Addition--Proposed'', dated June 1987,
and which shall be known as the Mountain Lake
Wilderness Area[;].
(7) [certain] Certain lands in the George Washington
National Forest, which comprise approximately 5,963
acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled ``The
Priest Wilderness Study Area'', dated June 6, 2000, and
which shall be known as the Priest Wilderness Area[;
and].
(8) [certain] Certain lands in the George Washington
National Forest, which comprise approximately 4,608
acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled ``The
Three Ridges Wilderness Study Area'', dated June 6,
2000, and which shall be known as the Three Ridges
Wilderness Area.
(9) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 3,743 acres as generally
depicted on the map entitled ``Brush Mountain and Brush
Mountain East'' and dated May 5, 2008, which shall be
known as the ``Brush Mountain East Wilderness''.
(10) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 4,794 acres, as generally
depicted on the map entitled ``Brush Mountain and Brush
Mountain East'' and dated May 5, 2008, which shall be
known as the ``Brush Mountain Wilderness''.
(11) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 4,223 acres, as generally
depicted on the map entitled ``Seng Mountain and
Raccoon Branch'' and dated April 28, 2008, which shall
be known as the ``Raccoon Branch Wilderness''.
(12) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 3,270 acres, as generally
depicted on the map entitled ``Stone Mountain'' and
dated April 28, 2008, which shall be known as the
``Stone Mountain Wilderness''.
(13) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 8,470 acres, as generally
depicted on the map entitled ``Garden Mountain and
Hunting Camp Creek'' and dated April 28, 2008, which
shall be known as the ``Hunting Camp Creek Wilderness
''.
(14) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 3,291 acres, as generally
depicted on the map entitled ``Garden Mountain and
Hunting Camp Creek'' and dated April 28, 2008, which
shall be known as the ``Garden Mountain Wilderness ''.
(15) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 5,476 acres, as generally
depicted on the map entitled ``Mountain Lake
Additions'' and dated April 28, 2008, which is
incorporated in the Mountain Lake Wilderness designated
by section 2(6) of the Virginia Wilderness Act of 1984
(16 U.S.C. 1132 note; Public Law 98-586).
(16) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 308 acres, as generally
depicted on the map entitled ``Lewis Fork Addition and
Little Wilson Creek Additions'' and dated April 28,
2008, which is incorporated in the Lewis Fork
Wilderness designated by section 2(3) of the Virginia
Wilderness Act of 1984 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note; Public Law
98-586).
(17) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 1,845 acres, as generally
depicted on the map entitled ``Lewis Fork Addition and
Little Wilson Creek Additions'' and dated April 28,
2008, which is incorporated in the Little Wilson Creek
Wilderness designated by section 2(5) of the Virginia
Wilderness Act of 1984 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note; Public Law
98-586).
(18) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 2,219 acres, as generally
depicted on the map entitled ``Shawvers Run Additions''
and dated April 28, 2008, which is incorporated in the
Shawvers Run Wilderness designated by paragraph (4).
(19) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 1,203 acres, as generally
depicted on the map entitled ``Peters Mountain
Addition'' and dated April 28, 2008, which is
incorporated in the Peters Mountain Wilderness
designated by section 2(7) of the Virginia Wilderness
Act of 1984 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note; Public Law 98-586).
(20) Certain land in the Jefferson National Forest
comprising approximately 263 acres, as generally
depicted on the map entitled ``Kimberling Creek
Additions and Potential Wilderness Area'' and dated
April 28, 2008, which is incorporated in the Kimberling
Creek Wilderness designated by section 2(2) of the
Virginia Wilderness Act of 1984 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note;
Public Law 98-586).