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West Virginia's Heritage
From its majestic mountains to its raging rivers, and comforting scenic countryside, West Virginia's "Wild and Wonderful" beauty is a sight to behold. And each year, millions of visitors travel to West Virginia to experience our state's natural beauty and explore West Virginia's cultural, historical and environmental heritage.
Over the years I have worked to provide funding for investments that will strengthen the infrastructure that supports West Virginia's tourism, including recreation, conservation, and historic lands. I believe that by investing in these treasures, we are not only preserving West Virginia's natural environment, but also strengthening our state's economy. These resources will help to ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the natural splendors of West Virginia.
Some of my efforts to enhance West Virginia's heritage and tourism include:
-- The inclusion of the Wild Monongahela Act in recent legislation which would designate addtional lands in the Monongahela National Forest as wilderness areas. These would include Big Draft, Roaring Plains West, and Spice Run.
-- Supporting efforts for downtown revitalization projects, including the Wheeling Artisan Center, as part of the Wheeling National Heritage Area.
-- Obtaining funding for improvements to the Haddad Riverfront Park in Charleston.
-- Improving campgrounds, trails, roads and water systems in the Monongahela National Forest. This great American treasure has 23 campgrounds, 17 picnic areas, and 500 plus miles of hiking trails and is also home to at least nine federally listed endangered or threatened species.
-- Enhancing the visitor experience at the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge which is home to one of the nation's most diverse ecological communities. The Wildlife Refuge is the home to 40 different wetland and upland communities and supports more than 580 species of plants, as well as almost 300 species of mammals, birds, amphibians, and fish.
-- Support for passage of legislation that ensures hunting can continue within the New Gorge National River areas.
