Tourism & Natural Resources

Afterserving on the House Committee on Natural Resources for over 30 years – his entire tenure in Congress – and as Ranking Member for six years, Rep. Rahall was selected to serve as the Committee’s Chairman at the start of the 110th Congress.  The Committee has jurisdictionover programs administered by the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

As Chairman, Rahall has strived to honor the Committee’s charge of serving the natural environment, wild lands, scenic vistas, fish and wildlife, and most importantly, the American public.  Rahall’srole on the Committee has allowed him to work on issues close to the hearts of many West Virginians – such as preserving the State’s rich history; expanding tourism opportunities; protecting hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities, and safeguarding West Virginia’s special places for future generations to enjoy.

A key proponent of West Virginia’s steadily growing tourism industry, he is the author of 1978 legislation establishing the New River Gorge National River as a unit of the National Park System in southern West Virginia.  Ten years later, Rahall gained enactment of legislation to designate the Gauley River National Recreation Area and the Bluestone National Scenic River, in the process creating the largest network of federally protected rivers in the eastern United States.  Additionally, he sponsored legislation establishing the National Coal Heritage Area that runs throughout 11 southern West Virginia counties.   All of these natural gems attract visitors from around the world to spend time among our beautiful hills and our friendly folk.

Rahall also introduced legislation in the 110th Congress to designate an additional 37,771 acres of Federal land within the Monongahela National Forest as wilderness.  Backed by West Virginia’s entire Congressional delegation, the legislation provides for the expansion of three existing wilderness areas – Cranberry, Dolly Sods, and Otter Creek – and the establishment of three new wilderness areas – Big Draft, Roaring Plains West and Spice Run.

West Virginia is blessed with a wealth of natural resources that have provided respite and recreation throughout our State’s history. Our natural treasures have, as well, provided livelihoods in such fields as mining and milling and in the rapid development of our burgeoning tourism industry.   West Virginians revere nature and respect our role in God’s creation, and Congressman Rahall is proud of his work to conserve and develop of our natural resources for generations of West Virginians to come.