Every week, 2,000 - 3,000 Second District residents write to me about the issues pending before Congress, and I work hard to respond to each person as promptly and thoughtfully as possible.  On this "Letter of the Week" blog, I highlight constituent letters that are of general interest.  If you'd like to share your own views, please feel free to e-mail me at any time!

Dear Representative Boyda,

Please support the Virginia Ridge and Valley Act H.R. 1011 so
that future generations can enjoy the many attributes of the
Jefferson National Forest we enjoy today.

Our national forests provide habitat for many kinds of wildlife,
outstanding recreational opportunities, and the sources of much
of our clean water. The Virginia Ridge and Valley Act would
protect these benefits, and this natural legacy, for future
generations by establishing new wilderness and national scenic
areas on the Jefferson National Forest.

All of the areas proposed for designation as wilderness or as
national scenic areas in the Virginia Ridge and Valley Act are
supported by the local county boards of supervisors or were
recommended for protection by the U.S. Forest Service.

The Virginia Ridge and Valley Act was recently approved by the
House Natural Resources Committee. I understand that this
legislation will soon come before the full House, and I urge you
to approve this important legislation (H.R. 1011) for Virginia
and for all Americans who cherish our nation's forests.

-Meghann from Manhattan, KS

Dear Meghann,

Thank you for taking the time to contact me about the establishment of federal wilderness areas.  As your Representative, I both need and value your opinion on these important issues.

It is important to preserve our wilderness areas to protect them for use by hikers, hunters and others who enjoy the outdoors.  America’s Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains are iconic in the minds of many Americans.  The Blue Ridge mountains are home to Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, and the locations of many significant battles of the Civil War.

In an age where development is encroaching on forests and other lands it is also important to protect some land for those that enjoy spending afternoons hiking or participating in hunting and fishing activities.  For many on the East Coast, these lands are getting increasingly hard to find.  Preserving wilderness and wildlife habitats is important to protecting our environment for generations to come. 

I voted for the Virginia Ridge and Valley Act (H.R. 1011) that would designate nearly 28,000 acres of the Jefferson National Forest as wilderness, establishing six new wilderness areas and expanding already existing wilderness by more than 11,000 acres.  This bill passed the House on October 23, 2007.  It now awaits action in the Senate.

I always say that democracy is a contact sport, and your continued advocacy is important.  I appreciate you contacting me and hope you will continue to keep in touch in the future.

Sincerely,

Nancy Boyda
Member of Congress