Published: November 17, 2008 03:57 pm            

New River Gorge National River celebrates 30th anniversary

FAYETTEVILLE — The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.

In 1978, Congress passed legislation establishing the New River Gorge as a National River. The legislation states, “The Secretary of the Interior shall establish and administer the New River Gorge National River...for the purpose of...conserving and interpreting outstanding natural, scenic, and historic values and objects in and around the New River Gorge, and preserving as a free-flowing stream an important segment of the New River in West Virginia for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.”

“When I sponsored the legislation, which established the New, Gauley and Bluestone rivers as part of the National Park System, I envisioned them as serving the people of West Virginia not only for their outstanding natural and scenic values, but as an engine for economic development,” Congressman Nick Rahall said. “I think we have met success in that endeavor by providing for greater access, expanded public hunting and fishing opportunities, and the creation of many recreation-oriented businesses and jobs.”

Fayette County Commissioner Matt Wender, a member of the 4-C Economic Development Authority Board of Directors, also recognizes the role the park units play in improving both the quality of life and the economy in Fayette, Nicholas, Raleigh and Summers counties.

“Our region is very fortunate that the members of West Virginia’s congressional delegation recognize the importance of preserving and enhancing the New, Gauley and Bluestone Rivers,” Wender said. “Their efforts, particularly those of Congressman Nick Rahall, have contributed significantly to protecting valued natural resources for the public’s enjoyment while providing a tremendous boost to our local economy.”

An analysis commissioned by the National Park Service shows that the New River Gorge National River, along with the Gauley and the Bluestone areas, has a total economic impact of more than $130 million in spending, which supports 3,550 jobs and generates more than $49 million in income.

“The New River Gorge has always been recognized by West Virginians as one of our state’s greatest natural resources,” Ansted Mayor Pete Hobbs said. “But the designation of the area as a National River and as part of the National Park System has established the New River Gorge as a destination for both American and international visitors.

“The exposure the designation provides has been a major economic driver for not just Ansted but the entire region.”

The NRGNR protects 53 miles of one of the oldest rivers in the world. The gorge averages 1,000 feet in depth and contains one of the most diverse plant species assemblages of any river gorge in the southern Appalachians. Cultural resources include prehistoric sites, as well as remnants from the recent Industrial Age: abandoned coal mines, company towns, tipples and coke ovens.

The NRGNR is one of three NPS units the federal government operates in Fayette, Nicholas, Raleigh and Summers counties. The two other units, the Bluestone National Scenic River and the Gauley River National Recreational Area, celebrated their 20th year of designation as national park units on Oct. 26. The three park units attract more than 1.25 million visitations annually to the four-county region.

The numerous designations within the National Park System sometimes confuse both local residents and visitors. The names are created in the congressional legislation authorizing the sites or by the president, who proclaims “national monuments” under the Antiquities Act of 1906. Many names are descriptive — lakeshores, seashores, battlefields — but others cannot be categorized neatly because of the diversity of resources within them, according to a NPS press release.

“National park” is the term that is most associated with high-profile tourism and the one most attractive to Americans and international travelers alike. Of the 391 units of the national park system, only 58 are designated as “national parks” in statutes. There are 18 other classifications used by Congress for the other units of the system including those designations found locally: national river, national scenic river and national recreation area.

        

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