GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — The National Park Service has announced the addition of 45 acres within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. According to a Park Service news release the acreage will be in the Preserve area and will allow access for hunters and other users in the Beury Mountain area to an 85 acre section of the area which is currently difficult to access.
“This property is a great addition to the national preserve portion of the park where hunting is allowed,” said New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Superintendent Charles Sellars in the release. “It connects two previously non-contiguous sections and assures that hunters and other users have easier access to an existing 85-acre section of the preserve.”
Purchase of the tract was made possible by the legislation that redesignated New River Gorge from a national river to a national park and preserve. The Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2021, enacted in December of 2020, also modified the authorized boundaries of the park, allowing for purchase of this tract.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, who first pushed for the Park and Preserve designation, hailed the acquisition in a statement.
“The New River Gorge is a trademark of our state, and as such, it must reflect the important components of our culture and traditions in the Mountain State. Countless West Virginians take great pride in being outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen, which is why I worked diligently to protect public hunting land when we redesignated the New River Gorge as a National Park and Preserve. Today’s announcement strengthens public hunting access on Beury Mountain, better connects the preserve, and contributes to the wonderful success we are seeing at the Gorge since its redesignation two years ago,” Senator Capito said.
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin also issued a statement applauding the addition.
“This announcement is welcome news for the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia and all Americans that enjoy hunting, fishing and all that the great outdoors has to offer. By connecting two pieces of the preserve where hunting is already allowed, this new 45-acre expansion will provide greater access and new opportunities for outdoorsmen and anyone else looking to enjoy New River Gorge — one of West Virginia’s most treasured playgrounds that highlights our state’s world-class beauty and resources. I am proud to have joined with my bipartisan colleagues to ensure that this expansion on Beury Mountain was possible and look forward to continuing my work to conserve and protect America’s National Parks and public lands,” said Manchin.
Access to the newly purchased property will be limited initially as the park establishes suitable areas for parking and marks the boundary.