Bill · S. 1681· Senate(119-S-1681)
Shenandoah Mountain Act
- Introduced
- 5/8/2025
- Last activity
- 10/27/2025 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 214.
- Sponsored by
- Timothy Kaine
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
The Shenandoah Mountain Act establishes the Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area in Virginia, covering approximately 92,562 acres of National Forest System land. This act aims to protect scenic quality, water resources, and wildlife habitats, including specific species like the Cow Knob salamander. It also designates several new Wilderness Areas, such as the Skidmore Fork and Lynn Hollow Wilderness. The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to develop a National Forest System trail plan and a management plan for the area. Additionally, the legislation places restrictions on certain activities like timber harvesting and land entry while allowing for specific recreational and management exceptions.
Yes
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+9
The bill explicitly protects scenic quality, water resources, and wildlife habitats including the Cow Knob salamander.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+2
The bill enhances recreational opportunities and trail management which can benefit local residents.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?-5
The bill specifically withdraws the land from wind, solar, or other renewable energy development.
Would business owners be better off under this?-3
The prohibition on timber harvesting and new utility corridors limits commercial development and resource extraction.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?-2
The bill restricts land entry and many types of development, which may limit local business expansion opportunities.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Environmental and Habitat Protection: The bill seeks to ensure the protection of scenic quality, water quality, and natural characteristics (Section 3(b)(1)). It also specifically aims to protect wildlife, fish, and plant habitats (Section 3(b)(2)), including the Cow Knob salamander (Section 3(b)(3)).
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Forest Preservation: The act is designed to protect forests that may develop into old-growth forests (Section 3(b)(4)).
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Recreational Opportunities: The bill provides for the improvement of existing recreation settings and opportunities (Section 3(b)(6)). It also directs the Secretary to develop a National Forest System trail plan to promote sustainable trail management and high-quality recreation (Section 3(e)(4)(A)).
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Wilderness Designation: The bill designates several new Wilderness Areas, including Skidmore Fork, Ramseys Draft (addition), Lynn Hollow, Little River, and Beech Lick Knob (Section 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Land Use: All Federal land within the National Scenic Area is withdrawn from entry, appropriation, or disposal under public land laws, as well as from mining, mineral leasing, and geothermal leasing (Section 3(o)(1)).
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Limits on Energy Development: The act withdraws the land from wind, solar, or other renewable energy development (Section s3(o)(1)(D)).
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Limits on Utility Development: The land is withdrawn from the designation of new utility corridors, utility rights-of-way, or communications sites (Section 3(o)(1)(E)).
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Timber Harvesting Restrictions: Generally, no harvesting of timber is allowed within the National Scenic Area (Section 3(j)(1)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+9Increases Renewable Energy Investment-5Improves Public Transit-1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support-2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+2Good For Business Owners-3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing-1
- 10/27/2025
- Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Reported by Senator Boozman without amendment. Without written report.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 214.
- 10/21/2025
- Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- 5/8/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Mark WarnerDemocrat · Virginia