West Virginia Executive Winter 2022 February 2022 | Page 69

Outdoor Adventures
written by paige kocourek

Growth

AT THE Gorge

Our Nation s Newest National Park

What has long been recognized by West Virginians as a southeastern gem has officially received the designation it deserves . Effective December 27 , 2020 , the New River Gorge became the U . S .’ s 63rd national park . The new status for this stunning destination has significant implications for the Mountain State . National parks notably preserve the natural environment of the nations ’ most beautiful and rugged ecosystems , but they also encourage and foster tourism , which fuels each park ’ s surrounding economy . The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve will advance the natural and economic well-being of West Virginia .

Originally named a national river in 1978 , the New River Gorge has an extensive history . While West Virginians , entrepreneurs , lawyers and government officials have advocated for the New River Gorge ’ s national park status for many years , it wasn ’ t until two years ago that this vision was given the opportunity to become a reality .
“ Since 1978 , we developed what appeared to be a park . People often don ’ t understand that when you go to places like Yellowstone and Yosemite , these parks had to grow up ,” says Dave Arnold , co-founder of Adventures on the Gorge . “ For the New River Gorge , this meant getting a visitors ’ center , buying land , establishing a superintendent and constructing an administration building . In those 40 years , we were developing the infrastructure that eventually allowed us to make a national park . It was the maturing of a federal project . Finally , two years ago , we knew the time was right . We had two very strong people , Senators Manchin and Capito , in very strong positions in government , and we got the law to pass .”
Photo by Rick Lee .
The stars aligned with the help and determination of countless individuals who came together to achieve this groundbreaking status change . This was a pivotal step toward sustaining the natural beauty of the park ’ s nearly 73,000 acres of land .
“ Most national parks don ’ t dissolve . They grow , and they sustain levels ,” says Arnold . “ We are 50 years into the tourism game at the New River Gorge , and we needed something that brought more permanency . We saw its decline , and those of us that had been involved in the industry for a long time were very concerned . This was our answer , and there are a million people who should take credit for it . In a world of tribalism , everyone worked together to make this happen .”
With the national park status comes permanency , giving West Virginia the opportunity to protect and share a unique place with the rest of the world .
“ The park is a truly special place , and those of us who are here recognize that ,” says Eve West , chief of interpretation , visitor services and cultural resources at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve . “ It is worthy of protection . If additional attention makes other people aware of how special it is and that helps further protect the park , that is what we are here for . We are here to protect this place for future generations to enjoy .”
The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a unique place because of its beauty and the array of
www . wvexecutive . com 37