New River Gorge, in Fayetteville, was officially changed from a national river to a national park as part of the COVID-19 relief bill that passed on Dec. 27, in the hope that its new status will attract more visitors.
New National park hopes to draw visitors
The U.S. began 2021 by establishing a new national park. The nation’s 63rd national park is also the first to be designated as such in the state of West Virginia. New River Gorge, in Fayetteville, was officially changed from a national river to a national park as part of the COVID-19 relief bill that passed on 27 December 2020.
"Redesignation of the National River to a National Park and Preserve will shine a brighter light on West Virginia and all that it has to offer, and provide another catalyst for our tourism industry and local businesses," Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) said in a statement reported by 12 WBOY at the time.
the river is believed to be one of the oldest in North America
The New River Gorge is already a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts, report EcoWatch. It sees almost one million visitors every year and boasts activities like hiking, fishing, rafting, rock climbing and camping.
Despite its name, the river is actually believed to be one of the oldest in North America. It has been important for West Virginians throughout the state’s history, serving both Indigenous Americans and railway and coal-mining communities.
It has been managed by the National Park Service as a national river since 1978, but West Virginia’s Congressional delegation hopes its new status will attract more visitors.
Condé Nast Traveler reported that the efforts to redesignate the river represents a signal that West Virginia is shifting its economy from coal mining to conservation and recreation. The Congress people met with small business owners and outdoor enthusiasts in the state to build support for the new park, and emphasised its economic benefits.
Source: EcoWatch
The new park will also double as a National Preserve To accommodate hunting and fishing
"This designation will increase the international recognition by highlighting West Virginia’s world-class beauty and resources. Over the last two years we have met with outdoorsmen, businesses and local leaders and other interested groups to ensure this designation will promote the beauty and rich history of the New River Gorge, while ensuring that the longstanding traditions of hunting and fishing are protected for generations to come," Manchin said in a statement reported by 12 WBOY.
To accommodate hunting and fishing, the new park will also double as a National Preserve, according to Condé Nast Traveler. It will feature 7,021 acres of protected riverfront and a 65,165 acre preserve where hunting and fishing can take place.
"The New River Gorge is home to all West Virginia has to offer – our beauty, small businesses, and adventurous tourism opportunities. This legislation will preserve and protect the New River Gorge for generations to come and make our state an even better place to live, work, and raise a family," Miller said in the statement.
Source: EcoWatch
The only thing “new” about West Virginia’s New River Gorge is its national park status
In a fascinating and deeply researched recent article for EcoWatch spanning the entire history of the territory, entitled ‘The New River Gorge: Ancient River, Old Mines, New National Park’, Mary Caperton Morton writes — ‘The only thing "new" about West Virginia’s New River Gorge is its national park status: In 2021, the New River Gorge became our latest national park, but in geologic terms, the New River is anything but new. Dating back to the days of the supercontinent Pangaea, it is one of the oldest rivers in the world and one of the few waterways in North America that runs north.’
"The New River might be the most inappropriately named river on Earth," agrees Nathaniel Hitt, a fish biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Kearneysville, W.Va.
To read Mary Caperton Morton‘s full, in-depth article on the history of the new park (recommended) click EcoWatch.
NEW RIVER GORGE NPS HOMEPAGE
Everything you need to know about access, facilities, opening hours etc.