New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

The New River Gorge, a premier paddling destination in southern West Virginia is set to become a national park, thanks to designating language in year-end funding legislation passed by Congress this past December. The "New River Gorge National Park and Preserve," will become the 63rd national park in the U.S., and will continue to be one of three federally designated landscapes in West Virginia managed by the National Park Service (NPS). The Gauley National Recreation Area and the Bluestone National Scenic River are the other two areas managed by the NPS. Its original designation as a national river took place in 1978, but its place as a world class boating, climbing and adventure tourism destination has solidified over time and prompted West Virginia’s Congressional representatives to pursue this upgraded recognition. 

Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) both pursued the national park designation and said they expect visitorship to the area to increase and for the new park to boost economic growth in an area that, as many paddlers may recognize, is primed for it. After meeting with various stakeholders almost all groups, including whitewater tourism operators were behind the designation, however the proposal had faced opposition from some hunters and anglers; by creating a "preserve" within the national park, the legislation protects the right of public hunting in the majority of the area, though slightly less acreage than was available in the national river. Capito's office said 65,165 acres within the 72,808-acre park will accommodate public hunting and fishing.

In response to feedback we’ve heard about the new park, we asked some questions directly of the park service and here were their answers 

AW: What can paddlers expect to change based on the switch to a National Park? 
NPS: We do not anticipate any changes in how the park is presently operating, except the small reduction in hunting acreage in the new National Park area, which will not affect paddlers directly at all.

AW: Will there be permits required or limits on non-commercial paddling now? 
NPS: None have been discussed at all.

AW: Will there be an entrance fee? 
NPS: No entrance fees are planned.

AW: Will there be more police/enforcement presence now, and/or more severe rules/consequences? 
NPS: No. management of the river corridor will still be the same and all NPS rules, policies, and laws will be enforced as they have been in the past. 

This name change and designation will hopefully draw more visitors and positive economic impacts to a very special place, enhancing the number of people who care about it, and its stewardship and protection.