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Shared letter from Senator Jay Rockefeller to Alice Arbuckle, of Hillsboro.
Dear Alice:
Thank you for contacting me to share your thoughts regarding the Birthplace of Rivers National Monument proposal. It is always good to hear from a fellow West Virginian and I appreciate this opportunity to be in touch.
The Birthplace of Rivers National Monument would be the first ever national monument in West Virginia. The proposed monument would be entirely on U. S. Forest Service land, specifically the Monongahela National Forest, and would remain under Forest Service management. As you may know there are two ways that a national monument can be created: through executive decision by the President under the Antiquities Act, or through legislation.
I have heard from those in support of and opposed to designation of the Birthplace of Rivers National Monument. While I appreciate that designation would help preserve West Virginia’s heritage and natural resources some have raised concerns over access issues. Rest assured that I will continue to work with both sides to determine the most appropriate course of action.
Thank you again for contacting me. I wish you the very best.
Sincerely,
Jay
John D. Rockefeller IV