Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, applauded the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve’s announcement that 45 acres of preserve land has been added to America’s newest National Park.

“This announcement is welcome news for the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia and all Americans that enjoy hunting, fishing and all that the great outdoors has to offer. By connecting two pieces of the preserve where hunting is already allowed, this new 45-acre expansion will provide greater access and new opportunities for outdoorsmen and anyone else looking to enjoy New River Gorge — one of West Virginia’s most treasured playgrounds that highlights our state’s world-class beauty and resources. I am proud to have joined with my bipartisan colleagues to ensure that this expansion on Beury Mountain was possible and look forward to continuing my work to conserve and protect America’s National Parks and public lands,” said Chairman Manchin.

As Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator Manchin secured designation of New River Gorge as a National Park and Preserve in 2020 and continues to advocate for further resources. The legislation included language that authorized the National Park Service to bid on additional land for the Preserve that amounts to 3,711 acres. 

In 2021, Senator Manchin’s bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocated $3.3 million for repairs and improvements at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

In March 2022, Senator Manchin secured an additional $1.5 million for the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority Trail Connectivity Project, which will fund the construction of multi-use trails in Fayette County.

Read the full release from the National Park Service here.