Wild Virginia is a member of the Allegheny Blue Ridge Alliance (ABRA).  ABRA compiles detailed, weekly updates on the Atlantic Coast Pipeline.  Access these updates here.

Why is Wild Virginia Against the pipeline Proposal?

Threat to Rare Species: the pipeline would threaten the habitat of the endangered species, including Cow Knob Salamander, James spiny mussel, Rusty Patch Bumblebee, Indiana Bat, Northern Long-Eared bat,  and Virginia Big-Eared Bat.

Habitat and Natural Processes Destruction: construction of the pipeline would fragment habitat, isolate populations, and increase forest edge thereby threatening the survival of populations of the wildlife species that make the GWNF special.

Invasive Species: the permanently cleared swath of land  would allow for the invasion of nonnative species and disease in the GWNF.

Water Pollution: Sedimentation caused by construction could threaten the water quality especially those of special concern such as native brook trout streams and the headwater streams that supply the water used by the Shenandoah Valley.

Degradation of Scenic Value: the construction of the pipeline would degrade the exceptional scenic and recreation value of the GWNF.

Future Development: the presence of the pipeline in the national forest would make the GWNF more desirable for natural gas drilling.

Pipeline threatens Virginia communities who live closely to the land: The ACP threatens the unique rural character of Virginia’s mountain communities, many of whom base their subsistence and livelihood on the integrity of the land.

Images: Left: Ramsey’s Draft Right: Cow Knob Salamander