Hiker falls 30 feet at Shenandoah National Park
Rockingham County Fire and Rescue (RCFR) report the rescue of a hiker who had fallen in the Shenandoah National Park.
The hiker was discovered unconscious by Park Rangers after he had fallen approximately 30 feet from the backside of his campsite near Loft Mountain.
Rangers called RCFR to assist in the rescue effort Fri. morning Aug. 5.
National Park personnel then worked with the RCFR’s Tactical Rescue Team to reach the person and treat him for immediate injuries.
The person was pulled from the site after he was stabilized and airlifted to the UVA for trauma care.
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SNP expands by hundreds of acres
Thanks to land protection efforts the Shenandoah National Park (SNP) will expand by hundreds of acres.
According to the Daily News Record in February 2021 the Shenandoah National Park Trust (SNPT) purchased 225 acres of vacant land in the Browntown area.
The property was purchased from the Wildlife Center of Virginia for $200,000.
The SNPT closed the sale on land which borders the park on the west side of the Skyline Drive on September 16, 2021.
The SNPT will have to have the land surveyed before it can be transferred to the National Park Service (NPS).
The purchase and donation extends the park’s boundaries and helps to protect the ecological integrity of the current boundary.
Once the land is transferred a National Park biologist can then determine if the land provides a habitat for any endangered or threatened species.
This is in addition to the recent purchase and donation by the SNPT of 900 acres in Page County.
The funds for the purchases comes from a settlement from damages done by DuPont to a Virginia waterway.
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SNP Old Rag Mountain tickets are on sale now
A social post from Shenandoah National Park announced that the day use passes for Old Rag Mountain are available.
A limited number of the passes became available yesterday in an attempt to reduce the impact on Old Rag.
The pilot program is attempting to keep the impact of the natural resources at the site down at the same time improve the visitor’s experience.
Recent years have shown as the hike became more popular Old Rag Mountain was often over run with visitors.
Beginning Mar.1 all visitors to Old Rag Mountain will have to have a ticket to hike the site.
Visit go.nps.gov/oldragtickets for more information on the requirements on acquiring tickets.
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The Library of Congress is seeking memories from Lewis Mountain visitors
The Library of Congress Federal Research Center Division is working with the Shenandoah National Park NPS to tell the story of Lewis Mountain.
The Library of Congress twitter post is asking for pictures and memories from individuals, families and groups who visited and used the facility between 1939 and 1970.
The materials shared will be used to develop an online interactive display to preserve the area’s history.
The Library of Congress calls the Lewis Mountain story an important part of the park’s history that needs to be told and preserved.
Originally the facility was established as a segregated recreational facility until the park was fully integrated in 1950.
You can share any pictures and memories by emailing NPSLewis_FRD@loc.gov.
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BRP and SNP set up wildlife cameras throughout the park
In a social media post from the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) it was announced that trail cameras are set up to monitor wildlife.
Both the Shenandoah National Park (SNP) and BRP with 20 to 25 volunteers have set up wildlife trail cameras.
This is part of the volunteer Citizen Science Wildlife project.
The cameras are funded by the BRP foundation and are to be reviewed by wildlife biologist to inventory medium and large sized mammals in the park.
The cameras will be reviewed and moved every three weeks through October.
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SNP raises rates on certain activities in the park
In a social post from the Shenandoah National Park (SNP) it was announced that the new rates for certain activities will go into effect immediately.
Back in August the SNP asked for input from the public on certain rates being raised.
Over all the almost 400 respondents to the survey were supportive of the increases.
The entry fee into the park will not change with these increases.
There are certain activities that will be affected by the increase.
The activities affect include overnight camping at all campgrounds the price will raise to $30 with group over night camping up to $75.
These are the first increases for camping at the park since 2007.
The monies generated from the increases will be used to provided improved services for park visitors as well as contribute to the protection of the Shenandoah’s natural and cultural resources according to park Superintendent Patrick Kenney.
Look for additional information soon on the park moving forward with plans for purchasing a ticket to hike the Old Rag area as well.
A Back Country Hiking permit fee will also be implemented with an online system to be developed.
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SNP is fee free on Thur. 11/11 offering a Healing Waters Fly Fishing Project
On Veterans Day Thursday Nov. 11 the Shenandoah National Park (SNP) will be fee free according to their social media post.
The SNP with Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc. which supports disabled military personnel and Veterans will also hold special presentations on that date as well.
Fly fishing casting demonstrations will be held on the lawn of the Byrd Visitor Center at mile maker 51 on the Skyline Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m..
Tables inside the Byrd Visitor Center will have information on Fly Fishing Inc. and their effort to support our Veterans and include fly fishing information as well.
The project is free and open to the public as the park is also fee free that day as well.
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SNP reminds visitors to leash their dogs or face a possible fine
Shenandoah National Park (SNP) reminds potential visitors to put their dogs on a leash or face a fine.
A couple panicking on the Blue Ridge Parkway had to be treated for lacerations after their dog aggravated a black bear which led to several attacks by the bear.
The couple and the dog were able to get to safety before the incident became life threatening.
The bear appeared to be young weighing approximately 200 pounds.
Park Rangers had to shut down several areas and trails while searching for the bear which may have to be euthanized.
The park is a natural sanctuary for bear and other wildlife as it provides their natural forested habitat.
As visitation to the park is expected to increase over the next few weeks it is important to put your dogs on a leash or face a possible $50 fine.
No charges have been filed in this incident at this time.
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SNP bans all fishing
Effective immediately all streams and rivers are closed to fishing in the Shenandoah National Park (SNP).
Despite the recent rains so far streams and groundwater have not sufficiently recovered from the recent dry conditions.
Low stream flows are reported throughout the park with some water ways completely dry with high water temperatures.
Those conditions can be fatal to fish.
The closures to fishing includes both open to harvest as well as catch and release waters.
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SNP seeks the public’s feedback
Shenandoah National Park (SNP) is seeking feedback on proposed fee increases to be implemented over the next two years.
The proposal does not include an entry fee increase but specific user fees.
Upping fees for campgrounds, group camping as well as backcountry permits.
The additional funds could help to fund improved access to Old Rag Mountain.
These fee increases are expected to also help in maintenance and help to bring upgrades to the park.
Feedback can be left here the comment time ends Sept. 16.
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