Last Thursday, Senator Mark Warner hiked Hawksbill Mountain in Shenandoah National Park to celebrate the passing of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA).

Along with his host, Shenandoah’s Acting Superintendent Lewis Rogers, attendees hiking included government representatives from surrounding counties, representatives from SNP Trust, local conservation groups, and outdoor outfitters. Shenandoah National Park will receive much-needed help with their $89MM in deferred maintenance. Senator Warner emphasized his willingness to work bipartisan, noting that the state of Virginia is a big winner with this legislation. The GAOA will create nearly 10,000 jobs in the Commonwealth.

Senator Warner is incredibly busy these days, so it was so generous of him to drop by our park and speak to us about how the Great American Outdoors Act will impact Virginia and the rest of the #nationalparkservice.

Thanks, Senator Mark Warner!

And a special thanks to our Shenandoah National Park staff and rangers for offering their time and capacity!