Signatures were collected for the petition to President Barack Obama to create five new national monuments including the Birthplace of Rivers here in West Virginia.
Senator Joe Manchin sent a letter, which was read aloud to the crowd, “On behalf of the citizens of the Mountain State, and as your United States Senator, it is my privilege to welcome the community leaders and supporters of the Keen Live Monumental. West Virginia is the most beautiful state in the nation, and I am so proud that our state has such endless bounty of outdoor pursuits. Our sparkling rivers, sweeping valleys and majestic mountains make our state a true gem, and beckon sports and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. It is vital that we protect the natural beauty of our home state and consistently strive to promote our endless tourism opportunities. I sincerely appreciate the community leaders and local supporters whose efforts to protect our state’s natural features make a tremendous impact every day.”
Greenbrier River Watershed’s Leslie McCarty then spoke and thanked Manchin for the “kind words,” and asked that he put them into immediate action. “Whether it is done by legislators here in the state or by the president of the United States doesn’t matter,” she said. “This protection of this wilderness area needs to happen now.”