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Cooperation needed
The proposal by Shenandoah National Park officials for a study to look at the problems of development encroaching into the counties surrounding the Park bears serious consideration.
The Park has valid concerns about the aesthetic effects of such development on the tourists who flock to Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway to enjoy the magnificant vistas.
And, their concerns are matched by those expressed by local officials about the increasing tendency toward so-called “ridge-top” development — expensive homes perched atop hills. Though the views from those homes are no doubt spectacular, they do mar the even more spectacular wild natural beauty of the western Piedmont counties.
The owners of such ridge-top land are understandably concerned about possible further restrictions on the use of their land. But, the preservation of scenic beauty is in the best interest of all the residents of our beautiful corner of Virginia.
At the supervisors’ meeting, the county’s officials expressed understandable concerns about the spectre of the Federal government attempting to extend its influence Ibeyond the Park boundaries. Experience has taught that the local governments usually end up on the losing end of such deals.
But, given an atmosphere of cooperation and respect, it is possible that such an effort may find mutually agreeable solutions to these problems, and will develop answers that have so far escaped us. We think it’s worth a try.
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