The Rich Hole Wilderness

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Index and Introduction

This is a unit of the Lasting Forests website describing the Rich Hole Wilderness, a U.S. Forest Service area of the Jefferson and George Washington National Forest in Alleghany County, Virginia, and related wilderness and ancient forest concepts. The author once sought a PhD program for him to advance his knowledge of Aldo Leopold's concept of land health and its base datum of normalcy. He participated in reserving the Rich Hole with M. Leon Powell, and with the University of Idaho (Dr. Paul Dalke), in acquiring its wilderness research center.

Jessee Overcash of the U. S. Forest Service and Giles are shown on a visit to the the Rich Hole Wilderness in 1998. They stand beside an ash tree.

Overcash and Giles, Richhole Wilderness'98
Rich Hole Wilderness (James River Ranger District) The 6,450-acre Rich Hole Wilderness was established by Congress in 1988, making it one of the newest entries into the Wilderness Preservation System. Named for the rich soils that can be found in the head of drainages or "holes" on Brushy Mountain, Rich Hole harbors a diverse array of flora and fauna including some old growth hardwood species. As in the majority of wildernesses in the East, the area was once intensly used by man and is now returning to natural ecological processes. Elevations range from 1500 feet to nearly 3500 feet on the crest of Brushy Mountain. The area represents excellent opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation.

You may see the Contents of this wilderness-related web site unit.

A University of Georgia course on wilderness is now on the web but it requires a password or authorization for use. The authors are Michael Tarrent and Tamela L. Kibler.

A Wilderness Information Network also exists out of the University of Montana. It contains news, library, and other resources.

Other Resources:
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Quick Access to the Contents of LastingForests.com

This Web site is maintained by R. H. Giles, Jr.
Last revision January 17, 2000.