NON-PROFIT ORG U. S. POSTAGE July 2006 P A I D PERMIT NO. 1409 CHAS WV 25301
Friends of Blackwater 501 Elizabeth Street, Charleston, WV 25311 www.saveblackwater.org YOU ARE INVITED TO the 1st Annual Blackwater Challenge October 8, 2006 in Tucker County see page 10 for details GOVERNOR MANCHIN MEETS WITH FRIENDS OF BLACKWATER 3,000 PETITIONS DELIVERED On June 16 representatives of Friends of that you want more public land for your children Blackwater met with West Virginia Governor Joe and grandchildren to be able to use, right?” To Manchin to discuss the plight of the Blackwater which we all vigorously nodded in agreement! Canyon Rail Trail. The public Trail is under threat from the Forest Service, which wants to turn it Blackwater Friends Director Judy Rodd reported, into a logging haul road for Allegheny Wood Prod- “We reminded the Governor that the state has a ucts. The group delivered over 3,000 petition vested interest in keeping the Trail’s scenic and names to the Governor, asking him to intervene on historic views and sites intact. The West Virginia behalf of the citizens of West Virginia and tell the Highway Division has committed to use Corridor Forest Service to stop the public land give-away. H highway mitigation money to improve the Trail and to preserve the 100-year old coke ovens and The Governor was welcoming and listened historic stone archways along the old railroad to our group’s concerns. The petitions were grade. It would make no sense to squander this turned over to Governor Manchin by four- state investment by allowing the public Trail to be year-old Tucker Welch of St Albans. The destroyed for a tiny amount of private logging”. Governor said to Tucker, “You want to tell me Signed petitions are presented to Governor Manchin by Tucker Welch. see Governor page 3 Agencies Support Friends of Blackwater’s Trail Position Supporters of the protection of the Blackwater Our Projects Canyon Rail-Trail have hit a “Trifecta”! Three The second agency separate government agencies have strongly in the Rail-Trail “Tri- Blackwater Canyon National Park - Page 4 criticized the U.S. Forest Service’s Draft fecta” is the West Save Blackwater Canyon - Page 5 Environmental Impact Statement (“DEIS”) on Virginia Division of John Crites’ proposal to turn the historic Canyon Culture and History. North Fork Watershed - Page 6 Rail Trail into Crites’ personal logging haul road. On February 10, 2006, the Division’s Keep Dolly Sods Wild - Page 7 The most recent official body to speak out is the federal Historic Preservation Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the lead Office advised the Cheat Canyon Campaign - Page 8 national historic preservation agency. In a May 22, Forest Service that: 2006 letter to the Forest Service, the Council “There is insuffi- Nature and Heritage Education - Page 9 expressed concern about “substantial impacts on cient information in important historic properties”. The Council’s letter this current draft for Recreation and Tourism - Page 10 noted “procedural problems” and “concerns the public to comment on the historic resourc- regarding the Forest’s consultation and es and their eligibility. The public should have Other Items of Interest compliance.” see Agencies page 3 In Memory and Honor - Page 11 Working to protect West Virginia’s Highlands, including the Blackwater SOS! Save Our Squirrel - Page 12 River watershed, the Blackwater Canyon and the North Fork River. July 2006 July 2006 Notes from the Director GREEN BUSINESSES/PETITION LOCATIONS PETITION Board of Directors Look for the poster below at Dear Friend, Judy Rodd - President your local green business petition location. In this issue of our newsletter, I believe you will find the Paul Hill - Vice-President kind of activities it takes to win a long tough battle like the protection of Jeannie Dalporto - Blackwater Canyon and lots of information on our other campaigns as well. Secretary This spring three key government agencies spoke out Linda Cooper - Treasurer forcefully. They said that the Forest Service’s DEIS on the Canyon Trail is Sandy Fisher “dead on arrival”. It’s unheard of to have such a concurrence of expert Sheila McEntee opinion. We are proud that our government agencies have done what we pay them to do – protect the public interest! We celebrate this victory, as we Advisory Board prepare for the next stage, quite possibly litigation. Annie Dillard - Author It is only and simply your continued, regular, and Larry Groce - Director, Mountain Stage generous support of Friends of Blackwater that makes victories like this possible. Jason Halbert As I look out my window, a bright orange Baltimore David Hammer Esq. oriole flies by our hydrangea ablaze with white flowers. One promise of Alan Karlin Esq. spring is fulfilled. Together we are making a difference. With love and Patrick McGinley - determination, we will succeed! Professor of Law Best Wishes_____ Deborah McHenry Esq. Rafe Pomerance - former US Deputy Judy Rodd Assistant Secretary of State for Environment RECOGNIZING RAPTORS By J. Lawrence Smith RAPTORS from page 2 GOVERNOR (cont’d from page 1) Joe Riffenberger - A hawk circling Should the rather like habitat somewhere in the sunlight. They the fragmentation of remained relatively danger to hawks “Governor Manchin and fishes in the Black- Petitions can be found Wildlife Biologist effortlessly with its harsh voice of a large between the other two, nest high along the forestland in much of uniform for many drifting south along the should speak for every- water Canyon. That’s at www.saveblackwa- silhouette set against bird be heard in woods but perhaps more in mountain ridge and the East years. Allegheny Front during one who rock climbs, a lot of West Virgin- ter.org or at the green J. Lawrence Smith - the blue of the sky in Canaan Valley, it upland areas. range over the forest has fall migration. hunts, hikes, bikes, boats, ians, plus the tourists business locations Author In recent decades the often captures our might well be a Red- and farmland below in brought botanizes, bird watches, who spend their money llisted on this page. Goshawk has made Devoting time to Steve White Esq. attention, but few shoulder. The bird Where the land search of prey such declines picnics, takes photos, here,” said Judy Rodd. it appearance, or studying raptors persons may give is identified, not only is a patchwork of as meadow mice, in the perhaps reappearance, through binoculars Christopher Wood - any though to what by rusty shoulders, woodlots, farms and squirrels and number in Blackwater with a knowledge of (cont’d from page 1) former Senior Advisor to species it is. but also by narrow field is where to look snakes. of Red- Agencies country and the their field marks can cultural resources; least July, 2006. Howev- US Forest Service bands on the tail and for the Red-tail. Its shoulders and information about the vice avoid the idea that higher Alleghenies. give an added sense of and said that the EIS er, from past experience, Field marks or translucent openings rather hissing squeal The Broad-wings. appearance, structural there is a minimal level Titles for identification purposes This fierce, largely discovery to an outing should include ad- we cannot expect the US characteristic patterns in some wing feathers will often betray its tailoring integrity and historic of effort to satisfy Sec- only. gray hawk, may in the mountains. Our ditional information. Forest Service follow the of feather colors and called “windows.” presence before the of the The Red-tail significance of the tion 106 requirements.” other traits can be hawk is seen. land has increased have originally world broadens when impacted resources. law, no matter how clear. Staff easily learned to make Preferring wooded in numbers and been present, but we become acquainted We do not agree with The third agency to The forceful com- Judy Rodd, Director raptor identification slopes where forest Off the east slope is found more disappeared with the with creatures with statements that chang- criticize the Forest Ser- ments of these three Therefore, Friends of rather easy. cover is largely of Allegheny Front, widely than it was clear-cutting of the whom we share the es made to the railroad vice DEIS is the United agencies echo more Blackwater is prepar- Maria Armada unbroken, is the Broad- Red-tails should a few decades forest and is returning earth. arches and culverts in States Environmen- than 5,000 public ing for a legal challenge While it is not always be looked for Meredith Ballard winged Hawk. This ago. Fortunately, after nearly a century 1941 have compromised tal Protection Agency comments to the For- if the Forest Service ig- a hard and fast rule, hawk will often be seen as they the factors of forest regeneration. their historic integrity. (“EPA”). In April of est Service oppos- nores the experts and Kim Broughton identification may be circling above the forest rise in that have We request that further 2006, the EPA said that ing the Forest Ser- gives the “OK” to John A threat to raptor based partly on the canopy voicing its brought analysis of the structural the Forest Service had vice’s deeply flawed Crites’ Rail-Trail De- John Brown by well-being would be habitat where the hawk whistled pee-a-wee and about raptor tolerance of the arches not complied with ap- evaluation process. struction Plan. In that humankind has the proliferation of Johnnie Featherston is observed especially marked with wide black decline elsewhere and culverts be conduct- plicable federal law. challenge, these three been to the detriment wind turbines along during the nesting and white tail bands. have not been as ed and that engineering The EPA expressed According to an ar- agency comments will Brandae Mullins of two of the hawks, season. For example, dramatic in the mountain ridges studies be conducted. concerns about poten- ticle in the Parsons be strong ammunition while beneficial to Liz Salisbury the aptly-named Red- The Red-tailed Blackwater-Canaan for the generation Suggestions of mitigative tial impacts on aquatic Advocate, the Forest for those who love the one. The destruction shouldered Hawk likes Hawk, rather fittingly circling Valley area where of electricity. The measures at this time is and terrestrial habitat, Service is delaying any Blackwater Canyon and and drainage of swampy woods and named for its rusty flight with much habitat has turbine blades premature. We recom- threatened and en- further public action its world-class Rail-Trail! swampland along with woodland near bogs. tail feathers, seems to the tail bright see Raptors page 3 could pose a special mend that the Forest Ser- dangered species, and on the DEIS until at Page 2 July 2006 July 2006 Creating Blackwater Canyon National Park Protecting and promoting Blackwater Blackwater Canyon - combining landscape wide preservation Canyon - West Virginia’s scenic “Crown with sustainable economic development in Jewel” - while working to move all of the National Park the Blackwater Canyon area Blackwater Canyon into public ownership. A Tourism Magnet for the High Alleghenies! West Virginia’s Scenic “Crown Jewel” The Blackwater Canyon, The 10,000-acre, ten- and salamanders. The in its pristine forests. water Canyon Trail into West Virginia’s scenic Crown Jewel, mile-long Blackwater adventurer, artist, and Governor Bob Wise a logging haul road Canyon, in the heart writer Porte Canyon offered to purchase the that would lead directly should be protected as a National Park. of the Monongahela said of the Blackwa- land for public to proposed housing National Forest, is West ter Canyon in 1853: ownership at fair development along This unique, unspoiled wilderness is Virginia’s signature “Never in all this fair market value, but the Wild and Scenic threatened by reckless developers in scenic landscape. Its land of ours has a Crites has so far been Blackwater River. unwilling to sell. Crites sweeping vistas and scene more beautifully In the Forest Service’s is pressuring the state search of a quick profit. Their wild river Canyon grace grand broken on the Draft EIS, issued in park and the the covers of West eye of painter or poet.” February, the Service short-sighted views ignore the long-term Monongahela Virginia tourism bro- West Virginia Senator favored turning control National Forest to allow sustainable value of the chures. At the head of Robert C. Byrd calls of our Trail over to the a logging road on the the Canyon, Blackwater the Blackwater Canyon timber company. Our Blackwater Canyon. scenic hiking trails and Falls State Park is a “one of West Virginia’s campaign caused over through public land in beloved recreational most cherished natural 5,000 people to tell the Preserving the Blackwater Canyon as the Canyon. endangered species ing this process to destination for West treasures.” Forest Service to redo Virginians and outdoor protection in the Can- make sure that the law a National Park makes good economic Serious threats to the Since 1997 the Friends the plan. As we wait lovers from the mid- yon. We are monitor- is followed. Canyon’s scenery, rec- of Blackwater (FOB) for the final EIS, we are sense. The Canyon’s pristine habitat Atlantic Region. The reational use, and eco- has advocated for pro- challenging this “public Canyon is a regional enhances property values in the area and logical integrity began tection for Blackwater land grab” by asking mecca for hikers, ski- GOALS FOR 2006: in 1997, when 3,000 Canyon and the Wild West Virginia Governor attracts dollars from across the region. ers, kayakers, birders, acres of pristine river and Scenic Blackwater Joe Manchin to speak a climbers, hunters, and Work to keep the trail public. corridor in the heart of River as a National out agains the Forest Many people do not realize that fishermen. The Black- Canyon -- the only land Park. We have helped Service plan. Please a Review the Habitat Conservation water Rail Trail is beau- protected public land like national parks in the Canyon not in to move 675 acres of will join us it this effort Plan on Allegheny Wood Products Land. tiful and well used, protective public the Canyon into public through our petition pays up to six times more money to local with historic sites and ownership--were ownership under the campaign. (See page a Participate and Comment on the a diverse population sold by a public util- Underwood and Wise 3). Monongahela National Forest government than private timberland taxes. of plants and animals ity company to timber Administrations. We Management plan. including endangered We are also advocat- operator John Crites, of have protected the We must preserve the integrity of the flying squirrels, bats ing for a National Park endangered species of a Work towards the creation of a National Alleghe- in the Canyon and Blackwater Canyon for sound economic the Canyon through Park. ny Wood supported a National research, public educa- reasons, and to preserve West Virginia’s Products, Park study bill in the tion and advocacy and HOW YOU CAN HELP: for five 2006 West Virginia natural heritage for future generations. promoted recreation million legislature, sponsored a by sponsoring tours Sign the petition calling on Gov. Look at what a national park in West Virginia could do! dollars. by Delegate Sharon and educating deci- Manchin to protect the Trail. Sign Crites Spencer and Senator sion makers about the on–line at www.saveblackwater.org soon Randy White. We will value of the Blackwater began continue this work in a Rail Trail. In May of Download petitions and help get logging 2007. in the 2005, under pressure more West Virginians to sign. Take Canyon from FOB, the Forest Under pressure from them to club meetings, outings, and and Service began a full Friends of Blackwater, local outdoor businesses. planning Environmental Impact the Fish and Wildlife a Send a donation for our scientific condo- Statement (EIS) Study Service and Allegheny minium on Allegheny Wood Wood Products began research on wildlife, historic sites and develop- Products’ proposal to research for a Habitat water impacts of proposed logging haul ments turn the public Black- Conservation Plan for road on our public trail Page 4 - Projects Projects - Page 5 July 2006 July 2006 Working to improve water quality, educate Working in coalition to achieve siting the public on the negative impact of acid regulations for industrial wind projects in mine drainage and combine water WV, while challenging those projects that remediation with historic preservation. degrade special places, like Dolly Sods.
GOALS FOR 2006: RESTORE THE NORTHFORK - GATEWAY TO THE CANYON The Dolly Sods wilderness and scenic areas, on the high Allegheny Front, have a unique ecology of windblown, arctic-like spruce forests a Set up monitoring program. The trail along the North Fork, a key tributary of the Blackwater River in Tucker County and highland bogs . The Front is a flyway for flocks of migrating birds and a magnet for sightseers, birdwatchers, hunters, hikers and berry pickers. In the past two years, visitors have been startled to see 44 huge industrial wind turbines rising along Backbone Mountain, along a Create a map of the Watershed. W.Va., is a gateway for hikers coming into the Blackwater Canyon. It’s a walk into history, past overgrown stone coke ovens where 10,000 immigrants from 15 different countries Route 219 in Tucker County. Over 600 of these mega-mills, spurred by federal, a Write report on the health of the North toiled in the early 1900s. The industrial history has left its mark on the river including acid state and local tax breaks, are proposed in West Virginia’s Allegheny Highlands Branch of the Potomac. mine drainage (AMD) and metal deposits from abandoned deep mines and strip mines. not only near Dolly Sods, but also on Jack Mountain in Pendleton County, Beech There are safety problems: a wall of coal separating the Coketon and Kempton mine pools Ridge in Greenbrier County, and Mt. Storm just north of Canaan Valley, as a Educate the public about water quality (two sets of flooded mine tunnels under the Maryland-West Virginia border on the eastern well as neighboring counties to the north in Maryland and Pennsylvania, issues. continental divide) could break and cause major flooding and pollution. Previous reclama- and to the south in Virginia. Although wind power does not pollute tion projects helped stabilize disturbed land, but surface subsidence, water pollution and like coal or nuclear power, citizens are alarmed by the impacts HOW YOU CAN HELP some safety problems remain. The North Fork underground mine pool of polluted water of these 450-foot- high structures on the forested, sce- nic a Volunteer to be a water monitor. Call the also impacts the beautiful headwaters of the North Branch of the Potomac. mountaintops. The whirling blades are killing migrat- North Fork office at304-463-4068 or ing birds and bats, and the sights and sounds of email [email protected], and North Fork the turbines are causing some people to experience ask about the next training session. AMD Sources headaches and dizziness. Energy analysts wonder if the small amount of unpredictable energy produc- tion from these overbuilt towers is even worth all the a Donate items and/or attend a fund raising Above: Owl killed by wind turbine. auction on July 22, 2007 at 6:00pm at the trouble. Purple Fiddle in Thomas. Items up for WV WIND PROJECT STATUS bidding include hiking gear, outings, TUCKER COUNTY: The state legisla- been appealed to the 124 wind turbines weekends in cabins, and crafts. Forty-four turbines ture reduced prop- WV Supreme Court. at Beech Ridge. At owned by Florida erty taxes on wind weeklong PSC hear- PARTNERS: Light & Power at turbines to 5% of The US Windforce ings in May, citizens US Office of Surface Mining Mountaineer project assessed value. The project of 125 tur- pointed out impacts WV Division of Environmental Protection on Backbone tax revenues will de- bines north of Ca- to the Cranberry Generations United - Nisource Mountain form the cline every year with naan Valley, certified Wilderness and High- The Norcross Foundation - Town Creek largest industrial wind depreciation. by PSC but not built. lands Scenic High- The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation project in the East. Citizens for Respon- way. GOALS FOR 2006: The Thomas Education Center An estimated 5,000 GRANT COUNTY: sible Wind Power a birds and bats die a Two hundred tur- asked for and got OTHERS: pre-appli- Slow down the building of LIZ SALSBURY year. Local tax ben- bines on the Al- the PSC to create a cation processes are wind turbines until federal siting JOINS NORTHFORK efits haven’t material- legheny Front were certification compli- underway for projects regulations are in place to protect lived across the globe ecologically sensitive areas. WATERSHED TEAM studying and working ized; the county has certified by the West ance review before on Rich Mountain, In April of 2006 the as a raft guide. She only received $92,000 Virginia Public Ser- building can begin. Randolph; Laurel a Inform the public and government Northfork Watershed now calls West Virginia in three years the vice Commission. A Mountain, Barbour officials about true costs of these Project added a new home, and has recently A fond farewell to project has existed. nuisance suit by five PENDLETON COUN- County; Briery projects, and about the value of the staff member when an Associate of purchased property Meredith and Janel, landowners TY: US Wind Force Mountain, Preston Allegheny Highlands, its heritage, scenic Liz Salsbury joined on the Blackfork River Science in Adventure against Ned- applied for a PSC County; Mineral viewsheds and special habitats. the team as an OSM Sports from the where she will be liv- who brought energy Power con- certificate for 24 County; intern. In July she will Adventure Sports ing and playing with tends that the turbines at Liberty Garrett and Allegheny PARTNERS: become part of the full and enthusiasm to the Institute in Deep her dog, Denali. She is project will Gap, Jack Mountain. Counties in Maryland; The coalition of groups under Citizens for time staff taking the excited to be working on Creek Lake, MD. North Fork over the reduce prop- Learn more at www. Highland County near Responsible Wind Power (CRWP) which position of the project the Northfork Watershed Liz grew up outside erty values protectpendleton. Monterey, Virginia. includes Friends of the Allegheny Front, leader. Liz graduated Longview, Wash- Project, because she past year! and cause com Stewards of the Potomac Highlands, Friends from Davis and Elkins ington and moved wants to allocate her These projects will College in May of 2006 away from home professional efforts to noise pol- of Beautiful Pendleton, Friends of Backbone with a Bachelor of after completing high the preservation of the We wish you well! lution here. GREENBRIER impact scenic views Mountain, Friends of Blackwater Canyon, Science in Recreation school. Since then beautiful and pristine Right: Meredith Ballard and The suit has COUNTY: Inven- around the Mononga- and Mountain Communities for Responsible Ecology. She also has she has traveled and rivers of West Virginia. Janel Farron ergy applied for over hela National Forest. Wind (Greenbrier) Page 6 - Projects Projects - Page 7 July 2006 July 2006
Through partnerships, working to protect To provide education about the natural the endangered species of the Cheat Can- and historical wonders of the yon by limiting logging and road building. Blackwater Canyon.
About 30 miles north and downstream of the Blackwater Canyon is another gorgeous West Virginia From wilderness explorers and illustrators like Porte Crayon, to a landmark African American case GOALS FOR 2006: canyon, along the Cheat River. Flowing through Preston and Monongalia Counties, the Cheat is the in the West Virginia Supreme Court, to the family tales of settlers who worked in the coke ovens from Italy, Germany, Croatia and other faraway places, the Blackwater area is full of fascinating largest undammed river east of the Mississippi. Its 16-mile long Cheat River Canyon, which begins a Continue to distribute information to stories. Natural wonders vary from the grandest rapids to the quietest old growth forest. at Albright and ends at Cheat Lake, is a rugged, wild area, beloved by whitewater rafters and kayak- all age groups about nature and history ers. Bordered by steep sandstone walls, the Cheat Canyon offers crucial habitat for the endangered of the area. Indiana bat and the Cheat three-toothed flat-spired land snail. a Publish children’s books about the ecology of the Blackwater Canyon Allegheny Wood Products’ logging is a violation of the Endangered Species Act. Negotiations failed to watershed. get Allegheny Wood Products to agree not to log sensitive habitat along the steep canyon walls - so a Plan the 2007 Blackwater BioBlitz Friends of Blackwater, the West Virginia Sierra Club, the Cheat Lake Environment and Recreational a Club, and the Coopers Rock Foundation pushed ahead with a suit. The trial is scheduled for J.R. CLIFFORD COURTROOM DRAMA, Produce the Clifford Niagara play FOB’S HERITAGE PUBLICATIONS at our October 8th Blackwater Challenge September in U.S. District Court in Elkins, WV. We’ve hired terrific lawyers and scientists to protect HARPERS FERRY Aug. 17 crucial endangered species habitat. 1st Annual FUNdraising event. Friends of Blackwater us at outreach@ In 1898, West Virginia’s a Produce two more issues of first African-American has published saveblackwater.org for Blackwater Roots. You are cordially invited to attend a historic walking tour your copy. Developing attorney, John Robert Lawsuit filed to stop brochures, and staff signage and a museum Clifford (1848-1933) Cheat Canyon logging members have been along the historic rail won a landmark case leading historic tours trail near the town of for Coketon Colored OUR PARTNERS: School teacher Carrie Cheat Canyon Fundraiser Three environmental Energy announced that tains important habitat declare that its log- for the towns of Thomas from Coketon Tucker County Historical Society, WV Williams. The at groups have sued Al- it had finalized the sale for the threatened ging would not harm Parsons, Davis and (site of the old coke Humanities Council, Clifford-Niagara foundation of the legheny Wood Prod- of 5,600 acres of the Cheat three-toothed threatened or endan- Thomas. We’ve also ovens) to Douglas Project, Nisource, North Fork Watershed published three issues has been proposed by Coketon schoolhouse ucts Inc. to stop the Canyon and nearby snail and the endan- gered species. Agency play produced by West of a history tabloid Friends of Blackwater. where Ms. Williams Project, Mountain State Bar Association, Forks of Cheat Winery company from logging Big Sandy Creek Gorge gered Indiana Bat, the officials declined, the Virginia State Supreme called “Blackwater Our discovery of the worked still sits along WV Department of Education, Appalachian portions of the scenic to Petersburg-based lawsuit notes. The tim- lawsuit says, and “ex- Court Justice Larry Roots,” featuring Coketon Colored School the Blackwater Cheat River Canyon. Allegheny Wood. Since ber company’s Cheat pressed concerns” that Starcher and attorney Community Fund from 6-9 pm on August 3, 2006 the stories and controversy led to Canyon Rail Trail. FOB’s Niagara Movement Guinevere Roper at In their lawsuit, the 1997, Allegheny Wood property accounts for the company’s activi- Tom Rodd. Clifford-Williams Centennial, sponsored National Park Service, groups allege that the owner John Crites nearly a third of the ties would harm these illustrations of Porte staging of a courtroom Project, housed at by the National Park 304-535-6166. To Proceeds will be used to fund the campaign to logging would illegally has been under fire snail’s entire known species. Crayon, who wrote drama about J.R. On Aug. 17, at 4 p.m. our Charleston office, Service, at Curtis volunteer in any protect endangered species in the Cheat harm protected endan- from conservationists range. “It is impos- In October 2004, then- about Blackwater in Clifford, West Virginia’s and 7:30 p.m. Justice is now spreading the Freewill Baptist Church capacity call Maria at gered snails and bats for his purchase and sible to conduct normal DNR Director Ed Ham- the 1850’s. “Roots” first black lawyer, and Starcher will lead a Canyon. For more infornmation word about this newly- in Harpers Ferry WV. Friends of Blackwater, and important habitat subsequent logging of road building or log- rick also told Allegheny was mailed to all his landmark 1898 WV celebrity cast as the contact FOB at 304-345-7663 rediscovered bit of Tickets are free, but 304-345-7663. for those species. 3,000 acres of Black- ging activities in this Wood that his agency Tucker County Supreme Court civil courtroom drama goes history. The vehicle is a space is limited; call or send e-mail to Charleston lawyers water Canyon in Tucker location without some was concerned about residents. Contact case. on stage at the [email protected] Josh Barrett and Molly County. adverse impacts to the impacts on endan- McGinley Han filed the The Wise administra- this snail’s habitat and gered species in the lawsuit on behalf of the tion bid $9.4 million likely harm to individ- canyon, the suit says. BLACKWATER NATURE eDUCATION Sierra Club chapter, the in grants and pledges ual snails,” the lawsuit Hamrick told the com- Cheat Lake Environ- for the Cheat Canyon says. pany that it needed to Blackwater Habitats Bio-Blitz 2007 GOAL FOR 2006: ment and Recreation property. When Allegh- Company officials have develop a Habitat Con- book sERIES servation Plan, or HCP, Association and Friends eny Energy revealed not “implemented the OSM-Vista volunteer teach children in local The first meeting Bayer CropScience has looking for scientists a Use the legal system to push for a for its Canyon activities. of Blackwater. that Crites had bid most basic protection Janelle Faron, now schools. of the Blackwater graciously provided to act as team leaders Habitat Conservation plan in order for Indiana bats,” the The lawsuit says that In late 2002, the $9.75 million, the state completing her year of Order our children’s BioBlitz 2007 planning the initial seed funding for the Bio-Blitz, to be to protect endangered species. suit says – restrict- the company has never administration of then- came up with another service , has completed natural history activity committee was for this project. The held in June 2007, and ing logging until after done so. rd Gov. Bob Wise $500,000, for a total of two children’s activity books for kids in your held June 3 . The Blitz will produce a are actively seeking Nov. 15, when most OUR PARTNERS: announced plans to $9.9 million. Allegheny books—one about life; Vol. I on Habi- BioBlitz will be a 24 final report and special volunteers to assist the bats are believed to Based on a Charleston buy the Canyon to Energy sold to the tim- Blackwater’s special tats and Blackwater’s hour survey of rare collections of plants team leaders. If you West Virginia Sierra Club be hibernating. In Gazette article by Ken Ward, turn it into a public ber company anyway. habitats, and another Special Critters, and species in Blackwater and insects available to are interested please July 2003, Allegheny April 12, 2005 Cheat Lake Environment and wildlife-management The Cheat Canyon, about the Blackwater Vol. II, the Blackwater Falls State Park, led future researchers. contact us at (304) Recreational Association (CLEAR) area. But in May 2003, including Allegheny Wood asked the Fish watershed. Already by science professors 345-7663. Watershed. Blackwater Nature Book Series Coopers Rock Foundation Allegheny Wood’s property, con- and Wildlife Service to they’ve been used to Volume I and researchers. We are currently Page 8 - Projects Projects - Page 9 July 2006 July 2006
Promoting recreational opportunities in the Blackwater area.
Jane Avery’s dog Maxcie, family farm, and several of the Blackwater area by neighbors raised a large family in a house resources. Thomas and Inpart German Shepherd, Memory died family camp together in their and Honor...who came from West Virginia. which was located on the site Davis are really neat towns after a long and happy 18 year trailers and cabins. They have had a summer of the current barn belonging that attract tourists, a lot like life, part of which was spent as cabin in Canaan Valley since to Carroll and Donna Cook. this area of Wyoming.” GOALS FOR 2006: mascot of Our Town Theater ”As kids we would visit before Charles was born. Donna is active in Friends of Adele Thornton Lewis, in Oakland, Md., where Jane Blackwater Falls,” Madonna “We love the canyon, and the Allegheny Front, calling The Blackwater Challenge an artist from Huntington, a Hold Blackwater Challenge Event is artistic director. Maxcie was recalls. “I take my son we’re glad our daughter has attention to the impact on WV now living at Smith a Lead hikes through Blackwater a special pal to the kids in there, my nieces have gone had a chance to see it,” says scenery, birds and bats posed .... is a family weekend of bike riding, hiking, boating, art, theater, Mountain Lake near Wirtz, the theater’s youth program, there. Blackwater Canyon Carol. by industrial wind turbines Canyon. VA., donated in memory of and games to raise money for Friends of Blackwater. breaking the ice for those who is something my dad would along the mountaintops. a Barbara Schulz of Elkins, her parents, Grayson and Assist with trail maintenance and were shy or socially awkward. have wanted to preserve. He WV donated to Friends of Adele Kershaw Thornton. bridge construction to complete the Stretch your mind, your body and your wallet Jane’s friend Linda Reeves didn’t want anybody ruining Mark J.F. Fischer Catherine Tebay, a West Blackwater in memory of Her mother, also an artist, of Aurora, WV, often goes to ‘God’s country,’ as he would Virginia native practicing new trail along the Blackwater River to support a worthy cause. her husband Arnold Schulz, did watercolors and made Blackwater Canyon and came have put it.” also loved the wildness dentistry in Jackson, WY, has from Blackwater Falls State Park to of the nearby Black Hills, a U.S. Forest Service wildlife dioramas for various up with the idea of a donation F. Ethan Fischer of honored her father Talbott Participants will raise a minimum $300 each by pledging to “Your Blackwater Canyon biologist, who died Dec. state parks. Young Adele the town of Davis. in memory of Maxcie the dog. Harpers Ferry WV made Tebay, of Parkersburg, also must be like our Black Hills, 26, 1997, a day shy of their turned the artistic gift into a Protect the Rail-Trail. complete 2 events planned for October 8th in Tucker County, WV. “I just like to sit on the rocks a donation in memory of a dentist, with a donation to beautiful and wild. Ruthie 49th wedding anniversary. a profession,, winning a and look out over the Canyon. his brother Mark. Ethan Friends of Blackwater Canyon. would have loved it,” said Arnold, along with Bill Wiley, portrait contest to paint Families who accompany the Blackwater teams can also It’s a treasure,” says Linda. wrote: “Mark J.F. Fischer “A lot of my friends have hiked HOW YOU CAN HELP: Paul. led the annual Wildlife Walk a portrait of Gov. Jay “We’re fortunate to have an was a world traveler, Latin and kayaked the Canyon. It’s a take part in exciting activities. from Blackwater Falls State Rockefeller. The picture expansive landscape like scholar, witty poet, yoga jewel,” says Catherine. I enjoy a Be a tour leader. Filba Frasher of St. Park, which is being held hangs in the governors’ this. I just like to know that instructor, body worker all of Tucker County, and my a Followed by a Saturday night awards banquet. Albans, WV, donated in May 11-14 this year. “My hall of fame in the state Share stories of your trip to place is there, and know and lawyer in Colorado. favorite area is Dolly Sods. My memory of his brother favorite wildflower from the Capitol building. Adele also Blackwater on our website. it’s somewhere I can always His translations of German dad is a fisherman—fly fishing, COME AND ENJOY THE FALL FOLIAGE AND BLACKWATER CANYON’S in law, Roger Martin of walks is the painted trillium,” used Blackwater Canyon a go.” philosophers as well as his trout ,and salt water—and he’s Join the Blackwater Challenge Fund Glasgow, WV. He was an she says. “It’s rare, and only landscapes as a favorite SCENIC BEAUTY book on Hatha Yoga await a ruffed grouse hunter. He’s RaisingTeam. active hunter and fisherman. grows in acid soil in high subject, holding a show Clayton Burger, age 89, a wider publication. In 1987 taken me on West Virginia back a Mr. Frasher also supports altitudes, It’s white with a at the Blackwater Falls Volunteer for Trail maintenance. Think you are interested? Contact us at 304-345-7663 or of Middle River MD and Mark’s heart stopped in roads to places I never knew his son Patrick’s activities splash of red in the center.” state park lodge. An art a Donate time, dollars, decking lumber [email protected] his wife Anna honored Telluride; his widow Elaine existed. My dad supports more on behalf of Blackwater Mr. Schulz also served professor, Bill Gerhold, held the memory of Clayton’s has since become the business in West Virginia. I or concrete for the bridge in the Park. Canyon. “I was raised out West as a ranger and art workshops there, she parents, Guy and Nina longtime Mayor and later the want to convince him that around Elkview,” he says. naturalist at Rocky Mountain recalled. “I always loved Burger, with a donation. Guy County Commissioner. Mark tourism is going to help the OUR PARTNERS: “If my son’s interested in National Park. He studied economy more than extractive to go there; it was like a ...... was a coal miner, working loved the mountains of West T is for preserving Blackwater botany in the 1940s with the different country.” Adele Blackwater Falls State Park The in small mines near Davis, Virginia as well as those industries that trash our natural Canyon, so am I. I see pioneer of West Virginia forest sends best wishes to all her Thomas, Benbush, Pierce, of Colorado, and his spirit Conservation Fund - Nisource that Senator Byrd is also in plants, Dr. Earl Core of friends in West Virginia. and Kempton. Guy and abides in high places.” WV Trails Coalition - Tucker Co.Trails Tourism Nina farmed on five lots in favor of it, so that’s a pretty West Virginia University Davis, where Clayton was strong ally.” and served in the state Paul Lansky of Sioux HOW FOB IS PROMOTING TOURISM & born during the height of the DNR before joining the Falls, SD donated to Stephen and Carol timber boom. Nina worked Forest Service.. Both RECREATION IN THE BLACKWATER CANYON Friends of Blackwater in Schimpf of Columbia, STATE REPORTS ECONOMIC in the old Warden Hotel on Arnold and Barbara have We were able to Blackwater area the Tucker County memory of his dear friend MD had a son, Charles Second Street in Davis The enjoyed creating paintings INCREASE DUE TO TOURISM pool several grants available on our economy and how Ruth Naomi Hofer, who Edward Schimpf, who According to the WV revenues, each Burgers still own property in of natural scenes. to sponsor the website with a list a national park died Sept. 10, 2005. Paul died of a congenital Division of Tourism, household in West the town, including Nina’s of places to stay would add to was Ruthie’s caregiver for heart disorder in 1979. H a z e l O l i f f o f in a press release for Virginia would construction homeplace. that value. E- 10 years. “She was an even They donated to Friends Maysville, WV, donated Tourism Week in May have to pay an of a bridge in and things to do in Madonna Carr of Akron, tempered, lovable person of Blackwater in his in memory of her father 2006, travelers to the additional $730 Blackwater Falls Tucker County. Our mail outreach@ OH, donated in memory and it was hard to lose her. memory. “A friend of ours Charles E. Smith who Mountain State spend in state and local State Park in on-line newsletters saveblackwater. of her father Roy A. Carr, The family all came together who also lost a son about was a pioneer in that more than $3.4 billion taxes to maintain partnership profile a number org for more 1929-2000, who was born and gave her a great send- that time gave us a white Grant County farming a year, or $9.3 million current service with Tucker of these green information and raised in Dry Fork. off,” he wrote. Ruth loved birch tree, and we planted community. In addition to per day, generating levels. Travel businesses. about County Trails. A Korean War veteran, he music and dancing, collecting it in the back yard. Now it’s farming, he, along with $536 million in tax spending in West ordering this moved to Ohio to work as antiques, and fishing with her 27 years old, the same age many neighbors, worked revenue each year and Virginia has We have a Additionally, we report. Charles would have been,” A b o v e & r i g h t : a truck driver, but he often late husband Elvin Hofer. in the sawmills as the virgin Charles E. Smith supporting 41,000 jobs. increased by 11.4 printable have published a visited his trailer in Dry Fork. She loved the community of Carol says. The Schimpfs timber was cut at the turn of Without those travel- percent per year since report on the value map His brother still owns the Sioux Falls and was a booster were introduced to the the 20th century. Charles generated tax 2000. of the of public land to of the town’s growth. She Page 10 - Projects Page 11 July 2006 YES! I WANT TO JOIN FRIENDS OF BLACKWATER Choose a membership level and send your name, address, and e-mail to Friends of Blackwater, 501 Elizabeth Street, Charleston WV 25311 Support FOB www.saveblackwater.org [email protected] & Save a Tree... Porte Crayon Society $1000 Family______$ 50 Crown Jewel Club $ 500 Individual___ $ 35 Buy our Blackwater Sustaining Steward $ 250 Senior______$ 20 Tote bag and Patron______$ 100 Student______$ 10 help protect the YES! I WANT TO MAKE A DONATION! environment. Name You won’t need to pick plastic Address or paper when you use our canvas bag, with charming wood thrush artwork by Julie Zickafoose. Phone Send me ____ Friends of Blackwater E-mail Canvas Tote Bag(s) @ $15.00 each Total = $______Please send future newsletters only via e-mail. SOS! Save Our Squirrel! istration, due to funding the side” of some devel- Republican Congress- rooms are spread in cuts and delisting direc- opers, timber operators, woman, Shelley Moore squirrel manure. Ginny tives from DC. On June road builders, and coal Capito. Now it looks the flying squirrel glides 2, 2006, the Service an- companies, who have like payback time! through the forest, sow- nounced its intention to lobbied to get rid of the ing her own future gar- delist the flying squir- law, despite the extinc- The Fish and Wildlife den and enriching the rel, plus review for pos- tion of multiple species Service concedes that forest floor. That’s how sible delisting two West worldwide each year. logging is the single this ecosystem works,” Virginia river mussels Popular support has kept biggest threat to the Rodd explained. “The and the Cheat Snail. the Endangered Species flying squirrel, and log- ESA works because it The Fish and Wildlife Act in place. Outdoor ging will continue to protects habitat, not Service claims to have lovers have joined with grow under the new just individual plants located 1,100 West Vir- Evangelical Christians, Forest Service plan for and animals. We don’t ginia Northern flying who recall the Bibli- the Mon Forest. “What believe that the Service squirrels over the past cal story of how Noah the Fish and Wildlife has done enough re- 20 years. Is 50 squir- and his family saved Service fails to say is search on the squirrel rels a year, on over one the animals in the Ark. that older forests are and its needs, or put the Ginny, the West Virginia rel’s habitat becomes million acres, “a lot”? essential to the squir- right measures in place Flying Squirrel, Blackwa- more threatened by in- We don’t think so!! Timber operators like rel, and that older to keep it from going ter Canyon’s mascot and creased human activity John Crites of Allegh- growth habitat is con- extinct and disappear- her friends and relations in remote, high eleva- The Endangered Spe- eny Wood Products, stantly under threat,” ing forever.” Fans of -- could face extinction. tion old growth forests. cies Act (ESA) regu- the leading opponent said Judy Rodd. “West Ginny should stay tuned The US Fish and Wild- lates disturbance of the of putting the entire Virginia Northern fly- to the “SOS” campaign. life Service plans to re- The Fish and Wildlife habitat of scientifically Blackwater Canyon into ing squirrels’ main food The flying squirrel may move the squirrel from Service has been crip- selected plants and public ownership, have source is underground have to go to court, the legal protection of pled in its ability to fulfill animals, on private and contributed thousands mushrooms that thrive to stop the delisting. the Endangered Species its conservation mission public land. The ESA of dollars to George W. under old trees. The list, even as the squir- under the Bush admin- has been a “thorn in Bush and West Virginia’s spores from the mush- Page 12