Friends of Blackwater Canyon

June 2005 501 Elizabeth St.reet Room 3, Charleston, WV 25311 • 304-345-7663 • www.saveblackwater.org • [email protected] Friends of Blackwater and the Smokey the Bear, don’t cut out the Wilderness Society submit joint scoping letter heart of Blackwater Canyon!! On May 31, Friends of Allegheny Wood Products, a timber Virginia’s Blackwater and The Wilderness Society company owned by John Crites, wants to “”natural submitted extensive comments to the turn the beautiful, world-class Blackwater treasure” (that’s Forest Service on the scope of the Canyon Trail – located on our public how Senator Blackwater Trail study and questioned National Forest land — into a commercial Robert C. Byrd the legal basis of AWP’s request. The logging road and an access road to AWP’s described the letter was also signed by the WV Rivers planned condominiums. Blackwater Can- Coalition, the WV Environmental Our United States Forest Service (yes, yon.) Council, the Ohio Valley Environmental Smokey the Bear and gang) owns the We must demand that our public Coalition, the WV Chapter of the Sierra land that AWP wants for its commercial officials speak out, and tell the Forest Club, and the WV Highlands Conser- logging road. Over ten thousand people Service not to destroy the natural vancy. We told the Forest Service to so far have told the Forest Service that integrity of the Blackwater Canyon. address the following: AWP’s request is a bad idea. Now, the Go to our website, saveblackwater.org, 1. Research on endangered species Forest Service is preparing an Environ- and follow our mailings and e-mails along the Trail and on lands that border mental Impact Statement (EIS) study of throughout the coming summer, to learn the Trail — where a logging road and AWP’s plan; with some results likely in how you can make your voice heard on intended land use changes to develop the fall of 2005. these important issues. condominiums sites will alter critical If you are one of more than 10,000 habitat. More endangered species have commenters so far to the Forest Service, Save This View been found in the area, including THANK YOU!! Without you, we never additional West Virginia flying squirrels, would have even seen an EIS study. Cheat Mountain salamanders, and Now the real work begins! Indiana bats raising young in the forests In the coming months, we must show in the Blackwater drainage. all of our public officials the horror that 2. Study cultural resources. New we feel at AWP’s plan to despoil West information is available from the West Virginia Division of Highways on the already prone to erosion and slippage. cultural resources in their Blackwater 4. AWP’s claim that they must have Trail Phase I study, published in May of access to the trail under ANILCA must 2003 which states that the trail is a be studied. Our lawyers say this law historically protected site. does not apply because the AWP prop- 3. De-watering of the Blackwater erty is not surrounded by federal land. River from a newly permitted mine See full comment letter at our website, should be studied. The reduction will saveblackwater.org. make the River more vulnerable to We will let you know when the EIS degradation from sediment from road Draft Alternative Plans for the Blackwa- building and development in an area ter Canyon Trail are published.

Inside:Inside:Inside: Director’s Update ...... 2 North Fork Watershed News ...... 4 The Economics of National Parks ...... 8 Mountain Trail Rides ...... 10 Tribute to Joseph Johnson ...... 2 Clifford Play Draws Large Crowd ...... 4 Bridge and Boardwalk for State Park 8 In Memory ...... 10 Diane Baisden and Sam Jinks ...... 3 Keep Dolly Sods Wild News Briefs .... 5 IMBA and National Parks Agree ...... 8 Charleston Fish Fry ...... 11 Canyon Kids Club Winner ...... 3 Cheat Canyon Update ...... 5 Spruce Country Signs of Summer ..... 9 Get Away to the Brookside Inn ...... 12 Legislative Update ...... 3 Summer Calendar of Events ...... 6,7 Davis: My Home Town ...... 9 Membership Continues ...... 12 Director’s Update Is this special place going to be taken Dear Friends, from us? Will bulldozers come and cut a For those of you new to the Blackwater wide raw swath of dirt and rock knock- Trail, it is a wonderful 10-mile-long hike ing down the beautiful evergreens and in the heart of the Canyon — starting at maples and poplars and cherries that line an elevation of 3,000 feet in Thomas, the Trail — on our public land — so that and dropping to 2,000 feet at Hendricks, AWP’s log trucks can haul timber out of where the Blackwater enters the Dry our Canyon? Fork. Everywhere along the Trail—a Will we let another precious part of wide, grassy path—there is water, with our West Virginia heritage be destroyed the river rushing below and small and shipped overseas? We can’t let this tributaries like Tub Run, Big Run, and happen!! Please send your letter to the Maple Run forming waterfalls and Forest Service and the Governor — with rivulets above, under, and below the a copy to us — letting them know how Trail. much you love Blackwater Canyon. Red spruce and hemlocks along the Trail are home to the endangered West Write to Bill Shields, Monongahela Virginia flying squirrel and Cheat The Blackwater Trail NF, 200 Sycamore Street, Elkins, WV Mountain salamander. Dramatic stone Canyon. Remote from civilization we 26241 and Governor Joe Manchin at archways act as culverts under the Trail, find peace and tranquility and feel at one 1900 Kanawha Boulevard E, Charles- and remind us that this was once the with nature — and blessed to live in a ton, WV 25305. steepest railroad grade in the East. This country where the natural world is still Trail contains all that we love about the revered. Judith S. Rodd, Executive Director

In memory of Joseph “Joey” Johnson by fellow AmeriCorps members Linda Reeves, Cindy Phillips, Kip Ambro, Charles Barker, Amy Bonfiglio, Roxanne Hofer, Rod Newton, Holly Smith, Ellen Voss, and AmeriCorps advisors Eleanor Palko and Matt Quattro.

Tribute to Joseph Johnson

Joseph “Joey” Johnson was one of 10 learning Nature’s nuances and Above the canyon walls members of our AmeriCorps team. subtleties. This deep reverence for Nature Birds soaring the blue skies Together, in 2000 and 2001, we worked reflected a humanity beyond his years. We think of him. on community projects in Tucker and And his smile.....his smile would light up a Randolph Counties. It was a privilege room and just make the day go better. knowing Joseph and working with him. We miss you, Joey. His kindness, creativity and generosity of spirit inspired us. After the initiation ceremony into the AmeriCorps program in Charleston, Joseph asked us to come with him to the rotunda area of the Capital Building. There, much to our surprise and delight he walked to the center of the rotunda and began playing a beautiful melody on a wooden flute he had made. The acoustics were incredible and we felt honored to be a part of something so special. It was an amazing way to start our wonderful year of working together. Joseph was strongly connected to the Joey Johnson at Lindy Point atop the natural world: its birds and trees, walks Blackwater Canyon along mountain trails, observing and 1968-2001 Photo by Linda Reeves 2 Judy Rodd, President Our Volunteers Paul Hill, Vice President Jeannie Dalporto, Secretary Linda Cooper, Treasurer The King and Queen of Tucker County Recreation: Sandy Fisher Diane Baisden and Sam Jinks Board of Directors Sheila McEntee If you’re not quite sure how to begin Annie Dillard enjoying the exquisite beauty, adventure, Larry Groce and health of the highlands of West Jason Halbert Virginia, there’s only one place to start: David Hammer, Esq. Highland Scene Tours. Owners Sam Jinks Alan Karlin, Esq. and Diane Baisden have been sharing their love of the outdoors with visitors, Patrick McGinley, Esq. and expanding their business, for ten Deborah McHenry, Esq. years. J. Lawrence Smith Highland Scene Tours offers mountain Advisory Board Rafe Pomerance bike rentals, kayak rentals, snowshoe and Joe Rieffenberger cross country ski rentals, shuttle service, Steve White, Esq. nature/ecology tours, and overnight Christopher Wood biking trips. They book multi-day Work as a health consultant ultimately packages that include biking, whitewater lead to the purchase of a few mountain rafting, kayaking and horseback riding. bikes. Today, ten years later, Highland Judy Rodd, Director Highland Inn and Spa offers lodging, John Brown Scene Tours and Highland Inn and Spa exercise classes and four types of massage. have grown to offer many more services: Janel Ferron Staff Staff Both Sam Jinks and Diane Baisden cheery accommodations, exercise and Yoga Valerie Little have traveled long roads to be where they classes, massage therapy, and popular Emily Smaargo are today. Sam, originally from Texas, had outdoor adventures like mountain biking, a career in the navy that took him all over flat-water kayaking, back-country hiking, the world. He spent time in all parts of and much more. 2005 Legislation the U.S. and in Japan, Korea and Kuwait. Sam and Diane are also active on the Sam occasionally worked at recreation Davis/Thomas Business Committee of the The staff, board of directors, facilities on military bases, which pro- Chamber of Commerce, the West Virginia and advisory members of vided some of the background he would Ecotourism Association, and the Allegheny Friends of Blackwater wish need to run an outfitting business. Highland Trail board. to thank Senator John A Mingo County native, Diane worked Sam and Diane opened their new Yoder and Delegate as a schoolteacher for the Department of outfitter store on Front Street in Thomas Sharon Spencer for Defense. The two met while stationed in May. They will have Friends of Blackwa- introducing Senate and in Edzell, Scotland, and soon after ter t-shirts and posters for sale. We are very House legislation that moved to West Virginia. excited at this terrific opportunity to have called for a feasibility Diane had spent time in Canaan the Friends of Blackwater message in a study of a national park in the Allegh- Valley, and always felt that there was high-traffic area of Tucker County. For eny Highlands of West Virginia. something special about the area. When information on tour packages and lodging, asked about the origin of Highland Scene call 1-877-223-5388 or visit their website, Tours, Diane recalls her first impressions www.highlandscenetours.com. of the Canaan Valley. “It felt so healthy here. I wanted to use that healthy feeling and share it with other people.” Diane began Congratulations to Andrew Hannah work as a health consultant for of Cross Lanes, winner of our Earth Tucker and Randolph county Day drawing. Andrew won Vinny-a schools. At the same time, she 17-inch toy flying squirrel. attended graduate school in the Visit www.saveblackwater.org for field of Community Health ecological fun and games. Promotions. 3 North Fork Watershed Project News North Fork’s future treatment Welcome OSM/VISTA volunteer - Janel Farron! options discussed in April Cleanup of the Coketon/Kempton mine pool, which affects both the North Fork of the Blackwater River and the Potomac River, is drawing arttention from the scientific community in Mary- land, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. At an April 8 meeting in Morgantown, West Virginia, twenty-four people representing the U.S. Department of Energy, Maryland Department Bureau of Mines, Maryland Abandoned Mine Lands, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Department of and Alaska. Her impeccable canoeing Geography, Office of Surface Mining, Janel was raised in Traverse City, MI, and kayaking skills should come in West Virginia Department of Environ- where she enjoyed the northern hard- handy here on the rivers of West Vir- mental Protection, West Virginia Depart- woods of Michigan and its plentiful great ginia. When not escaping to the woods, ment of Natural Resources, National lakes. She recently received a degree from Janel enjoys the sweet taste of local Mine Land Reclamation Center, West Michigan State University in anthropol- honey, reading, and swimming. Virginia University, Friends of Blackwa- ogy and environmental science. Janel just Janel will be working in the commu- ter, Friends of Deckers Creek, Down finished teaching outdoor education at nity to promote understanding of the Stream Strategies, Maryland’s Geospatial Camp Hayo-Went-Ha, in Central Lake, threats facing the North Fork of the Research Group, and Western Maryland Michigan. Janel has always loved water, Blackwater River, and coordinating RC&D, met at the National Research so she is excited to begin grassroots work environmental restoration projects. Center for Coal and Energy. at the watershed level. Janel will be trained by the North Fork The meeting focused on Brownfields As an outdoor enthusiast, Janel has lead Watershed’s first project director, Emily Assessment and an evaluation of tech- young women on both backpacking and Samargo. niques for addressing sources of acid canoeing trips across Michigan, Canada, mine drainage in the North Fork area. Some possible solutions discussed were Tucker County Blackwater Canyon case comes alive grouting, limestone sand, steel slag, passive or active sytems, and kiln dust. Carrie Williams/J. R. Clifford play draws large crowd! Most of these are techniques for decreas- ing the acidity in the North Fork, by adding alkalinity. Attendees planned to review treatment ideas that were brought forward, evaluate treatment systems, and locate monies for these efforts. The next meeting is sched- uled for July 22.

Town Creek Grant The Town Creek Foundation recently awarded a major grant to Friends of Blackwater for the North Fork Water- shed Mine Pool Project, to educate the public about the underground polluted water degrading the North Fork of the About 300 people turned out for the re-enactment of Williams v. Board of Education Blackwater River and North Branch of at the Tucker County Courthouse in Parsons. the Potomac River. Photo reprinted with permission from The Parsons Advocate 4 Taking Action Cheat Canyon Update Keep Dolly Sods Wild News Briefs !On April 9, 2005, the West Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club, the Cheat Lake !Citizen meetings in Franklin, West wait for Environment and Recreation Association, Virginia (Pendleton County) and information and Friends of Blackwater filed a lawsuit Monterey, Virginia, drew over 500 from against Allegheny Wood Product for people to state their objections to two studies by logging in endangered species habitat in the proposed wind turbine projects along General Cheat Canyon. AWP stopped logging on Jack Mountain. The West Virginia Accountability April 15. From photos taken during a Division of Natural Resources fears Office and the flyover by Southwings, Inc., it appears that that the projects will kill endangered National Academy of Science on wind many roads have been cut and trees logged Virginia Big-eared bats, which live in regulation and siting. The guidelines do out in environmentally sensitive areas of caves nearby. Six thousand acres of not adequately protect viewsheds from the Cheat Canyon Gorge. The plaintiffs land for the giant turbines is owned by public land and do not require the two are working to see that no further degrada- John Crites of Allegheny Wood years of bird and bat studies recom- tion to endangered species habitat occurs. Products. John Crites bought land in mended by the Fish and Wildlife Service. the Cheat Canyon and the Blackwater !Allegheny Wood Products is planning Canyon, just before they were slated to !The wind industry filed objections to to log the Viewshed be protected as public land. Crites is the PSC siting standards on noise. Wind property — across from also involved with US Windforce’s industry representatives fear that new Coopers Rock State industrial wind project near Mt. Storm noise regulations will prevent windfarms Forest — in the near in Tucker County. Officials in from being built in West Virginia. future. This land is a Pendleton County threatened to use public wildlife manage- eminent domain to “take” land from !Tucker County Commissioners have ment area. It is also local farmers for the Jack Mountain complained that the taxes paid by Florida home to the endangered project. Power and Light’s Backbone Mountain flat-spired three toothed Project are too low. At the same time, land snail. The West !The Backbone Mountain and they admitted that they worked with the Virginia DNR is in charge of this prop- Meyersdale industrial wind projects WV Legislature to get taxes lowered. erty. Please contact the DNR Director owned by Florida Power and Light Legislation was introduced by Delegate Frank Jezioro and Governor Manchin to let again killed record numbers of bats in Harold Michael of Hardy County, who them know how you feel about these 2004. After correcting for bats re- received significant campaign contribu- logging projects. Addresses: 1900 Kanawha moved by scavengers or missed by tions from the owners of US Windforce. Boulevard, Charleston WV 25305. searchers, the average number of fatalities at the two locations is esti- Cheat Canyon logging in endangered species habitat mated between 1,764 and 2,900 for the six-week period. Bat Conservation International President Merlin Tuttle said, “If we start killing these thou- sands of bats that these data predict, that’s going to put a heck of a dent in the green image of wind power.” For a summary of a report on the bat mortality study, go to www.batcon.org/ wind/BWEC2004Reportsummary.pdf

!The West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) has released siting guidelines for wholesale energy generating facilities including indus- trial wind projects. Check our website (www.saveblackwater.org) for the full Guidelines. The PSC chose not to Photo taken May 9, 2005 by Southwings 5 Summer Calendar of Events JUNE JULY

All month 1-3 Mountaineer Days - Thomas. Family 24-23 Beverly Days Show Featuring Painter Alain Kieny - Thomas. oriented-patriotic celebration. All day events Beverly. Historic home & museum tours. Craft Paintings by Parsons artist Alain Kieny are now on including Annual Homecoming with music, sales, a pageant and parade. 304-636-5032. display at the MountainMade Artisan Gallery. fireworks, kids games, craft vendors, parade, and food. 24-29 Augusta Heritage Irish Week - Elkins. 17 - 19 WV Days Celebration - Canaan Valley State Park. Celebrate the state’s birthday 2 Birds in Their Habitat - Canaan Valley 31 - August 5 Augusta Heritage Bluegrass & this weekend. Civil War reenactments throughout National Wildlife Refuge. 7 am, meet at the Family Week - Elkins. the weekend including skirmishes and mock Refuge Visitor Center. Explore the places where campsites. Local WV artist and crafters will be on birds live. 31 - August 6 Theatre Production Workshop hand, live entertainment, food and more. Jr. High/High School YMCA Camp Horseshoe. 4 Independence Day Golf Scramble -Canaan Voices From the Earth presents Good Time Radio 17-19 Racefest III - Timberline. Motor bike Valley State Park. Show. Call 301-334-6273 for details. and ATV races. Special events for all participants and visitors alike including food and music. 23 Family Fun Day - Blackwater Falls State AUGUST Enjoy the first of the summer's wine tasting Park. Come to the Nature and Recreation festivals all day June 18th Center for games, crafts and lots of fun. Also, 5-6 Frontier Weekend featuring West Virginia's local fire departments will display Timberline. Go back in time for a weekend in the vineyards. enture? their equipment and give you a old West with authentic cow camp and a chuck close-up view of fire and rescue wagon complete with all the appropriate gear. Ready for a summer advTours at 17 - 19 Highland Sky treet equipment. Witness a live shoot out on horseback just Ultra Run Visit Highland Scene ront S behind Timberline Ski Lodge. Also w location on F Canaan Valley State Park. their ne ent bikes or book 9 Mid-Summer Walk Between enjoy trail rides, barbecue, square One of the toughest Ultra in Thomas. Ry hiking, kayaking and the Parks - Eight mile hike dancing, old western and mountain Run competitions in the East back-countr Call 877-223-5388 between Blackwater Falls State music, live by the Saddle Tramps. water trips! covering 40 miles of white Park and Canaan Valley State Scenic lift rides on Saturday and .highlandscenetours.com mountain terrain. Presented www Park. Shuttle service provided. Bring Sunday. by the WV Mountain Trail your own snacks and water. Registration Runners Org. For info: required, for further information call 6 Mid Summer Walk Between the Parks - www.wvmtr.org 800-622-4121 ext. 2677. Eight mile hike between Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley State Park. Shuttle service 18 - 19 Chair Seat Weaving Hickory Bark with 10 Blackwater Bikes WV State Championship provided. Bring your own snacks and water. Tom Lynch - Thomas Educational Center 10 a.m. Races - Davis. Blackwater Bikes WV State Registration required, for further information call - 5 p.m. Students will learn how to harvest Championship Point Series Race & Canaan 800-622-4121 ext. 2677. hickory bark from the tree and prepare it to weave Mountain Series Event www.blackwaterbikes.com. a chair or stool bottom. Material fee $40 and up 6 Birds and Their Young - Canaan Valley depending on size of project. Two sizes of foot 10-15 Augusta Heritage Cajun & Guitar National Wildlife Refuge. 7 am, meet at the stools ($30. - 45.) will be available for sale for Week - Elkins. Refuge Visitor Center. Many young birds are those do not have a stool or chair to weave on. out of their nest, and on their way to For more info call: 304-463-3376. 15-17 Frontier Weekend - Timberline. independence by this time. Trail rides, barbecue, square dancing, 18 Training for New Volunteers - Canaan western & mountain music. 6 Elkins YMCA Race - Elkins. 5K Run, 3K Valley National Wildlife Refuge. 10 am – 2:30 Walk on the RailTrail just outside Elkins. pm, at the Refuge Visitor Center. This is the first 16 - 17 Canaan Cup Golf Tourney 304-636-4515 , [email protected]. part of our training for new volunteers. We meet Canaan Valley State Park. Join us for indoors this day. Later, we will pair you with an the inaugural 2 day event, 36 holes (2 6 - 7 The Timber Crit/Cabin Mtn Classic experienced volunteer to learn more. Follow-up man teams). Play 18 holes alternate Canaan Valley. XCountry Mountain Biking. Refuge tour is scheduled for June 29th, all day. shot one day / 18 holes best ball on Contact: Blackwater Bikes 304-259-5286, day 2. [email protected]. 19 Father's Day Golf Scramble - Canaan Valley State Park. Nine hole (2-man) parent/child 16 Fence Removal Project - Canaan Valley 7 Timberline Four Seasons Resort XC MTB golf scramble. Open to all ages. National Wildlife Refuge. Ever see an animal Race - Timberline Four Seasons Resort XC MTB tangled up in old fencing? Help us remove these Race. 2005 WVMBA Point Series and Canaan 24-26 Blue Grass Festival - Timberline. hazards to wildlife on the Refuge. Mountain Series. Registration begins at 7am on Afternoon and evening blue grass music. Sunday at Timberline Resort or you may pre- Traditional Mountain food and evening 17-22 Augusta Heritage Blues & Swing Week register at Blackwater Bikes on Saturday. $30 for entertainment. - Elkins. WVMBA members, $35 for non-members, kids and Boy Scouts free. Award ceremony is at 4pm, 27 CVR Pro-Am Golf Tournament 22-23 Timberline Mountain & Country and refreshments will be available at the finish Canaan Valley State Park Music Festival - Timberline. Enjoy the sounds of line for participants and paying guests. WV’s rich musical heritage presented by Roy 304-259-5286, [email protected]. Scott, legendary star of the world famous WWVA 6 Jamboree. All you can eat crab feast. Purple Fiddle Mountain Music Weekends Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be booked with quality live music. June 18 Steppin' In It 19 Gigi Dover 22 Rushad Eggleston & his Wild Band of Snee 24 Bluelight Special 25 Old School Freight Train 26 Biscuit Burners July 1 Flyin’ Blind Bluegrass 3 Fragment 4 The Ginsangers 8 Rachel Eddy & the Mo'town Rounders 9 Big Hillbilly Bluegrass 15 Halftime String Band Ron and Karen Owens taking in the beauty of the Blackwater Canyon. 16 Greensky Bluegrass 17 The Avett Brothers Photo by Jeff Owens 22 High Ground Bluegrass Band 23 Demolition String Band 7 -14 Augusta Heritage Old-Time, Vocal, & SEPTEMBER 25 Uncle Earl Dance Week - Elkins. 30 Tony Trischka 3-5 Hick Festival August 12-14 Augusta Heritage Festival - Elkins. The Tucker County 4-H Camp Kidd near Parsons. 6 Steep Canyon Rangers Augusta Heritage Festival comes at the end of the A weekend of fun activities and entertainment. 12 Two High String Band summer five-week session of Augusta Heritage Wood chopping/logging events, husband and wife 13 Deep River Band calling contest, Queen Laurel pageant, gospel Center Workshops and presents a popular juried 20 The Chris Sharp and David Long Band singing, coon chase, childrens’ activities, craft fair featuring Appalachian region crafts- 21 Meridian people, a full day of musical entertainment, juried horseshoe, cakewalk and more!! Famous open-pit craft demonstrations, and dancing, topped off chicken barbeque and ox roast, corn dogs, Schedule is subject to change. with an evening concert. The Festival is held in homemade applebutter, crafts and various other Elkins City Park and on the campus of Davis and activities. 800-782-2775. Call for updates: 304-463-4040 Elkins College and is free to the public. There is The Purple Fiddle Coffeehouse an admission charge for the August 13 Saturday 20-23 Septemberfest Senior Fling - Blackwater 21 East Avenue Thomas, WV 26292 evening concert. Falls State Park. 18th Annual Septemberfest [email protected] Senior Fling at Blackwater Falls. This event offers 13 Mountain Arts & Bluegrass Festival - a variety of programs, tours, and activities planned Canaan Valley State Park. Live bluegrass music especially for people 50 years of age and older. played throughout the day, local artisans Reservation fee required. displaying their authentic WV crafts. An evening Important contact information: square dance at the outdoor pavilion will wrap up 24-26 Leaf Peeper’s Festival - Workshops, the days activities. crafts, food, music, photo contest, hiking, biking Tucker County Convention and Visitors all weekend throughout Davis, Thomas, and Bureau www.canaanvalley.org 19-21 Racefest IV "Timberline 50" - Canaan Valley area. For more information and Timberline. Motor bike and ATV races. Special brochures contact Tucker County Convention and Timberline Resort events for all participants and visitors alike Visitors Bureau. PO Box 565, Davis, WV 26260 800-766-9464 www.timberlineresort.com including food and entertainment. 1.800.782.2775 Fax: 304.259.4210. Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge 20 Night Flight Golf Tournament OCTOBER 866-3858 Canaan Valley State Park. Nine holes by day / Nine holes by night. Glow in the dark ball 7-9 Astronomy Weekend - Blackwater Falls provided. Bring your own 2 man team. Blackwater Falls State Park State Park. Workshops, keynote speakers and star 800-225-5982 www.blackwaterfalls.com parties are the main activities at this event with 23-27 Tucker County Fair - Parsons. the novice and advanced amateur astronomers in Augusta Heritage Festival Hometown fair including Carnival rides, good mind. music, great food, livestock competitions and 304-637-1209 www.augustaheritage.com much more. Enjoy this family event in the splendor of the high mountains. 304-478-3820. Thomas Education Center 304-463-3376 24 Conifer Forest Restoration - Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Join Refuge staff in Mountain Made planting spruce and balsam trees to restore and 877-686-6233 www.mountainmade.com grow these native woodlands. 7 THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF PUBLIC Great News for Mountain LAND AND A NATIONAL PARK Bikers — National Parks Now Part I - Property Taxes Open for Public Use acre than current federal payments. The International A large portion (about 41%) of the land The federal government has established Mountain Bicycling in Tucker County is public land, owned several reimbursement programs for Association (IMBA) and by the state and federal governments. The paying property taxes. The US Forest the National Park Service Monongahela National Forest consists of Service pays money under two programs: recently signed a five-year 101,360 acres, the Canaan Valley Na- Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) and agreement that formally tional Wildlife Refuge protects 15,235 the 25% Fund or Stabilized Payments. In recognizes mountain biking as a positive acres, and West Virginia state parks 2004 the Forest Service paid Tucker activity, compatible with the values of (Canaan Valley, Blackwater Falls, and County $141,429 in PILOT payments, our National Park System. Fairfax Stone State Parks) comprise 8,479 $209,567 in 25% Fund payments for a Riding areas in America’s premier parks acres. total of $350,996. This averages out that were formerly closed to biking will State government land is to $3.46 per acre. The total open and bring new access to hundreds exempt from property amount of money that the of dirt roads to millions of bicyclists. taxation. Tucker County Forest Service has paid “This agreement represents a true receives nothing from the to West Virginia breakthrough for mountain biking,” said state for the state park counties for federal land IMBA Executive Director Mike Van land located within the has tripled since 1985. Abel. “It opens the door for individual county. However state- The Department of park units to partner with mountain owned lodges do pay a Interior’s U.S. Fish and bikers and investigate new riding oppor- hotel-motel tax to the Wildlife Service reim- tunities on a case-by-case basis.” county. For fiscal year burses local governments 2001-2002, Tucker County for national wildlife refuges realized $301,768 from hotel- using a different system than Partnerships to build bridge of motel taxes. PILOT or the 25% Fund. cooperation at Blackwater Most private acreage in Tucker County Tucker County receives payments Falls State Park is undeveloped timberland or farmland. under the Revenue Sharing Act for the Two tax structures reduce local property Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, By the end of summer 2007, visitors to tax liability for this private land. Both the most recent addition to federal lands Blackwater Falls State Park will have two structures generate substantially less tax in Tucker County. In 2004, the federal new recreation opportunities, thanks in revenue than is received from federally government paid Tucker County a total part to a grant provided by NiSource. managed land. Managed timberland is of $98,152 for the 15,235 acres of land Friends of Blackwater and the State Park taxed at 60% of the appraised value and in the Refuge. This is an average of plan to coordinate the construction of a is taxed at a rate of $0.63 to $1.89 per $6.44 per acre, the highest rate per acre foot/bike bridge that will provide access acre. If all federal land in Tucker County that Tucker County receives for undevel- to the 500-acre tract of State Park land was taxed as managed private timberland, oped land. In total, Tucker County that was added it would generate $78,797.25 to received $449,148 for federal land in to the park in $236,391.75 (depending on which grade 2004. 2002. There was assigned) — only half as much as it Federal land is the single biggest money- will also be a boardwalk through the currently generates under federal manage- maker for Tucker County. This is the wetlands area behind Park ment. same valuation system that would be Superintendent’s Rob Gilligan’s head- The second tax alternative is the used for High Allegheny National Park. quarters. farmland assessment. It is used to In addition, a National Park attracts The project is estimated to cost promote the preservation of farmland second-home owners and creates good- $51,000. To date, $5,000 has been and “allows agricultural lands to be paying jobs!! contributed by NiSource and $1,000 appraised at their use values rather than from the Norcross Foundation. The at their market values. This results in To order the full report, “The Economic bridge and boardwalk will be constructed lower assessment levels and, conse- Impact of a National Park in West from recycled plastic lumber materials quently, lower tax bills for farmers.” It Virginia,” call Friends of Blackwater toll- pledged by Aeolian Enterprises. This assesses farmland on the basis of its value free at 877-WVA-LAND or submit your project will bring wonderful recreational of farmland rather than on its actual request to [email protected]. experiences to tourists and local resi- market value. It yields less revenue per dents. 8 Spruce Country Signs of Summer By: J. Lawrence Smith Summer is a time when “signs” hardly diminished among most species. Latin for “moon” and when the moth is seem visible amid the rather uniform The name of the chimney swift that seen dancing in flight it almost has the blanket of green. Even so, many plants, looks somewhat like a cigar with wings look of moonlight flickering through the birds and other wildlife are best looked when seen rocketing over rooftops seems treetops. for at certain times during the season. appropriate. Swifts seen over the moun- Late in the summer the cardinal Characteristic northern plants that tains and far from any dwelling are flower will be a blaze of color along a will be found in bloom in early summer doubtless nesting in hollow trees in the stream or swampy place where hum- beneath the spruce are the yellow clinto- ancestral way. mingbirds will be attracted to its bright- nia and dwarf cornel. The clintonia Mushrooms give the forest floor the ness. Before blooming, its weedy stem produces blue berries that have given it look of a fairyland in July and they seem and that of the closely related blue lobelia another name, blue beadlily, while the to have a magic quality by springing up would be easily overlooked. cornel is also called bunchberry for its overnight. The ghostly “death angel” Summer is nearing an end when cluster of red berries. may grow to a height of a foot and even fireweed is found abundantly Mountain folk know the azaleas as though having a strange beauty contains in bloom at the road- “honeysuckle” and these flowering shrubs a deadly poison. side and the birds add splashes of rose and pink amid the The delicate grasspink orchid will are mostly silent. spruce at Dolly Sods when blooming in be found in bloom on mats of sphagnum The spruce early summer. or “peat” moss in bogs high in the woods Early summer is the best time to mountains about mid-summer. The seem search for birds busy with nesting. The striking wood lily appears later in the napping beautiful Blackburnian warbler with season with flowers shaded from orange before the flaming orange throat builds its compact to red. arrival of fall nest in an evergreen where it sings its The ghostly green luna moth with with its high-pitched notes. After mid-July, long tails on its lower wings can be patchwork of nesting activity and song is greatly expected throughout the season. Luna is colors.

My Home Town for fifteen years. Davis was truly a their cattle there. When I was about ten metropolitan little town. There were two years old, a friend and I walked to the By Margaret Calwell hotels, many boarding houses, opera end of Kent Avenue and beat the little Growing up in Davis, Tucker County, houses, a theater built by my father, post flames with brooms. I can still see the in the 1920s was a unique experience. At office, schools, saloons, stores, tow little red blobs of flames. I have lived in an elevation of 3,200 feet it was said to banks, a hospital, two dentists, two many places, but Davis will always by my be the highest unincorporated town east doctors, two barber shops, a mortician, hometown. of the Rocky Mountains. People from and garages. Margaret Calwell is the author of Speak almost every European country migrated There were many forest fires. When to the Past: A Memoir Fat with Words. To there. They came to work in the lumber they happened, people rushed out to beat order her book, visit saveblackwater.org/ industries created by the forests of at the flames with whatever tool they merchandise.htm. spruce, hemlock, birch, beech, wild could grab- cherry, and maple. Rhododendron and usually a broom laurel were thick. Some of the industries or a shovel. I were a band mill, sawmills, and tannery. remember that Jobs included millwrights, sorters, yard when a fire bosses, foreman, paymasters, skidders, occurred in the edgers, masons, sawyers, setters, burners, fields behind foreman, and engineers. Other early our house on influences were visits by lumbermen Kent Avenue, from elsewhere. A forestry school at everyone Lansing, Michigan, sent its logging rushed to help classes to Babcock plant. Engineering because the students from Carnegie Tech, in Pitts- immigrant burgh came for six weeks each summer families grazed

9 Blackwater Recreation In memory

In memory of Dr. David Schwimmer, by Betty Schwimmer — Dr. Schwimmer was my father, a distinguished physician, teacher, and researcher in Manhattan for almost fifty years. He really cared about his patients, seeing them as whole people, and they were very devoted to him. In his younger years, he made home visits to the homebound. For my Dad, taking care of people was a calling.

Mountain Trail Rides A great place to revisit history

Kim Bennett has been in love with Kim’s knowledge of horses can be Canaan Valley for as long as she’s known traced back to her maternal grandfather, In memory of Stuart Brown by Ann how to walk and talk. She and her Hancel Mallow, “who started it all,” Brown — My husband loved the Black- husband, Mike, run a horseback riding according to Kim. She says that Hancel water area. Until his death last June, we establishment on Freeland Road in and her mother, Ruth Mallow Bonner, had been going there during every season Canaan Valley. At Mountain Trail Rides, gave horseback rides back in the late for 45 years. customers have their choice of 22 horses 1950s at Blackwater Falls State Park and that Kim and Mike care for. in the 1960s at their family business - If you could ask Jericho, Bonnie, Spot Mallow’s Maple Grove Lake. and Breeze; Princess, Silver, Shammy and “I come from a family of farmers who Winnie; Smoke, Easter, Legend, Leon once owned and worked much of the and Cricket; Blackjack, Trigger, Buck, land that is now the Canaan Valley State Jack, and Kolijah; Blaze, Dixie, Midnight Park’s golf course and ski slopes. My and Dan and a half-Belgian mule named parents, Kermit and Ruth Bonner, still Sam why they are so happy working for farm in this area, raising and marketing the Bennetts, they would probably say beef cattle. that they love the tender care that the “My grandfather knew that this area Bennetts give them. Each horse has a was destined for the tourism industry unique personality and physical charac- forty years ago,” said Kim. teristics that the Bennetts cater to and Just as Hancel Mallow predicted, his match with the right riders. granddaughter, Kim, says that “a lot of “With customers as young as six years nice people do come and visit this valley old, you can’t be too careful,” said Kim - and I feel very privileged to meet them Bennett. “We have weight limits, as well. and show them a nice time while they are A horse should not carry more than 20% here. I also like to tell our visitors about of its own weight on its back, and right the people who settled this valley, so their now, we will not take riders who weigh legacy is not forgotten.” in excess of 260 pounds.” Reservations can be made by calling Stuart Brown’s book “Annals of Blackwater and 304-866-4652. the Land of Canaan” can be purchased in the Blackwater Falls State Park gift shop. 10 Fish-fry a big hit Susan Poffenbarger painting raises more than June 2 was a special day for Friends of $10,000 for Blackwater Canyon protection Blackwater. Our “Fish Fry Fundraiser” — the brainchild of Chuck Smith and Steve White — was a great success, raising more than $25,000 to save the Blackwater Canyon. The hard-working hosts recruited 150 people to a party on the lawn and deck of Chuck Smith’s house on the Kanawha River across from the State Capitol. Old-time country music was provided by banjo player Tom Rodd and guitarist John Dalporto, followed by jazz guitarist Steve Himes. A high point of the evening was an auction of art and excursions into the West Virginia Highlands. State Treasurer John Perdue made a wonderful auction- eer, with his booming voice and down- home style. A Susan Poffenbarger oil painting on silk, “Blackwater Backwater” brought the top dollar. A copy of the painting will travel the state to spread the Blackwater message. It was a beautiful setting and the evening was filled with warm feeling of support for protecting Blackwater Canyon. Special thanks to our hosts: Nathan Anderson, Chuck and Peggy Bailey, Tim and Erika Bailey, Oshel and Joanna Craigo, Rudy and Martha DiTrapana, Terrell and Chip Ellis, Roger Forman and Arla Ralston, Brian and Lena Glasser, Steve Haid and Jennifer Taylor, Alice Tom Rodd and John Dalporto entertain Hypes-Brown, Cindy and Anthony crowd Majestro, Pat and Anita Maroney, Dr. B.J. and Jerri Nibert, John and Susan Photos by Aaron Kenstler Poffenbarger, Marie Prezioso, Chuck Smith and Kim Covert, Denise Smith- Beautiful view from the party at sunset Kastick and Steve and Katy White.

Judy Rodd, Alice Hypes-Brown, Barrie Kaufman, Jeannie Chuck Smith Judy Rodd presents Steve White with best Dalporto, Sandy Fisher and Danielle Snidow begins auction bat award 11 Friends of Blackwater NON-PROFIT www.saveblackwater.org ORG 501 Elizabeth Street, Rm 3 US POSTAGE Charleston, WV 25311 PAID PERMIT NO. 1409 Address Service Requested CHAS., WV 25301

Become a Member

$1000 Porte Crayon Society $500 Crown Jewel Club $250 Steward $100 Patron $50 Family $35 Individual $20 Senior $10 Student To purchase FOB gear and books visit www.saveblackwater.org

Get away to the Brookside Inn Nestled in the wooded mountains of recreation options include birdwatching, taken on the task of rehabilitating six Aurora, West Virginia, a rustic Arts and apple and berry picking, cave historic structures to provide accommo- Crafts style lodge built at the end of and cavern tours, train rides, dations and studios for the three- to the19th Century offers guests a step back stargazing, golf, ice fishing, six-week residencies. Artists may to a time. skiing and other winter submit applications to be evalu- The Brookside Inn, located off U.S. sports, whitewater rafting, ated for selection by a peer review Route 50, is owned by Bill Reeves and mountain climbing, panel and may work on new managed by Michele Moure, innkeepers spelunking, rappelling and projects or works in progress. who have taken service and amenities to much, much more. There are This summer, the general store a whole new level. If you think that you also numerous antique shops building will be dedicated and will might be impressed with the large and seasonal festivals. offer a full photography and large country breakfasts prepared from locally For more information on the Brookside painting studio. When the remainder of produced foods, then you surely will fall Inn, please call Bill and Michele toll-free the facilities have been completed, the in love with the candlelight dinners and at 800-588-6344. Aurora Project will be able to host up to luncheon picnic baskets that may be fourteen artists working in visual arts, reserved in advance. music and writing for each six-week Brookside’s tranquil, antique décor fills THE AURORA PROJECT residency period. Up to twenty students every nook and cranny. Sit in the In addition to the Brookside Inn, will find course work available in the greatroom by the wood stove or rock Aurora will soon be home to the new arts, ecology and environmental studies, away on the porch, or enjoy recreational Aurora Project, an artists’ residency history and historic preservation. opportunities that the area has to offer. program and education center expected Anyone looking for a chance to One favorite stop for Brookside’s guests to open in 2006. As a community volunteer their time or interested in the is nearby Cathedral State Park, with 132 initiative, the Aurora Project, a non- Aurora Project’s programming should acres of virgin hemlock forest. Other profit organization founded in 2001, has call Michele Moure at 304-735-3620. 12