DOCSLIB.ORG

July 30, 2008 Ms. Barbara Douglas Endangered Species Biologist U.S

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

3940 GLENBROOK DRIVE PO BOX 1066 HAILEY, ID 83333 PHONE 208-788-3456 FAX 208-788-2082 July 30, 2008 Ms. Barbara Douglas Endangered Species Biologist U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service West Virginia Field Office 694 Beverly Pike Elkins, WV 26241 Subject: 113733 TrAILCo Cheat Mountain Salamander (Plethodon nettingi) Biological Assessment for the Trans- Allegheny Interstate Line (TrAIL) 500 kV Transmission Line In West Virginia. Dear Ms. Douglas: POWER Engineers, Inc. (POWER) is providing this letter report documenting the results of Dr. Thomas Pauley’s Cheat Mountain Salamander (Plethodon nettingi) investigations conducted in November 2007 and January 2008 along potentially suitable sections of the proposed Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line (TrAIL) 500 kV transmission line corridor. You had requested that POWER conduct a study of the status of this federally threatened species within the project area, and POWER contracted with Dr. Pauley to evaluate the status and potential for occurrence of this species based on his extensive research background and qualifications. The results of Dr. Pauley’s investigations are provided below following a brief project background. Please note that Dr. Pauley’s study areas covered both Segments 1 and 2 of the proposed TrAIL corridor. Project Background and Methodology Within West Virginia the proposed TrAIL project consists of a new 500 kV transmission line, to be located within a 200ft-wide right-of-way crossing portions of Monongalia, Marion, Taylor, Preston, Tucker, Grant, Hardy, and Hampshire Counties. This cleared right-of-way will be located within a 2,200 foot wide corridor for which TrAILCo, a subsidiary of Allegheny Energy, Inc., submitted its application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to the West Virginia Public Service Commission (WV PSC) in the fall of 2007. WV PSC’s CPCN approval for this project is expected on August 4, 2008. Additional TrAIL project components are located within Pennsylvania and Virginia, and include additional 500 kV right-of-way, three short 138 kV transmission loops, and two new electric substations in Pennsylvania, and 500 kV right-of-way and expansion of an existing electric substation in Virginia. IF ENCLOSURES ARE NOT AS NOTED, PLEASE NOTIFY US AT ONCE. HLY 032-120 113733 (7/30/2008) KK July 30, 2008 Page 2 POWER contracted with Dr. Pauley to conduct the Cheat Mountain Salamander studies as part of a comprehensive endangered and threatened species assessment required for the successful permitting of the project. In order to assess its status Dr. Pauley examined the scientific literature and his own extensive research of this species, and conducted a series of ground surveys along the proposed corridor. He presented the results of his 2007-2008 investigations as follows: Dr. Pauley’s 2007 Report After studying the proposed route of the TrAIL project I divided that part of the corridor closest to the range of the Cheat Mountain Salamander into eight areas. During my 31 years of field studies on the Cheat Mountain Salamander, I have either conducted habitat assessments or field inventories for Cheat Mountain Salamanders in four of these eight areas. Below I describe three of these areas and my assessment of the status of Cheat Mountain Salamanders in each. I did not find typical Cheat Mountain Salamander habitat (Pauley 2005, 2007) in any sites that I have examined. I also determined that the nearest known location of Cheat Mountain Salamanders to the proposed project is approximately six miles south of the northern rim of Blackwater River Canyon located on Backbone Mountain, Tucker County. Corridor Habitat Assessment Areas Area 1 Location: This area extends from Leadmine Run east to U.S. Route 219. Habitat Assessment Results: Mixed deciduous forest Inventories for Salamanders: None Recommendation: I do not recommend an inventory. Area 2 Location: This area extends from U.S. Route 219 east to County Road 93. Habitat Assessment Results: Mixed deciduous forest Inventories for Salamanders: None Recommendation: I do not recommend an inventory. HLY 032-120 113733 (7/30/2008) KK July 30, 2008 Page 3 Area 6 Location: This area is south of WV Route 93 and covers the entire distance along the Elder Swamp. Habitat Assessment Results: Mixed deciduous forest Inventories for Salamanders: I have conducted inventories at three sites in this area. Recommendation: I do not recommend additional studies here. Dr. Pauley’s 2008 Report In my report to Power Engineers dated November 9, 2007, I divided the section of the proposed TrAIL corridor closest to the range of the Cheat Mountain Salamander into eight areas. In that report, I eliminated Areas 1, 2, and 6 as potential Cheat Mountain Salamander habitat based on previous studies of the Cheat Mountain Salamander in those areas. In five areas: Area 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8, I had not conducted previous studies and suggested that those sites be examined. These areas were examined in January 2008, and below are my habitat assessments of those areas. Habitat assessments at these five areas were based on known habitat characteristics of Cheat Mountain Salamanders described by Pauley (2005; 2007). Pauley depicted the habitat as forests above 2,000 ft in elevation in the northern part of the range and 3,500 ft in the southern part of the range. Such forests are dominated by Red Spruce (Picea rubens) and Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), and a liverwort (Bazzania trilobata)) occurs on the forest floor. Such habitats are associated with emergent rocks, boulder fields, or narrow ravines lined with Great Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) (Pauley 2007). It should be noted that the known total range of the Cheat Mountain Salamander extends from a northern terminus at Blackwater River Canyon (Tucker County) to approximately 57 miles south to Thorny Flat on Cheat Mountain (Pocahontas County). In the north (the area nearest the proposed TrAIL corridor), the known range extends south from the northern rim of Blackwater River Canyon to Cheat Mountain where it stops at Thorny Flat (Pocahontas County) and from Blackwater River Canyon southeast to the Allegheny Front at Dolly Sods (Tucker and Grant Counties) where it continues south along the Allegheny Front and Spruce Mountain to Spruce Knob (Pendleton County). South of Barton Knob on Cheat Mountain (Randolph County), the range becomes narrow and is confined to Cheat Mountain (Pocahontas County) to the west and Back Allegheny Mountain (Pocahontas County) to the east (Pauley 2008a). HLY 032-120 113733 (7/30/2008) KK July 30, 2008 Page 4 Corridor Habitat Assessment Areas Area 3 Location: This area extends from County Road 93 east to West Virginia Route 90. I had not previously examined the habitat or conducted salamander inventories between the Western Maryland Railroad at Beechwood and West Virginia Route 90 so I recommended a habitat assessment in this area. Habitat Assessment Results: Forest in this region is composed of deciduous tree species including Red Maple (Acer rubrum), Wild Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), and Black Birch (Betula lenta). The forest floor is open with ferns, mostly Spinulose Shield Fern (Dryopteris spinulosa), and a variety of moss species. There were numerous rocks and logs on the forest floor. Inventories for Salamanders: Based on these habitat characteristics, I do not recommend on-site inventories for Cheat Mountain Salamanders. Area 4 Location: This area extends from West Virginia Route 90 east to Grant/Tucker county line. Because I had not examined the habitat or conducted salamander inventories between West Virginia Route 90 and the Grant/Tucker county line, I recommended a habitat assessment in this area. Habitat Assessment Results: Forest canopy consists of Red Maple (Acer rubrum) and American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) and is dominated by a large field that most likely is the remains of an old stripmine. Forest floor is open and without Bazzania trilobata. Inventories for Salamanders: Based on these habitat characteristics, I do not recommend on-site inventories for Cheat Mountain Salamanders. Area 5 Location: This area extends from the Grant/Tucker County line east to West Virginia Route 93 at Elder Swamp. Since I had not examined the habitat or conducted salamander inventories on Timberman Ridge at site of the proposed transmission line, I recommended a habitat assessment on Timberman Ridge. Habitat Assessment Results: Forest in this area is also comprised of a variety of deciduous species dominated by Red Maple (Acer rubrum) and Wild Black Cherry (Prunus serotina). There were also scattered Yellow Birch trees (Prunus alleghaniensis). Forest floor is open and without Bazzania trilobata. Inventories for Salamanders: Based on these habitat characteristics, I do not recommend on-site inventories for Cheat Mountain Salamanders. HLY 032-120 113733 (7/30/2008) KK July 30, 2008 Page 5 Area 7 Location: This area extends from West Virginia Route 93 west of the Grant/Tucker County line east to the substation at Mount Storm Lake. I had not examined the habitat or conducted salamander inventories in this area so I recommended a habitat assessment be conducted. Habitat Assessment Results: Forest here was composed of the same deciduous species observed in other areas but with Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) and scattered Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) Inventories for Salamanders: Based on these habitat characteristics, I do not recommend on-site inventories for Cheat Mountain Salamanders. Area 8 Location: This area extends from the substation to the Allegheny Front. I previously examined the habitat at Pigeonroost but not where the proposed line crosses the Allegheny Front. Although the habitat at Pigeonroost is a mixed deciduous forest, I thought it was important to examine all areas along the Allegheny Front for Cheat Mountain Salamanders before any disturbance. Habitat Assessment Results: Much of the proposed line follows an existing line. Forest canopy trees here consist of Red Oak (Quercus rubra), Wild Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), American Beech (Fagus grandifolia), and Red Maple (Acer rubrum).
Recommended publications
  • Nomination Form Location Owner Of

    Nomination Form Location Owner Of

    Form No. 10-300 REV. (9/77) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOWTOCOMPLETE NATIONAL REG/STEP FORMS __________TYPE ALL ENTRIES -- COMPLETE APPLICABLE SECTIONS______ INAME HISTORIC AND/OR COMMON Cass Historic District LOCATION STREETS. NUMBER County Routes 1 and 7 _NOT FOR PUBLICATION CITY, TOWN Cass VICINITY OF STATE CODE CODE West Virginia 54 075 CLASSIFICATION CATEGORY OWNERSHIP STATUS PRESENT USE .XDISTRICT _PUBLIC X.OCCUPIED —AGRICULTURE X-MUSEUM _BUILDING(S) —PRIVATE —UNOCCUPIED ^COMMERCIAL X-PARK —STRUCTURE X.BOTH X_WORK IN PROGRESS ^EDUCATIONAL X-PRIVATE RESIDENCE —SITE PUBLIC ACQUISITION ACCESSIBLE X-ENTERTAINMENT X-RELIGIOUS —OBJECT _IN PROCESS —YES: RESTRICTED X.GOVERNMENT —SCIENTIFIC —BEING CONSIDERED X.YES: UNRESTRICTED XlNDUSTRIAL X-TRANSPORTATION _NO —MILITARY —OTHER: OWNER OF PROPERTY NAME Multiple Ownership STREET & NUMBER CITY, TOWN STATE _ VICINITY OF LOCATION OF LEGAL DESCRIPTION COURTHOUSE, REGISTRY OF DEEDS,ETC. Pocahontas County Courthouse STREET & NUMBER Ninth Street CITY. TOWN STATE Marlinton West Virginia. TiTLE DATE —FEDERAL —STATE —COUNTY —LOCAL DEPOSITORY FOR SURVEY RECORDS CITY, TOWN STATE DESCRIPTION CONDITION CHECK ONE CHECK ONE —EXCELLENT —DETERIORATED —UNALTERED X.ORIGINALSITE X.GOOD X_ALTERED —MOVED DATE. _FAIR _ UNEXPOSED The first men who worked for the lumber company on Leatherbark Run in Pocahontas County were housed in all sorts of crude shelters. It is quite probable that those construction workers built their own pole lean-tos, brush shelters, or some type of dug-outs. Before Cass was incorporated and named in 1902, it could be that the men with families who came early to work for the company built small rough-lumber cottages off company property.
  • Conservation Assessment for Butternut Or White Walnut (Juglans Cinerea) L. USDA Forest Service, Eastern Region

    Conservation Assessment for Butternut Or White Walnut (Juglans Cinerea) L. USDA Forest Service, Eastern Region

    Conservation Assessment for Butternut or White walnut (Juglans cinerea) L. USDA Forest Service, Eastern Region 2003 Jan Schultz Hiawatha National Forest Forest Plant Ecologist (906) 228-8491 This Conservation Assessment was prepared to compile the published and unpublished information on Juglans cinerea L. (butternut). This is an administrative review of existing information only and does not represent a management decision or direction by the U. S. Forest Service. Though the best scientific information available was gathered and reported in preparation of this document, then subsequently reviewed by subject experts, it is expected that new information will arise. In the spirit of continuous learning and adaptive management, if the reader has information that will assist in conserving the subject taxon, please contact the Eastern Region of the Forest Service Threatened and Endangered Species Program at 310 Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203. Conservation Assessment for Butternut or White walnut (Juglans cinerea) L. 2 Table Of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .....................................................................................5 INTRODUCTION / OBJECTIVES.......................................................................7 BIOLOGICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION..............................8 Species Description and Life History..........................................................................................8 SPECIES CHARACTERISTICS...........................................................................9
  • Non Standardized Allergenic Extracts Pollens, Molds, Epidermals, Insects, Dusts, Foods, and Miscellaneous Inhalants

    Non Standardized Allergenic Extracts Pollens, Molds, Epidermals, Insects, Dusts, Foods, and Miscellaneous Inhalants

    BIRCH POLLEN MIX- betula lenta, betula nigra and betula populifolia solution CENTRAL EASTERN 4 TREE POLLEN MIX- ulmus americana, acer negundo, carya illinoinensis and quercus virginiana solution EASTERN OAK POLLEN MIX- quercus velutina, quercus rubra and quercus alba solution ELM POLLEN MIX- ulmus americana and ulmus pumila solution HICKORY POLLEN MIX- carya glabra, carya ovata, carya laciniosa and carya tomentosa solution HICKORY-PECAN POLLEN MIX- carya illinoinensis and carya ovata solution JUNIPER POLLEN MIX- juniperus monosperma and juniperus scopulorum solution PINE POLLEN MIX- pinus taeda, pinus strobus and pinus echinata solution WESTERN 3 TREE POLLEN MIX- olea europaea, ulmus pumila and platanus racemosa solution MAPLE-BOX ELDER POLLEN MIX- acer saccharum and acer negundo solution WESTERN 10 TREE POLLEN MIX- acacia dealbata, acer negundo, populus fremontii, olea europaea, ulmus pumila, betula occidentalis, juniperus occidentalis, platanus racemosa, quercus garryana and morus alba solution EASTERN 6 TREE POLLEN MIX- fagus grandifolia, populus deltoides, quercus rubra, betula nigra, carya ovata and fraxinus americana solution 11 TREE POLLEN MIX- fagus grandifolia, platanus occidentalis, ulmus americana, juglans nigra, salix nigra, populus deltoides, quercus rubra, betula nigra, carya ovata, acer saccharum and fraxinus americana solution 2 MAPLE POLLEN MIX- acer rubrum and acer saccharum solution WESTERN OAK POLLEN MIX- quercus kelloggii, quercus agrifolia and quercus garryana solution 11 TREE POLLEN MIX- fagus grandifolia, platanus
  • York Campus Trees for Sale: 1.& 2

    York Campus Trees for Sale: 1.& 2

    York Campus Trees for Sale: 1.& 2. Ginkgo biloba ‘Princeton Sentry’ Common Name– Ginkgo 3. Prunus Snow Fountains Common Name: Weeping higan cherry 1 4. Picea orientalis ‘Gowdy’ 2 Common Name -Oriental spruce 5&6. Hamamelis virginiana Commmon Name— Common Witch-Hazel 7. Fagus grandifolia Common Name—American beech 8. & 9. Gladitzia triacanthos Common Name —Honey locust 3 10. Cornus kousa 9 Common Name: Kousa dogwood 8 4 11. Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ 5 & 6 Common Name –Japanese coral bark maple ‘Sango-kaku’ 10 11 7 12 12, & 13. Lagerstroemia indica ‘Pink Velour’ Common Name-– Crape myrtle ‘Pink Velour’ 13 14 14. Cercis canidensis ‘Pink Heartbreaker’ 15 Commn Name—Weeping redbud ‘Pink Heartbreaker’ 15. Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Tamukeyama’ Common Name-Japanese maple Tamukeyama’ 16 16. Acer rubrum 17 Common Name—Red Maple 18 17.Ulmus americana Commn Name—Jefferson elm 18. Prunus pendula— Common Name- Weeping cherry 19. Quercus phellos Common Name- Willow oak 19 Location # Common name Botanical name Location Status Y 1 Ginkgo “Princeton Sentry” Ginkgo biloba ‘Princeton Sentry’ Cytec Building Available Y 2 Ginkgo “Princeton Sentry” Ginkgo biloba ‘Princeton Sentry’ Cytec Building Available Y 3 Weeping higan cherry Prunus Snow Fountains William F Goodling Center Available Y 4 Oriental spruce “Gowdy” Picea orientalis ‘Gowdy’ William F Goodling Center Available Y 5 Witch Hazel Hamamelis virginiana William F Goodling Center Available Y 6 Witch Hazel Hamamelis virginiana William F Goodling Center Available Y 7 American beech Fagus grandifolia
  • Monongahela National Forest

    Monongahela National Forest

    Monongahela National Forest United States Department of Final Agriculture Environmental Impact Statement Forest Service September for 2006 Forest Plan Revision The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its program and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202)720- 2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202)720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal Opportunity provider and employer. Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Monongahela National Forest Forest Plan Revision September, 2006 Barbour, Grant, Greebrier, Nicholas, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Preston, Randolph, Tucker, and Webster Counties in West Virginia Lead Agency: USDA Forest Service Monongahela National Forest 200 Sycamore Street Elkins, WV 26241 (304) 636-1800 Responsible Official: Randy Moore, Regional Forester Eastern Region USDA Forest Service 626 East Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53203 (414) 297-3600 For Further Information, Contact: Clyde Thompson, Forest Supervisor Monongahela National Forest 200 Sycamore Street Elkins, WV 26241 (304) 636-1800 i Abstract In July 2005, the Forest Service released for public review and comment a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) that described four alternatives for managing the Monongahela National Forest. Alternative 2 was the Preferred Alternative in the DEIS and was the foundation for the Proposed Revised Forest Plan.
  • Despite Introgressive Hybridization, North American Birches (Betula Spp.) Maintain Strong Differentiation at Nuclear Microsatellite Loci

    Despite Introgressive Hybridization, North American Birches (Betula Spp.) Maintain Strong Differentiation at Nuclear Microsatellite Loci

    Tree Genetics & Genomes (2015) 11:101 DOI 10.1007/s11295-015-0922-6 ORIGINAL ARTICLE Despite introgressive hybridization, North American birches (Betula spp.) maintain strong differentiation at nuclear microsatellite loci Ashley M. Thomson1,2,3 & Christopher W. Dick3 & Ana L. Pascoini4 & Selvadurai Dayanandan1,2 Received: 20 March 2015 /Revised: 27 June 2015 /Accepted: 28 August 2015 # Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2015 Abstract Extensive chloroplast introgression has been docu- between B. alleghaniensis and B. papyrifera increased signif- mented in polyploid Betula species of eastern North America. icantly moving northward into the sympatric zone, suggesting However, the extent to which the nuclear genomes of these the occurrence of hybridization in previously glaciated habi- species are differentiated is unknown. Therefore, we evaluated tats. In contrast, admixture proportions of B. papyrifera and genetic differentiation among largely sympatric Betula B. alleghaniensis did not show a significant geographic trend, papyrifera, B. alleghaniensis,andB. lenta using nuclear mi- which points to recent ancestry as the likely cause of allele crosatellite markers. Principal components analysis (PCA) sharing between these two species. We suggest that allele and analysis of molecular variation (AMOVA) were used to sharing of B. papyrifera and B. alleghaniensis results from a evaluate genetic differentiation. Bayesian model-based clus- combination of ongoing gene flow and historic introgression tering was used to identify putatively admixed individuals. via pollen swamping during northward colonization into post- Despite a high incidence of allele sharing, all of the species glacial environments. were significantly differentiated even within zones of sympat- ry. A number of individuals were identified as possibly Keywords Allele sharing .
  • AMERICAN BEECH a Tree in Trouble

    AMERICAN BEECH a Tree in Trouble

    Hiawatha National Forest WARNING! While there are no pure beech stands on the AMERICAN Hiawatha National Forest (HNF), many of Wind in the Trees the hardwood stands include a significant BEECH component of beech. HNF has included The Forest Service is making every effort A Tree in Trouble these areas in the BBD Project Environmen- to identify and remove hazardous trees tal Analysis. These stands are within the ad- vancing front of the BBD and many of the from developed areas as quickly as possi- stands already have the beech scale present, ble. However, all visitors - but particularly particularly in the north and east portions of hikers and overnight backcountry campers the project area. Areas that have not yet been - should be alert for trees that are weak- infested will likely be infested within 1-3 ened, have large dead limbs or are com- years. Safety is the number one concern. Dy- ing beech trees will need to be removed in all pletely dead, especially in windy condi- high use public areas to prevent them from tions. becoming a safety hazard. The recreation Be alert. Look up. Choose your team on the HNF is assessing these areas campsites carefully. (including parking areas, campsites, trails, and The American beech (Fagus grandifolia) is a day use areas) to determine what the poten- tall, stately tree with smooth grey bark and tial hazards will be and the best way to deal Hiawatha National Forest a graceful arching crown. Its dark green, with them. Munising Ranger District shiny leaves, tapered at both ends, turn 400 East Munising Avenue golden in the fall and cling to its branches throughout the winter.
  • Download 2013 Accomplishments

    Download 2013 Accomplishments

    Prepared by CASRI – www.restoreredspruce.org TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 2013 Highlighted Projects .............................................................................................................................................. 4 Volunteers Lead the Way in Red Spruce Restoration at Canaan Valley NWR ...................................... 4 Maintaining Momentum on the Mower Tract: Moving from Barton Bench to Lambert .................. 5 Thunderstruck: A Major Conservation Win for TNC and CASRI ................................................................ 7 Researchers in the Trees: Getting Spruced Up .................................................................................................. 8 CASRI Accomplishments, 2013 ................................................................................................................................... 10 GOAL 1. MAINTAIN AND INCREASE OVERALL AREA OF ECOLOGICALLY FUNCTIONING RED SPRUCE COMMUNITIES WITHIN THEIR HISTORIC RANGE. ..................................................................... 10 GOAL II. INCREASE THE BIOLOGICAL INTEGRITY OF EXISTING RED SPRUCE NORTHERN- HARDWOOD COMMUNITIES................................................................................................................................... 15 GOAL III. PROTECT HABITAT FOR KEY WILDLIFE SPECIES AND COMMUNITIES
  • “A People Who Have Not the Pride to Record Their History Will Not Long

    “A People Who Have Not the Pride to Record Their History Will Not Long

    STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE i “A people who have not the pride to record their History will not long have virtues to make History worth recording; and Introduction no people who At the rear of Old Main at Bethany College, the sun shines through are indifferent an arcade. This passageway is filled with students today, just as it was more than a hundred years ago, as shown in a c.1885 photograph. to their past During my several visits to this college, I have lingered here enjoying the light and the student activity. It reminds me that we are part of the past need hope to as well as today. People can connect to historic resources through their make their character and setting as well as the stories they tell and the memories they make. future great.” The National Register of Historic Places recognizes historic re- sources such as Old Main. In 2000, the State Historic Preservation Office Virgil A. Lewis, first published Historic West Virginia which provided brief descriptions noted historian of our state’s National Register listings. This second edition adds approx- Mason County, imately 265 new listings, including the Huntington home of Civil Rights West Virginia activist Memphis Tennessee Garrison, the New River Gorge Bridge, Camp Caesar in Webster County, Fort Mill Ridge in Hampshire County, the Ananias Pitsenbarger Farm in Pendleton County and the Nuttallburg Coal Mining Complex in Fayette County. Each reveals the richness of our past and celebrates the stories and accomplishments of our citizens. I hope you enjoy and learn from Historic West Virginia.
  • Science and Nature in the Blue Ridge Region

    Science and Nature in the Blue Ridge Region

    7-STATE MOUNTAIN TRAVEL GUIDE hether altered, restored or un- touched by humanity, the story of the Blue Ridge region told by nature and science is singularly inspiring. Let’s listen as she tells Wus her past, present and future. ELKINS-RANDOLPH COUNTY TOURISM CVB ) West Virginia New River Gorge Let’s begin our journey on the continent’s oldest river, surrounded by 1,000-foot cliffs. Carving its way through all the geographic provinces in the Appalachian Mountains, this 53-mile-long north-flowing river is flanked by rocky outcrops and sandstone cliffs. Immerse your senses in the sights, sounds, fragrances and power of the Science and inNature the Blue Ridge Region flow at Sandstone Falls. View the gorge “from the sky” with a catwalk stroll 876 feet up on the western hemisphere’s longest steel arch bridge. C’mon along as we explore the southern Appalachians in search of ginormous geology and geography, nps.gov/neri fascinating flora and fauna. ABOVE: See a bird’s-eye view from the bridge By ANGELA MINOR spanning West Virginia’s New River Gorge. LEFT: Learn ecosystem restoration at Mower Tract. MAIN IMAGE: View 90° razorback ridges at Seneca Rocks. ABOVE: Bluets along the trail are a welcome to springtime. LEFT: Nequi dolorumquis debis dolut ea pres il estrum et Um eicil iume ea dolupta nonectaquo conecus, ulpa pre 34 BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 35 ELKINS-RANDOLPH COUNTY TOURISM CVB Mower Tract acres and hosts seven Wilderness areas. MUCH MORE TO SEE IN VIRGINIA… Within the Monongahela National fs.usda.gov/mnf ) Natural Chimneys Park and Camp- locale that includes 10 miles of trails, Forest, visit the site of ongoing high- ground, Mt.
  • Betula Alleghaniensis Britton Yellow Birch Betu Laceae Birch Family G

    Betula Alleghaniensis Britton Yellow Birch Betu Laceae Birch Family G

    Betula alleghaniensis Britton Yellow Birch Betu laceae Birch family G. G. Erdmann Yellow birch (Bet&a alleghaniensis) is the most precipitation may be snow. Snowfall ranges from 152 valuable of the native birches. It is easily recognized to 356 cm (60 to 140 in) and averages 229 cm (90 in) by the yellowish-bronze exfoliating bark for which it in the north. The growing season ranges from 60 to is named. The inner bark is aromatic and has a 150 days and averages about 120 days. flavor of winter-green. Other names are gray birch, silver birch, and swamp birch. This slow-growing Soils and Topography long-lived tree is found with other hardwoods and conifers on moist well-drained soils of the uplands Yellow birch grows over a large area with diverse and mountain ravines. It is an important source of hardwood lumber and a good browse plant for deer geology, topography, and soil and moisture condi- and moose. Other wildlife feed on the buds and tions. In Michigan and Wisconsin it is found on gla- cial tills, outwash sands, lacustrine deposits, shallow seeds. loess deposits, and residual soils derived from sandstone, limestone, and igneous and metamorphic Habitat rock (95). Soils are also derived from granites, schists, and shales in other parts of its range. Native Range Growth of yellow birch is affected by soil texture, drainage, rooting depth, stone content in the rooting Yellow birch (fig. 1) ranges from Newfoundland, zone, elevation, aspect, and fertility. Yellow birch Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Anticosti Island grows best on well-drained, fertile loams and west through southern Ontario to extreme moderately well-drained sandy loams within the soil southeastern Manitoba; south to Minnesota and orders Spodosols and Inceptisols and on flats and northeastern Iowa; east to northern Illinois, Ohio, lower slopes (45).
  • Roadless Rule Map & Fact Sheet

    Roadless Rule Map & Fact Sheet

    West Virginians for Public Lands The Roadless Rule in West Virginia The “Roadless Rule” was established by the US Forest Service in 2001 after an extensive inventory and mapping of undeveloped public lands. Today the Roadless Rule conserves 44.8 million acres in 37 states. There are 182,000 roadless acres among the three national forests within West Virginia. The Monongahela National Forest has the largest share at 162,000 acres, followed by the George Washington NF (15,700 ac) and the Jefferson NF (4,800 ac). The Monongahela National Forest has over 2,100 miles of roads. Nowhere in West Virginia is further than 3.2 miles as-the-crow-flies from a road. Roadless areas make up less than a fifth of the Monongahela National Forest and just over 1 percent of the state of West Virginia. Roadlessness is a rare and valuable quality for both recreation and wildlife. Roadless areas are often remote backcountry areas. In West Virginia, the vast majority of roadless areas are managed by the Forest Service for recreation and include some of the most iconic landscapes in the state: Roaring Plains, Seneca Creek, Cheat Mountain, Canaan Loop, Tea Creek, North Fork Mountain, and Hills Creek Falls. In many cases our roadless areas adjoin designated Wilderness Areas, creating larger intact ecosystems, providing greater recreation opportunity, and enhancing the “wild and wonderful” qualities of these regions. Dolly Sods, Otter Creek, and Cranberry Wilderness are surrounded by roadless areas. Logging is generally prohibited in roadless areas, but the Roadless Rule does contain practical exceptions: firefighting, personal firewood gathering, and habitat imProvement for rare species are allowed.