December 2013 December 2013 Friends of Blackwater TAKE A TRIP BACK IN TIME: WEST ’S TOURISM RAILROADS

"Home for the Holidays" (Thomas, WV circa 1950) by © Larry Fisher

Working to protect ’s High Alleghenies, Blackwater River & Blackwater Canyon. 501 Elizabeth Street - Charleston, WV 25311 - phone: 304-345-7663 - fax: 304-345-3240 - www.saveblackwater.org - [email protected] December 2013 December 2013 ON THE COVER: "HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS" IN BLACKWATER CANYON BY FAMOUS RAILROAD ARTIST LARRY FISHER

Featured on our Holiday Edition cover is on vacation break, take advantage of the "Home for the Holidays" a painting by Larry snow-covered hollow that snakes around Fisher. and under the train depot. A young soldier coming home for the Thomas, located about 77 miles south first time since he enlisted in the army is of Cumberland, on the Western greeted by his very exhilarated mother and Maryland Railway, served the community little brother. Meanwhile, Dad tries to keep as both freight operations and traffic his emotions in check by staying back by departments as well as passenger service. the car to give him more time to compose ice.Western Maryland local No.10 himself. With the ever escalating Korean pauses just long enough for the discharge War on everyone’s mind, this December’s of passengers and removal of mailbags. Thomas, WV circa 1950 furlough will be very special. However The Elkins-Cumberland local made a total the significance of the moment is lost on of 14 scheduled stops on her 112 mile run. second engine for their set of orders. the youngest member of the family. His That does not include the many flag stops The Thomas Station with its’ two story memory of this occasion will be the two big the train is encountered along the way. brick structure became a “landmark of Western Maryland 2-8-0 steam locomotives The two steam locomotives standing in railroading” after the Western Maryland with the jaunty red Fireball logo on the side Railway passed into history in 1975. Years of the tender. front of the depot have just helped bring an eastbound freight up the 3% Black Fork later the Thomas Station was demolished. The Thomas Station is done up in Canyon grade. As mid-train helpers they Signed and numbered, limited edition the finest seasonal decorations and the have been cut out and will return down the prints of this image are available for purchase recent snowfall only adds to the holiday hill to Elkins. The Thomas operator has by contacting: Heritage Art Editions, Inc. atmosphere in this small West Virginia just handed the orders up to the fireman / toll free 1-888-365-5467 / web site mining community. A few of the local kids on engine #845 and now heads back to the at www.heritagearteditions.com TAKE A TRIP BACK IN TIME: HIGH ALLEGHENY'S TOURISM RAILROADS The New Tygart Flyer, originating in rare ; Old #3 is one of West Virginia Railroad Museum Elkins, offers a four-hour journey with lunch only three operating Climax geared logging included. locomotives on earth. Support the West Virginia Railroad This ride features two separate mountain Museum, Inc. a cultural resource grades, an “S” curve tunnel, passage into a Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad dedicated to educating the community 1,500 feet deep canyon with steep, densely 315 Railroad Avenue, Elkins Depot about West Virginia's railroad history. forested slopes, and a high bridge over the Elkins, WEST VIRGINIA 26241 This mission is accomplished through the rushing Shavers Fork of the Cheat River. Contact phone: 877-686-7245 collection, preservation and interpretation This smooth climate-controlled passenger Web site: http://mountainrail.com of significant locomotives, rolling stock, train has gained a reputation as one of E-mail: [email protected] artifacts, photographs and memorabilia the most exciting mountain wilderness related railroading in West Virginia. Select excursion rides in the US. pieces of equipment in the collection are The Cheat Mountain Salamander, also Cass Scenic Railroad State Park restored and operated throughout the originating in Elkins, is one of the highest rail is home to the types of trains that once year to demonstrate steam, gasoline, excursions east of the River and hauled lumber. Here, engines like Shay #5, and diesel technology and provide offers the two tightest track curves in the that celebrated its centennial in 2005, take visitors with a first-hand experience of United States. Travel into the high country visitors on scenic tours of historic logging our railroad history. Visit their website spruce forests of legendary Cheat Mountain towns. www.wvrailmuseum.com to see on the most distinctive rail excursion in the Nestled in the mountains of West their restoration projects and Eastern United States. Named in honor of Virginia, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park buy artwork etc. related the little endangered creature whose high offers excursions that transport you back to WV railroad history. mountain habitat it shares. in time to relive an era when steam-driven They have Larry Fisher prints The Durbin Rocket travels through the locomotives were an essential part of and cards for sale. Monongahela National Forest, offering a everyday life. Trips to Cass are filled with chance to ride one of only three remaining rich histories of the past, unparalleled views West Virginia “Climax” engines. of a vast wilderness area, and close-up Railroad In historic Durbin, WV, you have the encounters with the sights and sounds of Museum opportunity to ride & experience the sights original steam-driven locomotives. PO Box 203 and sounds of one of the rarest steam Elkins, WV 26241 locomotives in existence. The Durbin For more info visit www.trainswv.org Rocket Excursion Train is powered by a Page 2 December 2013 December 2013 BLACKWATER HERO J.R. CLIFFORD FEATURED IN STAR- STUDDED WHEELING AND ELKINS STATEHOOD CELEBRATIONS

2013 is the 150th Birthday of the State of young Granville Hall; West Virginia – and Friends of Blackwater's to Michael and Carrie J.R.Clifford Project has been celebrating Kline for their wonderful big-time! music; Kay, Melvin, We took our "New Home for Liberty" Mable and Jada Marks,; dramatic program about West Virginia Gary and Millie Goetze; Statehood and civil rights to Elkins in Judy Van Gundy and September and to Wheeling in October. Alice Sabatino. Wonderful community casts dressed up in And it was also a old-time costumes and re-enacted dramatic privilege and honor to scenes from West Virginia history. The put on two performances actors became early abolitionists, escaping at West Virginia's slaves, and Delegates to the Wheeling beautifully restored Convention – with great live music as well, Independence Hall in and an appearance by President Abraham Wheeling. Highlighting Lincoln! this performance were Elkins, WV The "New Home for Liberty" program Marilyn Mendelson as is narrated by J.R. Clifford, West Virginia's the school teacher, Reverend Jeremiah of accomplishment for the J.R. Clifford first African American lawyer and a Civil War Jasper as Isaac Clifford, Geneva Barrax as Project. Along with the Wheeling and Elkins veteran; and by Granville Hall, a prominent Grandmother Clifford, and Kevin Freeman programs, we are distributing thousands of abolitionist Statehood leader. Clifford won as young JR, Patrick Cassidy, Esq.as Captain our new poster; and we are proud to have Gordon Battelle, Mayor Andy McKenzie two new historical markers placed in Tucker as Archibald Campbell, and as Wheeling County, celebrating Clifford's achievement Convention Chair the Hon. George L. Spillers. for the African American children in Coketon. We can’t forget James W. Davis, Esq; Sheriff We look forward to sharing the inspiring Ralph Fletcher; Rob McCoid, Esq.; Jeffrey story of Blackwater Hero J.R. Clifford in W. McCamic, Esq.; Hon. James P. Mazzone; 2014. Commissioner Orphy Klempa; Jerry Jacovetty, Esq.; and Scott R. Smith, Esq. JUSTICE LARRY STARCHER who played our Constitutional Convention West Virginia Senior Supreme Court Delegates. The wonderful singing by the Pitt Justice Larry Starcher is the "Honorary Sisters brought us all to tears singing the Chair" of the J.R. Clifford Project. What Battle Hymn of the Republic. Special credit this title actually means is that we can goes to Gael and Dan Hincham and Stages call on Larry to come anywhere and play and Deb Warmuth of Walkabout Productions any part and build any set or sew any for help with props and costumes. Wheeling, WV costume or call any judges and politicians Thank you, West Virginia Arts and and law students -- or to do anything else, his most famous case representing African Education Secretary Kay Goodwin and to help tell J.R. Clifford's story. Whether American schoolchildren from Coketon, at Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith! in an elementary school classroom or a the head of the Blackwater Canyon near the In Wheeling, re-enacting the creation packed courtroom or church or library or Town of Thomas in Tucker County. of West Virginia, including the turbulent living room, Larry's deeply-felt dedication In the Elkins and Wheeling programs, debates about slavery and human rights -- to the cause of human rights is a light State Supreme Court Senior Justice Larry in the very room that echoed to those same that shines out in all of our programs, to Starcher and Fairmont attorney and debates a century and a half ago – was people of all ages. Professor Greg Hinton, portrayed Hall and an especially moving experience for the We appreciate him Clifford. Historian Hunter Lesser gave cast and the audience. Cast and audience so much and it is the scholarly introduction in Elkins while sang the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" at an honor and a Independence Hall Director and historian the end of both programs. We passed out blessing to be able Travis Henline put our drama in context in hundreds of copies of our "New Home for to take advantage Wheeling. Liberty" Statehood posters – you can order of his many talents It was a privilege to use the beautifully one at www.jrclifford.org. See great photos – not to least of renovated courtroom in the Randolph of the performances on the website too! which is his talent County courthouse for the Elkins program. With the support of many donors for being a good Thank you, Judge Wilfong! Thanks to Pam (especially the West Virginia Humanities friend. and Art Dodds for playing the Pierponts; Council and the Appalachian Community to Kelcie Mullins for acting and organizing Fund) and participants, and a great Senior Justice Larry Starcher Thanks, Larry! volunteers;to Michael Good, portraying a network of friends, 2013 has been a year Page 3 December 2013 December 2013 TRACKING GINNY!

We are so excited to report to you that we have begun our new research project, tracking "Ginny" - the West Virginia Northern Flying Squirrel. As a part of this project we have hired Doug Gilbert, a wildlife biologist, to work in our Davis office. He has already spent time with Dr. Winston Smith, installing "hair snares" in the Monongahela National Forest. We will keep you up to date on this research and its findings! Flying squirrel tracks STALKED BY A COUGAR! Friends of Blackwater's Tucker County a lot of experience doing field work and office in Davis, has a new staff member, wildlife surveys; plus working with groups Doug Gilbert, a recent graduate of West like Friends of Deckers Creek and the WVU Virginia University in Wildlife Biology. Doug Student Sierra Club. Mon Forest closeup of Ginny has three main areas of responsibility – One of Doug's field work experiences research on "Ginny" the West Virginia involved hiking miles into wilderness areas hiking for miles along snow-covered trails flying squirrel; trout stream restoration; in the southwest, and "calling" (which in the Blackwater Canyon, collecting flying and FOB's new "Climate Change and the means hooting" for Mexican spotted owls. squirrel hairs from baited boxes for DNA Highlands" Initiative. They carried their own water and camped tests. No room for slacking on that job! What kind of a fellow is Doug Gilbert? I for days in the desert. A high point was Friends of Blackwater is able to hire spent three days with Doug at the National Doug being stalked by a cougar at about talented people like Doug for several Wildlife Training Center in Shepherdstown, at 2AM, when he was on his way alone back reasons. One reason is that there are always a training on "Climate-Smart Conservation to camp. Luckily, the cougar did not attack idealistic lovers of science, nature, and Practices." I was impressed by Doug's Doug! truth looking to advance those principles in understanding of wildlife science and of I asked Dr. Winston Smith, one of Doug's their work lives, even if the pay isn't great. climate change. I think he will bring a lot supervisors on the flying squirrel research, Another reason is the wonderful people who to FOB's Tucker County operations. what Smith's impression of Doug was, and donate to FOB, to get this sort of work done. Doug isn't just some "wet behind the Smith spoke favorably of Doug's work ethic. Thanks to all of you! Please welcome Doug ears" college kid, either. He already has Dr. Smith and Doug have been out early, Gilbert to the Friends of Blackwater team!

Doug_Gilbert climbs a spruce to place a hair snare. Page 4

December 2013 December 2013 THE TINY NORTHERN LONG-EARED BAT NEEDS ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTION NOW!

Of the six species currently affected along wooded hillsides and ridgelines. by the deadly bat-disease white-nose syndrome to date, the northern long- These cave dwelling bats are found in eared is among the hardest hit. In the U.S. the Allegheny Highlands of West Virginia Northeast, where white-nose syndrome has and we have asked you to support been killing bats for the longest period of federal protections for the long eared time (since 2006), the northern long-eared as it plunges toward extinction. Thank has declined by a shocking 98 percent. you to all who have sent comments!!!

Because of the species’ strong Inspite of the huge mortality association with large blocks of older numbers industry is seeking to forests, forest fragmentation, logging block bat protection through delays. and forest conversion (such as clearing Comments from the WV Coal Association, trees for and development) the Oil and Gas Association, the are also major threats to the species — Petroleum Association. The American Northern long-eared bat. not to mention direct human disturbance; Wind Energy Association and various bat protection campaign by ordering our badly sited wind-energy projects, which timber associations all seek to block this kill bats that fly into them; environmental new t-shirt featuring bats in Blackwater very important protective status for the Canyon! contaminants like pesticides and fracking bats. Please continue to comment in favor wastewater; and other forms of habitat of protections through our website www. BREAKING NEWS! The comment period destruction, such as mining. Unlike most saveblackwater.org. We will make sure that has been extended until January 2, other bats, the northern long-eared forages your voice is heard! You can also help our 2014! WEST VIRGINIA ALLEGHENY HIGHLANDS CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS INITIATIVE INVITES YOU TO SAVE THE DATE 6/7/2014 Saturday, June 7, 2014 at Blackwater Falls State Park Conference Center in Davis, Tucker County, West Virginia for a one-day Initiative Inaugural Conference on "Climate Change and the Highlands"

The ecology and economy of West Virginia's Allegheny Highlands region – home to iconic landscapes like the Blackwater Canyon and -- are closely tied to the region's distinctive high-mountain climate. What do we need to know about the impacts of global warming and climate change on the Highlands region? This conference will bring together a range of presenters and discussants to illuminate areas of concern and to help provide a basis for discussion, study, and action.

Where: Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis, West Virginia When: Saturday, June 7, 2014, 10AM-5PM. Who: Inaugural Conference Convenor: Friends of Blackwater, West Virginia Allegheny Highlands Climate Change Impacts Initiative. Conference proceedings report by Downstream Strategies. Host Committee, Conference Presenters, and Discussants TBA

Questions to be considered at the Inaugural Conference: In a warming world, what does the future hold for the Highlands region? What are the future of snow-draped peaks and frosty mornings, ski lodges and slopeside vacation homes, and the tourism and outdoor recreation economy? How will climate change affect the Highlands’ productive and forests, wildlife and unique creatures like the brook trout, snowshoe hare, and Cheat Mountain salamander, and the rare plants of the region. What do citizens, businesses, civic leaders, professionals, educators, scientists and local government need to consider to best respond to the impacts of climate change?

Conference information: there will be a modest registration fee; scholarship assistance is available. A block of rooms at Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge will be pre-reserved for the weekend and there is other lodging (including camping) nearby. Child care can be arranged. There will be related social activities and outings.

Questions, comments, and suggestions: [email protected], or contact Judith Rodd, Tom Rodd, or Doug Gilbert at Friends of Blackwater, 304-345-7663. To see the latest Conference information and to sign up to receive e-mail updates, go to www.saveblackwater.org. Page 5

December 2013 December 2013 LIMEROCK: MYSTERY TOWN IN THE BLACKWATER CANYON

In 2006, our Friends of Blackwater newsletter had a story about the “lost town of Limerock,” along the West Virginia Central and railroad grade through the Blackwater Canyon.

Ron Eckard, a descendant of the original Limerock settlers, helped write that story, after taking 92 year old Lucille Wratchford to visit the old home place in 2004. Lucille remembered living in Limerock with her grandparents after her mother died. She recognized the old spring house at Limerock on her grandparents’ land, and remembered visiting her grandmother’s “refrigerator” as a little girl.

Now Ron has written a book about the trackside town of Limerock. The book is titled “Eckards, from The Rhine to Limerock.” You can buy a copy for $30 from our office. Ron will donate $10 from each purchase to FOB. Contact us at info@saveblackwater. org or call us at 304-345-7663 for more information.

Friends of Blackwater super volunteer Roy Teter has recently visited the remains Cover of Ron Eckard's book about Limerock. of the town’s school, church, cemetery and houses. It is amazing to think of all the and collecting stories from people who when a store was set up on Spruce Lick Run, bustling, energetic lives that were lived in grew up in Limerock. catering to laborers constructing the railroad what is now a still and peaceful place. Roy is though Blackwater Canyon. There were working to clean up the old town cemetery, Limerock was established in 1888, 1,000 workers on the railroad that summer. One reason for setting up a store in the Canyon was to keep workers from over- running Hendricks, 1.5 miles downstream.

Rental houses for railroad workers were built; there was a freight and passenger platform at Limerock, and a limestone quarry up the hill. The current Limerock Trail follows an old railroad grade that served a large lumber camp above the Canyon Rim Road. Logs were brought four miles down the steep Canyon hillside to the railroad line at Limerock. Coal mining and timbering brought prosperity to the area, but by 1920 the population of Limerock dwindled, with many residents moving to Thomas and Davis.

Friends of Blackwater is collecting stories about this Blackwater Canyon town. Clues to the history of Limerock are hidden in the woods and we are working with Roy Teter to learn all we can. Please contact us or Roy in Elkins (304-636-2006) with your story. We hope to put together a special newsletter on Roy Teter inside stone foundation remains in Limerock. this fascinating link to the past. Page 6

December 2013 December 2013 GOOD NEWS FROM TUB RUN OF THE BLACKWATER RIVER STATE STREAM RECLAMATION PROJECT ATTACKS BLACKWATER POLLUTION

Since 2011, Friends of encouraging them to take So – the question is, will this reclamation Blackwater has been working part in the reclamation work, not yet completed, produce to get the US Forest Service to project. The Service heard measureable results for improved water partner with the West Virginia your voices, and they quality? And, the answer appears to be that Division of Environmental joined the project! Work on this reclamation work is already producing Protection on a reclamation reclamation began in 2012; good results. project on mined-out land and this summer we toured near the northern rim of the the Tub Run site. We were Below the site, Tub Run crosses Canyon Blackwater Canyon, four miles very impressed by what we Rim Road, a Forest Service Road west west of the Town of Thomas. saw. of Douglas, going toward the Olson Fire Tower. Lon Marshall, an intrepid Friends Called the "Tub Run" site, Jim Baczuk of the DEP of Blackwater water monitor, began taking this landscape had dangerous was guiding the reclamation measurements at Canyon Rim Road this highwalls, old coal refuse gob process, with special summer (2013). Tub Run had been running piles, and many openings into attention to dealing with bad at an average pH of 4.5, which would not Jim Baczuk abandoned underground mine water. Steep hillsides were support aquatic life. But in September tunnels. Tub Run is a lovely reduced to gentle slopes, 2013, the stream measured a pH of 6.32, stream and a tributary of the Blackwater with concrete channels at the bottom to and in October 6.67. This is a really big River, and runs through the reclamation site. control runoff and erosion. Exposed mineral improvement, that can be credited to the The exposed mineral soils and infiltration soils were covered with clay and limestone, work of the DEP and Jim Baczuk! of rain water into the tunnels creates acid then covered with topsoil and planted with mine drainage, which pollutes Tub Run and grass. The concrete channels also contain Restoring the Blackwater River the Blackwater. limestone, and Jim collects and treats watershed to full health is a big job, but we seeps from hillsides that were producing can proceed step by step, and it's worth it. Many Friends of Blackwater supporters acid drainage. Thanks for your support for this effort. wrote comments to the Forest Service, FIRST PROSECUTION HOUSE APPROVES BILL TO FAST TRACK OF WIND COMPANY FRACKING ON PUBLIC LANDS On Nov 21st by a vote of 235-187, the FOR KILLING BIRDS U.S. House of Representatives approved its latest giveaway to the oil and gas (November 22, 2013) The Department industry—a bill that would fast track of Justice (DOJ) announced a settlement the approval of fracking on public lands, on the prosecution of Duke Energy’s wind according to Environment America. developments in in connection According to Earthjustice, the bill, with the deaths of 14 Golden Eagles and among other things, would: 149 other protected birds, amounting to $1 • Delay the U.S. Environmental Protection million in fines and mitigation actions. This Agency’s study on impacts of fracking is the first prosecution of a wind company in • Eliminate baseline federal protections connection with bird mortality. for public lands from fracking “This is a welcome action by DOJ and • Keep important data about water Gas well pad from the air (photo courtesy of WVSORO.org) one that we have long anticipated,” said Dr. contamination from families living on George Fenwick, President of American Bird and near fracking sites Conservancy (ABC), a longtime advocate for The bill prevents the Department of the Interior—who’s charged with managing and stronger federal management of the wind protecting federal lands for the public—from enforcing federal regulations on hydraulic industry. “Wind energy is not ‘green’ if it is fracturing and instead, deferring to individual states rules, no matter how inadequate killing hundreds of thousands of birds. We they may be. The Natural Resources Defense Council‘s Bobby McEnany points out the are pro-wind and pro-alternative energy, bill’s unstated purpose: to give control to whichever level of government is least likely to but development needs to be Bird Smart. protect the public and the environment. The unfortunate reality is that the flagrant Friends of Blackwater is part of a coalition that opposed this bill and will continue violations of the law seen in this case are to work to make sure it does not become law. FOB has worked diligently to protect widespread.” See http://www.abcbirds. federal lands, like the Monongahela National Forest from runaway gas development, by org/newsandreports/releases/131122.html forming the Eastern National Forests Gas Drilling Coalition. The ENFGDC, in addition to for more information. developing a citizen friendly website to aid in the monitoring of gas leases on the Eastern National Forests, continues to hold monthly conference calls on these issues. Page 7 December 2013 December 2013 Address Service Requested NON-PROFIT ORG U. S. POSTAGE P A I D PERMIT NO. 1409 CHAS WV 25301

501 Elizabeth Street - Charleston, WV 25311

CONTENTS ON THE COVER: "HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS" 2 TAKE A TRIP BACK IN TIME 2 CLIFFORD FEATURED IN STATEHOOD CELEBRATIONS 3 STALKED BY A COUGAR! 4 TRACKING GINNY! 4 NORTHERN LONG-EARED BAT NEEDS ESA PROTECTION NOW! 5 ALLEGHENY HIGHLANDS CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS INITIATIVE 5 LIMEROCK: MYSTERY TOWN IN THE BLACKWATER CANYON 6 GOOD NEWS FROM TUB RUN OF THE BLACKWATER RIVER 7 FIRST PROSECUTION OF WIND COMPANY FOR KILLING BIRDS 7 HOUSE APPROVES BILL ; FRACKING ON PUBLIC LANDS 7 Buy a T-shirt, Holiday Order Form Save a Bat!

Description Quantity Unit Price Save Blackwater Canyon Bat T-shirt M - L - XL ______$20.00 ______Ginny the Flying Squirrel T-shirt S - M - L - XL -XXL ______$20.00 ______Kayaking Ginny T-shirt S - M - L - XL - XXL ______$15.00 ______Biking Ginny T-shirt S - M - L - XL - XXL ______$15.00 ______Skiing Ginny T-shirt S - M - L - XL - XXL ______$15.00 ______Rock Climbing Ginny T-shirt S - M - L - XL - XXL ______$15.00 ______Fishin' Blackwater T-shirt M - L - XL - XXL ______$20.00 ______Friends of Blackwater Canvas Tote Bag ______$15.00 ______Small Stuffed Flying Squirrel Toy ______$10.00 ______Small Stuffed Bat Toy with Book ______$12.00 ______Christmas Membership Sale: Save $20 when you ______$35.00 ______order 2 !! 2/$50. 1-year gift membership packet – includes a gift card for you to present to the recipient, a stamped card for the recipient to send in to activate the membership, 4 newsletters a year, bumpersticker and magnet ----BUY 2 & SAVE $20 - 2 for $50.00 Total ______Name

Mail completed form and check made payable to Friends of Blackwater to: Address

Friends of Blackwater 501 Elizabeth St. Charleston, WV 25311 Phone