October 2009 NON-PROFIT ORG U. S. POSTAGE Address Service Requested P A I D PERMIT NO. 1409 CHAS WV 25301 Friends of Blackwater
AWP AGAIN THREATENS LOGGING IN BLACKWATER CANYON page 3 CHIEF LOGAN STATE PARK DRILLING CASE HEADED TO SUPREME COURT page 4 CANAAN VALLEY FUNDRAISER PICTORIAL page 8-9
Also Inside: Ginny Needs Your Help page 2 Congressman Rahall Blackwater Hero 2009 page 2 Second Round of Drilling Permitted on Fernow page 3 J.R. Clifford Project Welcomes Megan Lowe page 4 Cordie Hudkins Stands Up to Illegal Drilling page 5 Future Dim for Hemlock page 5 Washington: A Man of the Land page 6 NFWP Begins Work on New Thomas Trails page 7 Potomac Boat Club Fundraiser A Success! page 10 Cheerful Chickadee page 10 Dolly Sods and Uncle Sam page 11 Donor Recognition page 12 Your Comments on Blackwater Canyon page 14 In Memory and Honor page 15 Protect Chief Logan State Park page 16 Membership Form page 16 Holiday Gift Ideas page 16 Photo ©Canyon Rim Photography, Bob Jordan, see page 15 Photo ©Canyon Rim Photography,
Working to protect West Virginia’s Highlands, the Blackwater River watershed and the Blackwater Canyon. 501 Elizabeth Street - Charleston, WV 25311 H 1-877-WVA-LAND H fax 304-345-3240 H www.saveblackwater.org H [email protected] October 2009 October 2009 From the Director AWP Again Threatens Logging in Blackwater Canyon
On September 4, 2009 Allegheny the Forest Service gate on the Canyon Rail AWP would be violating the Endangered Board of Directors Breaking News – Ginny’s Lawyers Say Truffles Wood Products (“AWP”) notified the West Trail. Species Act, and undermining the role of the Virginia Sierra Club that AWP might begin This action by Allegheny Wood Fish and Wildlife Service in protecting the Judy Rodd - President logging operations in the Blackwater Canyon Products violates the intent of the Habitat natural resources of the Canyon. Paul Hill - Vice-President Won’t Pay Filing Fees -- Your Help Needed Now! after 60 days from the notice letter. Then, Conservation Plan agreement AWP entered Logging would also reduce the Jeannie Dalporto - Secretary on September 8, 2009, AWP gave the West into with the Fish and Wildlife Service in conservation and recreation value of the Here’s the transcript of a recent three-way Virginia Division of Forestry plans for building 2002. Under this agreement, AWP received Canyon. We do not need any more of Donna Cook - Treasurer phone conversation among “Ginny,” the West a logging haul road along the Blackwater $165,000 of taxpayer dollars -- to do surveys the most dramatic, pristine, uninhabited Mary Krueger Virginia northern flying squirrel; environmental River -- from Hinchcliff Lumber at Hendricks, for the endangered species of the Canyon, tracts of wild land in West Virginia to be going upstream to across the river from in order to avoid harming them. The plan riddled with roads and tree stumps! West Tom Rodd lawyers Eric Glitzenstein and Jessica Almy in Washington, DC; and FOB Director Judy Rodd. also calls for avoiding and/or mitigating Virginia Governor Joe Manchin, we hope David Hammer any effects AWP would have on the you can act quickly to forestall any further Paul Fantetti Eric: Ginny, we are going into federal court species habitat. landscape degradation -- by purchasing all this month to get your protection back. We need to Now AWP is apparently of the private land in the Canyon, as soon Advisory Board pay filing fees and cover our expenses. What can you abandoning the Habitat as possible. Conservation Plan, and Supporters of the Blackwater Canyon, Karen Coria come up with? taxpayers have received please let Governor Manchin know you Annie Dillard - Author Ginny: Well, it has been a bad year for mast in nothing in return! By want the Blackwater Canyon purchased and West Virginia -- and the truffles that I dig out of the degrading a portion of this brought into public ownership. Kitty Dooley, Esq. forest floor aren’t what they used to be, with more critical species habitat with Larry Groce - Director, logging of big trees. But I’ll see what I can do! road building and logging, Mountain Stage Jessica: I don’t think the court clerk and our Jason Halbert landlord will take truffles, Ginny, although I’m sure Alan Karlin, Esq. they are delicious. Department of Not Learning From Your Mistakes: Patrick McGinley - Ginny: I understand that they are a great delicacy for humans! And I don’t have any money! Second Round of Fernow Experimental Forest Drilling Permitted Professor of Law On September 4, 2009, with last year’s West Virginia laws that prohibit well drilling request, no matter how damaging. Judy: Ginny, you are rare and endangered, and you have enough stress in your life. We know that Eric drill pit sites still oozing toxic water into the in West Virginia State Parks -- see story at “The Monongahela offers a textbook Deborah McHenry, Esq. and Jessica need dollars to make this case go forward. So we will call on our Friends of Blackwater supporters Fernow Experimental Forest in Tucker County page 4). example of how drilling should not be Rafe Pomerance - for help! You get back to showing your babies how to soar through the mountain air! (the Forest is near Blackwater Canyon) -- the Background on the Fernow: Last done on a national forest,” stated PEER former US Deputy US Forest Service approved a second request year, U.S. Forest Service scientists at the Executive Director Jeff Ruch, who obtained Assistant Secretary of to do deeper drilling on the same site. Fernow in Parsons tried in vain to prevent a gas hundreds of agency records under the State for Environment West Virginia Congressman Under the Forest Service-approved drilling and pipeline project that threatened Freedom of Information Act. “Unless the Joe Riffenberger - permit, toxic drilling fluids will be injected an underground cave system that shelters Inspector General intervenes we will see Wildlife Biologist Nick Rahall Receives 2009 again next to an endangered bat cave -- endangered bats, created toxic runoff, and more train-wrecks like what occurred on the with “land application” of drilling pit fluids. damaged long-term forest ecology research Monongahela when the price of natural gas J. Lawrence Smith - Blackwater Hero Award Friends of Blackwater supports the scientists plots. Forest Service leaders rebuffed its begins to rise again.” Author at the Fernow who were blatantly overruled specialists’ efforts to moderate project Steve White, Esq. On September 24, 2009, a warm and in their objection to the drilling proposal. The impacts on the Monongahela National Forest beautiful evening, Friends of Blackwater new drilling was approved without a federal in West Virginia and even blocked attempts Titles for identification purposes only. supporters gathered in Georgetown, environmental review, or consultation with to obtain advice from agency lawyers. DC, at the historic Potomac Boat Club the Fish and Wildlife Service. Public Employees for Environmental Staff on the Potomac River at the terminus of Four thousand new gas wells were Responsibility (PEER) has asked the the C&O Canal. The revelers looked out drilled in Pennsylvania over the past year, Department of Agriculture’s Inspector Judy Rodd, Director from the 19th century boathouse at many disgorging about 9 million gallons of General to review what occurred during 2008 John Brown energetic rowers, kayakers, canoeists – wastewater a day, according to industry on the Fernow Experimental Forest, which and later, as evening fell, at the slow, estimates used by state environmental include: decisions to evade Endangered Lori Halderman ever-changing, sparkling sunset on the regulators. Everyone realizes that gas Species Act consultation rules despite Megan Lowe river. Appalachian music from the fiddle drilling in West Virginia is increasing at a reports that the drilling may be harming and hammered dulcimer of Sam and Joe rapid rate. We must take sensible action Big Springs Cave, one of the largest winter Betsi Lusher Herrmann filled the air. There was lots of now to protect our air, water, and land – hibernacula of the endangered Indiana bat Brandae Mullins good food, drink, and conversation. and especially our public lands, our homes, on public land; refusal to address ponds of Congressman Nick Rahall attended and accepted the Blackwater Hero of the Year for 2009. As Chairman and our communities – from the hazards toxic drill pit fluids that threaten wildlife and of the House Natural Resources Committee, Rahall works tirelessly to protect rare and endangered species posed by this activity. (That’s why Friends killed vegetation; and blocking requests for across the nation, and especially “Ginny” the West Virginia northern flying squirrel. of Blackwater has joined the Highlands guidance from the agency Office of General Thanks, everyone, for coming out and supporting FOB! Conservancy, and former West Virginia State Counsel to sort through complex resource Parks Chief Cordie O. Hudkins to support issues instead of acceding to each industry Page 2 Page 3 October 2009 October 2009 WVDNR Joins Chief Logan State Park Drilling Case Cordie Hudkins Still has West Virginia’s State Parks in his Heart;
Case Now Headed for Supreme Court Stands Up to Illegal Drilling On October 9, 2009, Parks as well – like Babcock,Blackwater Below: A Marcellus Shale Gas Well Drilling Site After Cordie graduated from high staff cutbacks, the budget was $30 million the West Virginia Falls, Canaan Valley, Cedar Creek, (photo courtesy WVSORO.org) Division of Natural Pipestem, Twin Falls, and school, he spent four years working his -- without an appreciable appropriation Resources joined an Watoga. A lot is at stake way around many of the Western states increase in the $5 million received from important lawsuit – so we say Thanks! to -- enjoying the beautiful scenery, and the Legislature each year. According to that appears to be the West Virginia DNR for developing the motivation to study for a Hudkins: “When you factor in the $2 to $3 headed for the State stepping up to the plate to college degree. He attended Morris Harvey in off-park spending that occurs for every Supreme Court. The issue is whether the Protect our Parks! College (now the University of Charleston) dollar spent while visiting our State Parks, Lawson Heirs – the descendants of one of The Lawson Heirs in West Virginia, and graduated with a de- we’re actually making the state about the first settlers of Logan County – can drill are based in Roanoke, Va. gree in biology. And he got his boyhood $125 million a year. It’s difficult for me to for gas and oil on land that they sold to and are represented by wish! He was hired after graduation by understand how people can say we’re the State in 1960, and that was later made Charleston attorney Larry the West Virginia Department of Resourc- costing the State money, when just the part of Chief Logan State Park. George. The Heirs claim es (“WVDNR”) as a State Park assistant opposite is true.” Friends of Blackwater, the Highlands that the West Virginia law superintendent. When Cordie retired, the Charleston Conservancy, and prohibiting drilling on state Hudkins began his 35-year Daily Mail wrote: “West Virginia’s Cordie Hudkins park land only applies to State Park career at the 6,OOO-acre park system will be in someone else’s hands (retired Chief of gas that is owned by the Babcock State Park. In 1990, after more today. No, that’s not quite right. For the the WV State Park State -- although the Heirs Above: Cordie Hudkins, Jr. than two decades of achievement and past 10 years, outgoing parks chief Cordie System) asked acknowledged that the leadership at every level of the West Hudkins has managed the system with the DNR to join law applies to privately Cordie O. Hudkins, Jr. was born in South Virginia State Park System, Cordie Hudkins his heart, not his hands. By all accounts, the case; and we owned gas in a 1998 deed. Charleston, West Virginia and raised in St. became Chief of the West Virginia State Park Hudkins’ passion has transformed a are very glad that The Lawson Heirs have Albans, WV, where he attended high school. system, and remained in this position until neglected, antiquated system into one of the DNR has done also ignored two West Virginia Attorney Lawson Heirs were misstating the truth As a young boy, he went hunting with this his retirement in 2000. the nation’s finest.” “Cordie’s contributions so. This impor- General opinions that say the law applies to about drilling in State Parks. And Cordie father as soon as he was old enough to During his tenure as Chief, are among the primary reasons our parks tant case could all drilling. FOB Board member Tom Rodd got three former DNR directors to file do so. Hudkins’ family always took at least Hudkins rallied citizens and employ- rank among the best in the nation,” said affect other State of the Calwell Practice represents Cordie letters supporting his position! a one week vacation each year to a West ees of the State Park system to oppose John Rader, then-director of the WVDNR. Hudkins, FOB, and the Conservancy; Bill Friends of Blackwater and our Virginia State Park. One year a park “privatizing” State Park facilities; and he “He will be greatly missed.” DePaulo represents the allies are circulating petitions calling for the superintendent and his wife taught courageously spoke out for protection of Friends of Blackwater is honored to Sierra Club, which also protection of all of our State Parks, under Cordie to fly fish, and all through high the Blackwater Canyon. When Cordie stand with Cordie Hudkins and thousands intervened in the case. the law. We have already generated over school Cordie thought what a wonderful became Chief, the West Virginia State Park of West Virginians to protect West Virginia’s Above: A statue of Chief The key to bringing two thousand signatures. Please make thing it would be to someday be a park system’s budget was less than $20 million beloved State Parks from illegal drilling. Logan grace Chief Logan these shenanigans to light sure you get one and get your friends to superintendent. a year. When he retired, despite serious State Park and to court has been the sign! And please, donate to help pay our Right: A historical cabin at Chief Logan State Park fantastic research and legal expenses – our papers are due in the advocacy of Cordie Supreme Court on December 16, 2009! by J. Lawrence Smith Hudkins. Cordie filed an FUTURE DIM for HEMLOCK extensive affidavit in the A tragedy is underway in the forests system is treated. Individual trees must be being expressed that case showing that the throughout much of West Virginia that may treated and this becomes difficult and time- trout streams will be approach the magnitude of the blight of the consuming in a large tract of hemlocks. negatively impacted, American chestnut during the early decades A search has also been underway for an perhaps in some cases, of the last century. The Eastern hemlock insect that preys on the adelgid with promise radically. THE J.R. CLIFFORD PROJECT WELCOMES MEGAN LOWE has been struck by the woolly adelgid, an found in a tiny beetle about the size of the Some breeding In September we welcomed a new AmeriCorps VISTA member to aid in the development of The aphid unintentionally brought from Asia, end of a pencil lead. It is known among birds may be reduced J.R. Clifford Project. Megan Lowe is 23 years old, and comes to us from Marion, Iowa. In December that threatens to strike down this beloved entomologists as Laricovius nigrinus with in number and local 2008 she graduated from The University of Iowa with a degree in English, focusing on African American evergreen. its usual range of distribution in the Pacific d i s t r i b u t i o n w i t h Studies. Throughout college Megan participated in and was the President of the Mock Trial team that The tiny predator sucks the sap from the northwest. t h e e l i m i n a t i o n placed 4th in the nation in 2009. She enjoys singing, dancing, acting, reading, cleaning, scrapbooking, base of the needles causing the death of the The greatest adverse impact on forest of hemlocks. Two traveling, and playing with her new cat Artie. tree within a few years. An area showing the cover will be largely east of a line down species that will be adversely affected are In her first weeks working with the project Megan has worked with local schools to welcome Kitty destruction from an infestation is Greenland through the state somewhat west of center. the Blackburnian warbler and the Northern Dooley and Justice Larry Starcher onto their campuses to present about J.R. Clifford. She has also been Gap in Grant County. The beauty of this The most extensive loss of hemlocks will parula, the parula in lower and middle in charge of compiling ideas for the Civil Rights Heritage Map that we are creating over the next year. scenic gap has been greatly dimmed by the be in the more elevated portions where the elevations and the Blackburnian in higher She will be responsible for working closely with Tom Rodd on the project, and helping to put together chaotic scene of dead and fallen hemlocks. tree comprises a significant percentage of areas. the final product. Other sites showing widespread death of forest canopy. A tract of virgin hemlock and Northern Megan is excited to be part of such an incredible project and already loves West Virginia. Everyone trees are Lost River and Watoga State The loss of hemlock cover will mean a hardwoods near Cherry Grove, Pendleton has made her feel very comfortable, and she is ready to see as much of the state as she can during her Parks. reduction in soil moisture and the warming of County, offers something of a “worst case year of volunteering. A chemical manufactured by the Bayer the environment in close proximity to trees. scenario.” Six pairs of Blackburnian warblers Corporation is effective in checking the Many streams will attract fish and aquatic life Right: New AmeriCorps VISTA, Megan Lowe adelgid when mixed with water and the root adapted to a warm water habitat. Concern is Continued on page 6 Page 4 Page 5
October 2009 October 2009
by J. Lawrence Smith NFWP Begins Work on New Thomas Trails WASHINGTON: A MAN of THE LAND
A great burden of responsibility with one on the Youghiogheny he owned. He noted, “the Right and Below: Stu- had been lifted from the shoulders and the other on Cheat River. The upper part is exceedingly dents and volunteers mention of the Cheat is intriguing rich, and covered with work on the initial of George Washington with the stage of the Thomas defeat of Cornwallis’ British and may be in reference to the Walnut of considerable City Park Trail. Army at Yorktown, Virginia, in glady regions of Blackwater and size many of them. . . “ 1783. The long struggle of the Canaan Valley. He contracted with a Revolution was ended and the The following day he reached man named McCracken United States was indeed a free Warm Springs or the town of to act in his behalf in nation! Bath (present Berkeley Springs, leasing the land. The Bidding his officers and Morgan County) where he met only restriction was “the staff farewell was a bittersweet an ingenious innkeeper named Tenant not to remove moment, but it would be good James Rumsey. Rumsey took any of the Walnut timber to give up soldiering, plotting Washington into his confidence from off the Land; or split distance.” The plant diversity is revealed when he writes, strategy and outwitting the and showed him a model of it into Rails; as I should reserve October 4, 2009 10 energetic “intermixed in places with fern enemy. He wanted to return to a boat he had built that was that for my own use.” This entry high school students along with Rich where his heart was—in the land. propelled by the production of is evidence of his frugal attitude & other weeds as also with alder Edwards, Frank Maguire and Kim No grave duty was his to hold him steam. Washington expresses toward timbering in that a fine & other Shrubs.” Cattle were Broughton of IMBA (International back and he was as free as a bird his confidence in the craft by wood such as black walnut should driven into the glades to graze Mountain Biking Assoc.), hoisted their Thank You! to go where he wanted. recording in his journal, “that it not be split into fence rails! throughout the warmer months shovels, pulaskis, and rakes and began He noted rather matter-of- might be of the greatest possible As he makes his way across and this was the beginning of work on a new trail in the Thomas, WV A special thank you to our factly in his journal for September value in inland Navigation . . .” the mountains, Washington the end for large areas of these City Park. This area is a beautifully business sponsors for 1, 1784, the necessity “to visit Washington was very skilled “met numbers of Persons & Pack wetlands. diverse forest along the North Fork of helping to make our my Landed property West of in the identification of trees and horses going in with Ginseng Washington had planned the Blackwater River. Rich Edwards, Canaan Valley Fundraising Party the Apalacheon Mountains. . . the relationship of woodland to & for salt & other articles at to travel down the Ohio River trail designer for IMBA, had flagged a a huge success! .” After making the necessary certain soil types. Leaving the the Markets below.” Ginseng as far as the Great Kanawha to new trail on a previous visit to the area. preparations he wrote, “I did company of Dr. James Craik and (pronounced gin-sang) is a personally visit his land along The students, along with eight We could not have done adult volunteers, raked the earth down on the first day of this month his son, William, he detoured a flowering plant with a root that both rivers. He received reports it without you! to the forest floor, hauled soil, carried September set out on my often has the appearance of a of Indian unrest across the Ohio rocks and build 180’ of new trail. A day journey.” doll-like human body. People of and continued to the home of of hard labor was topped off with pizza Brickstreet Insurance Washington’s trek to the the Orient considered the plant an Gilbert Simpson near Canonsburg, from Mama G’s and plans to continue Appalachian Cabins west was undertaken for reasons aphrodisiac or cure-all. Ginseng Pennsylvania, before deciding to end his western travels. work on the approximately five miles of Aspen Village in addition to assessing the has been dug so vigorously for Big John’s Family Fixin’s He was to enjoy life free of trail. condition of his vast land holdings. centuries in the Far East that Hopefully we will get some more Blackwater Outdoors great responsibility for five years Canaan Valley Resort Much attention was being given it had almost been eradicated. dates in before we break for the until elected the first president Cooper & Preston LLC to finding a route and means When an identical plant was winter and pick up again in the Spring and Summer of 2010. However, and taking the oath of office in Davis River Walk for commerce to flow from the found with the settlement of winter will not prevent work from going forward, as Mr. Michael Shaffer’s New York City on April 30, 1789. Falcor Winery Potomac across the mountains America, a lucrative trade sprang shop class at the Tucker County High School will be constructing stream Golden Anchor into the Ohio Valley. up that continues today. As the years passed, those bright crossings and boardwalks to be placed in the spring and summer. Guest Services He arrived at the farm of In describing the glades, September days of 1784, with The trail design and work is a being funded in part by a FLOW grant Herz, Herz & Reichle Developments Highland Artisans Gallery Captain Stroud near Martinsburg he reveals knowledge of plant views of fledgling America rolling from West Virginia Commission for National and Community Service. to the horizon, may have become Highland Scene Inn and Spa on the evening of the 4th and communities, even though the A big thank you to all that turned out to help on this project; we look Kim Landis Realty finds his host a valuable source term was unknown in his time. fading memories to the man of forward to working more with you in the future. We would also like to La Fontaine Bakery of information. Washington is These lands “have a pretty the land who became the first send a special thank you to the US Forest Service and the Canaan Valley Lockheed Martin told there are two large glades or appearance resembling cultivated President. National Wildlife Service for loaning the tools necessary for the students Mama G’s Pizzeria and other volunteers to complete this project, and to Mama G’s Pizzeria Massage Therapies of Davis wetlands high in the mountains few miles to visit a forest tract Lands & improved Meadows at a Mountain State Brewery for providing food. Mountain Top Realty Nannie’s Bakery continued from page 4 Meet the Designer Sangha Consulting, LLC FUTURE DIM FOR HEMLOCK Sirianni’s Rich Edwards (pictured at right), who we like were found on ten acres in 1967 for a projected sixty pairs per hundred acres. Loss of the hemlocks along with the possible loss of Smith Cochran & Hicks CPA to call the Pied Piper for his ability to motivate Technology Solutions the warbler will reduce breeding birds by nearly 25 percent. young people to volunteer, is a nationally The Masters Law Firm The decline of the hemlock will mean the loss of a significant food source for a number of wildlife species, including the WV Northern respected trail design expert who developed The Trail Mix Flying Squirrel. A large percentage of the diet of the pine siskin is hemlock seeds and both the red and white-winged crossbills feed his skills during three years as a leader of the Three Castles Antiques heavily on them. The little red squirrel or “fairy diddle,” is often found in hemlocks with a ready food source. Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew. Rich has as- Timberline Four Seasons Resort Timberline Stables In the words of an old expression, “only time will tell” how devastating the attack on hemlocks by the adelgid will prove to be. In sessed, designed, constructed and maintained Tygart Valley Distributing the meantime, we should recall with appreciation the stately evergreen with delicate needles and the beauty it brings to mountain trails in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Whitegrass Cross Country Resort forests. the Netherlands, Italy, Wales, Scotland and WISP England. Page 6 Page 7 October 2009 October 2009 Canaan Valley Fundraiser
On July 10, 2009 Friends of Blackwater held a fundraising event at the Home of Steve and Katy White, in Canaan Valley, WV, after months of planning, dedication and hard work by our hosts and sponsors. With over 200 guests in attendance, including Honored Guests Governor Joe Manchin III and First Lady Gayle Manchin, the evening was a smashing success -- raising nearly forty thousand dollars toward our work protecting the Blackwater Canyon and the West Virginia Highlands. We would like to wish a special thanks to all of those that participated in this fundraiser and especially to the hosts, planning committee members, and business supporters that made made this event so successful.
Page 8 Page 9 October 2009 October 2009 Potomac Boat Club Fundraiser A Success! DOLLY SODS AND UNCLE SAM by J. Lawrence Smith On September 24, 2009 FOB held a The often brooding stillness of Dolly Sods and neighboring Below: Climbing School at Blackwater Canyon fundraising event at the Potomac Boat Club in areas was shattered by thousands of soldiers on maneuvers Washington, DC, where we honored Congressman during World War II in the summer of 1943. The U. S. Army Nick Rahall as our “Blackwater Hero 2009”. As a established the West Virginia Maneuver Area in thinly-populated result of months of planning and coordinating, our sections of five mountain counties. The similarity of West Virginia sponsors and planning committee put together terrain to that of southern Europe was one reason the area was a party and auction which raised fifteen thousand chosen to serve as training ground for the invasion of Italy. dollars. We thank them for all of their efforts and Headquarters were established at Elkins for operations success!! that extended as far as Seneca Rocks. The region soon became a beehive of activity with men and equipment on the move day Our Washington, D.C. Sponsors: and night. Some sixteen thousand personnel were being trained every two months by the end of 1943. Porte Crayon Society Artillery was positioned on Dolly Sods and in Canaan Rafe and Lenore Pomerance Valley with the west slope of Cabin Mountain serving as the Emily Schoenbaum impact area for shells fired from howitzers at these sites. Forest Donna and Carroll Cook service rangers were kept busy putting out forest fires started by exploding shells and unattended campfires. Over a half century Crown Jewel Club after maneuvers ended, unspent shells are rarely found by hikers Judith Bell and Dick Goodwin and hunters that must be destroyed by army explosives experts. Along with training in artillery and other armament, transporting weapons and supplies in rugged and roadless Sustaining Stewards schooling in rock climbing and assault techniques was held at countryside. Peter Bross and Lisa Rarick Seneca Rocks and Blackwater Canyon. Another enterprise was a Much of the training was not without risk and there were Sally F. Davidson “mule school” that trained in the Dry Fork area in using mules for fatalities as a result of improper procedures and accidents. Brock Evans and Linda Garcia Two men drowned during training in using rope bridges across John and Roberta Good Blackwater River. The technique was essentially walking a heavy Pete and Sienna Johnson tightrope with ropes alongside to serve as handrails. Nelson and Suzanne Joyner What became known as the “mule school” was based Charles and Montague Kern in the Dry Fork area. The mules generated a lot of attention Sally and Bill Meadows when they were brought by rail and unloaded at Hambleton Pat Munoz and Dorcas Adkins from where they were ridden into Randolph County where the Philip and Karin Nelson operation was to be based. Men were schooled in the use of mules for Tom and Judy Rodd transporting supplies and weapons in rugged and often roadless Bill and Claudia Schechter terrain. One thing that has lingered from the days of military training on Dolly Sods is the tale of a “rattlesnake pit” somewhere CHEERFUL CHICKADEE by J. Lawrence Smith in the vast expanses. The story has no doubt grown with each The chickadee is a bird beloved by nearly West Virginia. The Carolina chickadee is may mean imminent danger such as a telling, but may well have some basis in fact. One account has all people especially when found in the Southeast United States and predator nearby. it that a soldier was accidently lowered by rope into a mass of the black of its cap and bib the lower Midwest. Both are found in West Chickadees are hardy birds even rattlers and died from multiple bites. Perhaps from such an event are set strikingly against the Virginia with the black-cap though they may appear frail due to their the “pit” of almost legendary proportions came into being. snow. occupying high elevations small size. Worth Randle spent 1942-44 Above: “Mule School” at the Dry Fork Chickadees are largely and the Carolina in living near Cranberry Glades in the high the lowlands. mountains of Pocahontas County. He found “permanent residents” or CHEERFUL CHICKADEE continued from page 10 remain in the same area The two species the black-cap the most common permanent throughout the year, but can be identified by resident where winter mean temperatures I imagined I was in a room with drooping boughs having the look of tapestries as chickadees played along the walls. winter often seems a their whistled songs that sound were below freezing and four feet of snow Chickadees will often be seen leading a mixed flock of smaller species through the winter woods. Following the bundles of energy season when we are very similar except the black-cap has a fell one winter. will be kinglets, nuthatches, a downy woodpecker or two and perhaps a brown creeper. Birds accompanying the chickadees fall in much aware of them as two-noted song while the Carolina sings Late in November one year, I was behind their leaders who are skilled at finding abundant food. they frolic through the four notes. The characteristic “chick- standing amid towering spruce draped with With the warm days of spring, chickadees begin to form pairs and seeking a site to nest. They will search for a natural cavity, trees and come to the a-dee-dee-dee” call of the black-cap is snow near Blackwater Falls. Chickadees abandoned woodpecker hole or nesting box in rather open woods, orchards and even near houses. After lining the cavity with material feeder to eat. huskier than the Carolina. I have had the were foraging and fluttering about high in such as moss, plant down, feathers and hair usually six to eight white eggs speckled with reddish-brown are laid. Both parents share There are actually two species experience of hearing a Carolina at a low the trees and I caught the glint on its head in incubating the eggs that hatch in about two weeks. of chickadees even though they look elevation and later the same day hear a when a golden-crowned kinglet bowed Few birds are as endearing as the chickadee clad in simple shades of black, white and gray, but which make for a striking dress. strikingly similar and are difficult to tell apart black-cap in song in the mountains. forward. The sun seemed to generate an Throughout much of the year the chickadee may be overlooked, but this sprite can hardly be missed when he arrives at the feeder on by observation alone. The black-capped Studies have shown that the call almost emerald light among the spruce and a winter day and announces his name “chick-a-dee-dee-dee.” ranges across much of Canada, the northern serves as a warning or the threat of danger United States and along the Alleghenies in by the addition of “dees.” A greater number Continued on page 11 Page 10 Page 11 October 2009 October 2009 Special Thanks to All of Our Donors! Your support makes all we do possible!
Lifetime Arthur and Betty G Evans Jr Sandra Staggers Dr. and Mrs. James A. Smith Roswell Jones Lenna Leeson Steve Dorick Maxine Duckworth Donna and Carroll Cook Arthur Mackwell Shari Lee and Christopher Moran Ed Zahniser and Christine Deuwel Ruth Brooks Lew and Lois Holloway Steven Robert Szabo Mr. Gianpiero Forcina Emily Schoenbaum Barbara and Robert Foster Sharon Frazier Edward and Judith Joyce Sandra and Fred Barkey Lynn Wagner Sue and Roy Price Nancy Ruhe Barbara Wolfert Sheri and Larry Browning Eve and Thomas Firor Sandra Woods Mark Sagin Susan Stone and Jeremy Kelley Patricia and David Stanton Betty J Rice Shirley and Cliff Gay Felix and Elizabeth Lockman Sarah and Herb Myers Norma Setteur Thomas and Alice Anne Pareti Patty Snow Porte Crayon Society Beverly Steele Shoshanna Schwimmer Frank Venezia Sorrells Family Norman L Dean William G. Wegener Paul Atkins Steve and Katy White Bill and Linda Schmidt Steve and Christine Dolan Keating Fred and Elizabeth Sampson Stafford and Sue Warren Phyllis H Law Aaron McGee Peggy Pings and Keith McManus Kimberly Covert Brian Henry Steve and Marjorie Lewellen George and Linda Harrington Stanwyn and Elaine Shetler Reba Hutton Alan Rudley Peter O. Sellar Amelia and Bob McPeak Bruce Perrone Suzanne and John Maben George and Sarah Sorvalis Stephen L. and Susan Wellons Richard Ford Alice Rathbone Rachel Rosenthal Annette H Tanner Carol Wolff Thomas and Cynthia Beres Hedda and Roy Haning Steven Garske Robert G. Humphrey Anna Gale Smithson Ralph Bell Elizabeth C. Zimmermann Carol and Charles Fleming Thomas and Joyce Ward Helen F. Thalheimer Susan Breiding Ron and Sue Anglin Barbara and James Smith Ramsey Frist Frank and Nancy Fitzpatrick Charles and Carolyn Glick Thomas Williams Irving and Gail Stern Suzanne Offutt and Michael Zagarella Sally Anderson Beth and Benjamin Jacob Randall Snodgrass Rafe and Lenore Pomerance Charles and Margaret Biggs Tony Milam Irving and Sharon Goodman Teresa Koon Scot and Lisa Meadows Betty Anne Adams Robert and Mary Lu Latane Charles DiSalvo and Kathleen Kennedy William and Christine Jones Jack and Margaret Dolly Thomas C. Shaffer Scott and Laura Welch Betty W. Hall Robert W. Williams Crown Jewel Club Charles Price William and Jennifer Belton James and Mary Ellen Ireland Tim Warner and Paula Hunt Stan and Nancy Klem Bill and Jean Hartgroves Roger and Rose Hutzell Bonnie Mallott Claudia and Bill Schechter William and Sally Meadows Jean Perfater Pozega Tom and Janet Zerbe Stephanie Smoot Bob and Joy Markley Roman and Rosella Majerczak Catherine Augenstein Cynthia Ashworth Henry Hoffstot, Jr. Jill and Craig Sease Tom and Paula Stout Suzanne Lewis Bradford and Bernadine Owen Ronald Wilson Deb Fulton D. McCarty Thornton William and Patricia Browning Jim and Melinda Schmitt Tom Richards Thomas Klus Bruce and Marcia Bonta Roy C. Johnson Marie L. Prezioso David and Rosemary Gustin Karen M. Diercks Jo Cox Toni and William Witzemann Thomas Stump Carol Jackson Ruth and Robert Wilkinson Phillip and Karin Nelson Deatra Markham Marie and John Kilcarr Joan Golden Trina Leone Tina Taverna Carolyn Faye Hoffman Sandra S. Gutmann Tom and Stacey Halloran Dr. and Mrs. Wayne Spiggle Donald, Glee and Bret Gasper John and Donna Hoyt Victor and Vicki Kidd Tristan Bond Charles Heller Sara Gann Dr. E. Schrae and Mary LaPlante Keith and Christine Garbutt John and Thelma Dalmas Walt Fish William Murray Charles Yoho Sherlee and William Nelson Sustaining Stewards Elizabeth Schoyer John Love Warren and Peggy McGraw Mary Ellen O’Farrell Chris Harjes Stephen and Brenda Hancheck Dr. Florence Kate Millar Ellen Leiby Family Judge and Mrs. Thomas Lohm William and Alexandra Carrico William Blaine Stevens and Karen Kelley Chuck Conner Suzanne M. Stefan Julie Adams and Josh Barrett Eugene Nojek Bernard Zimmermann and Cheryl King Karyn Molines and Gary Pendleton John and Lynn Mugaas Carol Jori Clara Mae Hall Sweet and K. Kaia Albert and Peggy Richardson Ewing Walker Beverly Beidler Kathleen Smith Charles and Elizabeth Baer Suzanne Wolfe David A. Eckhardt Virginia S Jones Marilyn B. Meyers Gail Wippelhauser and Robert McIntire Carol Kusic Davis Keith Scholtz Rhonda and Steve Koch Ralph and Molly Anderegg David Burns Warren G. Jones Bill Cook and Kymberly Escobar Harry and Phyllis Davis Scott Bush Keith Strausbaugh Del Parris William Craig Howell Bruce and Andrea Dalton Jack Ditty Carol Gallant Ken and Janice Kasserman Individual Senior Elizabeth Bare William E. Holt Catherine Tebay James See and Joan Weber Albert W. Stewart Ken Gfroerer and Lisa Smith Lisa Johnson Midge Schrader Elizabeth Reeder William Montgomery Deborah McHenry and Elaine Moore Jo Ann Barlow Allen and Karin Altman Ken Kaleida and Donna Gunther Carolyn Welcker William and Elinor Moore Elliot and Nancy Kirschbaum Al and Barbara Deynzer Dick and Mary Meeks John and Amy Mathews Amos Alta I. Mainer Ken Schaal Elizabeth McCloskey Robert Paviour Jr. Erick Robohm Thomas and Judith McHugh Duane and Marianne Alexander John and Debbie Deitz Ann and Gary Devine-King Laura Goff Davis Janice Kinsolving Andrea Boyarsky-Maisel Esther Hinchman Walt R. Shupe Gary and Helga Benninger John and Deborah Brown Ann and John Palaitis Lee and Gene Defabio William and Denise McNeel Betsy and Geoff Green Frances Cheever William A. James III Jason Halbert John Huffman Anne and John Sills Lee Gordon Abe Levy Bill McCabe Fred and Donna Coleman Charles and Elsie Bernstein Jessie M Harris John M. Brown Art and Erin Barket Letha and Michael Bialas Anthony Allred Jr Debby and Jon Thoma Gertrude Ehrlich James and Sharon Durr Josephine Wood Jon Brooks Barbara and Arthur Pavlovic Lewis and Giorgina Murray Art Abrams Donna Ford-Werntz Glade Little Walter Harbison Lori Plummer Joseph and Julia Neenan Barry Lavery Linda and David Davidson Barbara Howe Elizabeth Weimer Glen and Anna Belle Mitchell William Burger Mark and Amy Weintraub Joseph Harris Bea and Cliff Hackett Mae Ellen Wilson and Julian Martin Bob and Robert Gedekoh Erin and Kendall Brumbaugh Harriet Tucker Martha V. and Rudolph L. Ditrapano Joseph T Carney Benton Lee Grimm Marcia and Jack Moore Bob Smythe Garnet Byrne Helen J. McGinnis Student Nelson and Suzanne Joyner Kelly M. Dyer, II Beth Koller Margaret McKelvey Caroline Craig Sutton Helen and Neil L. Gibbins Hullet and Shirley Good David D. Maxwell Patricia Munoz Kristin Douglas Betty Leavengood Maria Becker and Dennis Walters Carter Zerbe and Maureen Conley James and Tete Evans Irma Ullrich Douglas and Karen Jaslow Patricia, Gary and Danielle Wilmsen Kristine and Jerry Jordan Bill and Lynn Golemon Marjorie McDiarmid Charles Manor James M. Speicher James and Evelyn Burdette Karen Fedorov Pete and Sienna Johnson Louanne M. Fatora Bill Pennington Mark and Libby Chatfield Chris and Ralph Bolgiano Jane Rector Donaldson James and Helen Butterworth Linda Reeves Philip and Terry Reale Marc Levine Bonnie Thurston Mary Clare Eros and Jim Eros Christopher Roth Jeb Booth James and Patricia Howard Sally and Mark Hall Richard and Nancy Raines March Enders Brenda Wilson Mary Massey and Jack Meiners Clint and Christina Hogbin Jesse B. Gandee II James and Roberta Roush Barry and Sassi Harel William Wade Pope Marcia S. Fowler MD Bruce and Carol Carter Mary Wimmer and T. Anne Hawkins David Rodgers Joan Sims James Mosher Brent Carminati Betty and Larry Thompson Margaret and Ken Roberts Camille and Don Phares Melvin A Hoover and Rosemary Edington Diana Weatherby John and Pamela Lutz Jean R. Worthley Caprice Doty Margaux Byrne Marie and Rodney Sauter Carol and Paul Cole Michael and Carolyn Prudich Frank Innes John S. Kosticky Jean Rodman Daniel Roper Patricia C. Hopson Martha and Richard Wolfe Carol Howe Hamblen Pam and Bill Harvit Frank Kammel Jon and Donna Weems Jim Parsons Gardner Hathaway Maureen Comiskey Catherine Samargo Patricia M. Gussey George and Martha Powell Katharine Gregg Jo Weisbrod Helen and Charles Brown Blackwater Booster Michael and Joan Schroering Charles and Nancy Brabec Patricia Pride and Lawrence Williams Harris Haynie Kenneth McDonald, Jr. Joan Breiding Jean H. Washburn Brian Thorniley and Elizabeth Scott Michael and Phyllis Herman Chuck and Skip Tewksbury Patricia Thacker Jane Eff Lora Harless Joan Ryan Jerry Payne Bryan Logan and Janet Dewar Millie and Alan Karlin Claire and Paul Gesalman Raymond and Janet Keith Janis Boury and Michael Frasher Luanne McGovern Joe Schreiber Jr John Fleshman Emma Shelton Nancy and Clark Campbell Craig Close Richard and Leslie Sturges Jo Baily Brown Marjorie Hamperian John and Lesley Gilbert Mary Kyle John and Darina Sherwood Nicholas and Monica S Rumsey Danielle and Larry Snidow Richard and Audrey Gray John and Cathy Booth Mary Alice and Gerry Milnes John C. Taylor Patricia Bredenberg Judy Bell and Richard Goodwin Pamela Jowdy Darrell and Marilyn Groves Richard D. Flinn John E. Van Luik Mary Beard John Manchester Sam Kane Richard and Karen Watson Pat W. Kingman Dave Lambert Robert and Leonora Jordan John H. Hoffman Jr. Mary Grey Judy Bright Sidney and Barbara Tedford Harry Donald Price Peggy Frankenfield David and Marge McCutcheon Robert and Claudia Coughlin Jonathan R. Cohen Mary Lou Henderson-Sullivan Kathleen Hayes Terry and John Gilbert Kevin N. George Philip Berlin David Hiebert Robert and Constance Bouchard Judy Seaman Mitchell and Constance Berk Ken Bosworth Doll Whitman Josiah and Margaret Page Ray Boggs Dawn Warfield and Michael Knight Robert and Elizabeth Mueller Karen Rae Hornberger and Brian Hanline Nicholas Winowich Lawrence Smith Richard Latterell Denise L. Ferguson Robert and Joyce Manyik Kathryn and Lemuel Jacquez Paul Sheridan and Kate Fitzgerald Lillian Dodd Patron Robert and Janet Deal Don and Kimberly Trisel Robert R. Ward Ken and Evie Cooper Peggy Wright and Martin Albert Lillian Giese Brock Evans and Linda Garcia Robert and Lelia Russell Doug and Linda Johnson Roberta Allison Kent Mason Rachelle Davis Lois McClain Ron and Norma Eckard Robert Arnold and Glenn Harman Douglas and Andrea Denton Rod and Helen Graves Laurie and Jerry Oland Richard F. Hitchcock Louise F Gillooly Alvin Guyon Ron and Jean Hawk Douglas Lesar and Marilyn Mann Roland and Barbara Bergman Lawrence and Stephanie Lowden Richard Harris and Karen Ford Lydia Garvey Anatala S Clifton Ronald and Sharon Tebben Douglas R. White Ronald and Doreen Neff Lee Bowen Ronald James Marian Cox and Adele Williams Page 12 Page 13 October 2009 October 2009 YOUR COMMENTS ON BLACKWATER CANYON
Dear Governor Manchin: I know that jobs are important and I feel for those residents in the area who are stung hard by the economy (and who have been In Memory and Honor...... You may have received form letters to this effect, but I’m speaking stung for years even before the current downturn). I wonder, though, William “Bill” Grafton Bob Jordan from the heart. The Blackwater Canyon has given me many things couldn’t there be a way to preserve both? The Canyon is such a 1938-2009 1946-2009 in the past 40 years. First, it was a home in Coketon WV for my special place. This area needs special protection. Many of the unique and beautiful western lands are protected and William “Bill” Grafton, 70, of Morgantown, a great friend of the Blackwater Canyon, grandparents, immigrants from Lithuania. It was where my father Recently Bob Jordan was memorialized by his wife are inspiring to see, but what of those who cannot travel “out west” passed away unexpectedly while at work at WVU on Friday, Sept. 11. grew up. It is where I go to touch my grandparents from across Mary Bethune Jordan, who provided the following: the distance of time, and to wonder. It is a place I can gain peace to see these wonders? We have a wondrous place right here in our William was born in Lookout, W.Va., on Nov. 20, 1938, son of the late Albert and Esta from the encroaching world here in the Eastern Panhandle. It is a back yards. Just because it is “in the East” does that mean it doesn’t Nutter Grafton. He served in the U.S. Army from 1961-1963. He graduated from WVU deserve the same protections? This area is what West Virginia was, with his Bachelor of Science in wildlife in 1961 and his Bob Jordan fell in love with Canaan place I can photograph for a hobby and never have the same photo Valley while he was a forestry student at twice, even when using the same subject. Our home is filled with and is, and gives a picture back through time, through the industrial Master of Science in forestry in 1965. age, the age when Native Americans considered this a holy place... Bill was an avid environmentalist and was WVU in the 1960’s. photos of Blackwater. It gives me inspiration to write the stories Bob began playing traditional claw of our family...to pass down to my 17 month old granddaughter to the place where time began. Isn’t that worth saving? considered an expert on the botany of the Please consider saving this land. A public purchase on behalf of Appalachian region. He taught at WVU for 43 years, hammer banjo in the ‘70’s; when he when she is older ... to show her there are places on this earth moved to Hampshire County and built a that are inherently good. the American people of the lands in the heart of the canyon would during which time he impacted the lives of many be a wonderful legacy for the people of West Virginia and the US... throughout the state and in the College of Agriculture home there, he became known as “Banjo Because of this inherent goodness, I ask that you do everything Bob”. you can to save this wilderness. Besides being personally treasured, and the world. and Forestry. Bill made major contributions to the state’s Will you help save this rare and beautiful area? botanical archives and helped found the WV Master Bob enjoyed mountain biking,kayaking it is a place treasured by many, for the reasons I have, and for and hiking, and was a ski instructor at their own personal reasons. Naturalist program. He was a constant presence at Best regards, National 4-H Forestry contests, WV Forest Industries Timberline resort for many years, and later Susan Hinkle Camp and Conservation Camp. He was co-editor of worked at White Grass Ski Touring Inwood WV the Checklist and Atlas of the Vascular Flora of West Center. Virginia. He was active in the WV Native Plant Society, Wildlife Society, Forestry Alumni, Bob’s enthusiasm and zest for life were American Forestry Association and The Nature Conservancy. Bill was inducted into the infectious, and his hearty laugh was WV Agriculture and Forestry Hall of Fame and was an honorary member of WVFFA. unmistakable. He definitely knew how to In his personal life, Bill was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. He have fun! was known for a wry sense of humor, joyful disposition and steadfast dependability in all He enjoyed photography throughout his PLAY ON THE LAND aspects. A highly intelligent person, he traveled on five continents during his life and was life and you can check out his pictures at by J. Lawrence Smith exploring the world to the end. Known for orchid hunting, Bill was happiest surrounded http://canyonrimphotography.blogspot. Changes occurring on the land could perhaps be compared to a by nature and friends. He is survived by his wife, Emily Williams Grafton, in a marriage com and at http://canyonrimphotography. play performed on the stage of a theater. When the scene changes of 29 years and a son, Daniel Grafton. smugmug.com . on the landscape, it remains the same for countless years for good Bob fought prostate cancer bravely and or ill, and never returns to a stage free of characters and set. Most I know that he would want to persons seem oblivious to the often radical tailoring of the earth 50th Anniversary of Allegheny Front Bird Banding encourage men who are age 40 and over to better accommodate the designs and desires of humankind. to be checked on a yearly basis. This fall season of 2009 marks fifty years of bird banding at the Allegheny Front in the Whatever the outcome of a frenzy of “development,” it is highly area of the Red Creek Campground. Gordon Knight, a WVU forestry student at the regarded as an expression of the skill of human creativity even Mary graciously provided a sample of Bob’s though the creation of God has been sacrificed. time, has written an account of his personal reflections on the banding operation for photography to be used as our cover picture this Perhaps the reason many sounds of nature and the rural scene our FOB Newsletter. The other members of the banding team were WVU chemistry time. Thank you, Mary! Bob will not be forgotten as his images will continue to inspire us all to preserve have a peaceful quality is that humankind grew familiar with them professor Dr. George Hall and Ralph Bell of Clarksville, Pennsylvania. the area he loved so much. across many years. The mellow twittering of bluebirds along a Gordon tells of camping alone for several days at Red Creek, along with inevitable country lane, the tinkling of a cow bell and the clucking of chickens changes after a half century. We felt his record is worthy of publication in its entirety are all sounds of peacefulness. The sound of a cow eating grass and plan to share it with readers our next issue. FOB Accepted in State has a rhythmic quality as she pulls it loose with heavy breathing. Life seems contentment moving at an easy pace for a cow. NIPS Program Albert and Gunn Honican Grandchildren Honored Anyone with a concern for the land should grieve with the donated in Honor of their passing of all open land that has never felt the weight of parking WV Major Donors: Contact us about friend Justine Hysell, Doug and Linda Johnson, getting tax credits for your donation lots, shopping malls, high-rise apartments and housing subdivisions. longtime FOB supporters, I am saddened at the passing of gnarled trees, little wetlands, old formerly of Huntington of $500.00 or more through the and now of Winter of Saint Albans, WV orchards, rude barns and venerable farm houses. donated in honor of Neighborhood Investment Program. Haven, Florida, who What an even greater tragedy it would be to remain mute and sit their four Credits are available for use to idle while selfish interests scheme to rob us of a parcel of majestic celebrated her 80th grandchildren: reduce tax liability for Corporate beauty and magnificent ecological diversity in the land of Blackwater. birthday on Derek, Eryn, Mike Net Income Tax, Business Franchise We must remain steadfast in the face of such adversity and intensify July 15,2009. and Adam Tax or Personal Income Tax. our efforts to witness the creation of Blackwater Canyon National For more information or to see if you Park. Happy Belated Birthday, Justine! qualify call us at 304-345-7663
Page 14 Page 15 October 2009 GOVERNOR MANCHIN: PROTECT Holiday Gift Ideas CHIEF LOGAN STATE PARK! Yes it is that time of year again. Time to look for unique gift giving
ideas and we are glad to help out! Along with our usual T-shirts and We West Virginians love our state parks -- they’re the crown tote bags, we have some new items. jewels of our public lands! We have added flying squirrel magnets and stuffed flying squirrel But now there is a new threat to our Chief Logan State Park. toys to our inventory. Additionally, we have been blessed with two The largest gas well driller in the nation wants to drill gas wells and tomes written by J. Lawrence Smith. They are as follows: develop new gas fields with their roads, pipelines, waste lagoons, In Land of Blackwater, Smith reflects on his experiences in the and more -- right in this treasured State Park! area along with the natural heritage and rich history of Blackwater Governor Manchin, we come to Chief Logan to hike, picnic, Canyon, Canaan Valley and Dolly Sods. His strong desire to see all swim, play, meet friends and family, and enjoy the beautiful natural measures taken to protect these areas for now and future genera- surroundings. Gas development has no place in any State Park tions prompted him to undertake this writing project. -- it would damage all the values we hold dear there. The High Alleghenies, a collector item, is the result of twenty-five years of roaming the mountains in search of their history and natu- Please demand that the West Virginia Division of Natural ral heritage. Smith sees all areas of the Alleghenies as facets of the Resources and the West Virginia Department of Environmental same gem or pearls on the same strand. He insists the time is always Protection -- and all the power of the state -- act to prevent this “now” for saving such places as Blackwater Canyon, the “crown damage to this State Park. jewel,” from exploitation and ruin.
QTY GIFT ITEM PRICE TOTAL Name ___ The High Alleghenies by J. Lawrence Smith $25.00 $______Address ___ Land of Blackwater by J. Lawrence $15.00 $______
____ Flying Squirrel T-Shirt $12.50 $______Phone Circle Size(s) Adult: S, M, L, XL, XXL ____ Kayaking Ginny T-Shirt $12.50 $______E-mail Circle Size(s) Adult: S, M, L, XL, XXL ____ Biking Ginny T-Shirt $12.50 $______Mail completed form to: Circle Size(s) Adult: S, M, L, XL, XXL Friends of Blackwater ____ Skiing Ginny T-Shirt $12.50 $______501 Elizabeth St. Circle Size(s) Adult: S, M, L, XL, XXL Charleston, WV 25311 ____ Rock Climbing Ginny $12.50 $______Circle Size(s) Adult: S, M, L, XL, XXL Fishin’ Blackwater T-Shirt $12.50 $______YES! I WANT TO JOIN FRIENDS OF BLACKWATER Circle Size(s) Adult: S, M, L, XL, XXL Individual______$ 35 ____ Friends of Blackwater Canvas Tote Bag $12.00 $______Porte Crayon Society__ $ 1000 Crown Jewel Club____ $ 500 Senior______$ 20 ____ Stuffed Ginny Magnets $2.00 $______Sustaining Steward____ $ 250 Student______$ 10 Patron______$ 100 Other______Small Stuffed Flying Squirrel $5.00 $______Family______$ 50 Christmas Gift Memberships ____ 1-year gift membership packet – includes a gift $35.00 $______Name card for you to present to the recipient, a stamped card for the recipient to send in to activate the membership Address (includes 4 newsletters a year, bumpersticker and magnet).
SUBTOTAL $______Phone ____ SHIPPING LOCATIONS (Be sure to incude shipping information with your order) @ $ 3.00 $______E-mail TOTAL ORDER $______
Mail completed form and check Mail completed form and check made made payable Friends of Blackwater payable Friends of Blackwater to: Friends of Blackwater to: 501 Elizabeth St. Friends of Blackwater Charleston, WV 25311 501 Elizabeth St. You can also view or order any of these items by visiting www.saveblackwater.org Charleston, WV 25311 Look for more gift items (picture frames and mugs) coming soon to our website. Page 16