Annual Report 2017 Seven land protection projects Completed in one year Many things made 2017 our biggest year to date: Great project partners, a staff and board that are ardently dedicated to conserving West Virginia’s special places, generous supporters, lots of patience, and WVLT’s availability to respond to multiple requests for assistance… which continue to increase with each month. These lands are now permanently protected. Yes, permanently. As in…. forever. Signed, sealed, and recorded in deed books in their respective counties. A public park for climbing, family histories, a waterfall, wildlife habitat, hiking trails, beautiful forests and streams, agricultural land: All great places that will keep West Virginia wild and wonderful. Good projects often take a long time to complete. One of 2017’s successes was in the works for five years! With conservation easements, we take our time to make sure that landowners’ wishes are clear, so that WVLT can honor them as we become stewards of the property. Properties we decide to purchase require funding sources, may involve government regulation, and sometimes need months of negotiation around boundaries, minerals, and family interests. Title exams, surveys, appraisals, maps, and environmental assessments are all part of the due diligence we undertake for every project, with full review conducted by staff, our legal team, a committee of our board of directors, and ultimately by our full Board. But enough about the anatomy of a project. What really excites us is the way that WVLT can bring its land protection skills and knowledge to others, to make something positive and lasting happen. Land conservation is more than a nice idea; it’s a vital component of healthy communities, local economies, clean water, and public recreation opportunities. So, we work with municipalities, water utilities, other In This Issue non-profits, government agencies, and individuals, to conserve land in a way that ................................... helps them. Land Protection Projects And finally, our projects are “nested” in an overarching push to accelerate the pace of conservation in West Virginia, and to create awareness and momentum to protect Outreach more of the state’s special places. So we’ve connected with craft breweries (“Clean Water Makes Great Beer”), hosted river floats and hikes (a flotilla of 250 kayakers and canoeists met the Cheat River with us in 2017), organized youth groups, Community Engagement university students and adult volunteers to build trails, spoken to numerous service organizations, sponsored gatherings, and called attention to opportunities to enjoy and protect the great outdoors that’s all around us through email blasts, Facebook Financials posts, website updates, and mailings. I hope you enjoy this recap of last year. Thanks for your interest and support. Stay tuned: There’s more to come! Brent Bailey, Ph.D. Executive Director Land Protection Total Acres Total Acres Protected Protected Partner Projects 3,315 Acres 8,654 Acres Under Easment 2017 3,658 Acres Projects 1,677 Acres Lands in Fee 1,682 Acres Together, we are proud to claim 8,654 acres of special places that are now conserved forever, thanks to our growing family of friends who envision a future in which West Virginia’s enduring beauty, diverse landscape, and abundant natural wealth are preserved. In 2017, WVLT completed seven projects – nearly 1,700 acres of land. Many of these projects have been in the works for 5 years – three easements, four lands in fee, all include a diversity of projects. Hevener phase 2 Bill and Sue Hevener, and Bill’s sister, Patsy Cummings, know the value of a deep-rooted family history and chose to place an additional 528-acres of their family farm in Pocahontas County 528 under an agricultural easement. (The entire easement protects Acres 912 acres.) The Hevener farm protects Deer Creek of the Greenbrier River, and adjoins the Monongahela National Forest. Fife Darlene Fife and Robert Head chose to conserve a 111-acre 111 family forest in Greenbrier County by donating an easement. Acres This refuge for wildlife, includes three streams that feed into the headwaters of Muddy Creek in the Greenbrier Watershed. Family Legacy Family Sweetwater Farm The Hansbarger family made the decision to protect their 398- acre family farm in Monroe County. This project, which is in the 398 Greenbrier Watershed, includes the very spring at the headwaters Acres of Second Creek way up on Peters Mountain, two caves, and sinking streams and wetlands, and productive farm fields. Needleseye Park In December, WVLT partnered with the City of Oak Hill to purchase a 283-acre community park in Fayette County. The future is exciting as Oak Hill prepares to open this “outdoor recreation 283 mecca” for climbing, hiking, and mountain biking that will add yet Acres another option for tourism in the New River Gorge Region. This property is packed with natural rock features, including a nearly 2-mile long rock wall, which makes this new destination worth the hike to visit. Bickle Knob Last summer, 123 acres in the Bickle Knob scenic view shed in Randolph County was put on the auction block and WVLT 123 stepped in to ensure its permanent protection. This property has Acres unique limestone, caves, rare species, and perfect terrain for mountain biking. A fundraising campaign has launched and we need your support. Updates will be posted at www.buybickle.org. Community Impact Tom’s Run Preserve expanding • 2 projects In 1995, WVLT received its first nature preserve donation – Elizabeth’s Woods. Over the last year, staff worked tirelessly to purchase two adjacent properties, expanding a public nature preserve to 320 acres in Monongalia County. This project helps 234 protect Morgantown’s drinking water supply, as Tom’s Run is a Acres critical concern located upstream, and will also provide excellent new opportunities for outdoor recreation. Outreach Part of our mission is to catalyze a vibrant conservation movement in our state. Through various partnerships, we are fulfilling this goal. Engaging People in Conservation – a WVLT program which hosts outdoor activities, encouraging folks to get outside to enjoy the wild and wonderful. Many activities take place at WVLT properties, so this is a great opportunity to see our projects up close! 2017 Epic Events 2017 Events Meet the Cheat Ancient Forest Celebration Camp Bartow Meet the Cheat is an annual river float The Marie Hall Jones Ancient Forest WVLT owns a historic 14-acre Civil War trip held in June, co-hosted with Friends Preserve is a 190-acre tract in Doddridge site in Pocahontas County, known as of the Cheat and welcomes over 250 County, which will be open to the public Camp Bartow, scene of the Battle of participants of all ages. Participants as a nature preserve in the near future. Greenbrier River in October 1861. The float 8 miles on the Cheat River Water The property features a 15-acre patch battle proved instrumental in the creation Trail, ending at Blackwater Outdoor of old-growth trees. WVLT hosted a of West Virginia in 1863. This tour, Adventures for a paddling after-party celebration and hike last June welcoming complete with reenactors, brought history which includes local food, beverages, live over 100 participants. to life for more than 100 guests. music, and plenty of friends to share big fish stories with around a campfire. Hope to see you next year! Exploring Camp Bartow This historic tour was led by West Virginia Author & Historian, Hunter Lesser. WVLT staff are happy to give guided tours of our properties. Please call our office at (304) 413-0945 to schedule. Community Engagement Bickle Knob campaign WVLT purchased a 123-acre tract at auction, surrounded by the Monongahela National Forest. Knowing its scenic importance near Elkins, the viewshed below the Bickle Knob observation tower, and its recreation potential, the Land Trust made a winning bid to prevent it from being developed. We borrowed funds to secure this site, and now are asking our supporters to help us ensure its permanent protection. Estimated need: $100,000. Community events are occurring, so check your email and follow us on Facebook! Guyandotte Water Trail WVLT staff have supported the development of the Guyandotte Volunteers Water Trail and identified access points along the river for outdoor recreation. Volunteers help with events, trail building, and spreading the word about conservation. From youth groups to university students to corporate partners to individuals, the Land Trust benefits from the Fencing energy and commitment from a variety of groups. A leading cause of impairment of West Virginia streams is contamination from livestock, along with storm water run-off Fundraising Events and failing septic tanks. Working with five partners, WVLT has reduced livestock impact with fencing projects on some of our Our annual fundraising events include the Blue Jean Ball in easement properties. Many thanks to our partners who have Morgantown and the Special Places Celebration in Charleston. helped make this a reality – USDA Farm Service Agency, USDA These events not only help raise the funds to support our work, Natural Resources Conservation Service, WV Conservation they also give people the opportunity to meet others interested in Agency – Greenbrier District, and USFWS Partners for Fish and conservation. Wildlife. Save the View: Bickle Knob Campaign Learn more at www.buybickle.com y I’m Donating M Support Us in a New Way... Birthday to The West Virginia Land Trust Utilizing Facebook, our friend Barb Sargent donated her birthday to fundraise for the West Virginia Land Trust and together her t friends raised $700 in support of our Bickle Knob 2 Weeks Lef campaign. She called this Barbuary! Thanks, Barb! Barbara reached her birthday goal! You can still donatet to show your suppor You too can create a fundraising campaign to show your support.