WV Rivers News: Job Posting, 2 Pipeline Updates, Farming & Conservation, Gauley River Love

Job Announcement: Program Director

The WV Rivers team is growing and we’re looking for an experienced manager to serve as our director of programs. The ideal candidate has an educational and professional background that demonstrates success with program development and all facets of program administration. Candidates must be highly organized yet adaptable, and enthusiastic about joining a small statewide organization in a pivotal period of growth.

This is an excellent position for a self-starter interested in working in an organization that embraces an entrepreneurial spirit and values collaborative approaches to programs that make meaningful differences in peoples’ lives.

For the full position description and how to apply click here.

Construction on Mountain Valley Pipeline Resumes

Mountain Valley Pipeline, Photo by MetroNews.

After a month long pause of construction on the Mountain Valley Pipeline, two separate court decisions last week have allowed construction to resume. In one of the decisions, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, FERC, lifted their stop work order, allowing construction to continue along the route. Areas within the Jefferson National Forest and the Weston and Gauley Bridge Turnpike crossing are still under the stop work order. A similar order for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline was issued and is still in effect.

You can help steams in the path of the MVP. Join our staff scientist, Autumn Crowe, for a free webinar on our Pipeline Visual Assessment Program next Thursday, September 13. You’ll learn how to identify and report impacts from pipelines. Volunteers in the program are already making a real difference, read more here.

WVDEP Accepting Comments on Stream Crossing Permit

On the same day, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a stay on an Army Corps of Engineers permit for the Mountain Valley Pipeline called the Nationwide 12. This permit regulates pipeline construction activities in streams and wetlands. WV Rivers and our partners called into question the validity of this permit for the Mountain Valley Pipeline and the Atlantic Coast Pipeline when we discovered that it was not in compliance with the permit requirements.

Now, rather than requiring massive pipeline projects to meet the stream and wetland crossing requirements in the Nationwide 12, WVDEP is proposing to change the permit conditions. The proposed modifications are now out for public comment through September 17. Click here to read our analysis and submit your comments to WVDEP here.

For recent pipeline news, check out WV Rivers’ pipeline webpage. There you’ll find violation updates and breaking news.

WV Rivers Gets Down on the Farm

Photo by Photo by Jenny Harnish, The Register-Herald.

WV Rivers serves on the state judging panel for the WV Conservation Farm of the Year, a program that recognizes farmers who go above and beyond to protect and improve soil and water quality.

Our executive director, Angie Rosser, jumped on the hay wagon last week and toured farms that were selected as finalists for the statewide award. “It’s informative and inspiring to see first-hand what these farmers are doing to leave the water and land on their farms better than they found it,” said Angie. “They get how important clean water is to their farming operations, and to future generations.”

The winner will be announced at the Conservation Awards Ceremony on October 16. Angie also serves on the State Conservation Committee, a governor-appointed position that provides oversight of regional conservation districts and the WV Conservation Agency.

URGENT: Public Lands and Waters Need Your Voice

Pillow Rapid on the Gauley River.

We need you to help save the fund that funds public lands and waters – like the Gauley River!

The Land and Water Conservation Fund has supported almost 500 projects in West Virginia since it was established in 1964. This critical source of funding will expire on September 30 unless congress acts. Contact West Virginia’s congressional delegation today, let them know the LWCF is important to you!

LWCF has done so much for the Mountain State; to help show the impact the we’ve created a photo tour of 40 wild & wonderful projects. We’re also feature one special place a day on social media during our LWCF countdown. Make sure you “like” West Virginian’s for Public Lands on Facebook and don’t miss a post!

Act now: West Virginia’s special places – and the funding that supports them – need you. Tell Congress to renew LWCF before it’s too late!

See You at Gauley Fest

The countdown is on for American Whitewater’s annual Gauley Fest!

Gauley Fest, the largest paddling festival in the world, will be held Sept. 14–15 at the Nicholas County Veterans Memorial Park, (a Land and Water Conservation Fund recipient!) in Summersville.

We’re looking for volunteers to lend a hand at the WV Rivers’ booth Friday and Saturday evening. Email [email protected] to learn more.