West Virginians for Public Lands – Summer Events, LWCF Update, New River Gorge

The Effort to Fully Fund Land & Water Conservation Fund Continues

The Land and Water Conservation Fund, permanently reauthorized in April, has still not received the funding commitment from Congress it deserves.

Both the House and Senate have proposed funding bills. The Senate bill is sponsored by Senator Manchin, and the House bill is co-sponsored Delegate Mooney.

Recently, WV Rivers’ executive director, Angie Rosser, made a trip to Capitol Hill to thank Senator Manchin and Delegate Mooney for their leadership on LWCF. Angie encouraged the rest of our congressional delegation to step-up and co-sponsor the LWCF bill in their chambers.

Now, Senator Capito, Representative Miller, and Representative McKinley need to hear from you! Encourage them to lead the way for full LWCF funding! Write them here.

Share Your Thoughts on New River Gorge Designation Change

Have you heard about the proposal to change the National Park designation for the New River Gorge from a National River to a National Park & Preserve?

WV Rivers is gathering thoughts and questions from community members on this proposal to share with our congressional members.

To make it easy for you to share your thoughts, we’ve prepared a short survey on the proposed designation change – you can find it herePlease respond by July 31st.

Read about the proposed designation change and contact WV Rivers’ public lands coordinator, Rhea Mitchell at rmitchell@wvrivers.org for more information.

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Start Chapter in WV

Hunting and angling have been essential parts of West Virginia’s culture for generations. As the dynamics of access, wildlife population, and legislation change, a few West Virginians saw the need to unite sportsmen and women to support policy that protects and enhances this intrinsic part of our culture.

Folks decided reach out to one of the largest organizations working with sportspersons in the nation, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA). BHA has chapters across the United States, providing resources and support to promote access and ecosystem-wide conservation in wild places.

The West Virginia Chapter held its kick-off event at Bridge Brewworks in Fayetteville, WV on July 12. The event was a casual evening filled with engaging conversation around the preservation and access of public lands, particularly in the New River Gorge corridor. Check out our blog on the event here.

Now, they’re looking for your support! Learn more about BHA on their website and join chapter organizers at their next pint night, August 8, 6pm, at Snowshoe Mountain Resort. The team will be set up all weekend during the International Bowhunters World Championships held at Snowshoe.

Public Lands Paint & Sip by the River – August 18

West Virginians for Public Lands is partnering with Wild & Wonderful Paint Parties to host a day of landscape painting by the New River on August 18.

Painting outside has been a tradition of artists for millennia, but this class doesn’t require any artistic background and is open to folks of ALL abilities. Instructor Kelly LaCava will work with the group to help you create your own unique piece.

All supplies and instruction are included with your ticket purchase. A portion of each ticket will be donated to WV Rivers’ pubilc lands program! Painters are encouraged to bring their own favorite beverage.

Seats are limited, so invite your friends and RSVP here!

A shuttle will be arranged for those who aren’t familiar with the area. Questions? Contact rmitchell@wvrivers.org.

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