West Virginians for Public Lands: LWCF Update, Public Lands Celebration
The Fight for LWCF Full-Funding Continues
The Land and Water Conservation Fund was permanently reauthorized in April, but it still does not have the funding it deserves.
In September, the Senate announced their federal budget, including appropiations for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Unfortunately, the budget only allocates $435 million for LWCF, less than half of the funding needed to fully support the program. This means that all new projects for the 2020 fiscal year will not receive funding, threatening West Virginia’s projects in the Monongahela and Jefferson National Forests.
Act Now! Let West Virginia’s Senators know that you want full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Send them a letter here.
National Public Lands Day Celebration at Little Beaver State Park on September 28
Join us tomorrow, Saturday, September 28, at Little Beaver State Park for our National Public Lands Day Celebration!
The day begins with trail-work and stewardship activities in the morning. No prior experience is needed. Trail-work registration starts at 9:00am; coffee will be available for participants.
At noon, community members are invited to a free lunch with live music by Paul Nelson. Everyone is welcome. Raffle tickets supporting public lands conservation will be for sale with awesome prizes from local businesses!
After lunch, join a community discussion on public lands and the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
In the afternoon, join the fun with free guided hikes and a kid’s obstacle course provided Active Southern WV. We’ll also have an interactive presentation on West Virginia’s snakes with Roy Moose!
What: National Public Lands Day Celebration
Where: Little Beaver State Park – 1402 Grandview Rd, Beaver, WV 25813
When: Saturday, September 28, 2019 (9am – 4pm)
9:00 –12:00 Trail-work and stewardship activities
12:00 –1:00 Lunch (free to all in the park), live music and raffle ticket sales
1:00 –1:30 Community Discussion: Spotlight on LWCF
1:30 –2:00 Raffle drawing
2:00 –4:00 Free activities in the park
Public Lands Stewards Tour the Mon National Forest
This month, WV Rivers staff and public lands advocates celebrated the Fall Equinox by learning about the Red Spruce Restoration Project on the Mower Tract Project in the Monongahela National Forest.
The Mower Tract is a 40,000 acre parcel of land that has history of timbering and contouring mining. Now, this once old growth forest is undergoing restoration efforts to restore the diverse ecosystem it once supported. Learn more about the Mower Tract and the restoration project here.
Get Involved: Love Your Park Clean-ups
We’re taking on stewardship projects across the state! This month our team partnered with the New River National River for a “Love Your Park Clean-up.” Public Lands advocates from the NRG region came to the banks of the New River at the Stonecliff campground for an afternoon clean-up.
Stay tuned for our next stewardship project in October! Want to hold a park clean-up in your community? Contact public lands coordinator, Rhea Mitchell.
The Gauley River: More than a Rafting Destination
The Gauley River is ranked as one of the world’s top destinations for fly-fishing by Outside Magazine.
The Gauley can be fished year-round due to its unique ecosystem and remoteness. Anglers can enjoy the challenge of diverse species ranging from trout to bass, and even the elusive Musky. From trail access to the river or an exciting ride down in a raft to the calm waters for fishing kayaks or paddle boards there is a new adventure waiting just around the bend.
