WV Rivers News: MVP Update, Celebrating Watershed Organizations, What’s Next for LWCF

Taking a Moment to Catch Our Breath

Election day is over (whew!), and we could all use a moment to catch our breath. While, we’re waiting for the post-election dust to settle, we want to check on you. Are you doing OK?

The anxiety we’re all feeling takes a toll on our bodies and minds. In more ways than one, 2020 has made it hard to breathe. Recently, we shared a blog post that had a few tips to help you pause and catch your breath. Read it here.

Earlier this month, watershed organization leaders and volunteers gathered online for the West Virginia Watershed Network’s Virtual Watershed Symposium. The Symposium provided organizations an opportunity to network, learn, and celebrate their successes. The two-day event kicked off with an awards ceremony recognizing watershed organizations and volunteers who have gone above and beyond for watershed conservation.

You can learn more about the award winners and watch Symposium presentations here.

After achieving full, permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), through the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act, state and federal agencies are now preparing for additional financial resources to support conservation and recreation. To help ensure these funds have the greatest impact, we’re working with partners in the West Virginians for Public Lands alliance to review the guidance document for how these funds will be used. Known as the SCORP, the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan goes into effect in April 2021. Through December 9, you can provide feedback in on the draft SCORP. Learn more here.

The Candy Darter is one of the species at risk from MVP construction.

The Mountain Valley Pipeline hit another legal roadblock. Last month, WV Rivers and our allies filed a petition for review in the 4^th Circuit Court of Appeals of the Army Corps of Engineers’ reissuance of a permit that would allow the MVP to cross streams and wetlands. On November 9, the Court ruled in our favor and issued a stay on construction, meaning that no stream or wetland construction can occur until the court completes a full review of the reissued permit. Read more here, here and here.

We’ve partnered with the City of Martinsburg Stormwater Team to assist them in creating a new digital tool to connect Eastern Panhandle residents with an opportunity to protect their land and water.

The “Find Your Watershed” tool, which covers all of Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan Counties, helps community members to directly introduce themselves to their local watershed group.

Giving Thanks for Clean Water and Wild Streams

Thanksgiving this year is going to look a little different. You might be sharing your gratitude over video conferencing, at a socially distanced meal, or it might be as simple as a reflective hike along a river. Please, if you are able, remember West Virginia’s exceptional rivers and streams this season of giving and make a tax-deductible donation to WV Rivers.