WV Public Lands Update: July 2021

You’re Invited: Tucker County Rivers Celebration – July 17th

On Saturday, July 17th, WV Rivers will be holding a Rivers Celebration in Tucker County, WV! We’re spending the day along the Black Fork of the Cheat River in Hendricks and would love to have you join us.

It’s been quite a while since we’ve been able to gather together and we’re so excited to do so in one of the most beautiful places we know!

We hope you’ll join us for a day of free, family friendly activities. Come on out for the guided mushroom hunt, snorkeling, a river float, and more!

During the evening we’re hosting a ticketed after party featuring music with the Chaga Tea Project, Mediterranean dinner from White Grass Cafe, and libations.

Meet new people, catch up with longtime friends, and celebrate our wild & wonderful rivers and streams!

Learn more and RSVP

Our Wonderful Mon Listening Sessions – Share Your Thoughts

The Monongahela National Forest is the crown jewel of West Virginia’s public lands. It is home to the headwaters of six major river systems and provides endless opportunities for recreation. WV Rivers’ wants to hear from folks about how they recreate within the Mon Forest. We’re holding informal listening sessions where visitors, residents, and tourists can share their experiences recreating in the forest. We’d love to hear from you!

Upcoming listening sessions, unless specified all listening sessions will be held virtually.

July 7 – Horseback Trail Riding
July 8 – Hiking, Camping, & Backpacking
July 13 – Fishing in the Mon Forest
July 14 – Hunting in the Mon Forest
July 15 – Tourism Businesses and Agencies
July 17 – In-person General Session at WV Rivers Celebration
July 20 – Trail Runners

Click on the links above to register now for upcoming Listening Sessions. We’ll send you a reminder email before the session begins. We look forward to hearing your thoughts!

First African American to Lead the Forest Service

On June 28, 2021, Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, announced that our next Chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service (FS) will be Randy Moore. Moore has been noted as a leader on conservation issues. As a west coast regional forester for the FS, he is known for his leadership managing catastrophic wildfires in California. Trained as a soil scientist, Moore started his career with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Moore has also served at the Associate Deputy Chief for the National Forest System and the National Deputy Soils Program Manager.

Moore will take over for Chief Vicki Christiansen when she retires on July 26th. Read more here.

Monongahela National Forest Access Updates

The Forest Service continues to provide guidance on use of developed recreational sites to keep visitors safe. You can find up-to-date information about access and restrictions within the Mon National Forest here.