WV Public Lands Update: Monongahela National Forest, WV Trails Conference, Job Posting
WV Statewide Trails Conference: November 16-18
Photo: Dolly Sods Hiker by Kent Mason.
WV TRAIL is a new organization whose mission is to increase the awareness of and appreciation for non-motorized trails of all kinds in West Virginia.
They work enhance the resources available for the acquisition, development, maintenance, and promotion of those trails.
They are holding a FREE online conference November 16-18!
Learn more about the program and register here.
WV Rivers Submits Comments on Gauley Healthy Forest Project
WV Rivers, along with several other member organizations of the WV for Public Lands Alliance, recently submitted comments to the U.S. Forest Service on the Gauley Healthy Forest Project.
The proposed project would clearcut, burn, and thin approximately 3,000 acres along the North Fork of the Cherry and its tributaries from Richwood to the Cranberry Nature Center.
North Fork of the Cherry River. Wikimedia Commons.
The Forest Service is attempting to use a categorical exclusion, which exempts the project activities from environmental review. This iconic area of the Mon is known for its scenic rivers and streams and exceptional trout fishing.
It’s also home to the endangered Candy Darter. Because of the project’s potential impacts on these sensitive waterbodies and their inhabitants, we objected to the use of the categorical exclusion and requested a full environmental review of the project. Read our full comments here.
New Report: Monongahela National Forest Listening Sessions
Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Fall by Kent Mason.
At the beginning of the year, the West Virginians for Public Lands alliance launched a community listening project to set the foundation for a proactive proposal to protect the Monongahela National Forest. The listening project provided stakeholders and users of the Forest the opportunity to help craft a proactive vision that balances management of natural resources and promotion of responsible recreation. Over the past nine months, a series of virtual listening sessions focused around major recreational and interest groups like hiking, hunting/angling, boating, and more. You can read an initial report on the listening sessions, the findings, and potential policy priorities here.
We sincerely thank everyone that provided their thoughtful vision for the Mon!
We’re Seeking a Public Lands Campaign Coordinator
The WV Rivers team at our spring staff retreat.
Are you passionate about West Virginia’s public lands? Do you enjoy working with fellow advocates? Then you might be a great candidate to serve as WV Rivers’ Public Lands Campaign Coordinator, a full-time position with great benefits.
The Public Lands Campaign Coordinator is responsible for the overall coordination and execution of our public lands campaign goals and activities.
Read the full job description, including salary and benefits offered, and apply here.
Help spread the word. Please forward this announcement on to folks who might be interested in the position.
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.
