Public Hearing April 18: Proposed Private Development in Cacapon State Park
Save the date! The WV Department of Natural Resources requested proposals for the private development of an RV park with amenities on Cacapon State Park. There is a public hearing regarding three responses for these developments in Cacapon State Park. The hearing will be held April 18, 2023 at 5 pm in the Washington Fairfax Room of the Cacapon Resort State Park Lodge. We invite you to read for yourself the full proposals and find out what private developers propose to do with our public lands.
The project proposals include up to 350 RV slots with extensive amenities including a “snowflex” year-round synthetic mountainside slide to a proposal to partner with a nearby private campground being built. Building a mega RV park and private amenities in Cacapon will negatively affect existing road and wastewater infrastructure, cause substantial earth disturbance, result in clearcutting and developing the steep slope and mountain ridge top that makes Cacapon unique, and impact the Indian Run and the entire Sleepy Creek watershed.
We are concerned that any project is compatible with the purposes of public lands and is affordable for all West Virginians. We also do not want our state park system directly competing with already planned private non-park development that will bring tax revenue to local communities.
We will be at the April 18 meeting in person to make sure that our love for our WV public lands are heard.
This is the first test of last’s year new legislation allowing private development on our state lands. Your actions to the legislature required this public notice and public hearing to happen for any private development on our state lands. Here’s your chance to let the decision makers know you oppose a mega RV park and private club amenities in Cacapon Resort State Park.
It Is Not too Late to Share Your Thoughts about Permanent Safeguards for Mon Forest Headwaters
West Virginia Rivers held a “Conversation on Headwaters” on March 23. Participants learned about the importance of Mon Forest headwaters, community conversations, efforts of the Forest Service, and considered different ways to provide permanent safeguards for the Mon Forest headwaters. If you missed the presentation, or want to review it, here are the recording and the slides presented.
It is not too late to tell us your ideas for providing permanent safeguards to our Mon Forest Headwaters and what concerns you may have about new policies. Fill out our survey or click on the button below.
Chief Logan: Connector Trails
We still thank the WV legislature for the bold statement: no more motorized trails in our state parks, forests, and rail trails. We are still trying to understand the impact of connector trails. Here’s the non-motorized trail map of Chief Logan State Park. The Hatfield-McCoy Trail runs just the other side of 119. A proposed connector trail would link this private motorized trail system to the Chief Logan public trails. It is one thing if the motorize trail users load up their ATV and then trailer them to the lodge or recreation areas. If the new law permits the ATV to drive from the Hatfield-McCoy all over the roads of Chief Logan – well, that’s a different matter. We are still seeking answers and will keep you informed. In the meantime, feel free to email Mike Jones with your thoughts and concerns.
Save Coonskin Park Petition
The Save Coonskin Park coalition has launched a petition opposing the proposed runway expansion at Charleston International Airport. If completed, the project would level the park, and pile up 200 feet of dirt for the longer runway. To find out more about the proposed project and its impact on this forested community park, check out their Facebook page and website.
Here is the petition to express your opposition to the taking of this public land.
Earth Day April 22 – Attend an Event! Protect Your Earth!
Don’t forget, Earth Day is April 22! The first Earth Day was held April 22, 1970. Over 20 million Americans were mobilized that day for learning and taking action to save the planet. In the more than 50 years since the firt Earth Day, more than 1 billion people in 190 countries have participated in events and actions. Here’s more information about the history of Earth Day.
Be sure and attend an Earth Day event near you.
Let us know where you celebrate Earth Day 2023. Send us your pictures!
Meet Your Public Lands – Chief Logan State Park
This month, we travel south of Charleston to visit Chief Logan State Park. The park, like the town and county, were named after Chief Logan, of the indigenous Mingo Tribe, who lived in the area before the American Revolution. Containing about 4,000 acres, Chief Logan offers hiking and biking, a lodge and convention center, cabins and camping, a recreation center, and other types of non-motorized outdoor recreation.
Chief Logan is located at 100 Conference Center Drive, Logan WV 25601.
