West Virginians for Public Lands
July/August 2026
Calling All Artists: Create the Mon
Be inspired to create by the Monongahela National Forest. Background image by Kent Mason.
We’re holding our fourth annual “Create the Mon” art exhibit. This year, we are partnering with the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area to present the exhibit in Elkins from October 2 to October 31.
The Monongahela National Forest (the Mon) provides cleaan drinking water, healthy forest ecosystems for wildlife protection, and recreation opportunities.
The Mon Forest is also a muse to inspire our artistic souls. We believe everyone can “Create the Mon.” We’re looking for art done in, or inspired by, the Mon Forest. Art in any medium – pastels, oil, pencil, poetry, pottery, song, dance, photography – is accepted. The only limit is your imagination.
The exhibit is open to all artists, amateurs or professionals, of all ages.
Embrace your forest muse.
Do you know a creative who should participate? Please share this link: https://pollunit.com/polls/2026-createthemon
Applications for this juried exhibit are due by August 25, 2026.
Debuting “rebirth: wild & scenic headwaters”
Our beautiful headwaters in the Mon Forest.
Mon Forest headwaters are the ultimate source of drinking water for 9% of the folks in the United States, are habitats for endemic and endangered species like the Candy Darter and the Hellbender, and are the heartbeat of West Virginia’s recreation economy.
The Forest Service treats 16 of these headwaters as eligible for Wild and Scenic River designation. These waterways are free flowing and possess outstandingly remarkable values like spectacular landscapes or outstanding fishing.
A Waterway of Life is working to have Congress permanently designate the 16 headwaters as Wild and Scenic Rivers. Check out their website for more details about these headwaters.
If you haven’t seen the beauty of these waterways in person, video is the next best thing. Join us to learn more about Wild and Scenic River designations.
The new video rebirth: wild & scenic headwaters will have four screenings in Mon Forest towns this summer and fall:
- August 4 |6:30 pm City Hall Auditorium (6 White Street, Richwood, WV)
- August 6 | 6:30 pm Rudolph’s (300 East Avenue, Thomas WV)
- September 4 | 6:30 pm (Marlinton First Friday)
- October 2 | 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Opening Night of “Create the Mon” art exhibit (2nd Floor, Darden Mill, 101 Railroad Avenue, Elkins WV)
Let us know you are coming. Sign up here for the screening that is most convenient for you.
Roadless Areas Rule Changes Delayed
Did you know there are 182,000 roadless acres in West Virginia?
The specific release date for the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed end to Roadless Areas has been delayed. Of course, every day that the EIS is not released is a victory for our public lands.
But we are not waiting for the EIS to be released. We have a petition you can sign telling the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that Roadless Areas are important to West Virginians.
Out of over a million acres in the Mon National Forest, there are 182,000 roadless acres. Roadless areas in West Virginia include some of the most iconic landscapes in the state: Roaring Plains, Seneca Creek, Cheat Mountain, Canaan Loop, Tea Creek, North Fork Mountain, and Hills Creek Falls. The vast majority of roadless areas are managed for recreation: hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and dispersed camping.
Here is a map showing roadless areas across the U.S.
We have a comment ready to go opposing any action that will damage our WV Roadless Areas. We will add your voice to our comment.
Once the draft EIS is released, we are not expecting to have very much time to comment. We want your voice to be part of the response.
Quick Takes from West Virginia Public Lands
Enjoy the serenity of the Monongahela National Forest. Photo by Kent Mason.
- Arc of Appalachia and partners were successful! Over 2,000 acres of the New River Wilderness are now permanently protected.
- The WV DEP has granted ‘advanced approval’ to Clearco and to Aurevo Resources to operate the former mines of South Fork Coal. They are authorized to use FS roads in the Mon Forest as haul roads. Groups have filed lawsuits for lack of valid existing rights to use the Forest roads.
- The US Fish & Wildlife finalized repeal of the definition of harm, removing protections for critical and other habitat necessary for endangered and listed species by the Endangered Species Act. Groups have filed lawsuits seeking to stop implementation of this rule that fails to protect the breeding and sheltering of important species.
- The current administration cut the size of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and the Bears Ears National Monument. The administration states that mineral and energy production can be enhanced, but the 90% rollback ends years of collaboration by the government and indigenous leaders to manage these important monuments.
- Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee unanimously passed the America the Beautiful Act (S 1547) which includes funding of the Legacy Restoration Fund through 2031. The Legacy Restoration Fund provides resources for backlogged maintenance of National Parks and public lands trails and other resources. Now would be a great time to call Senator Capito (202-224-6472) and Senator Justice (202-224-3954), and tell them you support the America the Beautiful Act. The House Natural Resources Committee also passed their version of the America the Beautiful Act (H.R. 9250), so if you have a moment, please give Representative Miller (202-225-3452) and Representative Moore (202-225-2711) a call to let them know that you support this important legislation.
- We keep a close watch on public lands issues at the WV Legislature. Upcoming dates for WV Legislative Interim sessions include:
- August 9-11
- September 13-15
- December 6-8
Agendas will be here when available.
Your public lands need YOU!
West Virginia Public Lands are made for enjoyment. Photo by Kent Mason.
West Virginians for Public Lands is an alliance of organizations, businesses, and individuals advocating to protect and enhance West Virginia public lands for all. We envision a West Virginia with:
- Informed West Virginians passionate about the importance of public lands and waters, advocating to decision makers about public lands issues and protections.
- Access for all people to public lands, especially for currently underserved communities.
- Ecologically sustainable and connected public lands.
- Full protections of biological diversity and unique areas.
- Improved nature-based, non-motorized recreation opportunities compatible with conservation of public lands.
- Robust funding for restoration, management, and acquisition of public lands.
Sound like something you or your group would like to be a part of? Sign up here!
And most importantly – get out and enjoy your public lands this summer!
Follow West Virginians for Public Lands on Social!
Be sure to tag WVPL on your pictures this summer! Use #WVPublicLands for any local, state, or national public land, and use #MonForestHeadwaters when you enjoy a Mon Forest headwater. Check us out here:
- Facebook: wvpubliclands
- X (Twitter): @wv4publiclands
- Instagram: @wvpubliclands
