West Virginia Highlands Conservancy announces Fall Review will address state’s water issues 

DAVIS, W.Va.— The West Virginia Highlands Conservancy invites the public to its annual Fall Review exploring local water issues on the weekend of October 14th at Canaan Valley Resort State Park.

The Conservancy’s annual Fall Review aims to spotlight a local issue of interest and bring Conservancy members, agency representatives, and local citizens together to discuss current issues.

The Fall Review will begin on the evening of Friday, Oct. 13, with an informal gathering from 6-9 p.m. Outings, presentations and panels by subject matter experts, a networking session with environmental groups, and live music and a square dance are planned for all day and evening on Saturday. 

Saturday’s sessions will include two panels. The first panel will focus on the problems and pitfalls of treating water in small towns and areas, including PFAS and funding for our water systems. The second will explore the issue of sedimentation in streams and how it is contributing to the decline of native species like the brook trout and endangered candy darter. 

Two presentations will also be given, including a look at how acid mine drainage continues to impair waterways and an update on federal and state legislation impacting water.

Associate Professor of Forest Hydrology at West Virginia University Nicolas Zegre will deliver the keynote address on “Preparing Agents of Change for Tomorrow: Climate Justice and Action in the Mountain State” on Saturday evening at 6 p.m.

Saturday’s activities will conclude with a square dance and live music by Kevin Chasser, Andy FitzGibbon, and Nate Druckenmiller beginning at 7:15 p.m. 

Sunday morning will begin with a mindfulness walk and conclude with the Conservancy’s annual membership and board of directors’ meetings. 

This event is free to attend, and online registration is recommended. There is no obligation to stay for the entire day of sessions, and individuals are welcome to attend only part or some of the day’s events. To view the full schedule of events, visit https://bit.ly/WVHCFallReview.

The West Virginia Highlands Conservancy is one of the state’s oldest environmental activist organizations. Since 1965, the Conservancy has worked with agencies and ally groups to protect our air, water, forest, streams and mountains, as well as the health and welfare of West Virginia communities. Learn more and become a member at wvhighlands.org 

For more information about the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, visit wvhighlands.org. Connect with the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy on Facebook and Instagram.