Friends of the Cheat (FOC) is hosting three free outreach events throughout the month of October to educate people of all ages on water quality and recreation opportunities in the lower Cheat River watershed, including Cheat Lake. Whether you are new to the area, or are 5th generation natives, anyone with an interest in the Cheat River is encouraged to attend. From water quality and source water protection to paddling and fishing reports, a wide array of topics will be covered.
Attendees will become familiar with the organization’s mission and goals, as well as the multiple programs and projects FOC manages. FOC staff will present water quality data and share status updates on acid mine drainage remediation work including significant developments in the Muddy Creek watershed. Learn about FOC’s new bacteria monitoring efforts and CAPABLE program, FOC’s citizen science initiative. For those more interested in recreation, learn about area whitewater paddling, the Cheat River Water Trail, and the latest updates on Preston County trail projects. Like what you hear and want to support FOC’s work? Learn how to get involved with the organization as well as the perks of becoming a member or sponsor.
Guest speakers will complement FOC staff presentations. Each event will feature a different line-up of presenting partners. The event schedule is as follows:
Morgantown: Wednesday, October 4th, 7:00pm to 9:00pm, at the Morgantown Brewing Company. Featured speakers include: Delegate Barbara Fleischauer; Adam Webster of the West Virginia Land Trust – the anthropological history of the Cheat River; Marcedes Minana and Tricia Chan of Adventure West Virginia – outdoor education and student outreach; Dr. Nico Zegre of the Mountain Hydrology Laboratory at WVU – hydrological response to environmental changes; and Martin Christ from WVDEP’s Watershed Improvement Branch.
Kingwood: Tuesday, October 17th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm, at Rosemary’s Thyme Restaurant. Featured speakers include: Retired DNR District Fisheries Biologist Frank Jernejcic – local wildlife and fisheries including rattlesnake study; Rick Chaney of Camp Dawson’s Natural Resource Conservation Team; and a panel discussion on drinking water and Source Water Protection featuring FOC staff, engineers, and staff from Kingwood Water Works.
Cheat Lake: Tuesday, October 24th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm, at Crab Shack Caribba. Featured speakers include: Dustin Smith of WVDNR – the recovery of fish community in Cheat Lake; former WVDEP Cabinet Secretary and professional bass fisherman Randy Huffman; Mike Strager of Cheat Lake Environment and Recreation Association (CLEAR); and a middle school student team from the FIRST Lego Robotics League will share their research into the human dimensions of water.
Mark your calendars now, and support the venues hosting the events by having dinner. For more information on the events, contact Friends of the Cheat Media Specialist – Beth Warnick – at bwarnick@cheat.org or (304)329-3621 ext #6.
