By: Lydia Crawley, The Parsons Advocate
The Blackwater Canyon officially joined the Monongahela National Forest during an unveiling ceremony at the Blackwater Lodge July 18th. The event was attended by representatives from both local and US government, including Former US Senator Joe Manchin, as well as representatives from the US Forest Service and West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
The $14.1 million purchase of 2,693 acres of land sandwiched between existing Monongahela National Forest land and bordering Blackwater Falls State Park was made possible partially by a $11 million appropriation for three Appalachian states with most of the funds going to the Blackwater Canyon acquisition, according to Alan Front of Conservation Pathways. Former U.S. Senator Joe Manchin was instrumental in seeing the acquisition process through.
The keynote speaker of the event was Former U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, who was pivotal in the process of acquisition over the years. Manchin in his comments spoke of how he was determined to have the Blackwater Canyon in protected, public hands before he retired. Manchin had been working on acquiring the Blackwater Canyon since he first began talking to the Crites family as Governor.
“You’re put in a special position at a time in your life when you are going to take advantage and do something good for the common good,” Manchin said.
Manchin spoke on how the money came together at the Federal level to acquire the Blackwater Canyon with the majority coming from an appropriation to the Central Appalachian Region for $11 million that encompassed three states.
Manchin said that effort was a group endeavor and it would not have been possible without everyone working together.
“You all have made this possible,” Manchin said. “I don’t think this day would be here without so many people.”
Manchin said that he first came to the area as a child with his boy scout troop. Manchin said he was born in Farmington, near Fairmont. He also spoke on the history of the area and its impact on the country, including coal, timber and the CCC camp.
“Its truly what built America,” Manchin said.
Manchin also spoke of the need to not let politics get in the way of getting things done. Manchin said that it doesn’t matter what side of the political divide people are on, that people have to work together.
“Don’t let politics come between what needs to be happening or should be happening…just do what’s right by the people.,” Manchin said.
Alan From of Conservation Pathways spoke on behalf of the Crites Family during the event. From said the Family had carefully managed the land over decades to leave it better than it was at the beginning. He said that the Family also worked with government and conservation to manage fish and wildlife at the site over the decades in order to enhance the area, as well and opened the area up for recreation opportunities.
“As I have talked to the family it has become quite clear…just how proud they are, justifiably proud they are, of their stewardship of this remarkable piece of West Virginia,” From said.
From commended Senator Manchin on his tireless work to finalize the acquisition of the Blackwater Canyon prior to his retirement from the Senate. From also thanked Tucker County Commission President Mike Rosenau for his assistance at the local level during the process, as well.
From also addressed the Crites Family and their dedication to the future of the Blackwater Canyon.
“I could see that they had a lot of other opportunities for this property, a lot of different opportunities,” From said. “With that, they decided to forego those opportunities. Opportunities that certainly would have been easier…It is a testament to their grit, their foresight, their forbearance, their patience, their integrity.”
From said that Manchin had tried to push through legislation establishing the Patsy Crites Forest last August, but was not quite successful. From said, however, not all hope is lost and there are still plans to name the area after Patsy Crites.
“I and others we’re going to make sure that happens, so I hope you are here for day…we all come back here to put signs on the ground for the Patsy Crites Forest,” From said.
U.S. Forest Service Forest Supervisor Cindy Sandeno represented the Forest Service at the event and spoke on the acquisition. She spoke about the first time she saw the Blackwater Canyon. She said she had taken some relatives on a hike to the area in fall and was taken by the area’s beauty.
“We made it out the point and I have to tell you, the view was spectacular,” Sandeno said. “It was fall, the colors had changed, the colors were vibrant, we had a lot of rain, the river was just rushing and I remember thinking this might just be one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, right here in West Virginia.”
Sandeno also thanked the Crites Family, who were the previous owners of the property. She thanked the family for their stewardship of the property and their forethought throughout the years regarding the property and the preservation and conservation of the land.
“I also want to thank the Crites Family who have been the managers of this property for a very long time, who through their conservation ethic made it so that people who come here could fall in love and recognized the importance of this particular partial of land,” Sandeno said.
On behalf of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Director Brett McMillon addressed the assembly. McMillon said he had a special place in his heart for Blackwater Falls State Park and the area surrounding it. The Director also brought greetings from Governor Morrisey and the Governor’s regret for not being able to attend the event in person.
“We have so many opportunities to move forward as land managers. Days like this are very special and they don’t happen frequently enough in my opinion because at the heart of our mission statement it says we preserve and protect for future generations,” McMillon said. “We can’t do that without land acquisition. We can’t fulfill our mission statement. We just can’t do that. This one, does this ever seal the deal.”
Statements were also read on behalf of Senators Capito and Justice by representatives of the Senators at the event.
