Spring 2025 Newsletter

Our Spring 2025 Newsletter is here! Click the button below to download your free copy! Inside you will find updates on all of our current projects and gratitude towards our amazing partners!

Celebrating the Full Protection of West Virginia’s Crown Jewel: 25 years in the making

Thanks to a historic agreement spearheaded by outgoing U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, over 2,700 acres of privately owned forest and river corridor in the Blackwater Canyon have been transferred to the Monongahela National Forest. This brings the 10,000-acre canyon, which includes iconic Blackwater Falls State Park, under public ownership—ensuring its beauty, biodiversity, and recreational opportunities will be preserved for generations to come.

To learn more — Click here!

Blackwater River Watershed Field Guide + Virtual Trail Explorer Now Available

The Blackwater River Watershed Field Guide The Blackwater River Watershed Field Guide
The Blackwater River Watershed Field Guide
$35.00

Eco Tours are Back!

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with us this year! Starting in April, join our eco-tours as we explore the stunning Blackwater River Watershed and the majestic Allegheny Highlands. We can't wait to share these incredible experiences with you!

Take Action!

Help Make a Difference

Your support helps our non-profit continue to protect and promote the Blackwater River Watershed for all!

Friends of Blackwater in the Spotlight!

Friends of Blackwater in the Spotlight!

4-8-2024 Country Roads News: Data Center Bill Would Divert Local Tax Revenue to the State

4-8-2025 The Washington Post: These small towns are resisting the spread of energy-hungry data centers

4-2-2025 Country Roads News: Plan for Data Center Near Davis and Thomas Raises Alarms

4-2-2025 WBOY News: Clearcutting project dropped in Tucker County, 200-year-old trees won’t be cut down

3-28-2025 West Virginia Environmental Council: Celebrating Everyone Who Showed Up for WV — Thank You, E-Day 2025 Planners and Awardees!

3-1-2025 National Parks Traveler: 495 Outdoor Organizations Sign Letter To Congress Demanding Action On Firings

2-17-2025 The Parsons Advocate: What’s Happening, Film Festival Fundraiser

2-11-2025 WBOY News: Honoring Black History: JR Clifford, the first African-American lawyer in West Virginia

1-27-2025 Instagram Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: Public comment on a trail proposal located near the towns of Thomas and Davis in Tucker County, West Virginia

1-7-2025 Blackwater Canyon Becomes Publicly Owned https://parsonsadvocate.com/news/pa-top-stories/headlines/blackwater-canyon-becomes-publicly-owned/

1-1-2025 X (Twitter)/ WOWK 13 News: Following a 25-year campaign, officials with the conservation group Friends of Blackwater have announced that Tucker County's Blackwater Canyon is now under full protection

1-1-2025 WOWK 13/WBOY News: Blackwater Canyon fully protected, conservation group says

12-31-2024 West Virginia Highlands Conservancy: After decades of advocacy, 2,700 acres of Blackwater Canyon now in public ownership

12-31-2024 Eyewitness News WCHS ABC8/ FOX11: U.S. Forest Service acquires 2,700 acres of Blackwater Canyon land

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