Thanks to all the FOB supporters and our allies who contacted the Legislature to say “no” to giving private developers and the profit motive free rein to exploit our beloved West Virginia State Parks. While a final amended bill did pass in the Legislature, it was substantially weakened from its original form. The following improvements […]
This bill would expand private leasing in all state parks and forests and is currently moving through the legislature. If it passes, this bill will allow private developers to build casinos, racetracks, amusement parks, atv trails and more in our state parks. We want our parks to be family friendly, accessible, and a haven for […]
The Blackwater Loop Trail will allow visitors of Blackwater Falls State Park to access more restricted areas. One of these restricted areas is Pendleton Falls, which is located along Pendleton Creek below the dam at Pendleton Lake. A Huge thanks to the Abandoned Mine Lands Pilot Program that will be funding this project! Jim Christie, […]
Friends of Blackwater has signed onto a letter to President-Elect Biden as his team begins to address the COVID-19 public health crisis and develop an economic recovery plan, requesting the creation of long-term conservation and restoration jobs. The US can overcome this economic downturn while protecting and restoring our unique natural resources, including biodiversity, and […]
Friends of Blackwater have a brand new set of signs currently standing in Davis City Park near the pavilion, uses historic photos and maps to show the evolution of the sawmill complex that sat between the Blackwater River and the Town. The original plan was for Emmie, Cheyenne, and I to dig up all the […]
On August 4th, the President signed the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law. The GAOA is groundbreaking legislation that will improve trails, campgrounds, and other recreation in public lands across the United States. Now that it has become law, the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund will be created and the Land […]
We are excited to announce that Friends of Blackwater has been selected by the Office of Surface Mining to create a Blackwater Loop hiking and biking trail that will safely and scenically connect the Towns of Thomas and Davis in Tucker County. The eight-mile trail will feature an incredible suspension bridge over the North Fork […]
Friends of Blackwater is excited to support a bill that would permanently fund State Parks! Public lands are such a valuable part of West Virginia- they generate nearly $250 in annual economic significance, protect thousands and thousands of acres of unique and beautiful habitat, provide top notch recreational activities, preserve cultural history, and so much […]
Located in Marion County along the Monongahela River, the 188 acre Prickett’s Fort State Park is a fun jaunt into living history. Founded in 1975, the State Park is built upon the location of a late 18th Century settler’s fort of the same name. Visitors can visit Prickett’s Fort and learn about settler and colonial […]
Located along the Bluestone River about 12 miles northeast of Princeton, WV, Pipestem Resort State Park (commonly just called Pipestem State Park) is a testament to government planning and outdoor recreation. Founded in 1963, the park is on over 4,000 acreas and offers recreational opportunities for almost anyone. It is named after the meadowsweet plant, […]
