West Virginia's state parks are beloved by tourists and locals alike. Over 7 million people visit West Virginia's state parks every year, and that number is growing. Visitors use parks for hiking, biking, camping, boating, fishing, wildlife viewing and more. Scattered across the state, parks showcase a wide variety of ecosystem types, scenic views, and outdoor recreation options.
Parks are also great for West Virginia's economy. In 2015, the economic significance of state parks was between $213.4 million and $248.7 million. Every $1 of general revenue invested parks generates $13.15 in economic activity.
Many of our parks have a backlog of maintenance issues, and need additional investment to continue to be an asset to locals and visitors alike. Friends of Blackwater is working to raise awareness of this issue, and we will be bringing you opportunities to advocate for the park system. In the meantime, learn a little more about our parks with the blog posts below.
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 […]
