By Olivia Miller, West Virginia Highlands Conservancy 

At its May meeting, the Board heard updates on the Conservancy’s programs, campaigns, membership, outreach, and upcoming events. 

President Marilyn Shoenfeld reported that Olivia Miller’s transition into the executive director position is moving forward. The Board also discussed the growing workload facing the organization and the need to continue expanding fundraising and organizational capacity. 

Membership and Outreach Director Christa Clasgens reported that membership, contributions, and store sales remain strong. She is working on membership renewals, outreach events, new merchandise, and possible partnerships with local businesses. Recent screenings of the film about longtime wilderness advocate Helen McGinnis have also been well received. 

Interim Executive Director Olivia Miller reported on the Conservancy’s work with partner organizations, grant applications, public outreach, and campaigns involving data centers, Corridor H, public lands, and extractive industries. 

Luanne McGovern reported on the rapid expansion of data center proposals across West Virginia. The Board discussed how the Conservancy should respond as these projects spread beyond Tucker County and create broader concerns about power generation, pollution, land use, and community impacts. 

Scott Durham reported on public lands work, including recent comments on a Forest Service project. He also spoke about the long-term strain placed on volunteers who have spent decades defending public lands from repeated threats. 

Dave Johnston reported that the Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards continue to grow. New volunteers have joined both the Trailhead and Backcountry Steward programs, and several public events and trail projects are planned for the summer. The program is also developing a stronger organizational structure to support its work over the next several years. 

The Board heard updates on litigation involving mining pollution, industrial facilities, and Corridor H. Hugh Rogers reported that the long-awaited environmental review for the Parsons-to-Davis section of Corridor H may be released soon, although delays remain possible. Once the document is released, the public will have an opportunity to comment. It remains unclear whether the document will identify a preferred route or simply analyze the alternatives. The Federal Highway Administration appears reluctant to return to court. The West Virginia Division of Highways appears less troubled by that possibility.