Our History
First coming together in 1965, the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy is one of the state’s oldest environmental activist organizations. With the increased awareness of environmental issues in the 1960s, a coalition of recreational users of the West Virginia Highlands came together to address a whole host of environmental threats to our state. Over the past 50 years, the Highlands Conservancy has continued to be the leader in protecting the natural environment of our state through both defensive and offensive campaigns.
When the Highlands Conservancy was formed, the proposed Highlands Scenic Highway would have sliced a gaping wound from north to south through the heart of the highlands, the Royal Glen dam would have flooded much of the Potomac Valley including the Smoke Hole area, the Davis Power project threatened much of Canaan Valley with inundation, the proposed Rowlesburg Dam on the Cheat River threatened to flood the Cheat River Valley including the St. George area, and newly proposed strip mines threatened many of our forests and mountains and condemned many of our waterways with acid mine drainage.
From the beginning, the Highlands Conservancy has dealt with a whole array of threats to our wonder-full state. We were instrumental in the passage of the Eastern Wilderness Areas Act, which gave us our first Wilderness areas–Dolly Sods and Otter Creek. We began a campaign that lasted over 35 years to protect Canaan Valley and saw the successful establishment of a National Wildlife Refuge there. We mounted campaigns to stop numerous dams proposed around the state. We filed our first lawsuit against strip mining in 1967, which was the beginning of almost 50 years of leadership on coal mining issues in West Virginia. In 1998 we were the first organization to challenge the destructive practice of mountaintop removal and valley fills. We helped enact important environment-protecting legislation such as the Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) and the National Forest Management Act (NFMA). Protecting clean air, clean water, forests, streams, mountains, and the health and welfare of the people that live here and those who visit, is what the Highlands Conservancy is all about.
The WV Highlands Conservancy publishes the Hiking Guide to the Monongahela National Forest. Our monthly newspaper, the Highlands Voice has been in continuous monthly publication since 1967. WV Highlands Conservancy members do far more than work to protect our state from destructive forces. Together, they also enjoy the lands and waters they work to protect through Conservancy-sponsored activities. They explore woodlands, valleys, bogs and caves, canoe and fish, climb mountains, and search out birds, wildflowers and native animals. Conservancy membership means new friendships, new experiences, and new rewards.
Our Mission
Preserving West Virginia for future generations
The West Virginia Highlands Conservancy promotes, encourages and works for the conservation – including both preservation and wise management – and an appreciation of the natural resources of West Virginia and the Nation. We focus primarily on the Highlands Region of West Virginia, but our work is for the cultural, social, educational, physical health, spiritual and economic benefit of present and future generations of residents and visitors alike.
Advocacy
We work for government policies and actions that protect, encourage and enforce laws for the health and well being of the natural world and her inhabitants.
Study and Educate
We support nature study and conservation, education for personal enrichment and cultural and scientific advancement.
Preserve and Protect
We work for preservation and protection of the mountains and streams of West Virginia with a focus on wilderness and areas with recreation, scenic, geologic, biologic and historic importance.
Roster of Officers, Board Members and Committee Chairs
Board of Directors
PRESIDENT: Marilyn Shoenfeld
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT: Vacant
SECRETARY: John McFerrin
TREASURER: George Hack
PAST PRESIDENT: Larry Thomas
Directors-At-Large (Terms expire October 2025)
Andrew Young
Bob Marshall
Rick Webb
Hugh Rogers
Susan Rogers Rosenblum
Directors-At-Large (Terms expire October 2026)
Jackie Burns
Cynthia D. Ellis
Luanne McGovern
Buff Rodman
Tyler Cannon
Organizational Directors
BROOKS BIRD CLUB: Cindy Slater
MOUNTAINEER CHAPTER TROUT UNLIMITED: Randy Kesling
FRIENDS OF THE CHEAT: Vacant
WEST VIRGINIA RIVERS COALITION: Mike Jones
Committee Chairs
EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES COMMITTEE: Andrew Young
PUBLIC LANDS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE: Larry Thomas
RENEWABLE ENERGY COMMITTEE: Larry Thomas
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE: Luanne McGovern
FINANCE COMMITTEE: Larry Thomas
ENDOWMENT FUND COMMITTEE: Larry Thomas
RIVERS COMMITTEE: Susan Rogers Rosenblum
HIGHWAYS COMMITTEE: Hugh Rogers
CLIMATE CHANGE COMMITTEE: VACANT
FALL REVIEW COMMITTEE: Jackie Burns
FUTURES COMMITTEE: George Hack
Miscellaneous Offices
WEB PAGE – DIGITAL PUBLISHING: Dan Radmacher
DOLLY SODS WILDERNESS STEWARDS COORDINATOR: Dave Johnston
Staff
Olivia Miller Program Director
Olivia grew up in the heart of the Monongahela National Forest in Hendricks, West Virginia, where her connection to nature and passion for conservation were shaped by the Highlands’ natural beauty. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies from West Virginia University, where her activism began through organizing campaigns for environmental justice and reproductive rights. Deeply inspired by the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy’s legacy of protecting the state’s natural treasures, Olivia is committed to engaging a new generation of activists to ensure a thriving future for the Mountain State. Her work is rooted in the belief that preserving West Virginia’s ecosystems is essential for the health, well-being, and resilience of its people and communities.
Get in touch with Olivia at: olivia.miller@wvhighlands.org
Crys Bauer Membership and Operations Director
Crys is an environmental and administrative professional with a passion for protecting West Virginia’s natural resources and promoting sustainable revitalization within local communities. With her 16 years of operational experience, as well as a Master of Science degree in Environmental Policy and Management, Crys is a unique asset in our mission of preserving West Virginia for future generations. When Crys is not at work, you can find her hard at play in the mountains, either kayaking, climbing, or mountain biking.
Get in touch with Crys at: crys.bauer@wvhighlands.org
Jordan Howes Communications Coordinator
Jordan was born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, where her family’s connection to the state instilled in her a deep appreciation for Appalachian culture and the importance of preserving West Virginia’s natural landscapes. Growing up, Jordan spent time exploring the state’s diverse and beautiful scenery, with Lost River State Park and Holly River State Park holding particularly special memories. Jordan has a Bachelor of Arts in English with a focus on professional writing and editing and a minor in the music industry from West Virginia University. Her education and early career experiences revealed her passion for advocacy and the connections made through storytelling. Jordan is excited to contribute to the WVHC’s mission of protecting the Mountain State’s natural heritage. She looks forward to engaging with the community to inspire action and promote a sustainable future for West Virginia.
Get in touch with Jordan at: jordan.howes@wvhighlands.org