By Go North Alliance
This month’s newsletter focuses on input from our community on why our mountaintop is a special place. We asked members of the Go North Alliance and our community the question, “Why is this place special to you.” A sampling of their answers is below:
“I love the close by wonders of our woodland trails, waterfalls, rivers, mountains and hollows and on clear nights viewing stars and planets. I love the rich history of our small towns and the great community of people here.”
“Unlike the strip malls and strip mines that define where I live near Morgantown, Thomas is authentic, has a great art scene, natural beauty, and everything that made me decide to stay in West Virginia 50 years ago.”
A native of Canaan Valley, I’ve traveled a bit nationally and internationally & seen outstanding natural resource areas. The Blackwater River watershed is among them. A precious, incomparable place. ROPA will destroy it. No ROPA.”
“I can walk out my backdoor and be in the wild… in seconds!”
“Blackwater Canyon is special to me because it is an Ark of rare species, and a peaceful refuge from city life. Around it have grown up welcoming restaurants, charming shops, opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing on trails plus inviting overnight hospitality.”
“Because it is peaceful and beautiful.”
“Once immersed in Tucker County’s wild beauty, I begin to wonder if I’ve accidentally traveled back in time. That feeling reminds me that all of America’s ‘lost’ natural wonders can be found again; they only need proper protection and a little bit of time.”
“Wilderness with a history!”
“Having grown up in Eastern Tucker County I learned early on to appreciate the beauty of our forests, crystal streams such as Slip Hill Mill Run, the uniqueness of Big Run Bog, the colors of the changing seasons and the magnificence of our crown jewel the Blackwater Canyon, as well as the cooler climate. I returned to Thomas after retirement to enjoy our wonderful treasures on top of this mountain.”
“Walking for miles and miles in complete solitude, surrounded by indescribable beauty.”
“…strong community culture…pride in being rural…close but not too close…gorgeous natural landscape never gets old…a world of beautiful micro climates within our county’s boundaries.”
We’re betting that everyone reading this has their own answer to that question. Friends of Blackwater is giving you an opportunity to tell the world why you love Thomas, Davis, and the surrounding areas, and why you favor a northern route for Corridor H. They have begun a grassroots digital campaign to let our legislators know about this existential threat to the Thomas/Davis area, and they would like you to be part of it! By using the link below, you can help broadcast our message, whether you’re posting a favorite picture on Facebook or sharing what you love about Tucker County on Instagram. You may even be featured in future ads! If you have any questions, email loki@saveblackwater.org.” To be part of the campaign, go to https://app.sosha.ai/toolkit/go-north-0ec.