By Marilyn Shoenfeld
As I’m writing this letter, it is a gloomy day in Canaan Valley; while daffodils are starting to peak through, snow is expected this week. The mood matches our feelings as we watch our environment being attacked.
Changes in staffing, facilities and regulations are afoot in all of the government agencies that we rely on to protect our land, water and air. Uncertainty permeates the atmosphere of environmental groups as grants are arbitrarily cancelled, work is halted or picked up by overburdened staff and research is defunded.
Each day brings a new challenge to groups like the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy. We are doing everything we can to meet them and to carry on with our current efforts, while keeping track of federal and state policy changes and ensuring our members and the public remain well-informed.
Unlike many groups, the Conservancy does not rely on federal grants. Instead, we rely on you, our members, to support our work and our vision. Our staff is doing a fantastic job, and our board members and committees are logging many, many unpaid hours of volunteer efforts– legal work, research, water testing, organizing, advocacy, education and much more.
We want to hear from you! Do you like what we are doing? Should we be doing more? Is there something you would like to see us pursue? Please let us know.
A matter of critical importance: South Fork Coal Company VER Determination
One of the most pressing issues we currently face is the pending Valid Existing Rights (VER) determination for South Fork Coal Company. If approved, the company would be able to continue surface mining activities on the Monongahela National Forest. This decision could have serious consequences for our streams, wildlife and local communities. It is extremely important that we all raise our voices during this review process. Public input is critical, and your comments can help shape the outcome. We will be sending more details and an action alert soon. You can read more about this VER Determination on the front page of the Voice. Please keep an eye out for updates and make sure to submit your comments before the deadline.
Some updates:
Our Program Director, Olivia Miller, traveled to Capitol Hill and had successful meetings with Congressional staff about securing permanent protections for the headwaters of the Monongahela National Forest.
The Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards and Backcountry Stewards are preparing for an expanded season and are recruiting additional folks. Trainings are scheduled for the coming months.
Our lawsuits against coal companies are ongoing, though progress is slow. We continue to work to protect endangered species in West Virginia, as well as for clean air and water.
The Conservancy’s Corridor H partners are working on getting information out and encouraging community involvement in the proposed section from Wardensville to the Virginia state line. The long-awaited Supplemental Environmental Assessment was issued on March 31. A public meeting is scheduled for April 22, 2025, from 5 to 8 p.m. at East Hardy High School. The public comment period ends June 1. Our Highways Committee will be sending out information and an action alert to help guide your comments. Be on the lookout for this.
We continue to work with our partners, other environmental groups, the Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance and more to share information and formulate actions.
Please stay in touch– see you in the Highlands!
Marilyn Shoenfeld
President
West Virginia Highlands Conservancy