Dear friends and fellow Highlands advocates,

Spring may be blooming across much of West Virginia, but in Canaan Valley, we’ve still been waking up to frosty mornings in the 20s. That said, the work of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy continues—undaunted by weather or the weight of the moment.

During the first week of June, members of our team went to Washington, D.C., joining forces with regional allies in a concerted effort to educate our Congressional representatives. We’re carrying a clear and urgent message: the Highlands—and our public lands, watersheds, and National Forests—must be protected from the escalating threats of deregulation, resource extraction, and shortsighted development.

We are under no illusions—this is an uphill battle. Across the region and the country, proposals are emerging that would gut core environmental protections. Just recently, the Federal Register released sweeping revisions and repeals to key regulations that safeguard our air, water, and habitats. These changes are complex, and we’re reviewing them now to better understand their implications. We’ll report back in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, new threats are closer to home. As you’ll read in this issue, the push to establish massive, fossil-fueled data centers in Tucker County and elsewhere raises serious questions about environmental and public health impacts—questions that, so far, have gone largely unanswered by developers and officials.

At times like this, your support is not just helpful—it’s essential.

But even as we respond to these challenges, the Conservancy is also pushing forward with renewed energy. Our 2025 Outings Program is nearly finalized and will be shared soon—we’re looking forward to hiking, paddling, and connecting with many of you in the mountains we all care so deeply about. We’re also planning to be present at numerous festivals and public events this summer. We hope you’ll stop by, say hello, and stay engaged.

In confusing and often difficult times, we find strength in community, clarity in nature, and purpose in our shared mission.

See you in the Highlands,

Marilyn Shoenfeld 

President 

West Virginia Highlands Conservancy