I normally start my president’s letter with a report on the weather in the Highlands – leaves changing, snow predictions, hiking conditions, and other mundane issues. But tonight, I’m writing with a heavier heart. We are in crisis mode, and the need to preserve and protect the environment has never been greater.
At the time of this writing, the federal government is shut down. Major reduction in force actions are underway within the Department of Agriculture (including the U.S. Forest Service) and the Department of the Interior (which oversees the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service). This is not a normal situation where one would expect a bipartisan solution. It’s part of a broader effort to dismantle the very infrastructure that safeguards our national parks, forests, wilderness areas, and wildlife refuges.
Even more alarming, long-standing protections for our public lands are under renewed attack — from attempts to rescind the Roadless Rule, which protects millions of acres of pristine forest, to proposals that would open fragile ecosystems to roadbuilding, drilling, and industrial development. These rollbacks threaten the wild character of the West Virginia Highlands and the integrity of places that define who we are.
The shutdown chaos adds to the uncertainty. Rules are inconsistent and unclear, leaving employees, volunteers, and AmeriCorps members in limbo. Meanwhile, the national press has largely turned its attention elsewhere. That means it’s up to us—the members, volunteers and supporters of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy need to push this into the mainstream and local press. Talk to your friends and neighbors. Write letters to local papers. Share what’s happening on social media. The more people understand what’s at stake, the harder it becomes for these decisions to be made quietly.
This moment calls for action and solidarity. If you’re already a member, thank you — your support is what keeps us in the fight. If you’re not a member, I invite you to join today. Your membership directly supports the advocacy, education, and on-the-ground work that keeps West Virginia wild and wonderful for generations to come.
And on a bright note—our Annual Fall Review at Blackwater Falls State Park (October 31-November 2) promises a weekend of learning, laughter, and connection. We’ll kick things off with snacks, a cash bar, costumes, and live music on Friday night (I’ll be a monarch butterfly—come say hello!). Saturday brings engaging panels on “Environmentalism in a Changing World,” followed by dinner and discussion. It’s an inspiring weekend that reminds us why we do this work. All are welcome! A full schedule of events is posted on our website.
Our challenges are serious, but our community is strong. Together, we can ensure that the Highlands, and the values they represent, endure.
For our Highlands,
Marilyn Shoenfeld
President
West Virginia Highlands Conservancy
