From: Wheeling, WVComments: I just moved to Wheeling from Appalachian Ohio where longwall mining threatens our virgin woods, Dysart Woods, and many, many local farmers. Had the opportunity to witness the destruction firsthand. Have worked as The Friends of Dysart Woods with Buckeye Forest Council, Tri-State Citizens for Justice, and Citizen’s Coal Council. Have long admired WV Highland’s work. Finally, I found you through envirolink. You can expect my membership dues. Thank you for this opportunity. Anyone else from Wheeling? We can carpool to meetings

From: Northern CaliforniaComments: I grew up in the DC area and spent my weekends in the Monongahela NF. I traveled WV for 15 years. My first overnight wilderness experiences were in Dolly Sods and Otter Creek wildernesses in the late 60's. I spent many years caving around Franklin and Marlinton. I remember looking at the WV highlands literature at what used to be Hudson Bay Outfitters in Kensington and at the Oakton Appalacian Outfitter Store. I went on to explore the other special places. I wandered the West through the 70's, but WV is unique. It used to not be "yuppyized" – "life is old there" and all of that. I'm glad that you are there. Thanks for working to save the best of West Virginia.

From: Elkins WVComments: Being from Elkins, I know the beauty of West Virginia in its natural state. The changes I've seen and what is happening right now make me sad. I hope that we can do something to keep West Virginia a unique and individual state.

From: Greenbrier CountyComments: I am a disabled Coal Miner with 26 years underground. After I was unable to return to work I entered Rehab through WV Workers Comp. at West Virginia University Institute of Technology majoring in Electrical Engineering Technology. I am shocked that our congressmen and women would allow such a thing as Mountain Top Removal Mining. In a recent decision by Judge Haden he stated that the government is not held by decision made by its agent that were illegal. How about the people holding these agents responsible for permits that were issued illegally.