Volume 38, Number 4 westvirginia.sierraclub.org July/August 2012 Explore, enjoy and protect the planet WV Chapter Wins Sierra Club’s 2012 Communication Award The West Virginia Chapter has been selected to re- ceive the Sierra Club’s 2012 Communication Award. This award honors the best use of communications (either print or electronic) by a Sierra Club group, chapter or other entity to further the Club’s mission. The Chapter’s 2011 Marcellus Gas Campaign inspired this honor. The overall campaign, orchestrated by several dedicated volunteers and staff and partially funded by mem- bers’ generous donations, comprised an integrated set of media materials, ranging from bumper stickers and but- tons to brochures, websites, and radio and Internet spot ads, that educated and informed a wide audience about the dangers of shale gas drilling. A chapter representative will attend the annual Sierra Club Board meeting in August, where the Communication Award will be presented. The awards committee was impressed by the follow- ing nomination submission: After two years of an alarming gas rush swiftly begin- ning to engulf West Virginia, and the Chapter’s concerns growing, in 2011 we launched a comprehensive, cohesive, and organized Marcellus gas campaign. The Logo One of the first components of the campaign was se- lection of a logo. We conducted a design contest and chose the image below. These six simple words summed up the crux of the Chapter’s issues and concerns. What’s more, the mes- sage is one no reasonable person could argue with. This graphic became a unifying icon throughout our campaign. • We used it on bumper stickers, of which a couple thousand were distributed. • We used it on buttons, which became the badge of honor for our citizen lobbyists who were in the state legisla- ture nearly every day of both the regular 2011 session and the special session in which a Marcellus regulation bill was finally passed. • And it was used as the “hook” on print materials and websites. A slip of paper with the logo prominently placed was handed to delegates and senators as they en- tered their chambers for a critical vote. The Brochure Our primary public information piece was a full-color, 3- fold brochure. The brochure is informative and also activist. It gives basic information, directs readers to sources, and calls them to action. Printing costs were shared with allies. The brochure is in its second printing of 10,000 copies. Citizens all over the state use it. For copies of the brochure to distribute, you may con- tact: outreach@marcellus-wv .com. The Website We developed an outstanding Marcellus website, marcellus-wv .com, separate from our general chapter site. It is filled with basic information as well as issues, news, and much more. Radio and Internet Ads As the Marcellus gas rush swept over West Virginia, we became concerned by the heavy advertising campaigns being mounted by industry. Misleading or downright untrue, the ads were disturbingly effective with the general public. Although the Chapter knew all too well that we “greens” could never match industry’s deep pockets, we decided to commit to a media ad campaign of our own. Chapter Marcellus campaign leaders developed pa- rameters and concepts for both radio and Internet ads. Once our plans were set, we hired a media consultant to finalize and place the ads. The ads are available at keepwvbeautiful.com, a website created for this ad campaign. Compliance rules mandate that we needed this extra step from a listener’s or viewer’s first click to their arrival at a call to action. Log in to play the ads. They are entertaining, as well as hard-hitting. July 28 Rally at the U.S. Capitol Get on the bus! Join us in D.C. to stop the frack attack! From California to New York, from North Dakota to Texas, people from across the country are converging on the U.S. Capitol to tell Congress, the President and the world to end the rush to drill and STOP THE FRACK ATTACK! JOIN US — a nationwide coalition of citizens, commu- nities and organizations declaring the time is NOW to use our collective power to end oil and gas drilling that harms public health, water and air quality, and the climate. Rally Details The rally begins at 2 PM at the Capitol, with inspiration, information, and invigoration. At 3:30 PM, we march to the American Natural Gas Association headquarters. The march ends in time to reboard buses around 5:30–6 PM and head for home. More information about the rally is at: stopthefrackattack.org Bus Details The WV Chapter will be sending two buses to this huge rally. Both leave and return the same day, July 28. The buses are open to everyone, so join us for a rollicking good time and — get on the bus! From Morgantown Board the bus at 9 AM at the Wal-Mart parking lot at Exit 1 on Interstate 68. Short stop at Keysers Ridge. Return after the rally and march, short stop (probably) at Hagerstown, back to Morgantown around 11 PM. Tickets are $20 roundtrip. Questions? Contact Jim Sconyers at: [email protected] or 304-698-9628 From Lewisburg & Beckley Board the bus at 7 AM in Beckley, 8 AM in Lewisburg. Return after the rally and march; back around midnight. Tickets are $25 roundtrip. Questions? Contact Beth Little at: [email protected] or 304-653-4277 Bus tickets may be purchased online at: http://store.wvsierraclub.org
Transcript
Volume 38, Number 4 westvirginia.sierraclub.org July/August 2012
Explore, enjoy and protect the planet
WV Chapter Wins Sierra Club’s
2012 Communication AwardThe West Virginia Chapter has been selected to re-
ceive the Sierra Club’s 2012 Communication Award. Thisaward honors the best use of communications (either printor electronic) by a Sierra Club group, chapter or other entityto further the Club’s mission.
The Chapter’s 2011 Marcellus Gas Campaign inspiredthis honor. The overall campaign, orchestrated by severaldedicated volunteers and staff and partially funded by mem-bers’ generous donations, comprised an integrated set ofmedia materials, ranging from bumper stickers and but-tons to brochures, websites, and radio and Internet spotads, that educated and informed a wide audience about thedangers of shale gas drilling.
A chapter representative will attend the annual SierraClub Board meeting in August, where the CommunicationAward will be presented.
The awards committee was impressed by the follow-ing nomination submission:
After two years of an alarming gas rush swiftly begin-ning to engulf West Virginia, and the Chapter’s concernsgrowing, in 2011 we launched a comprehensive, cohesive,and organized Marcellus gas campaign.
The LogoOne of the first components of the campaign was se-
lection of a logo. We conducted a design contest and chosethe image below.
These six simple words summed up the crux of theChapter’s issues and concerns. What’s more, the mes-sage is one no reasonable person could argue with.
This graphic became a unifying icon throughout ourcampaign.
• We used it on bumper stickers, of which a couplethousand were distributed.
• We used it on buttons, which became the badge of
honor for our citizen lobbyists who were in the state legisla-ture nearly every day of both the regular 2011 session andthe special session in which a Marcellus regulation bill wasfinally passed.
• And it was used as the “hook” on print materialsand websites. A slip of paper with the logo prominentlyplaced was handed to delegates and senators as they en-tered their chambers for a critical vote.
The BrochureOur primary public information piece was a full-color, 3-
fold brochure. The brochure is informative and also activist.It gives basic information, directs readers to sources, andcalls them to action. Printing costs were shared with allies.The brochure is in its second printing of 10,000 copies.Citizens all over the state use it.
For copies of the brochure to distribute, you may con-tact: [email protected].
The WebsiteWe developed an outstanding Marcellus website,
marcellus-wv.com, separate from our general chapter site.It is filled with basic information as well as issues, news,and much more.
Radio and Internet AdsAs the Marcellus gas rush swept over West Virginia, we
became concerned by the heavy advertising campaignsbeing mounted by industry. Misleading or downright untrue,the ads were disturbingly effective with the general public.
Although the Chapter knew all too well that we “greens”could never match industry’s deep pockets, we decided tocommit to a media ad campaign of our own.
Chapter Marcellus campaign leaders developed pa-rameters and concepts for both radio and Internet ads. Onceour plans were set, we hired a media consultant to finalizeand place the ads.
The ads are available at keepwvbeautiful.com, a websitecreated for this ad campaign. Compliance rules mandatethat we needed this extra step from a listener’s or viewer’sfirst click to their arrival at a call to action.
Log in to play the ads. They are entertaining, as well ashard-hitting.
July 28 Rally at the U.S. Capitol
Get on the bus!
Join us in D.C. to stop the frack attack!
From California to New York, from North Dakota to Texas,people from across the country are converging on the U.S.Capitol to tell Congress, the President and the world to endthe rush to drill and STOP THE FRACK ATTACK!
JOIN US — a nationwide coalition of citizens, commu-nities and organizations declaring the time is NOW to useour collective power to end oil and gas drilling that harmspublic health, water and air quality, and the climate.
Rally DetailsThe rally begins at 2 PM at the Capitol, with inspiration,
information, and invigoration. At 3:30 PM, we march to theAmerican Natural Gas Association headquarters. The marchends in time to reboard buses around 5:30–6 PM and headfor home.
More information about the rally is at:stopthefrackattack.org
Bus DetailsThe WV Chapter will be sending two buses to this huge
rally. Both leave and return the same day, July 28. The busesare open to everyone, so join us for a rollicking good timeand — get on the bus!
From Morgantown
Board the bus at 9 AM at the Wal-Mart parking lot at Exit1 on Interstate 68. Short stop at Keysers Ridge. Return afterthe rally and march, short stop (probably) at Hagerstown,back to Morgantown around 11 PM. Tickets are $20 roundtrip.
Questions? Contact Jim Sconyers at:[email protected] or 304-698-9628
From Lewisburg & Beckley
Board the bus at 7 AM in Beckley, 8 AM in Lewisburg.Return after the rally and march; back around midnight.Tickets are $25 roundtrip.
Bus tickets may be purchased online at:http://store.wvsierraclub.org
2 Mountain State Sierran July/August 2012www.westvirginia.sierraclub.org
Week in Washington Brings Power to DC!!Bill Price
Regional Sierra Club Staff, Beyond Coal Campaign
You often hear the phrase “walking the halls of power”when you’re in Washington DC trying to educate Congressand the Administration on health and other impacts of Moun-tain Top Removal mining. But from June 3 through June 5,residents from Appalachia and across the country traveledto DC to show the politicians where real power comes from.
Over 150 people (including several Sierra Club mem-bers) gathered for the 7th annual Week in Washington,sponsored by the member groups of the Alliance for Appala-chia. The week started with a day of training on Sunday thatwould prepare the attendees for the upcoming days. Over120 visits were made to the offices of Members of Congresscalling on them to co-sponsor the Clean Water ProtectionAct and to stop attacking the Environmental Protection Agencywhen they are doing the job they are supposed to do —protect the health of people!!
There were also meetings with the Environmental Pro-tection Agency, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation andEnforcement and the National Park Service. These meet-ings were productive and the message was loud and clear.The people of Appalachia support the actions taken to keepthe mining industry from destroying our health, land, homesand lives. We want an end to Mountain Top Removal and atransition to an economy that will lead to true prosperity andnot the destruction of our water. The staff of those agenciesheard from residents of Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia andWest Virginia, along with people from all over that people’shealth is in jeopardy and they must continue to work for, anddo more, to end Mountain Top Removal mining.
In addition to the Week in Washington event, there wasa day of action on Wednesday, June 6. It started with delega-tions from the four states representing Appalachia walkingto the Rayburn House office building, where they paid apersonal visit to their Members of Congress. Congress-men Rahall (WV), Rogers (KY), Duncan (TN) and Griffith(VA) were somewhat surprised by the visits and even moresurprised when the delegations decided not to leave wheninvited to do so. Twenty-two people made a personal deci-sion to risk arrest by staying in the offices. Ultimately, theCapital Police did arrest those brave people who wantedonly to be heard by their “Representatives.” They have nowall been released and are on their way back to their homesto continue their fight.
At the same time those visits were being made, a rallywas held at the Lower Senate Park where supporters cel-ebrated the week. At that rally, people heard updates fromthe Rayburn building, while listening to good Appalachianmusic and continuing the ritual begun by women in Appala-chia on Memorial Day at the WV State Capital in Charleston.Six more people (including yours truly) shaved their headsto bring attention to the ongoing crisis brought about by Moun-tain Top Removal. Paula Swearingen, who was one of thewomen who shaved her head in Charleston, said it best“my hair will grow back, the mountains won’t. I’m doing thisfor my kids! I’d cut off my foot if I had to for them.”
The week was a powerful experience. Instead of “walk-ing the halls of power,” those in DC who want to allow thedestruction of homes in Appalachia got a taste of what truepower looks like. And this is just another step. More willcome until the madness of Mountain Top Removal ends.
Link Exists Between EPA’s Greenhouse
Gas Rules and Public HealthJim Kotcon
On May 12, US-EPA re-leased proposed new rulesto limit emissions of green-house gases from newpower plants to 1000pounds per MWh. The neteffect of these rules wouldbe to prevent construction ofnew coal-fired electric gen-erating plants unless theyinstall carbon capture equip-ment. Modern natural gasplants would already meetthis standard, so the rule pri-marily targets coal-firedplants.
We all know that limitson greenhouse gases areneeded to reduce globalwarming, but how does thisrelate to human health?
First, rising tempera-tures lead to more prolongedheat waves, which have al-ready been linked toincreased deaths amongvulnerable populations.These include children, theelderly, and those with heartor respiratory problems.
Second, rising tem-peratures lead to increasedozone air pollution (smog).According to the Union ofConcerned Scientists, this
is expected to induce 2.8 mil-lion additional respiratoryillnesses in the US within thenext ten years. Relatedhealth costs would exceed$5 billion annually by 2020.
Most importantly, imple-mentation of thesestandards would indirectlyreduce the health impacts ofcoal-fired power plants. Withfewer plants being built,there will be lower emis-sions of fine particulates,less mercury, and reductionsin a wide variety of other haz-ardous air pollutants.
So, while carbon diox-ide at these levels is notdirectly toxic to humans, thedirect and indirect humanhealth benefits are actuallyvery significant.
Of course there aremany other environmentalbenefits from reducing emis-sions of greenhouse gases.Changing climates wouldlead to species extinctions,an impact that would be irre-versible. There is also apossibility of abrupt climatechanges, which, if triggered,could lead to changes sorapid that humans wouldhave very little time to adapt.
According to the NationalResearch Council, thesecould include severedroughts in important agri-cultural and forestry areas,rapid sea level rise from dis-integration of the Greenlandand Antarctic ice sheets, anddramatic increases in sizeand severity of forest fires.
Unlike most air pollut-ants, greenhouse gasesstay in the atmosphere forlong periods of time, rang-ing from decades tomillennia, depending on thegreenhouse gas. And deci-sions made aboutconstruction of power plantstoday will “lock in” emissionsfor many decades, as mostpower plants continue to op-erate for 50 years or more.
Since fossil-fuel powerplants represent the largestsingle category of green-house gas sources,accounting for 40 percent ofthe US total, these new stan-dards are an important stepto slow or reverse the effectsof climate change. Futuregenerations will breatheeasier!
What You Can DoSend comments to the
EPA Docket Center, U.S.EPA, Mail Code 2822T, 1200Pennsylvania Ave. NW,Washington, DC 20460, Attn:Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2011-0660.
Or comment on-line at:w w w. r e g u l a t i o n s . g o v /#!submitComment;D=EPA-HQ-OAR-2011-0660-0001
Comments from WestVirginians are important.Because of our state’s de-pendence on fossil fuels,many political leaders op-pose these new rules. Whilethey give lip service to theneed for “Clean Coal” tech-nologies, they refuse tosupport the rules that wouldallow utilities to actually in-stall this equipment. Yourcomments will help EPA re-spond to these politicalattacks by illustrating sup-port here in West Virginia.
Please send your com-ments as soon as possible.Even if late, they can still beconsidered.
MONONGAHELA GROUP
Thur, Aug 23 – 6:30 pm to darkAnnual Corn Roast and Potluck
Krepps Park Shelter, Morgantown WV
Come welcome back the students and get energizedfor a new year of activism. Enjoy good companyalong with fresh roasted corn on the cob. Bring foodto share. Plates/utensils will be provided.
SIERRAFEST 2012Sept 29-30 – Canaan Valley State Park
SAVE THE DATES! More details in next Sierran.
News /Take Action
Mountain State Sierran July/August 2012 3www.westvirginia.sierraclub.org
Largest timber job of modern era at Coopers Rock planned for largest roadless area in state’s most popular State Forest
WV DOF “Jumps Shark” at Coopers RockAdam Polinski, Coopers Rock Foundation
“Jumping the Shark” is a phrase originally used to de-scribe “the moment in the evolution of a television showwhen it begins a decline in quality that is beyond recovery”(Wikipedia). Beyond the framework of television, the phraseindicates the point in the evolution of something when itmoves so far beyond its original qualities that it is “beyondrelevance or recovery.” It seems that the WV Division of For-estry has done just that with its planning processes atCoopers Rock State Forest.
On January 19, 2006, the DOF issued its 10-year Re-source Management Plan for Coopers Rock State Forest.There were plenty of issues with that plan. Some consid-ered it biased toward some of the things listed in State Codewith regard to how WV State Forests are to be managed, atthe expense of other things listed in State Code. Regard-less, at least there was a plan that went through the processof public comment, a public hearing, a Response to Com-ments, etc.
That plan was to have guided silvicultural activities withinthe section of Coopers Rock the DOF has jurisdiction over— the side south of I-68, plus just a few smaller sectionsnorth of there. The current timbering of 177 acres, betweenMcCollum Campground and Raven Rock fits into that plan.So did the increase in size of two Wildlife Openings done in2008, which amounted to a few dozen acres of timbering.
Also in that plan was a project that was to occur in a “NoMan’s Land” between Rt 73 and I-68, and between the truckbrake check station and the overpass to Pisgah. The Plansays “... this area is well located to demonstrate forestrypractices to the public. A parking area and interpretive signscould be placed to allow self guided tours with easy accessfrom the interstate highway.” Such a project in this site wouldhave displaced absolutely no recreational activities, noranything of historical or ecological importance. There are47 acres, more or less, of state-owned land in that “No Man’sLand,” which is indeed well-situated for a demonstrationforestry project.
But, apparently through their own loophole in theirGuidelines for Managing WV’s Nine State Forests that reads
“Amendments deemed necessary to meet the mission andgoals of the State Forest Management Plan may be recom-mended by the Director of the Division of Forestry anytimeduring the 10-year interim subject to consultation from theadvisory committee,” the agency decided to make a fewchanges. And now a newly proposed project has virtually noresemblance whatsoever to the project described in the 10-year Management Plan. Further, it is hard to believe anyadvisory committee was ever consulted on this — we awaitproof.
On May 19, 2012, the DOF issued a new project planand conducted a public tour about it. They (A) moved theproject onto the south side of Coopers Rock, into the north-east section of the Scott Run watershed, the largestremaining roadless area within Coopers Rock State Forest(excluding the road network involved in the current timber-ing near McCollum Campground and Raven Rock). They(B) also increased it in size from 47 acres to 375 acres — 8times the size of the original project! They (C) also jetti-soned the idea of demonstration forestry, a conceptcompletely absent from the Objectives section of their newproposal.
Why did they move it? Ostensibly, it was because of apotential land swap involving those 47 acres and twoinholdings in the northeast section of Coopers Rock withinthe University Forest Section totaling 111.38 acres and 43acres, respectively. But this land swap is hardly imminent.The last time any meetings were held on the proposed swapwere in Summer 2011. Nor has the state even surveyedtheir land in the “No Man’s Land” anytime in recent history, anormal step when a land transaction is imminent. Becausea land swap just might possibly happen one day, the DOFmoved their project.
A land swap is conceivably a credible reason, but ex-plains nothing about either converting it into the largest timberproject for Coopers Rock of the modern era, 8 times thesize of the project for which it is a substitute, and twice thesize of the current project (itself the biggest timbering projectat Coopers Rock in a few decades), or jettisoning the dem-onstration forestry component of it, which actually defined
the original project.What good is a 10-year Management Plan — the closest
thing the DOF has to a contract with the landowner — whenthey don’t even follow their own Plan? Why did we, the land-owners of this public land, even bother to be involved with itback in 2005/6 if it means so little? This is the latest in astring of questionable management decisions that raise redflags about the credibility of the DOF’s entire planning pro-cess. With this gigantic departure from their own Plan, theDOF has indeed “jumped the shark” at Coopers Rock.
Oh yeah, you might want to know something about thesubstance of this new proposal. It’s the latest chapter in theJuggernaut of the DOF and the DNR Wildlife ResourcesSection hungrily desiring more and more Early SuccessionalForest — forest aged between 5 and 20 years old. It’s thelatest chapter in their desire to eradicate scores and scoresof red maple so that more oaks can grow larger and producemore acorns.
It’s all being done without objectively determined Ripar-ian Buffer Zones, with no admittance that this specific projectmight be the first of many in this roadless area of CoopersRock, and with the establishment of a new parking area offthe beaten path. Said parking area looks like a perfect loca-tion for another Cheat Lake Backwaters lawless partyingscene that we happily said goodbye to with the advent ofCheat Lake Park & Trail.
The juggernaut is chugging forward toward their happyday when 20 percent of the south side of Coopers Rock iscomposed of forest 5-20 years old (grouse like it), with alarge network of gated service roads accessing the majorityof the forest.
The fundamental underlying problem? The DOF catego-rizes 70 percent of the south side of Coopers Rock as“working, or commercial forest,” with only 30 percent off-lim-its for silvicultural practices.
The solution? That proportion needs to be reversed.
Book ReviewFrank E. Grant
Global Warming and Political Intimidation by Raymond BradleyAmherst & Boston: U. Massachusetts Press, 2011.
This concise book, written for the non-scientist, takes the readerthrough Bradley’s unpleasant journey defending research on globalwarming to a skeptical — and basically uninformed — congressionalcommittee. It clearly explains the science behind global warming as wellas the importance of the august International Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) and its relationship to the Kyoto Protocol. Throughout is a warn-ing of how dirty politics, led by money, can subvert science.
Bradley, a respected geosciences professor and climate researchdirector, explains why using the term “climate change,” a natural long-term process, is benign when compared to the alarm wrought by theabrupt “global warming” earth has experienced since the Industrial Revo-lution.
In about 360 pages, Bradley has written an essential guide to theissues and problems faced due to global warming in the United Statesand the world, issues that already have affected every person on earth.
The book ends on a note of mild optimism, mostly through mitiga-tion efforts being made by some European Union countries. A questionfor those who read this book will be whether the mitigations will beenough to keep the earth from becoming an inhospitable place for aburgeoning human population.
This book is not directly a call to arms; however, any reader inter-ested in the now unstoppable effects of global warming may be inspiredto take some action beyond merely reading about it.
I suppose everyone has heard, ad nauseam,about the phony “war on coal.” This is the feverishpublic relations campaign by Big Coal flailing about todistract citizens and coal miners from some harshrealities.
Coal is on a steady decline. The share of coal-fired power in national electric generation has shrunkto barely 30 percent. The cheap, easy-to-mine coal incentral Appalachia is nearly played out. Mechaniza-tion of coal mining keeps the number of miners low.Natural gas production has skyrocketed. New powerplants use gas, and some old plants are converting togas.
These are market and geological forces. But, ofcourse, coal industry groups and their handmaidensamong our decision makers do not want us to franklyand honestly come to grips with the coming — actu-ally ongoing — demise of the coal industry. They thrashabout, viciously blaming President Obama and/or theUS-EPA. As long as they can keep us distracted withtheir “war on coal” rhetoric, they can use fear to main-tain the status quo — until the last mine shuts down
and workers are left holding the bag. This is their war— the war on coal miner families and their future.
What would be the responsible avenue? Howshould government act in the face of this decline?What are policy objectives at the state and federallevel that would look toward a worthy future in south-ern West Virginia’s coalfields?
Ignoring the change that all parties know is im-pending does no good for the miners and theirfamilies, who today depend on coal for their economicsecurity. But the future is heading right at them. Tryingto get miners to believe that all would be just fine if itweren’t for the so-called war on coal is dishonest andunforgivable. It uses them as pawns for Big Coal.
The proper policy response is obvious — yet re-jected by our governor and our Congressionaldelegation. Planning and investing for diverse futureeconomic and occupational opportunities in thecoalfields can and must be done — now. Waiting untilthe last dragline shuts down and the last paycheck iscashed is unconscionable.
View from the Chair — Jim Sconyers
“Future of the Coalfields: It’s Not What It Used to Be”
Commentary
4 Mountain State Sierran July/August 2012www.westvirginia.sierraclub.org
Please contact the Editor for submis-sion guidelines or advertising rates.
Contributions to the newsletter maybe sent to the Editor at
Opinions expressed in the MountainState Sierran are those of the contribu-tors and do not necessarily reflect theopinions of the Sierra Club. This news-letter is published bimonthly by the WVChapter of the Sierra Club and distrib-uted to all paid members.
Outings
Perspectives on Outings
The Fifty States — Dan Soeder Outings Chair
and water, and sturdy footwear are necessary.Camping is available nearby at Spruce Knob Lake.Step off at 10 AM. Please pre-register with theleader.
rated moderate — Hike from the AppalachianTrail parking lot on route 40 along the AT up to themonument at Washington Monument State Park.This is a 6 mile hike out and back with just oneshort, steep section. This is a good summer hikebecause the trail is well shaded. There is a greatview at the monument and the wild raspberriesmay be ripe as an added bonus. Meet at 9:30 AM;pre-register with leader.
rated easy — Family and pet friendly activity.This will be a 4-mile hike in Dolly Sods at a veryleisurely pace to allow for wild blueberry and huck-leberry picking. The meeting place will be just offFreeland Rd. in Canaan Valley and we will cara-van up to the parking area nearest the wildernessarea. The hike begins at the trailhead in the CanaanInstitute at 9 AM. There is no shade in Dolly Sodsor protection from rain, so be prepared for both.Bring sun protection, water, rain gear, snacks anda container for your berries. Group size is limited- please pre-register with the leader.
rated moderate — Join us for an out-and-backhike along the “Raven Rock Trail” at Coopers Rock.This is a short hike of about 3.5 miles with somemoderately steep sections. Beautiful view of theCheat River Canyon will await us at the end of theRaven Rock Trail. Bring your camera, as there aresome great photographic opportunities. Contactleader for information on parking. Meet at 9:00 AM.
Sat, Aug 18Kumbrabow State Forest Day Hike(with optional overnight)
rated moderate — West Virginia’s highest stateforest is memorable for rustic log cabins built bythe CCC and Mill Creek with its native brook trout,waterfalls, and swimming holes. Saturday’s mod-erate intensity hike will link Kumbrabow trails andfire trails for a distance of 6-8 miles. Crossing MillCreek will require water shoes. Recent loggingmay be evident. Rustic camp sites along Mill Creekare available for those who want to stay overFriday or Saturday nights. There are opportunities
Sat, Jul 14Coopers Rock Hike
rated easy to moderate — We’ll do an out-and-back hike of about 6 miles along the “GoodspeedHighway Trail”, on the Chestnut Ridge Park side ofthe forest. Contact leader for information on park-ing. Meet at 9:00 AM.
Sun, Jul 15Service / Trail Work at Valley Falls SP
not rated — Volunteers seeking community ser-vice are encouraged to participate. Much of thework will be clearing fallen tree limbs and addingblazes to existing trails. This park has some of themost beautiful and worst-marked trails in the state.The superintendent has all the supplies needed toblaze trails, but has not had the staff time avail-able to get it done. This is a place where a day ortwo of effort by Sierra Club members can make ahuge, positive difference to a cash-strapped stateagency by improving the safety of trails for allhikers. Volunteers should wear sturdy boots, andcarry work gloves, water, snacks. Adults andadolescents are invited and those under 18 yearsof age must be accompanied by a parent or a legalguardian. Volunteers will be required to sign astandard Sierra Club Liability Waiver and a DNRVolunteer Work Program Agreement. Please pre-register with the leader.
rated moderate — Escape the summer heat witha scenic 9 mile loop hike atop the tallest mountainin West Virginia. The hike will start at the SenecaCreek Trailhead, walk up the road to the Lumber-jack Trail near the crest of Spruce Knob, followthe Lumberjack to the Huckleberry Trail, and loopdown to the Seneca Creek Trail and return. Lum-berjack and Seneca Creek trails are fairly leveland easy trails; the Huckleberry section has amoderately steep downhill grade with rocky ar-eas. Hike is okay for beginners. Rain gear, lunch
Sat, Jun 30Evening Bike Ride, Morgantown WV
rated moderate — Join us for a bike ride alongthe Morgantown Waterfront. Length of bike ridewill depend on the desires of the group, but ex-pect a ride of about 10-15 miles. Bring along somewater, don’t forget your helmet, and make sureyour tires are properly inflated. Meet at 6 PM atRuby McQuain Park.
not rated — This will be the summer trail clean-up on our “adopted” Intermediate Cross CountrySki Trail at Cooper’s Rock State Forest. Volunteersseeking community service are encouraged toparticipate. Much of the work will be cutting backvegetation, cleaning out and restoring drainageditches/culverts and general trail clearing. Thework is meant to be rewarding and at a pace toenjoy each other’s company however, some mod-erate intensity work will be necessary, usingshovels, rakes, pruners, and moving reasonablysized rocks. Volunteers should wear sturdy boots,and carry work gloves, water, snacks. Contactleader for more details.
rated moderate to strenuous — Bicycle thisdelightful and challenging rail-trail up the high Al-legheny Front from Frostburg, MD to Meyersdale,PA and returning downhill for a round trip of about30 miles. The packed-gravel trail is built along anold railroad grade, complete with spectacularviews, viaducts and tunnels, including a cool 3300-footer under Big Savage Mountain. Mountain biketires are helpful but not needed. Sierra Club re-quires that helmets be worn on all bicycle outings.Meet in Frostburg at noon in the trail parking areaon New Hope Road. Heavy or steady rain can-cels. Contact leader for details and directions.
Some folks have made it their life’s mis-sion to visit every state in the U.S. Often, theyhave specific goals, like to go stand on thehighest or lowest point, cross each state inits widest or narrowest dimension, or per-form some other task.
I knew a couple of guys in Ohio a fewyears ago who were determined to play around of golf in every state. They draggedtheir clubs along and played the links, evenfinding a golf course that straddled the bor-der between North and South Dakota,allowing them to play in two states at onestop. They recorded their adventures withweb cams, and by the time they finished,they had a fair sized fan club cheering themon.
I never set out to visit all fifty states, butwhen I started collecting the state quarters adozen years ago, I noticed how many statesI had already visited over the course of mytravels. I had done a swath through themiddle of the country when I was in collegeand traveling out west for the summer. Worktrips took me to Texas, Alabama, Coloradoand several other states. I had stopped off inHawaii for a day on a trip to Japan in the1980s for a scientific conference. When Ilived in Nevada, I got to most of the westernstates because I was out there. I decided tostart planning my travels to get to them all.The only self-imposed rule was that I actu-ally had to have placed my feet on the ground— flying over or driving through without stop-ping didn’t count.
I plotted long detours in the PacificNorthwest to get into Idaho and Montana. Istrategically drove around New England,entering state after state, and checking themoff in my atlas, nearly missing making a stopin Rhode Island because it is so small. Istopped to get gas in Warwick, even thoughI could have easily made it to Massachu-setts on what I had left.
I came back to West Virginia from Min-nesota one summer via North Dakota, a
detour of hundreds of miles that accom-plished nothing beyond a ten- minute stopin a rest area near Fargo, and another checkmark in the atlas. North Dakota was number49. The only one left is Alaska, and I’m goingthere this summer.
Anybody who does outdoor activities hasthought about Alaska. It is the ultimate hik-ing, kayaking, mountaineering andbackpacking destination. The place is so big,so wild, and so sparsely populated that it isthe closest thing we have in the United Statesto pristine wilderness. My late brother wentup there four times — by road, a four thou-sand-mile drive one way from his home inCleveland.
I am meeting my daughter in Alaska,and I’m letting her plan all of our activities(this trip was her idea). I am sure we will bespending a lot of time outdoors. My middlechild, Elizabeth, is the only one of my threechildren who seriously inherited my outdoors
genes. She loves to travel, and she is anaccomplished hiker. Beth does massagetherapy at upscale spas in resort areas, andcurrently lives on the island of Maui, in Ha-waii. She moved there recently from Honoluluafter spending several years at a resort spain the U.S. Virgin Islands.
I do enjoy visiting this kid. When I sawher in Hawaii a few years ago, we went overto the Big Island for a few days and trampedaround on the lava flows. Most of my time asa geologist is spent looking at 400 millionyear old rocks like Marcellus Shale, so get-ting up close with ropy, glassy, fresh lavaflows was an amazing experience.
In Alaska, Beth and I plan to visit Denaliand drive up to Fairbanks, where there aresome hot springs she wants to check out.I’ll let you know how visiting Number 50 wentin the next edition of the newsletter.
See you outside!
OUTINGS LISTINGS
Mountain State Sierran July/August 2012 5www.westvirginia.sierraclub.org
Abbreviations UsedAMC Appalachian Mountain ClubAT Appalachian TrailGWNF George Washington National ForestJNF Jefferson National ForestMG Monongahela GroupMNF Monongahela National ForestNPS National Park ServiceNRA National Recreation AreaNWR National Wildlife RefugePFD Personal Flotation Device (lifejacket)SF State ForestSP State ParkSNP Shenandoah National Park
More Outings — Summer / Autumn
Sierra Club outings are open to everyone,members and non-members alike. Each outingis intended to be a wholesome, safe, and enjoy-able experience in the outdoors. Participantsmust have suitable clothing, gear, and stamina,and are encouraged to select activities thatmatch their individual abilities for outdoor ad-ventures.
The Club offers a variety of outings from“easy” to “moderate” to “strenuous” that suit allactivity levels. The difficulty of each outing isclearly designated in the announcement. Res-ervations are generally not required unlessnoted, but the outing leader may be contacted inadvance for questions about the terrain, the dif-ficulty and recommended gear.
Activities are normally held “rain or shine,”but may be postponed at the leader’s discretionfor safety reasons in the event of inclementweather. Participants are reminded that all out-door activities carry a degree of risk, and sometake place in locations where professional emer-gency medical aid may be two or more hoursaway. People with health concerns should con-sult a physician to determine the advisability ofparticipating in these or similar activities. Theleader is responsible for the safety of all partici-pants, and has the final authority to decidewhether or not an individual may participate ona specific outing. Sierra Club safety policy re-quires that helmets be worn on bicycling outings,and a personal flotation device (PFD) be wornwhen using personal watercraft such as kay-aks or canoes.
Unless noted in the announcement, Cluboutings are intended for adults. Children and
dogs are not normally permitted, unless an out-ing is so designated. Minors (under 18 years ofage) must be accompanied by a parent or alegal guardian, or they must have both 1) asigned permission slip, and 2) the leader’s priorconsent to participate in the Club outing. SierraClub outings officially begin and end at thetrailhead.
Travel to the official starting point and back,even from an advertised meeting place, is thesole responsibility of each participant. While theClub encourages car-pooling, sucharrangements are strictly between the ridersand the drivers, and are not a part of the outing.Participants assume full responsibility and liabil-ity for all risks associated with such travel.
All participants on Sierra Club outings arerequired to sign a standard liability waiver, whichcan be viewed on the web atwww.sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms or by calling 415-977-5630.
The Sierra Club does not charge for chap-ter outings, although payment of park entrancefees, a share of campsite rental costs, permitfees, equipment rental charges, etc. may be re-quired from the participants. The Sierra Clubpractices “leave-no-trace” trail techniques, in-cluding hiking and camping on durable surfaces,minimizing campfire impacts, packing out all trash,respecting wildlife, being considerate of othervisitors, and leaving the environment as it wasfound.
The Sierra Club’s California Seller of Travelidentification number is CST 2087766-40. Reg-istration as a seller of travel does not constituteapproval by the State of California.
Sierra Club Liability Policies For Chapter Outings
Maryland Chapter OutingsOur neighboring chapter to the east has an ac-
tive outings program, with many trips coming intoWest Virginia or western Maryland. These out-ings, by highly experienced leaders, range fromeasy to strenuous, and are open to everyone.Join an outing by checking out their calendar at
maryland.sierraclub.org
Allegheny Group OutingsSierra Club members in the Pittsburgh area be-
long to the Allegheny Group. They have amoderately active outings program as well as linksto other local outdoor activities. Visit their websitefor an outings calendar and more details at
alleghenysc.org
Potomac Region Outings (PRO)This is an activity section of the Sierra Club Vir-
ginia Chapter, with an extensive outings programrun by leaders who live in and around the Wash-ington, D.C., area. A calendar of activities,information and updates can be found on theirwebsite at
www.sierrapotomac.org
West Virginia Chapter OutingsFor updated listings of outings sponsored by
the West Virginia Chapter, check our Chapterwebsite at
westvirginia.sierraclub.org
for fly fishing, swimming and relaxing. Contactleader for details and meeting place.
Nearest town: Huttonsville, WV (Kumbrabowis 24 miles south of Elkins)
Web info: www.kumbrabow.com;www.wvparks.com/kumbrabow; 304-335-2219
Sun, Aug 19Allegheny Highlands Trail
rated moderate — Join us for a bike ride on theAllegheny Highlands Trail through Parsons andonward toward Elkins for a circuit of about 20miles. This rail-trail is paved through town withstretches of well-packed dirt beyond. Mountainbike tires are helpful but not required. Meet at theHendricks, WV parking area at noon – show andgo. Contact leader for directions or questions.Bring water and snack. Potential to refill waterjugs at natural spring outside of Parsons. SierraClub requires that helmets be worn on all bicycleoutings. Heavy or steady rain cancels.
rated easy to moderate — Family and pet friendlyactivity. Hike along the edge of West Virginia’smost spectacular canyon. Meet at the NationalPark Service Canyon Rim visitor center on Route19 near Fayetteville, on the north end of the fa-mous bridge pictured on the back of the WV statequarter. Children must be accompanied by a re-sponsible adult. Pets must be well-behaved andon a leash (children must also be well behaved,but a leash is optional). Step off at noon for a 3.5mile circuit hike. Heavy or steady rain cancels.Please pre-register with the leader.
rated moderate — Dolly Sods North was addedto the Dolly Sods Wilderness in 2009. Come andsee why! We’ll explore the forest, savanna,streams, and the natural and human history. DollySods North is a high alpine landscape with spec-tacular scenery, encompassing the headwatersof Red Creek. Our trail distance is approximately 8miles over moderate grades at a leisurely pace.There will be numerous stops to “smell the roses.”Our route focuses on the more northerly trails inthe upper parts of the headlands. Day hiking gearis needed, along with plenty of water, sunscreen,and weather protection. Contact leader to pre-register; size of hiking parties entering wildernessareas are limited.
rated strenuous — This challenging hike will loopthrough about 13 miles of forest. Starting at theOverlook Area, we’ll hike down to Cheat Lake,and then back up by looping out to the front gate,and returning to the Overlook Area. The trail isvery steep in places, rocky and uneven. This hikeis for EXPERIENCED hikers only, will take 5-6 hoursto complete, and is not recommended for begin-ners. Participants should carry plenty of waterand snacks, wear proper footwear, and trekkingpoles are highly recommended. Contact leader forinformation on parking. Meet at 9:00 AM.
Sat-Sun, Sep 29-30Sierra Fest at Canaan Valley Park
not rated — Join us for the annual Sierra ClubWest Virginia Chapter gathering at Sierra Fest.
This year, it will be held in the Allegheny Mountainsat Canaan Valley. Some outdoor-related activitieswill be part of Sierra Fest, including a Sierra ClubOutings Leader 101 training class to fulfill partialrequirements to become a Sierra Club outingsleader. Outings suggested or being planned forthis event include the 7-8 mile hike from Blackwa-ter Falls to Canaan Valley, which is reportedlyeasy and takes 3-4 hours, and other trails aroundCanaan, Blackwater and Dolly Sods for hiking andbike riding. Save the date, and stay tuned for moredetails.
rated moderate — Acquired in 1996 by the Stateof WV, the SNWMA is across the Cheat RiverGorge from Coopers Rock State Forest. This 6-8mile loop trail hike with moderate elevation changeswill connect with several scenic views includingTable Rock and Cheat View and also several lesserknown views along Snake Hill’s canyon rim. We’llbe following established and semi-establishedtrails, some gas well roads and some “paths” thatwill lead us across streams, along rockoutcroppings and through hardwood forests.Overall, this is a moderately challenging, explor-atory hike with rewarding, little known views ofthe Cheat River Gorge. Please pre-register withthe leader.
rated moderate — Join us for a relatively level,scenic bike ride along the Morgantown Water-front. Most of the trail is paved; unpaved portionsare fine, packed gravel suitable for street tires.Length of bike ride will depend on the desires ofthe group, but expect a ride of about 15-20 miles.Sierra Club requires that helmets be worn on allbicycle outings. Bring along some water, and makesure your tires are properly inflated. Show and go- meet at 10 AM at Ruby-McQuain Park inMorgantown. Contact the leader for questions ordirections.
not rated — The WV Sierra Club will be leadingtrail maintenance on Coopers Rock IntermediateCross Country Ski Trail. Rated easy hiking andeasy to moderate work intensity, the fall clean-upemphasizes clearing the fallen leaves, drainagerestoration and trail clearing. Trail length is .6 milesand total hiking length is a 1.25 mile loop. Volun-teers should wear sturdy boots, and carry workgloves, water, snacks. Adults and adolescentsare invited to help and those under 18 years ofage must be accompanied by a parent or a legalguardian. Volunteers will be required to sign astandard Sierra Club Liability Waiver and a DNRVolunteer Work Program Agreement. Please pre-register with the leader.
rated moderate — Join us for a moderate hike atValley Falls State Park. We will do an out-and-back hike on the Rhododendron Tail to see the“Hidden” waterfall at the end of the trail. This is ashort hike of about 4 miles, with some steep sec-tions. Bring your camera, as there are some greatphotographic opportunities. Sturdy foot-wear,water and snacks are necessary; trekking polescan be helpful. Show and go: meet at 9AM at themain parking lot, near the water falls. Contact theleader for directions or questions.
