CHARLESTON, W.Va—The West Virginia Highlands Conservancy is proud to announce that West Virginia Tourism has awarded its Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards program the Spirit of West Virginia Award. This award is presented to organizations that have made outstanding contributions to promoting and enhancing West Virginia tourism while preserving the state’s cultural, historical, or natural heritage.
Established in 2021, the Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards program was created in partnership with the Monongahela National Forest in response to a surge in visitation and the resulting impact on the wild natural areas found in Dolly Sods Wilderness. Since then, over 100 dedicated volunteers have worked to ensure that visitors can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Dolly Sods while maintaining its wilderness character. The program includes visitor education, Leave No Trace principles, trail maintenance, and solitude monitoring to safeguard this unique ecosystem for future generations.
“This award is testimony to the enormous contribution made to Dolly Sods by our volunteer Stewards over the past three years,” said Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards Coordinator Dave Johnston. “And it reflects recognition that the long-term success of a state economy increasingly based on tourism must support the sustainability of the natural resources that attract visitors. We look forward to continuing our efforts to maintain and enhance West Virginia wilderness.”
A key component of the program is the Trailhead Stewards initiative, where volunteers are stationed at popular trailheads during peak seasons to greet and assist visitors. Trailhead Stewards provide valuable information about wilderness ethics, trail conditions, and safety tips, ensuring that every visitor to Dolly Sods has the knowledge they need to explore the wilderness responsibly. The Stewards have also been involved in essential conservation tasks, including trail maintenance, campsite inventories, and solitude monitoring to track visitor interactions and maintain the wilderness experience. A new initiative, funded with the support of the Appalachian Stewardship Foundation, will send Backcountry Stewards in to work with visitors on the trails and camping areas within the wilderness.
The Spirit of West Virginia Award recognizes organizations that not only promote tourism but also enhance community pride and the local environment through imaginative and innovative development. The Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards program embodies these ideals, demonstrating a powerful model of conservation through collaboration between volunteers, government agencies, and local communities.
As the Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards Program continues to grow, the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy is actively seeking new volunteers who are passionate about wilderness preservation and outdoor recreation. Whether you are interested in educating visitors, maintaining trails, or helping monitor the wilderness, your contribution can make a lasting difference. For more information on how to get involved, please visit our website wvhighlands.org
-WVHC-
09/16/2024
Contact:
Olivia Miller, WVHC Program Director
304-704-2997
olivia.miller@wvhighlands.org
Dave Johnston, DSWS Coordinator
571-251-2249
dollysodsstewards@gmail.com
