THOMAS, W.Va.—The West Virginia conservation group Friends of Blackwater announced yesterday the successful culmination of a 25-year campaign to ensure the full protection of Blackwater Canyon in Tucker County as a publicly owned natural and recreational resource.

The 10,000-acre canyon, which includes Blackwater Falls State Park, is home to dozens of rare plant and animal species and serves as an outdoor recreational centerpiece for the West Virginia Highlands economy.

An agreement forged by outgoing U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., between the U.S. Forest Service and the John Crites family on Dec. 30, 2024, will transfer more than 2,700 acres of privately owned forestland and river corridor in the canyon to the Monongahela National Forest. This marks a historic achievement for conservation and for the people of West Virginia, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the canyon’s breathtaking beauty and ecological richness.

The late U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd once described Blackwater Canyon as West Virginia’s scenic “Crown Jewel” and called for its full protection. Gov. Cecil Underwood acquired 450 acres in the canyon for public ownership — including the iconic Lindy Point overlook, featured on countless tourism brochures. Gov. Bob Wise subsequently added 500 acres to Blackwater Falls State Park, and citizens later selected the canyon as the state’s most “special place.” After years of effort, Gov./Sen. Joe Manchin then took up the cause and brokered the recent Forest Service acquisition with the backing of Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.

Friends of Blackwater Director Judy Rodd expressed deep gratitude to the many individuals and organizations that helped make this achievement possible.

“We all owe an immense debt of gratitude, especially to Sen. Manchin for his leadership in championing this cause and to Sen. Capito for her support,” Rodd said. “This is a victory for the people of West Virginia — and for our many friends around the nation who have supported this campaign and who treasure the Mountain State’s natural beauty.”

Rodd added that Friends of Blackwater remains committed to supporting ongoing conservation efforts and ensuring Blackwater Canyon thrives as a haven for recreation, biodiversity, heritage tourism and inspiration.

MEDIA
Photo by Frank Gebhard, Allegheny Aperture Photo