We need your help to protect our State Parks and Rail Trails. Recently, the West Virginia Senate passed SB 688—a dangerous bill that potentially opens all West Virginia public lands to wide-spread timbering and economic development for special interest projects.

As written, SB 688 references the purpose as wildfire management. However, the Division of Forestry already has the tools to manage wildfires. The Division’s website even says that most fires are caused by careless burning—not natural causes.

If passed, the protections against timbering in our State Parks, Kanawha State Forest and Rail Trails could end. The purpose of Wildlife Management Areas could change from wildlife habitat and hunting to timbering.

SB 688 could also permit secret, noncompetitive bid contracts from out-of-state interests that threaten the beauty and value of our public lands. West Virginians know best how to protect our public lands’ not out-of-state companies seeking a profit.

How you can help

Despite SB 688’s passage in the Senate, the House of Delegates can still preserve our public lands. Please contact the House Committee on Government Organization and ask them to reject SB 688. Our friends at the West Virginia Rivers Coalition have created an easy tool that allows you to send messages to representatives quickly.

Let them know you love our West Virginia State Parks and all of our Wild and Wonderful public lands – the way they are.

Thank you for your advocacy on this important issue.