(From press release of April 7 by Judy Rodd)

Senator Jay Rockefeller, D.- WV, has expressed his support for a National Park Service study of the Blackwater Canyon in Tucker County, according to leaders of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy. Rockefeller met with Conservancy leaders on Thursday, March 31, when a delegation from West Virginia visited Washington to drum up support for public protection of the scenic Canyon.

"We are extremely grateful that Senator Rockefeller has expressed support for the National Park study process," said Judy Rodd, Senior Vice President of the Conservancy.

"Senator Rockefeller has consistently worked for protection of Blackwater Canyon." said Rodd. "He spoke out early about the desirability of protecting the entire Canyon -- and we wish that his advice had been heeded at the outset."

The proposed National Park Service study, which still must be approved and funded by Congress, was recently announced by Senator Robert C. Byrd, D.-WV. In his announcement, Byrd said that the Blackwater Canyon is a "one of West Virginia’s most cherished natural treasures."

"Blackwater Canyon is the ‘Crown Jewel’ of West Virginia’s scenic resources,’ said Rodd. "The Rockefeller family has been in the forefront of land protection all over the nation, and we hope that the Senator will be able to play a role in protecting this precious landscape in his own backyard."

Protection and public acquisition of the entire Canyon has been endorsed by Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Bob Wise, D-WV. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jim Lees and Mountain Party hopeful, Denise Giardinia, also support public acquisition of the Canyon.

Republican Governor Cecil Underwood has so far only supported public acquisition of 200 acres of the 3,000 acre tract in the Canyon, that was recently purchased by timber magnate John Crites. Crites is a major political supporter of Underwood. Underwood is being sued by the Highlands Conservancy over a proposal to give Crites an access road through Blackwater Falls State Park.