The Kanawha State Forest Coalition is one of the newest groups to be formed, in the never ending effort to preserve West Virginia’s places of great natural beauty. Late last fall, a group of us met informally to discuss the attempts by Legislature’s Forest Management Review Commission to "salvage" timber Kanawha State Forest (KSF), which has been exempt from logging by state law since the 1970s. A recent fire, plus some wind storm damage, had prompted the West Virginia Division of Forestry (WVDOF) to recommend commercially logging those areas deemed "salvagable." A bill to allow such sales failed to pass during the 1999 session, but this year presented them another chance to rescind the no-cutting statute.

Fortunately, there are lots of people who care deeply about KSF, and are willing to stand up for its preservation and protection. A broad based coalition of hikers, bikers, hunters, bird-watchers, and plain old nature lovers pulled together, and had a public meeting to express their views. Over 160 concerned citizens turned out for the December 8th meeting, where WVDOF and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) representatives got to hear how important the natural untouched beauty of Kanawha State Forest is to the public. Person after person told stories and experiences relating their love for the Forest, and concerns for its future protection.

Kanawha State Forest is a unique treasure to the people of the Kanawha valley and nearby areas, in that we have a climax forest full of big old trees that have been left untouched since the turn of the century, all within a 15 minute drive of the state capitol. Over 269,000 visits were made to KSF last year, which contributed over $1 million to the local economy, according to DNR records.

Later in December, Governor Underwood finally declared that there would be no trees cut in KSF. The Forest Management Review Commission, on January 10, 2000, voted to drop the whole "salvage" logging issue completely. In the words on one senator, "We should let sleeping dogs lie," referring, I guess, to the public outcry that resulted from their ill advised bill.

So, the Forest is saved! That is, until such future time that reversing the no-logging provision looks politically possible. The Coalition has presented a bill to the current Legislature to redesignate Kanawha State Forest as a State Recreation Area, which would give more permanent protection from future logging, plus allow the DNR to be the sole management agency of the entire Forest, not just the campsites and picnic areas. We would envision enhanced recreational opportunities, along with a comprehensive plan for preserving the unique natural ecosystems of the Forest. A nature center, an outdoor learning center for children, and improved biking and hiking trails are just a few of the possibilities for the Recreation area.

We will certainly need all the help we can get to make this a reality. If you would like to help us, or want more information, please call West Virginia Citizens’ Action Group at 346-5891, or you can reach me during the day at 965-7675.