If Uncle Cece were truly concerned about the West Virginia economy he would do all he could to protect the Blackwater Canyon. And then, consider who might be paying off Sarah Minear that she takes such a stand opposed to the people of her county?

Jim Sconyers supplied the following figures re. Tucker county so figure it out for yourselves. Sconyers speaking now.

Sometimes people wonder just how important recreation on public land is to the Tucker County community. Here are some statistics I came across recently about visitation and spending just for Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley State Parks.

Total Estimated Attendance, Fiscal Year 1998 - 1999 (Source: WVDNR Parks and Recreation Section)

Blackwater Falls State Park 457,000

Visitor Spending, Fiscal Year 1996 - 1997 (Source: West Virginia State Park Economic Impact Study)

Blackwater Falls State Park $8,624,000

In rough terms the two parks accounted for a million visitors and $20 million in spending.