Contact: Judy Rodd at

304-345-7663 or 304-345-7710

CHARLESTON, WV--The West Virginia Highlands Conservancy (WVHC) has expressed shock and indignation upon learning that Allegheny Wood Products (AWP) is planning further logging in Blackwater Canyon this winter.

"Twenty thousand West Virginians have told us they want the Blackwater Canyon protected. We intend to fight this," said Judy Rodd, senior vice president of WVHC. "Allegheny Wood has been telling the public that they were finished logging in the Canyon and wouldn't be back for 15 years. Now secret letters show plans for logging in the viewshed of Blackwater Falls State Park, and along the scenic rail-trail. This is outrageous and must be stopped!"

Letters sent in August and October between AWP and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), obtained under a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request filed by Heartwood, indicate that AWP plans to log 350 acres in the canyon adjacent to the National Forest rail-trail.

Besides undermining the tourist economy of Tucker County, the logging will undermine the historic rail-trail that was found eligible for the National Register. Jason Halbert, of the forest protection group Heartwood said, "The Forest Service has a special duty to protect the cultural resources of the canyon. Any use of the rail trail by AWP will require a special use permit and full public review."

"The winter ski industry will be impacted if tourists have to dodge log trucks in the park," Rodd said. The Blackwater Canyon is well known for its recreational opportunities and scenic views. Dozens of state and national conservation groups are calling for protection of the area and the formation of a Blackwater Canyon National Park.

In August a federal judge ruled that experts from WVHC and Heartwood could survey for endangered species on Blackwater Canyon property owned by AWP, a Grant County timber firm.

Heartwood and WVHC had begun survey work when they learned that AWP does not plan to wait for the survey results before resuming logging.

"The timber company cannot proceed without all relevant scientific information, a plan in place and an Incidental Take Permit. We are in court over the failure of this company to protect endangered species, and now they want to do more damage," said Frank Young, president of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy. "We expect the Fish and Wildlife Service will hold Allegheny Wood to a higher standard this time."

On Friday, the FOIA documents prompted Jason Huber, the attorney for WVHC and Heartwood to submit a letter to FWS threatening a citizen’s suit against the agency, if it failed to correct alleged violations of the Endangered Species Act.