Timber operators who are logging the scenic Blackwater Canyon in Tucker County have raised $35,000 to help re-elect Gov. Cecil Underwood.

In August, James Cole, an executive of Allegheny Wood Products, held a fund-raiser for Underwood at Cole’s Petersburg home. Cole’s wife, Phyllis, is a top aide to the governor.

Employees of Allegheny Wood contributed $9,000, according to campaign finance disclosures filed with Secretary of State Ken Hechler.

Gerald Huffman, owner of Huffman Logging, also contributed $1,000. Huffman Logging was hired by Allegheny Wood to log the canyon.

Since Underwood took office in early 1997, environmental groups have complained about Allegheny Wood’s logging of the popular tourist spot near Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley.

Allegheny Wood President John Crites bought 3,000 acres of the canyon, and has logged the area extensively. Environmental groups want the canyon left alone, and brought into public ownership.

Underwood has convinced Crites to sell the state a small portion of the property, about 6 percent of the canyon. The price was more than four times what Crites paid for it. Underwood said that he supports Crites’ right to use his property as he sees fit, and said he would not pressure the timber operator to sell more.

The canyon dispute is the only major environmental issue on which Underwood and his Democratic challenger in the gubernatorial race, Rep. Bob Wise, disagree. [Wise defeated Underwood in the November 7 gubernatorial election. Ed.]

In Congress, Wise has supported a federal study of making Blackwater Canyon a national park. He said that he believes the area should be public property, and promised to turn up the heat on Crites to sell.

"Bob Wise supports efforts to preserve and protect Blackwater Canyon for this generation and future generations. It is indeed a state and national treasure," said Mike Plante, campaign spokesman for Wise.

So far in the general election, Underwood reported that he has raised $840,000. About 57 percent of that money came from 18 fund-raising events held across West Virginia.

The Cole fund-raiser in Petersburg raised $34,850. It was the fourth-largest fund-raiser to date for the Underwood campaign, finance records show.

The Coles each donated $1,000, the maximum allowed under campaign finance laws. Campaign finance reports also listed $1,000 from Janice E. Cole of Petersburg and Jennifer Cole of Charleston.

John Crites and his wife, Patricia, each donated $1,000 as well. Michele Crites of Petersburg also donated $1,000.

Other Allegheny Wood employees who donated $1,000 included Brenda K. Borror, an administrative assistant; Harold Lewis, an operation manager; Jerry Mallow, a sales representative; Kelly Riddle, a load manager; and Ronald B. Stemple, a manager.