Cheat Lake Environment and Recreation Association
Promoting recreational and environmental improvements for Monongalia County's largest open-water resource.
Where to catch a glimpse of the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree
WDTV News StaffPublished: Nov. 3, 2023 at 3:34 PM EDT
ELKINS, W.Va (WDTV) - A part of West Virginia will be on display in our nation’s capital this holiday season.
The Monongahela National Forest has been selected to provide the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.
Before its festive arrival in Washington, D.C., the tree is set to go on a tour across the Mountain State.
Between Nov. 4-17, local communities will welcome the 63-foot Norway spruce at parks, plazas, schools, memorials, main streets, and more.
Well-wishers can see the wrapped-up tree on its extra-long trailer, sign the banners attached to each side, learn about Monongahela National Forest, purchase U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree merchandise, and enjoy the holiday spirit in their communities.
“We are grateful to the communities of West Virginia for hosting these special events,” said Shawn Cochran, forest supervisor for Monongahela National Forest, “and the many sponsors that make this tour possible. Our staff looks forward to sharing the holiday excitement and fun with people of all ages on the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree tour.”
The tour will kick off Saturday, November 4, with a special celebration in Elkins, home to the headquarters of Monongahela National Forest.
The tour will then continue throughout West Virginia until it is delivered to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 17.
Below is the schedule of tour events (Events in bold are in NCWV):
Saturday, Nov. 4
6–8 p.m. Elkins Depot Welcome Center (315 Railroad Ave, Elkins, WV 26241)
Sunday, Nov. 5
2– 4 p.m. Summersville Arena and Conference Center (3 Armory Way, Summersville, WV 26651)
Monday, Nov. 6
4–6 p.m. Mitchell Chevrolet (400 8th St, Marlinton, WV 24954)
Tuesday, Nov. 7
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Tamarack Marketplace (One Tamarack Place, Beckley, WV 25801)
5–7 p.m. WV State Capitol Complex (1716 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25305)
Wednesday, Nov. 8
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Former ACF Industries Parking Lot (3rd Avenue between 22nd and 24th streets, Huntington, WV 25703)
Thursday, Nov. 9
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. White Palace at Wheeling Park (1801 National Road, Wheeling, WV 26003)
Friday, Nov. 10
3–5 p.m. 84 Lumber (3208 Earl L. Core Road, Morgantown, WV 26508)
Saturday, Nov. 11
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Operation Welcome Home at Mylan Park (452 Mylan Park Lane, Morgantown, WV 26501)
2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. West Virginia University at Downtown Morgantown (243 High St, Morgantown, WV 26505)
Sunday, Nov. 12
2–4 p.m. Swilled Dog/Raymond’s Gymnastic Center (28 Industrial Park Road, Upper Tract, WV 26866)
Monday, Nov. 13
4–6 p.m. DavisYard (533 William Avenue, Davis, WV 26260)
Tuesday, Nov. 14
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. WV Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (301 E Main St, Romney, WV 26757)
Wednesday, Nov. 15
12–2 p.m. Harpers Ferry Job Corps Center (146 Buffalo Dr,
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425)
Thursday, Nov. 16
4:30–6:30 p.m. Joint Base Andrews (Base only)
Friday, Nov. 17
Delivery to West Lawn, U.S. Capitol Building
Festivities are free and open to the public for all to enjoy.
Beginning November 4, the tree’s journey can also be tracked online.
2023 is the third time in history that the Monongahela National Forest is providing the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. It also provided the tree in 1970 and 1976.
Copyright 2023 WDTV. All rights reserved.

🌍 Take Action: Don’t let our streams slip through the cracks! Tell EPA: Our polluted streams should not be ignored! Hold WVDEP accountable and insist on the implementation of the best science and methodologies to protect our water resources across West Virginia.

Hear from climate leaders about recent federal action. July 13, 2023 at 12:30 p.m. ET Learn how SELC is seizing a historic opportunity to translate recent federal law and funding into real climate progress for the South and beyond. Join us for a webinar on Thursday, July 13 at 12:30 p.m. ET to hear from our President and Executive Director DJ Gerken and...

Float the Shavers Fork with the WVLT …….
Join us for a river float on the beautiful Shavers Fork! Meet at WVLT’s Shavers Fork Preserve at 10:00 A.M. to conserve parking spaces and get a shuttle to the river put-in. Then join the paddling after-party at the WVLT Preserve’s river take-out to enjoy music, refreshments, and plenty of friends to share your big fish stories with around the campfire.
Date: Saturday, May 20 …… Time: 10:00 A.M.
Location: WVLT's Shavers Fork Wilfong Preserve (near Elkins, WV)
Fee: $30 (single kayak rental) / $60 (tandem kayak rental) / $10 (to ride the shuttle, if you have your own boat)
All guests must register by May 17. (Limited spots available!)
Driving directions to the preserve will be emailed to registered guests.
Click Here to Register:
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/-eDXYZUkpW08eOTICHVmHQ

Fire department removes SUV under water in Cheat Lake
Article by Sam Kirk, WBOY News 12, May 15, 2023
CHEAT LAKE, W.Va. (WBOY) — The Granville Fire Department announced on Sunday that it helped remove a vehicle from 15 feet under Cheat Lake over the weekend.
According to a Facebook post by the department, multiple crews, including the Morgantown Fire/Morgantown Police Department dive team and the Granville Fire Department dive team were called to Cheat Lake Park around 11 a.m. on Saturday to “locate and remove a vehicle.”
The post said the SUV had slid down the boat ramp and into the water and did not indicate that anyone was in the vehicle.
Using information from the owner and a VideoRay ROV (remotely operated vehicle), crews located the vehicle approximately 150 feet from the dock sitting at a depth of about 15 feet, according to the post. Two Morgantown divers were able to attach tow lines to the vehicle, and it was safely removed by Summers Towing.
Cheat Lake is approximately 13 miles long and 1,000 feet across. At its deepest, it is about 90 feet deep.
https://www.wboy.com/news/monongalia/fire-departments-remove-suv-from-middle-of-cheat-lake/


West Virginians gather to protest clearcutting in the Monongahela National Forest ~ Morgantown protest to save trees.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va (WDTV) - Some North Central West Virginians gathered on Friday at Courthouse Square in Morgantown to raise awareness of clearcutting projects across the country.
Chair of the West Virginia chapter of the Sierra Club, Jim Kotcon, shared his thoughts on a specific project.
“What we are focusing on is a project in the Upper Cheat River area of Preston and Tucker counties. That was listed as one of the most egregious examples of clearcutting in the United States by the Climate Forest Coalition,” Kotcon said.
He added that President Biden issued an executive order to the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to protect mature trees on public land.
He explained that this clearcutting project would kill mature trees.
“They are important for helping to mitigate climate change. Mature trees store large amounts of carbon dioxide in the air. It’s natural carbon sequestration,” Kotcon said.
The Director of Friends of Blackwater in Tucker County, Judy Rodd, explained that for the Forest Service to do the planned project, they would have to use a helicopter to log the area.
“Helicopter logging is incredibly expensive, but that is the only way they can do it under their rules on various slopes. We don’t think they should do it at all,” Rodd said.
The groups were encouraging people to contact the president and urge him to enforce his executive order.

EDITORIAL: Coopers Rock overlook closure may have an end date -- hopefully sooner than later
The Dominion Post, Morgantown, W.Va.Wed, April 5, 2023 at 10:34 PM EDT
Apr. 5—West Virginia is blessed with the beauty of nature's bounty. From the rolling hills, to the plunging gorges, to the rushing rivers and placid lakes, the Mountain State is home to gorgeous vistas and breathtaking views. But nowhere is that beauty quite so accessible as it is at the Coopers Rock scenic overlook.
Unfortunately, the bridge leading to the overlook was unexpectedly closed almost two weeks ago for "structural repairs." At the time of the bridge's closure, West Virginia State Parks said it would be closed "until further notice."
"Further notice " may have finally come. Gov. Jim Justice visited the park yesterday to announce the opening of new stargazing cabins. At the event, it was said the scenic overlook bridge should be finished by late spring /early summer.
We're glad there is an opening date in sight, though we certainly hope the bridge is done sooner rather than later.
Many of the state's most spectacular views can only be found after taking a hike, which is fine and dandy for the able-bodied. As many people said after the bridge to the overlook was closed, Ravens Rock, which offers a similar view, is only a three-mile round-trip hike away. But for anyone with limited mobility or a physical disability, that might as well be on another planet.
That's what makes the Coopers Rock scenic overlook so special. It doesn't just offer a nearly 360-degree view of the Cheat River Gorge ; it's an easy walk for anyone of virtually any age and any ability and as wheelchair-accessible as a natural outcropping can be. That feature alone draws visitors from near and far to Coopers Rock State Forest.
If the overlook remains closed too long, word will spread that Coopers Rock isn't worth the trip—or the detour for people passing through the area. And that's the opposite of what anyone wants: We want Coopers Rock and its overlook to continue to be a destination people are willing to travel out of their way to see. We want them to stand on that outcrop and be stunned by West Virginia's beauty. We want that awe to stay with them long after they've finished "passing through, " so hopefully they'll come back again.
But first, that bridge needs fixed, and we hope it will be given the priority it deserves.
EDITORIAL: Coopers Rock overlook closure may have an end date -- hopefully sooner than later Apr. 5—West Virginia is blessed with the beauty of nature's bounty. From the rolling hills, to the plunging gorges, to the rushing rivers and placid lakes, the Mountain State is home to gorgeous vistas and breathtaking views. But nowhere is that beauty quite so accessible as it is at the Coopers R...

West Virginia Ramp Dinners & Festivals - WV Explorer
Mason-Dixon Historical Park Ramp Festival ~ April 29 (Saturday), Core, West Virginia (Monongalia County)
Held at the Red Barn (79 Buckeye Road in Core), the festival will also have craft vendors and a flea market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under with a paying adult. The menu includes ramps, fried potatoes, soup beans, ham, salad, chicken 'n' noodles, sausage-gravy biscuits, applesauce, cornbread, deviled eggs, pickled eggs, and cakes. Call 304-879-4101 for more information.
West Virginia Ramp Dinners & Festivals - West Virginia Explorer After a long mountain winter, mountaineers hungrily welcomed the appearance of the "ramp," one of the first edible plants to ripen in the forest in spring.

Upgrade Fort Martin? Buy Pleasants? Either Way, It's Expensive - West Virginia Public Broadcasting : West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Here is a situation that affects Cheat Lake ……. DGN
Upgrade Fort Martin? Buy Pleasants? Either Way, It's Expensive - West Virginia Public Broadcasting Though it isn’t clear what the selling price for Pleasants might be, Mon Power ratepayers would likely cover the cost of acquiring Pleasants or upgrading Fort Martin.

https://www.frackcheckwv.net/2023/03/16/activities-underway-in-west-virginia-to-address-the-pfas-issues-traces-are-toxic/
Activities Underway in West Virginia to Address the PFAS Issues ~ Traces are Toxic
Delegate Evan Hansen provides leadership on this PFAS legislation
State will get $18 million in federal funds to deal with PFAS chemicals in drinking water
From the Article by David Beard, Morgantown Dominion Post (Yahoo! News), March 15, 2023
MORGANTOWN — West Virginia will receive more than $18 million in federal funds to address the presence of potentially toxic PFAS chemicals in drinking water.
State Health Officer Matthew Christiansen shared that news during Gov. Jim Justice’s Wednesday administration update press briefing. Justice was reviewing legislation completed during the recent session, and HB 3189 — the PFAS bill — is awaiting his signature.
Christiansen reminded listeners that the U.S. EPA recently set maximum contaminant levels for two members of the PFAS family — PFOA and PFOS — at 4 parts per trillion. EPA also recommended calculations for four other PFAS compounds.
Expecting that to happen, the Department of Health and Human Resources and the Department of Environmental Protection formed a working group to help local water systems develop plans to treat drinking water for PFAS. Christiansen’s bureau is part of DHHR and he said, “The Bureau for Public Health is committed to ensuring safe water for the citizens of West Virginia.”
The EPA announced that the $18 million will come to the state, Christiansen said. The money can be used for a wide variety of actions, including research, testing treatment, source water control, restructuring, consolidation and technical assistance.
The working group will offer support and avenues for communication, and help local systems with best practices and mitigation, he said.
HB 3189 is the PFAS Protection Act, targeting PFAS in drinking water. It follows on the heels of a Department of Environmental Protection Study ordered in 2020, performed by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Under prior EPA drinking water advisory numbers, 37 of the state’s 279 raw water intakes had PFAS levels above those set by EPA. Under the new thresholds, 100 more sites exceeded the level, for a total of 137.
Now, DEP will go back, resample the finished (treated) water from those sites and try to determine the sources. Industries that use PFAS chemicals must report their usage to the DEP. And DEP will, to the extent data is available, consider ways to address the sources and mitigate the impacts on public water systems.
Activities Underway in West Virginia to Address the PFAS Issues ~ Traces are Toxic State will get $18 million in federal funds to deal with PFAS chemicals in drinking water ~ Article by David Beard, Morgantown Dominion Post (Yahoo! News), March 15, 2023

How and when to watch West Virginia bald eagle eggs hatch
by: Sam Kirk, Posted & Updated: Mar 10, 2023
SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) — A pair of bald eagles who live in Shepherdstown, West Virginia went viral last month after a video of them fixing their nest circulated on social media.
According to the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) in Shepherdstown which monitors the eagles, the family currently has two eggs which were lain on Feb. 15 and Feb. 18, and if you time it right, you might be able to see the newly hatched chicks or even watch them hatch.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says that bald eagle eggs take about 35 days to hatch, meaning that if they were lain on Feb. 15 and 18, they should hatch on or near March 22 and 26. After that, the chicks will spend about three months in the nest before they learn to fly and then will be on their own about a month after that.
According to the NCTC, eagles use their beaks to turn the eggs about every hour for even heating. (Photo by Deb Stecyk, Bald Eagles 101 shared by NTCT)
Eagle lovers can try to watch the hatching live by monitoring the livestream of the nest, which is available online here. The NCTC also had added a new close up camera so that you can better watch the nest.
If you have questions or want the latest news on the eagle family, the NCTC is also holding a “Live From the Eagles Nest” broadcast on March 16 at 1 p.m. That livestream will be available here.
https://www.wboy.com/wv-outdoors/how-and-when-to-watch-west-virginia-bald-eagle-eggs-hatch/
How and when to watch West Virginia bald eagle eggs hatch The eagle family currently has two eggs ,and if you time it right, you might be able to see the newly hatched chicks or even watch them hatch.

🚨 URGENT ACTION: The PFAS Protection Act, HB 3189, is expected to be voted on this Thursday by the Senate Government Organization Committee. This bill will require the state to immediately identify and reduce PFAS at the source and establish required limits on PFAS discharges into our drinking water sources. This bill helps hold polluters responsible for cleaning up and preventing further contamination of our drinking water sources. Tell members of the Senate Government Organization Committee you want them to pass HB 3189, the PFAS Protection Act, to help protect our drinking water sources: https://wvrivers.salsalabs.org/SenateGovOrg/index.html

West Virginia Wild: Crews Carve Out Corridor H Through the Appalachian Mountains | Engineering News-Record, March 1, 2023
West Virginia Wild: Crews Carve Out Corridor H Through the Appalachian Mountains When crews with Kokosing Construction Co. began a $209-million design-build contract—the largest of its kind in West Virginia—in 2015, they first had to build roads in order to build the actual road called Corridor H.

Coopers Rock Foundation hosts WinterFest @ Coopers Rock
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Since snow will be lacking for the eleventh WinterFest at Coopers Rock, on the second Saturday of February (2/11/23 this year), the event will still be held but with the alternative No-Snow Schedule.
The Cross-country skiing events — Try Cross-Country Skiing For Free, and Mass-Start Downhill Dash Ski Race, will be back next year, February 10th, 2024.
The event is located at and around the Day Use Parking Lot just 1/4 mile from the I-68 Coopers Rock Exit, and will be held from 10-3.
New for this eleventh WinterFest is the Snowman Piñata. All children are welcome to swing a hockey stick at the piñata, which is filled with 25 pounds of candy. The event starts at noon in the center of the parking lot.
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WinterFest will have some open-house events, running from 10-3, and some scheduled events described in the following schedule.
Open House 10-3 — meet at warming fire for discs and bean bags.
*Coopers Rock Cafe’ and Warming Fire — in the center of the parking lot, hot chocolate and coffee, hot chili and a variety of baked goods, will be for sale.
*Try Out Disc Golf — sample this sport in part of the work-in-progress disc golf course right next to the parking lot. Discs and instructions provided.
*The Snowball Target Range will be back, along with a bucket of bean bags as substitute snowballs.
Scheduled events — meet at Warming Fire
11:00 — Winter Tree ID Hike — learn to identify trees using characteristics other than leaves.
12:00 — Snowman Piñata ⛄️
1:00 — Winter Tree ID Hike — learn to identify trees when there are no leaves.
2:00 — Women’s Frying Pan Toss — this WinterFest standard is a winner-take-all with a custom-painted frying pan trophy for the longest throw. The “throwing pan” weighs 5 pounds.
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Proceeds from Coopers Rock WinterFest will fund improvements to Rhododendron Campground.

Friends of the Cheat Campground
139 Beech Run Road
Albright, WV 26519

There is more to learn here than you may realize. Bird calls are languages. And, these songs are naturally “of the earth” and belong to the earth for as long as can be! The pileated woodpeckers which we have many of are so unique and interesting. Their language is special. What a beautiful creature. DGN
Today marks the start of our 123rd Christmas Bird Count! Read about one of the longest-running community science projects in the world—and join a local count. Participating is a fun and meaningful way to spend a winter for anyone and everyone. https://bit.ly/3XWs7T8