Mountain State Sierran Currents!
A recent investigation by the Sierra Club WV Chapter revealed that there are several reasons to keep publishing our quarterly Mountain State Sierran newsletter in both print and online editions.
However, we also felt it would be good to supplement the quarterly with an electronic-only digest of breaking news, feature stories, and lists of upcoming outings and events.
We hope this streamlined publication will reach more eyes and keep our members and friends better in touch with our news, issues, and events.
Thanks for reading and for supporting the Sierra Club WV Chapter—and especially for your support of a greener and healthier Mountain State! Chris Craig
Public Lands
The proposed area is also one of the designated Roadless Areas threatened by the proposed repeal of Roadless Area Conservation Rule.
Come see what is at stake here and hike a section of the Fork Mountain Trail on October 10.
See listing below to learn more and reserve your spot.
Photo: Jim Kotcon and Ed Wheeless at the Falls at Hills Creek in 2025. You can join Jim as he returns to this beautiful area for an October 10 outing. Photo by Chris Craig.
Speak Out for the Trees!
Comments Due September 21
by Daria Jones, Public Lands Chair
The Forest Service (FS) has plans to fully revoke one of the most successful protection measures for our forests and open them to threats to wildlife habitat, clean drinking water, and old-growth outdoor spaces that millions rely on. Support our wild lands by adding your comments to the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the revocation of the Roadless Area Rule! We want to get one million comments. Your comments matter!
The FS has released its draft EIS with its preferred alternative to fully revoke the rule that protects 44.8 million acres of our national forests located in 37 states. Irreplaceable massive old-growth forests such as the Tongass in Alaska, Wyoming’s Tetons, and ancient landscapes in the White Mountains that have been preserved and protected for our children’s children, will be open for industry and be made vulnerable.
Here in West Virginia, out of over a million acres of national forest, there are 182,000 roadless acres. The Monongahela National Forest has the largest share at 162,000 acres, and the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest have about 20,000 acres. The vast majority of roadless areas are managed for recreation. Roadless areas include some of the most iconic landscapes in the Mountain State:
- Roaring Plains
- Seneca Creek
- Cheat Mountain
- Canaan Loop
- Tea Creek
- North Fork Mountain
- Falls of Hills Creek
These areas are where we enjoy solitude, quiet, remote recreation, and where we protect species and habitats and drinking water for millions nationwide. It is only a very small part of West Virginia's national forests, but every inch is worth protecting.
Roadless areas are not fire hazards. That's a pretext hiding the real reason for canceling the Roadless Rule. In fact, most wildfires start within half a mile of a road – think of that tossed cigarette or a spark from an engine.
Here's the reality: Removing the Roadless Rule just rewards the special interests that would clear-cut vast areas of these important and pristine forests for short-term profit. That profit will leave West Virginia – leaving West Virginians with spoiled forests, threats to our drinking water, and no jobs.
We still believe that “No Change” in the Roadless Area Rule is the best alternative!
If you want to read about more information on the topic, go to: https://www.regulations.gov/document/FS-2025-0001-223869
In solidarity we can make a difference!
West Virginia Midterm Elections
in the Upcoming Mid-terms
by Molly Martin, Political Committee Chair
In February, after reviewing candidates whose records indicate support for the environment, the committee made early endorsements of the following candidates:
• Evan Hansen
Democratic incumbent | District 79 (Monongalia)
• Mike Puskin
Democratic incumbent | District 54 (Kanawha)
• Kayla Young
Democratic incumbent | District 56 (Kanawha)
• Lucia Valentine
Democratic challenger | District 97 (Berkeley-Jefferson)
Candidate surveys exploring stands on environmental issues were sent out in March to all the remaining candidates running in this year’s primary. After reviewing the surveys received, the committee made these additional endorsements:
WV Senate Candidates
• Ted Boettner
Democratic challenger | District 17 (Kanawha)
• Mike Manypenny
Republican challenger | District 14 (Preston, Tucker, Grant, Hardy, Mineral, Taylor)
WV House of Delegates Candidates
• Michael Mosteller
Democratic challenger | District 21 (Putnam)
• Olivia Miller
Democratic challenger | District 80 (Monongalia)
• Elizabeth Sanchez
Democratic challenger | District 94 (Berkeley)
• Marta Beck
Democratic challenger | District 98 (Jefferson)
• Jenny Thacker
Democratic challenger | District 100 (Jefferson)
Unfortunately, both candidates for state senate seats lost their primaries in May, but all the house candidates and all the early-endorsed candidates won their primaries.
In June the Political Committee made volunteer recruitment calls and sent emails to Sierra Club members in districts where endorsements had been made. Members can support their district candidate’s campaign in several ways:
• Contacting the candidate to see what they need
• Writing letters to editors in support of that candidate
• Donating to campaign funds
• Phone banking, emailing, texting, letter stuffing
The impact that you can make in support of local candidates’ campaigns can’t be emphasized enough!
Sierra Club endorsements are valued by candidates, as they signal strong grassroots support and can influence voter turnout and campaign resources. The Political Committee’s work aims to help elect leaders who will champion environmental protection, equity, and sustainability at all levels of government.
We are always excited to welcome new Sierra Club volunteers who share our passion for protecting the planet. If you want to help, you can join the chapter’s Political Committee, volunteer for endorsed campaigns, or contribute to fundraising efforts to strengthen local pro-environment candidates.
WV Chapter Elections
There’s another election coming up!
But this one doesn’t involve PACs, negative ads, or political parties.
The WV Chapter Executive Committee (ExCom), composed of seven seats, will have four seats up for election this December. Six candidates are needed. The term is two years long.
Nominate yourself or a friend and become part of a group of people who love the great outdoors and are activists for the environment. The Sierra Club is one of the few national environmental groups where you can get involved at the local level with local issues and have fun at the same time!
The issues the Chapter will focus on this year are energy, (Beyond Coal Campaign) public lands, (Roadless Rule) and water quality.
You don’t need millions of dollars behind you. Candidates only need to write a short statement about themselves to appear on a mail-in ballot.
Send your name or a friend’s name to Chapter Chair Bill Price at bill.price2011@gmail.com before October 15th.
Outings
Experience the beauty of Fall in Appalachia!
FOR MORE DETAILS on each outing, and to register online, visit:
https://www.sierraclub.org/west-virginia/events-and-outings#Calendar
Sunday, September 20
Bike Ride: C&O Canal towpath, Hancock Visitor Center Lot to Fort Frederick State Park, MD
Distance/Difficulty: 14.8 miles/EASY
Duration: 3 hours
Description: This is part of a series of leisurely Sunday rides exploring the C&O Canal National Historical Park. We will view nature and learn about history along the way. We will keep an easy pace and enjoy views of the Potomac River. There is no charge for this ride, but donations are welcome.
Saturday, October 3
Nature Walk: Cool Spring Preserve, Charles Town, WV
Distance/Difficulty: 1.5 miles/EASY
Duration: 1.5 hours
Description: Cool Spring Nature Preserve is a 63-acre tract of land owned and managed by the Potomac Valley Audubon Society. It features forest, meadow, and marsh, and is bordered on one side by Bullskin Run. It is designated as a birding “hot spot” and also has significant historical value, since much of the tract was once owned and leased out by George Washington.
Sunday, October 4
Bike Ride: C&O Canal towpath, Paw Paw Tunnel to Lock 68, MD
Distance/Difficulty: 17.4 miles/EASY
Duration: 3.5 hours
Description: This is part of a series of leisurely Sunday rides exploring the C&O Canal National Historical Park. We will view nature and learn about history along the way. This particular ride will take us through one of the primary sites of the canal towpath—the Paw Paw Tunnel. We will keep an easy pace and enjoy views of the Potomac River.
Saturday, October 10 (see photo at top)
Day Hike: Fork Mountain Trail – Cherry River
Distance/Difficulty: 5 miles/MODERATE
Duration: 6 hours
Description: We will hike about 5 miles of this 21-mile trail. Meet at the Falls of Hills Creek Parking lot. We will then set up a shuttle to Forest Road 223 trailhead, and hike (mostly downhill) back to Falls of Hills Creek. This is one of the Roadless Areas threatened by development. Learn about endangered species, water quality, and mining impacts to the Monongahela National Forest and the Cherry River.
Sunday, October 18
Day Hike: Poor House Farm, Berkeley County, WV
Distance/Difficulty: 4.5 miles/EASY to MODERATE
Duration: 2.5 hours
Description: This hike will be on trails for hiking, biking, and disc golf at Poor House Farm County Park. We will see orchards, forests, and farms. While hiking, we will learn some of the history of the farm, check out the new WV Tourism swing, and close with some ghostly lore, apple cider, and pumpkin treats. The hike is open to anyone who can handle walking on some uneven ground and some inclines on a steep grassy hillside.
Saturday, November 7
Afternoon Hike: Sweet Run State Park, Purcellville, MD
Distance/Difficulty: 4.5 miles/EASY to MODERATE
Duration: 3.0 hours
Description: Enjoy the fall foliage and see some raptors on this hike. The trail winds through lush forests and open meadows along with the remnants of a 19th-century farming community, including historic structures and Wortman Pond. At 5:30 p.m. the Secret Garden of Bees and Birds will have a presentation with raptors.
Events
Since our community event in Montgomery on August 14, the quilt has been on display at the Gallery on Fourth, courtesy of Bernice Deakins.
The next stop is the "Create the Mon" art exhibit at the Forest Festival in Elkins, beginning October 2. Stop by the Appalachian Forest Natural Heritage Area Discovery Center (101 Railroad Ave, second floor of the Darden Mill, Elkins, EV 26241) for the opening reception on Friday, October 2, or for the next few weeks after that. Maybe seeing our beautiful quilt in person will inspire you to start your own community crafting group, and let you start conversations around clean energy in West Virginia.
If you're in the Fayetteville area on Saturday, October 3, stop by the New River Gorge Bike Fest (9 am - 5 pm). Bring your bike or plan a hike and come by the Sierra Club table to meet WV Beyond Coal Campaign Organizer Lisa Di Bartolomeo. Chat about upcoming actions and events, and learn ways you can volunteer and make a difference!
