WEST FORK RIVER WATER TRAIL

Transcription

1 WEST FORK RIVER WATER TRAIL DRAFT Application for Designation Submitted to WV Department of Transportation -- Recreational Trails Advisory Board By the Guardians of the West Fork Watershed (GWFW) July 15,

2 PROJECT OVERVIEW VISION The vision of the West Fork River Water Trail Committee is to establish a safe recreational water trail for non-motorized boaters on the West Fork River. The group s focus is the lower 70-mile section of river beginning at the base of the Stonewall Jackson reservoir dam near Weston, WV and running to the confluence of the Monongahela River in Fairmont, WV. This segment is family friendly and suitable for beginners - but its beauty and other qualities makes it very popular for people with all levels of experience and varied interests. WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE WEST FORK RIVER WATER TRAIL? This lower 70-mile segment of river is unique from nearly all others in that it contains several sections made up of long, deep, very slow moving pools suitable for out and back paddling going in either direction. It also includes many sections of shallow riffles where wading is possible. Seven low-head dams create the deep pools, and the paddler must be aware to stay safely away from the dams. Between Weston and Fairmont, the river runs through small towns, farmlands, deep forest and rocky gorges. These characteristics make it suitable for paddling trips of any length and all experience levels. The West Fork River is home to the widest assortment of aquatic wildlife, including monster fish such as the muskie, giant turtles, countless waterfowl and even the elusive river otter. Its banks sustain a population of deer, fox, coyote, raccoon, squirrels and many others. A multitude of wild flowers and blooming trees cover the fields and shoreline all along the entire length of the river. This water trail will bring the user into contact with the whole ecology of the trail corridor, and in the process, the user learns and grows physically, mentally and emotionally; while the community grows in spirit, economic health and vitality. Water trails continue as an important traditional mode of travel that has been practiced for thousands of years, first by Native Americans, then by the explorers and traders who lived along these banks, and now by people who wish to discover the joy and adventure of paddling. 2

3 WHY A WATER TRAIL IN LEWIS, HARRISON AND MARION COUNTIES? The West Fork River joins the Tygart River in Fairmont WV to form the Monongahela River. The Mon River flows 129 miles north to Pittsburgh PA, and is a designated Bi- State Water Trail in both WV and PA. From there, the Mon River joins the Allegheny River at The Point in Pittsburgh, and forms the Ohio River (a Pennsylvania Water Trail), flowing to the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico in New Orleans, Louisiana. Paddlers are able to sojourn along this entire route, going around or through numerous dams or locks & dams as part of this eco-adventure. In 2012, President Obama announced America s Great Outdoors Initiative, which includes a focus on restoring the nation s rivers and expanding access to outdoor recreational activities in and around rivers. Also in 2012, Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar, established the National Water Trails System as a class of National Recreation Trails under the National Trails System Act of The designation acknowledges not only the recreation values of the trails but also the excellent stewardship of the state, local communities and other partners who maintain their natural beauty and integrity. The State of West Virginia has a separate designation process for water trails, which opens up Department of Transportation/Division of Highways funding opportunities for public access improvement projects on designated water trails. This document is an application to the WV Department of Transportation s Recreational Trails Advisory Board, to consider designating the lower 70-mile stretch of the West Fork River Water Trail as part of the West Virginia system of water trails. 3

4 BASIC PRINCIPLES APPRECIATION West Virginia s residents and guests who use water trails share a deep appreciation for the beauty of our lakes, rivers, streams, riversides, and wetlands, as well as the communities that thrive there. Either from on the water or shore, water trails put people in touch with their emotions regarding natural resources. COMMUNITY VITALITY A water trail is part of a network of recreational opportunities, museums, historic sites, and connected parks, which create frontiers for exploration and enrichment. The connections build a sense of pride of place and bind citizens in a love for their community. The water trail community is a watchdog, helping to prevent damage to the environment and preserving the natural integrity of the trail and its watershed. DIVERSITY This water trail will be open to people of all ages and abilities. Tolerance and understanding are fostered through shared work and play. LOCAL ECONOMICS Water trails as recreational destinations generate income for local businesses including outdoor outfitters, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, campgrounds, grocery stores, gas stations and shops. The local economies to gain the greatest impact from the West Fork River Water Trail are: Weston, Good Hope, West Milford, Clarksburg, Lumberport, Shinnston, Worthington, Monongah, and Fairmont, WV. 4

5 PARTNERSHIPS, SPONSORS & OUTREACH The Guardians of the West Fork Watershed is the sponsoring organization. The GWFW is an organization of individuals dedicated to improving the ecology, aquatic health and enjoyment of the West Fork River watershed. They have won numerous awards for their efforts to clean up the watershed and many such projects continue to this day. The value of their work was proven when, 6 years ago, River Otters returned to the West Fork River. The West Fork River Water Trail Committee will host a series of public meetings to encourage public support and to provide opportunities for private citizens and community representatives to become involved and to offer suggestions. In addition, a website will be developed to provide another avenue for the local community, as well as other interested parties, to participate in the process. The West Fork River Water Trail Committee is very diverse. To date our members include representatives from communities along the entire corridor. They include the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, National Park Service s Rivers & Trails Program, Harrison County Commission, cities & towns, the Milford Wheel Historical Society, local farmers and land owners, fishing enthusiasts, and representatives of the sponsoring organization -- Guardians of the West Fork Watershed. The plan is to also involve local Scout Troops and the 4-H Program in an effort to maintain access points and gain improvement projects as part of the Scouting advancement process. Letters of support have been obtained from the Marion County Commission and West Milford Historical Society. The process has begun to include the Harrison County Commission and Lewis County Commission as well as WVU Jackson s Mill State 4-H Camp Historic District and Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park. Support will also be sought from the cities of Weston, Clarksburg, Shinnston, and Fairmont; and the towns of West Milford, Lumberport, Worthington, and Monongah. 5

6 Historic Sites Along the upper West Fork River 1. Weston- Established in 1818 as Preston, changed to Fleshersville, and then to Weston. The city has established downtown and residential historic districts, which includes the former Weston Branch of the Exchange Bank of Virginia building where the Union Gold Heist took place on June 30, There Union troops marched into town at dawn, roused the banker who lived upstairs, and demanded the reported $30,000 in gold from the vault sent to pay for the ongoing construction of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. After leaving money to pay the workers, the gold was sent to Clarksburg in a hearse, transferred to train, and sent to Wheeling to fund the newly created Restored Government of Virginia; seed money that soon created the new State of West Virginia. 2. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum- This iconic structure is located on the bank of the West Fork River in Downtown Weston. Construction began in 1858 and was completed in It is the largest hand-cut stone masonry building in North America and is reportedly second largest in the world next to the Kremlin. Designed by architect Richard Andrews following the Kirkbride Plan, which allowed for long, staggered wings that would provide sunlight and fresh air for patients. During the early years of the Civil War the grounds would function as a Union Army camp known as Camp Tyler. The first patients arrived in 1864 and continued to operate until it closed in The building is now opened for tours for people wishing to explore the grand architecture or hunt for paranormal activities. 3. Jackson s Mill- Historic boyhood home of Gen. Thomas Jonathon Stonewall Jackson. It was here that the orphaned six year-old Jackson and his younger sister were sent to live with their uncle Cummins Jackson in Here he spent his growing years tending sheep, cutting firewood, helping with the harvests, etc. Sometimes he caught fish from the river to sell in Weston. In 1842, he received an appointment to attend the West Point Military Academy and left to fulfill his destiny as the immortal Stonewall, never to return again. Today, the site remains as the Jackson s Mill Center for Lifelong Learning and State 4-H Camp and operates as a special campus for West Virginia University and the WVU Extension Service. The historic farmstead area includes the gristmill that operated during Jackson s time and many other historic structures from the era. 6

7 4. Lightburn/Cemetery- Home to General Joseph Andrew Jackson Lightburn ( ). Lightburn moved here in 1840 from Pennsylvania and quickly became friends with his new neighbor just up river, Thomas Jonathon Jackson. Unlike Jackson, Lightburn joined the Union Army at the outbreak of the Civil War. He became Colonel of the 4 th West Virginia Infantry. In 1862, he was placed in command of the U.S. forces in the Kanawha Valley. He was then sent to Mississippi and promoted to Brigadier General and took part in the battles of Vicksburg and Chickamauga, then was wounded in the head on Sherman s advance towards Atlanta in He returned to duty in 1865 and served until his resignation shortly after the war. In 1915, he was honored with a monument that was placed on the Vicksburg National Battlefield Park. He returned home from the Civil War and became a Baptist preacher and was elected to the West Virginia legislature. Much of his preaching service took place at the Broad Run Baptist Church that still stands nearby. He died in 1901 and lies buried in the adjacent cemetery along with many other pioneers of the area. 5. Hacker s Creek- Hacker s Creek was named for John Hacker, a Stafford County, Virginia native who came with the first party of people to settle this area of West Virginia in the late 1760 s. Looking for suitable land, he crossed the Buckhannon Mountain and settled on 400 acres on a tributary of the Muddy River, as the West Fork River was then called. He hence became the first permanent European settler in what is now known as Lewis County, WV and was quickly followed by others. These settlements were on the western frontier of the growing colonies. They were also the sites of many deadly conflicts with the Native Americans, so many that some referred to it as that bloody Hacker s Creek. 6. Town of West Milford- This small village was founded in 1821 and grew around the site of a water-powered grist and saw mill. It contains many examples of 19 th and early 20 th century homes, barns, and outbuildings. West Milford is noted as being the home of Dr. Susan Dew Hoff, who became the first licensed female physician in the State of West Virginia on April 18, She served the community riding sidesaddle to patients homes for nearly forty years until her death in This small community still contains both of the homes she lived in during this time period and also her gravesite. 7

8 7. Lowther Burying Ground- Located on the east bank of the river above the Highland Dam. This small cemetery contains the grave of Col. William Lowther. Lowther ( ). After settling in Harrison County in 1773, Col. William Lowther figured in the building of Simpson's fort, about eight miles below Clarksburg, and West's fort, near Jane Lew. He played an important part, too, in the construction of the "Old Nutter" fort, near Clarksburg, ruins of which still mark the site and Richard s Fort in West Milford. He soon became distinguished for his fearlessness as a frontiersman, and for his unselfish devotion to the welfare of the colonists. He was one of the most capable defenders of the settlement in the war of 1774, and later, and he led many successful expeditions against the natives. He was the first Justice of the Peace in the district of West Augusta; the first Sheriff of Harrison and Wood Counties; and was at one time a member of the General Assembly at Richmond, Virginia. Having served in all the subordinate ranks of military life, he rose to that of Colonel. His military record was such as to admit his descendants to membership in the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution. His son, Jesse Lowther, founded the town of West Milford from 10 acres of his farm and also is buried here. 8. Clarksburg- Clarksburg is the Seat of Harrison County. The town was formed in 1785 and named after Gen. George Rogers Clark of Indian War and the American Revolution fame. Clarksburg is most noted as being the birthplace of Stonewall Jackson, who was born here in 1824 and lived until being sent to live with his uncle at Jackson s Mill. Clarksburg, being the home of John Carlisle, was the site of the first mass meeting of Unionists that led to the 1 st Wheeling Convention and eventually the creation of West Virginia. It was a hub of activity during the Civil War. Trenches dug for defense works by Union soldiers can still be found on the hills above town. Clarksburg is also noted as being the home of John W. Davis who became the only West Virginian nominated to run for President of the United States. He was the Democratic nominee in 1924 where he ran against the Republican incumbent Calvin Coolidge and lost. The downtown historic district provides many examples of 19 th and early 20 th century architecture. 8

9 Members of West Fork River Water Trail (WFRWT) Committee a committee of the Guardians of the West Fork Watershed (GWFW) West Fork River Water Trail meetings are open to the public, and we encourage new people to participate. Jeff Reichel, Co-Chairman, WFRWT Committee, member GWFW, paddler, landowner, West Milford WV John Stenger, Co-Chairman, WFRWT Committee, Secretary GWFW, landowner, Lost Creek WV Dr. Tom Bond, Educator, environmentalist, member GWFW, Jane Lew WV Martin Christ, WV Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), Fairmont WV John Eleyette, Executive Director, Guardians of the West Fork Watershed (GWFW), Fairmont WV Derek Garrett, Stonewall Jackson Hospital wellness program, water enthusiast, Weston WV Frank Jernejcic, Fisheries Biologist, WV Division of Natural Resources, Farmington WV Mike Murphy, Landowner and fishing enthusiast, member GWFW, Lumberport WV Jim Nedrow, Landowner and member GWFW, Shinnston WV Peggy Pings, Outdoor Rec Planner, National Park Service, Rivers & Trails Program, Morgantown WV Julia Spelsberg, Mayor City of Weston WV Josh Toothman, Educator, landowner, President, Milford Wheel Historical Society, West Milford WV Ron Watson, President, Harrison County Commission, Clarksburg WV 9

10 Example Access Site Assessment (To be completed prior to map publication) WFRWT Site # River Mile Lat/Long Property Owner Liability Waiver Required Riverbank / access site Land Cover Needs Improved Site Name DOH Municipality Private YES or NO If Yes, copy on file Y Or N Developed or Undeveloped. Steep, Medium, or Level. Ramp, Steps, Dock/Pier. Mowed or Overgrown Grass, Dirt/mud, Sand, Gravel, Rocks YES or NO If Yes, Describe: ADA Access to River YES or NO Available Parking Spaces YES or NO Number, Lot or Side Restroom YES or NO ADA Accessible Restroom YES or NO Camping YES or NO Trash Receptacle YES or NO Other Amenities List. Water Trail Sign Highway YES or NO Water Trail Sign On Site YES or NO Water Trail Sign River State, Local Agency or Non- Profit organization who will be Responsible for Public Access Points and Amenities Hazards above / below? Directions to site YES or NO ***If Yes River Right or River Left (Required for trail designation) List Nearby Points of Interest Place Picture Here 10

11 West Fork River Access Site Assessment,

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