[oldnoob]

Short notice... but if you have free time to check this out and comment, please do and help!
Please mention that we need ALL trails to remain open and even mention the winter XC ski trails (whitegrass for example) to remain OPEN! There are some in jeopardy of being closed. This is not to be a nwr bashing thread, so let's try not to go there if possible. They are requesting comments and hopefully they will help.

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The comment period for the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge's Comprehensive Conservation Plan is coming to an end. Comment are due by Friday, July 16. Make your voice heard.

This document will guide - for the next 15 years - the management objectives for habitats, wildlife and public use including: environmental education, interpretation, wildlife observation & photography, fishing and hunting...and the programs, trails and trail use (hiking, skiing, bicycling, horseback riding) to facilitate those public uses.

Check out this link (the excerpts below are from the planning document).

http://www.fws.gov/northeast/planning/canaan%20valley/ccphome.html

Public involvement is crucial in the planning process, and we encourage your participation. Your comments will help shape the final plan. We ask that you please submit your comments by July 16, 2010 by regular mail or email.

When submitting comments, it would be most helpful to us if you:

* State your concern. Concerns can be based on an action we are allowing, not allowing or did not address.
* Suggest another solution: Be as specific as possible.
* Focus on specific actions, not on the alternatives as a whole.

Written comments should be sent to:

Beth Goldstein
Refuge Planner
Northeast Regional Office
300 Westgate Center Drive
Hadley , MA 01035
(413) 253-8564
Fax: (413) 253-8468
Email: [email protected]; include Canaan Valley NWR in the subject

Copies may be sent to:

Jonathan Schafler
Refuge Manager
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
HC 70 Box 200
Davis, WV 26260
304-866-3858
Fax: 304-866-3852
Email: [email protected] OR
[email protected]

 

[Pisgah]

Specifically which trails/areas are subject to this review? I thought the Wildlife Refuge already prohibited bikes.

 

[That Dudely]

Use this

Well currently there are some bike trails in the refuge, but also this is to express comments on opening up other trails to connect crucial routes and to keep other trails open for skiing, etc. Even the replacement of the swinging bridge over the blackwater river is something to comment on as the only way to access trails on the other side is to ford the river now. Here is a draft letter that discusses certain concerns and ideas the local community thinks is vital for access and tourism. Make sure to put your name on it, and feel free to change any wording to your own if you see fit. Mail or email it as per the info in oldnoobs original email. It's important all outdoor lovers of Canaan Valley and Davis give their input and support!

------------draft letter to use below--------------------

Tucker County Trails would like to thank Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge for the opportunity to comment on 2010 draft CCP. After careful study of the draft alternatives TCT can support alternative B with some changes. Since the CCP is to replace the original station management plan that was used to create public support for the forming of the refuge we believe that the public access from this plan should be better reflected in the CCP. Public access was a key component of the station management plan and alternative B is lacking in increased public access. It is very important that CVFW continue working with the Heart of the Highlands for the completion of the HoH trail system. That a north south trail should be constructed from the old swinging bridge to Cortland Road ending as close as possible to the Beall Tract. This should be a sustainable trail built with the least impact to habitats. The trail should also try to avoid impacting adjacent landowners. The trail system on the Beall Tract should be increased and continue through the Thompson area and Harper Tract to provide trail access to the Refuge Center. The Refuge should continue work and completion of a replacement bridge for the swinging bridge. They should also secure an agreement with CVI that will allow the bridge to be used for competitive and commercial events that utilize CVI trails. The Refuge should continue to work with Canaan Valley State Park for a trail from the Refuge Center to connect with CVSP trails. Camp 70 road past the current parking area should be maintained as public vehicle access and a vista should be constructed for a valley view. This should be done regardless of Camp 70 road ownership. An east- west corridor should be established. This corridor is necessary to allow access from the Camp 70 area to the trails on the east side that is now only accessible from the A Frame Road or a nonpublic access point in Old Timberline. This corridor will allow the valley to be circumnavigated giving public access to the valley proper. All trails that are now open to the public should be re-evaluated and all compatible uses should be allowed. All existing and remnant trails, roads, and railroad grades should be evaluated for use. This evaluation process should not be a closed house process but should be an open process. Any closure of trails should be based on environmental concerns that have a significant negative impact to the area, and not just to close off access. The refuge should also allow off- trail pedestrian use (hiking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing) for the priority use of wildlife observation and photography. The refuge should also expand quality education programs for both the public and for area school children. There should be more effort put into interpretive signage so as to give the visitor a better understanding of the land, animal, floral and fauna of the area. The refuge should also pay their county taxes in full each and every year.

Written comments should be sent to:

Beth Goldstein
Refuge Planner
Northeast Regional Office
300 Westgate Center Drive
Hadley , MA 01035
(413) 253-8564
Fax: (413) 253-8468
Email: [email protected]; include Canaan Valley NWR in the subject

Copies may be sent to:

Jonathan Schafler
Refuge Manager
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
HC 70 Box 200
Davis, WV 26260
304-866-3858
Fax: 304-866-3852
Email: [email protected] OR
[email protected]