Cheat Canyon from Snake Hill WMA
Reclaim the Trail System at Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area
Petition Here by Deborah Fulton, Snake Hill Area, Morgantown, WV, April 17, 2014
To: WV Governor Earl Ray Tomblin; Curtis Taylor, Wildlife Resources Section Chief, WVDNR; Frank Jezioro, Director, WVDNR; Keith Burdette, Secretary, WV Commerce Department
The Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area (SHWMA) is an important public recreational asset enjoyed by residents of Monongalia County and visitors. It is popular with hunters and is also enjoyed year-round by outdoor recreationists including hikers, runners, cross-country skiers and birders. Three magnificent scenic views of the Cheat River canyon are achieved with a short hike.
The SHWMA is managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR). A 115 acre timber project was initiated in February, 2014 to create habitat for wildlife. The logging activity has destroyed and disrupted significant parts of the established trail system, a system that is essential to the enjoyment of all permitted activities, including hunting. WV Code 20-2-1 states that it is public policy to protect the state’s wildlife resources for the use and enjoyment of all citizens of the state, particularly for hunting, fishing and other diversified uses, economic contributions, and scientific and educational uses. Thus we ask the following:
>>>We ask that the WVDNR Wildlife Resources Division quickly reclaim roads and trails and that they do so in a way that promotes hiking. In particular, we request that the DNR refrain from using large (3”) gravel in reclaiming any significant section of these trails and roads, as this large gravel makes hiking extremely difficult.
>>>We request that the WVDNR relocate habitat designed for rattlesnakes away from popular access points.
>>> We urge the WVDNR Wildlife Resources Division to develop channels of communication and work cooperatively in the future with local residents, recreational experts from WVU, and local nonprofit groups to develop and implement a plan for maintenance and improvement of the hiking trails at the SHWMA using local volunteers and donated labor and materials.
Sincerely, Deborah Fulton, Snake Hill Area, Morgantown, WV
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Snake Hill Wildlife Management belongs to the people of West Virginia and only the people of West Virginia. Their taxes plus hunting and fishing fees have purchased and paid for the beautiful area. It brings people from miles around to walk on what was once beautiful pristine trails now covered with tree tops.
The Snakehill Wildlife Management area belongs to the people of West Virginia. It was paid for by their taxes and hunting and fishing fees. It does not belong to the WMA nor the state of WV.
Again, it belongs to the people who have the right to enjoy the area. I would think since Obama is pushing being healthy, he would be upset to find that people are being told to stay off.
The trails have been destroyed and should be restored.
We live at the bottom of Snake Hill and enjoy the idea of being able to travel a short distance to walk and observe the beauty of Snake Hill. Please allow the trails to be opened again so that many West Virginias can enjoy healthy walks while looking at the wildlife and flora in the area.