West Virginia: Nature Con & ski resort to “protect & restore” 233 acres of red spruce
Nature Conservancy and Snowshoe Mountain Resort announced today a
cooperative agreement to protect and restore high quality red spruce
forest near the popular West Virginia ski area. As part of the
agreement, Snowshoe will set aside 233 acres of high quality habitat
in the heart of WV’s highlands. The deal between Snowshoe and The
Nature Conservancy represents the first conservation easement to be
implemented in the State of West Virginia to meet the requirements of
a Habitat Conservation Plan.
The deal lays the groundwork for
conservation organizations in West Virginia to play a strong role in
the implementation of Habitat Conservation Plans that look to set
aside areas of permanent protection. The forest in this Central
Appalachian mountain region is home to a unique combination of
northern and southern tree species and protects the headwaters of the
Shavers Fork and Cheat River. The forest is globally significant as
home to the rare West Virginian northern flying squirrel and the
federally endangered Cheat Mountain salamander. “This agreement will
benefit the red spruce forest and all the animals that live there, as
well as the commercial interests of one of West Virginia’s most
popular outdoor recreation areas” said Rodney Bartgis, West Virginia
State Director for the Nature Conservancy. “It demonstrates how
thoughtfully crafted and implemented Habitat Conservation Plans can be
used to everyone’s benefit.” As part of the Habitat Conservation Plan,
Snowshoe Mountain Resort agreed to permanently set aside a
conservation area on their property. The land will be protected
through a conservation easement – a permanent agreement to limit
development on the property. “The plan enables Snowshoe to maintain
ownership of the land and continue passive recreation such as
cross-country skiing, horseback riding and hiking, while maintaining
the habitat for the West Virginia flying squirrel over the long term.
The Conservancy, Snowshoe, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are
working together to protect this high-quality forest habitat adjacent
to nearly 60,000 acres of public lands in the Monongahela National
Forest.” “Snowshoe is very proud to be a part of one of West
Virginia’s first Habitat Conservation plans and this unique
partnership between private and public enterprises,” added Ed Galford,
Snowshoe’s Vice President of Mountain Operations. “By designating this
portion of the resort for permanent conservation, we ensure our next
generation of guests will continue to enjoy this amazing natural
setting, as a site of both conservation and recreation like skiing and
hiking.” http://www.wvnstv.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=49082
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