West Virginia’s beautiful natural landscapes and wildlife are in danger
By: ForestWander
The Mountain State termed “Almost Heaven” is in danger of losing its natural beauty if residents do not step up and become aware of encroaching modern industry.
When driving through the Allegheny region of the Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia, it is hardly noticeable that systematically the state is becoming a modern state of commerce and technology.
Although it is necessary for industries to grow in order to have jobs and a flourishing economy; it is also more important to preserve the natural beauty and wildlife that cannot be truly reproduced once destroyed.
To some it may not be a big deal, but it is to those of us who travel this wonderful state photographing and enjoying nature and the beauty that surrounds us; in an effort to preserve the wonders we are blessed with. It is very apparent to us that little known areas which are unprotected are being plowed through and destroyed in the name of highways and expansion.
For example, a little known project that is taking place in Putnam county West Virginia has completely raped the landscape and surrounding forests of Jonathan Lark reservoir just outside of a rapidly growing interstate exchange. Many of days my friends and later little boy and I would hike the surrounding hills of Jonathan Lark, until one day it was no longer a public fishing lake or hiking area. There were all of a sudden signs throughout the area littering the trees and fences that stated “No Trespassing”. This was literally heart breaking to me and my son who enjoyed the close proximity, great fishing and seclusion that Jonathan Lark Reservoir had to offer.
Certainly the new interstate exchange that has plundered through the beautiful hills in Putnam County will add commercial benefit and convenience to the residents of the area. But long gone are the days that a daddy and his little boy could enjoy nature in peace and quiet at a public fishing lake close to home.
As a concerned resident, nature photographer and father I write this article with my heart hoping to call to attention the other areas of West Virginia that may still have hope; such places to note are the beautiful little towns and attractions found throughout Bluestone and Hinton West Virginia, as well as Richwood and Marlinton, at the gateway to the Monongahela Forest. As we travel up the Allegheny mountain range we see little known areas such as Kumbrabow and Holly River near the growing interstate exchange of Flatwoods. Then we reach the quaint little towns of Cass, Job and Smoke Hole as well as Thomas and Davis in the Black Water state parks area.
All of these wonderful little mountain towns are in danger of expansion and growth to stimulate the poor state of West Virginia’s economy. However, is there an alternative method that could be taken to balance nature and economy that is being overlooked; as men and women are blinded from the lure of capitol that can be gained by cutting through this great and wonderful state? We all hope our future children of tomorrow’s generation will enjoy West Virginia with more than just a picture and a story from memory.