Rainbow Trout from the Greenbrier River near Marlinton. Pic by Wayne Worth

World Wetlands Day

World Wetlands Day is celebrated each year on 2 February to raise awareness about wetlands. This day also marks the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands, which was adopted as an international treaty in 1971.

Nearly 90% of the world’s wetlands have been degraded since the 1700s, and we are losing wetlands three times faster than forests. Yet, wetlands are critically important ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation, freshwater availability, world economies and more.

It is urgent that we raise national and global awareness about wetlands in order to reverse their rapid loss and encourage actions to conserve and restore them. World Wetlands Day is the ideal time to increase people’s understanding of these critically important ecosystems.

This year’s campaign spotlights how interconnected wetlands and human life are — with people drawing sustenance, inspiration and resilience from these productive ecosystems. Importantly, the theme for 2024 underscores how all aspects of human wellbeing are tied to the health of the world’s wetlands. It calls on each of us to value and steward our wetlands. Every wetland matters. Every effort counts.

More info HERE

MVP News ~ "Corporatacracy"

West Virginia Landowner, Mark Jarrell, shares his experience from the harms and impacts of the Mountain Valley Pipeline.

"It's heartbreaking to me that you can destroy somebody's plans and dreams by this spurious definition of eminent domain. This is a pipeline for a private corporation to make a boatload of money and you have violated my rights. We have a county that I call a coporatacracy - corporations control everything in this country."

Watch video HERE

Two arrested during protest at Mountain Valley Pipeline construction site in Montgomery County

By Odyssey Fields

February 1, 2024

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) — Two people were taken into custody during a protest at the Mountain Valley Pipeline construction site in Montgomery County early Thursday morning.

Virginia State Police said that just after 5:30 a.m. on Feb. 1, authorities were notified of a small protest at a makeshift helipad at the Mountain Valley Pipeline construction site in the Elliston area.

Once at the scene, troopers found 50-year-old Julie D. Dreamer, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, locked to the back helicopter with a “sleeping dragon” device. They also located a 22-year-old Jordan Mays, of Clumbis, Ohia standing near the helipad.

Full story HERE

Protesters take to New River Valley to fight

Mountain Valley Pipeline

By Lindsey Cook

January 29, 2024

BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - Across the New River Valley, people are taking action to fight for an end to the Mountain Valley Pipeline.

15 protesters met at Wells Fargo bank in Blacksburg Monday to demand the bank pull funding from the project.

Maury Johnson, a resident of Monroe Co., West Virginia, and Pearisburg, Virginia native, has been protesting the pipeline all week. He joined protesters Monday and said he doesn’t want to see it ruin the beauty of his hometown.

“This pipeline, and this is according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, will impact the Appalachian Trail like no other project of any kind ever,” said Johnson. “It will impact over 100 miles of views. Iconic views in this region are being destroyed by the Mountain Valley Pipeline.”

Full story HERE

Protestors gather in Uptown (NC) to fight against Mountain Valley Pipeline Project

By Michelle Alfini

January 31, 2024

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Protesters from environmental groups 350.org and GreenFaith gathered in Uptown Charlotte to call for the cancelation of a natural gas pipeline project.

Equitrans Midstream Corporation, the developers, claim the project is essential to ensuring energy stability in the mid-Atlantic and southeast. Natural gas is the largest source of electric generation in Virginia and North Carolina.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration considers natural gas a mixed bag in terms of its climate impact. Burning natural gas produces fewer air pollutants and less CO2 than coal, so it is considered a “cleaner” energy source, however there is a significant environmental impact from extraction through fracking and transporting natural gas, carries the risk of methane leaks. When methane escapes into the atmosphere, its greenhouse gas effect is 28 times stronger than the impact of CO2. That’s why some scientists argue natural gas could be worse for the climate than coal.

Full story HERE

Developers Seek Big Changes to the Mountain Valley Pipeline’s Southgate Extension, Amid Sustained Opposition

By Hannah Chanatry

January 19, 2024

The pipeline extension from Virginia into North Carolina has been cut in length from 75 to 31 miles, but will be wider in diameter and carry more gas. According to a Dec. 29 letter from Mountain Valley Pipeline LLC to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the pipeline developers intend to cut the length of MVP Southgate in half, have “substantially fewer water crossings” and eliminate the need for a new compressor station in Virginia. However, the project would also be physically bigger and carry more gas.

The letter describing these changes came 10 days after FERC issued a three-year extension of the project’s federal certification. The pipeline’s initial approval included a construction deadline of June 2023, but due to delays, construction on MVP Southgate has yet to begin.

Opponents have argued the new proposal is so different from the original plans that the initial certification should no longer apply.

Full story HERE

Roger Vannoy is a lifelong West Virginian, who, with his wife Sarah, their two two kids and two dogs, call Lewisburg, WV home.

Roger is a Registered Nurse and 15-year veteran of the healthcare industry who spends much of his time on the front lines of West Virginia’s opioid crisis. Roger is also a Marine Corps veteran.

Roger is currently running for the WV House of Delegates in the 47th district in Greenbrier County and part of Monroe County. "My family has been here for a long time – all my ancestors just about are buried here. It means a lot to me, this state does." 

Roger has have an interest in riparian buffers along the river and hopes to see tree planting projects initiated and as well as physically cleaning up the river, getting trash and tires out. 

Mr. Vannoy joined our Board of Directors in 2023.

Jenna Breeckner is originally from Columbus, Ohio. She received a bachelor’s degree in soil science from West Virginia University in May 2022.

After graduation, Jenna started working for Greenbrier Environmental Group, a local environmental consulting firm based in Lewisburg, WV. Her work involves assisting with redevelopment projects throughout the state, such as improving recreational access to the New River in Hinton, WV.

Jenna serves as a board member for the West Virginia Environmental Council, where she helps organize youth groups and college students from across the state to attend an annual environmental day at the State Capitol. Jenna is passionate about promoting effective environmental legislation that aims to protect, conserve, and restore West Virginia's public lands and waterways. In the warmer months, she spends most of my free time swimming in the Greenbrier River with my dogs, and would like to ensure that it remains a sanctuary for the community and native wildlife to enjoy.

Ms. Breeckner joined our Board of Directors in 2023.

Tom Saladyga is a professor of geography at Concord University in Athens, West Virginia where he has been teaching courses in environmental geography and geographic information systems (GIS) since 2011.

As a researcher, Tom’s interests include Appalachian fire ecology and forest management, dendrochronology (tree-ring science), and environmental history. Over the last 20+ years, he has worked and conducted research in various locations across the eastern U.S., the Ozarks, and Mongolia.

Tom is also dedicated to providing applied research opportunities for his undergraduate students, including a project that resulted in the recognition of a previously undocumented old-growth forest at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (Burnwood: A Legacy Forest). Originally from Pennsylvania, Tom has been a resident of West Virginia since 2007 and has traveled and explored extensively throughout the state. He lives with his family in Fayetteville, West Virginia.

Dr. Saladyga joined our Board of Directors in 2024.

Autumn Crowe has been Promoted to Deputy Director

of WV Rivers

From WV Rivers "We’re thrilled to announce that Autumn Crowe, our dedicated Program Director, has been promoted to the position of Deputy Director at WV Rivers. Autumn’s passion for environmental protection and her extensive background as an environmental scientist have made her an invaluable leader in our organization."

"Having grown up exploring the waters of the Greenbrier River, her commitment to safeguarding West Virginia’s most valuable resource runs deep."

Autumn also serves as Treasurer for Greenbrier River Watershed Association.

Greenbrier East Student, Cole Morgan, heads recycling project

Cole Morgan, a Greenbrier East High School senior, and Eagle Scout candidate is beginning a journey to rid the planet of toxic plastic waste.

Morgan has joined Trex, Inc in a challenge to recycle 1000 pounds of #2 and #4 plastics (most plastic bags) in one year. He has teamed with Montwell Commons and Cliff Baker, his former Boy Scout Pack Master, for support, and Montwell Commons will recieve a NexTrex recycled bench in honor of his accomplishment.

Start saving your deli, bread, Ziploc, dry cleaning and ice bags. Newspaper sleeves, cereal box liners, and plastic mailers are eligible as well.

Drop off points are currently at Lewisburg United Methodist Church, Amy's Market at Montwell Commons, and Ronceverte Recycling Center. Mention Cole Morgan when you do, so your plastic can be put in the proper place for pickup.

For more information, email Cole at colemorgan889@gmail.com

Let your Delegate and both Senators know you support our

WV Public Lands

The West Virginia Legislative Session began on January 10, 2024 and runs through March 9, 2024. We hope the Legislature will keep these important goals in mind as bills come before their committees and for votes in the House of Delegates and the Senate. 

• Nature-based, non-motorized recreation compatible with public lands in our Parks, Forest, Wildlife Management Areas (WMA), and other public lands. Extend the prohibitions against motorized trails to WMAs! 
• Conservation of our scenic, wild and wonderful rivers, streams, and waters.
• Robust funding for staff and maintenance - and for Adopt-A-Stream and Adopt-A-Trail programs, and litter pickup.
• Increased accessibility for all compatible with conservation of public lands.
• Multiple opportunities for public participation and comment for new plans for our state lands. 

We hope you agree with these commonsense proposals. We invite you to take a moment and let your representatives know that you support these goals to conserve our wild and wonderful state public lands, for our enjoyment now and for future generations. 

Take action HERE

The Great Greenbrier River Race registration is OPEN

The Great Greenbrier River Race is a unique triathlon that you can experience as an individual or a team (of up to four). This family-friendly event is a run, boat, and bike triathlon in scenic Pocahontas County on the Greenbrier River and Greenbrier River Trail (GRT). 

The race starts and ends in Marlinton, WV, with a 3-mile run, down main street and then north on the GRT for an out-and-back course. The race then continues through a transition zone into the river via kayak or canoe (or stand-up paddle board (SUP) for those adventurous enough) for four miles downstream. The final leg of the race is a 10-mile bike ride, starting by heading south on the GRT, then turning back and heading north, finishing at back in Marlinton. 

This race has successfully been running for over 30 years and is a staple event in the area. Part adventure, part race, and all fun. A great experience for competitive triathletes or families and friends just looking for a fun experience.  

The atmosphere at the post-race event, including catered meal, awards ceremony, and live band keeps people coming back year after year. Don't miss out on the greatest race around. 

Register HERE

Mountain Valley Watch Appreciation Days

POSTPONED

UNTIL

FURTHER

NOTICE

Contact your representatives, often!

Contact your local, state and federal representatives with your concerns.

WV Legislature HERE

VA Legislature HERE

Members of Congress HERE

Listen to the FERC Monthly Virtual Open Meeting

fEBRUARY 15 @ 10:00 AM

Virtual Open Meeting

Commission meeting held in Commission Meeting Room (Room 2C) at FERC Headquarters, 888 First St. N.E., Washington, D.C. 20426

A  free live webcast is available for this meeting from 10:00 am - 11:00 am. All webcasts are archived for 3 months. Full info HERE          

Volunteer ~ Get involved with what matters to you!

Make your time count by volunteering with your favorite non-profit to do any number of things from helping with river cleanups, to monitoring rivers and creeks, to making phone calls or licking envelopes. You will make a difference.

Donate to a non - profit working to help save your backyard.



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Follow these pages ~ Stay informed on the issues.

WV Rivers ~ WV Rivers is the statewide voice for water-based recreation and clean, drinkable, swim-able, and fishable rivers and streams-from the headwaters to wherever water flows in West Virginia. 

Appalachian Voices ~ The Appalachian Voice has covered environmental, outdoor and cultural news in the Appalachian mountains since 1996. We provide thorough and well-researched journalistic news coverage to fit a niche not often covered by standard news media.

New River Conservancy ~ Protecting the water, woodlands and wildlife of the New River Watershed.

Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance ~ Protecting the heritage, resources and economy of the Allegheny-Blue Ridge region.

WV Environmental Council ~ Facilitate communication and cooperation among citizens in promoting environmental protection in West Virginia, to assist in organizing grass roots groups, to facilitate interaction among established environmental organizations, and to correspond with all appropriate local, state, and federal agencies involved in the management of West Virginia's environment. 

Wild Virginia ~ Along with our partners, alliances, and citizens like you, we press on in the fight against fracked gas pipelines in our region. The Mountain Valley Pipeline poses a great risk to our forests and surrounding communities. We are also working to improve habitat connectivity for wildlife throughout Virginia and to ensure that all of our waterways are fully protected in accordance with the law.

Stop the Money Pipeline ~ If we can stop the flow of money, we can stop the flow of oil. In early 2020, thirty-two organizations came together to form the Stop the Money Pipeline coalition. We stand on the shoulders of years of movement work pressuring financial institutions to act on climate.