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ELKINS -- The Nature Conservancy has purchased 1,971 acres in Canaan Valley -- a tract called Big Cove -- to conserve and protect.
The property was purchased from Western Pocahontas Properties. It borders the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge to the south and is west of the Dolly Sods Wilderness. Conservation of the property will protect the unique wildlife habitat and secure public access for hunting, fishing and recreation.
"I am pleased The Nature Conservancy has purchased the 1,971-acre Big Cove property in Canaan Valley," Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said Tuesday. "West Virginia is truly wild and wonderful, and this beautiful landscape is home to unique forest, stream and wetland habitats, as well as popular hiking trails.
"The purchase will promote outdoor recreation opportunities, including hunting and fishing, and boost tourism in Tucker County and across the Mountain State," Manchin said. "I was proud to support this project and, as Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I will continue working to ensure West Virginia's public lands and wildlife habitats are protected for generations to come."
Big Cove sits in the northern end of Canaan Valley, and expands habitat from the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge that features many rare species that occupy the forest, stream and wetland habitats in this area. The tract's position on the landscape also ensures it will continue to allow nature to adapt to climate change and will be an important refuge and migration corridor, officials said.
"Protection of Big Cove is a great complement to the larger development and recreation plans that are being worked on in the Davis-Thomas-Canaan Valley area," TNC West Virginia Executive Director Thomas Minney said. "We believe this project helps ensure key natural areas are protected, while also allowing for it to be a part of the larger vision for trails, recreation and tourism. Conservation and development can be done in complementary ways to continue to benefit Tucker County and its residents."
In addition to the importance to nature, Big Cove will also provide essential ecological services for people and be complimentary to local recreation economies.
The U.S. Forest Service's Forests to Faucets analysis identifies this landscape as in the second highest of 10 categories for national surface drinking water importance.
Protection of Big Cove secures key public access for recreation, as well as additional trail connections in the area, officials said.