ELKINS — The Blackwater River has been named among America’s Most Endangered Rivers by the American Rivers group Thursday, saying the Blackwater is being threatened by the construction of Corridor H highway.

An American Rivers press statement claims the Blackwater River could be damaged by the currently state-preferred — but not yet adopted — route for Corridor H between Parsons and Davis. The release states the new Corridor H construction in Tucker County would cross all the river’s headwater streams with major construction activity at each. 

“This route was designed 30 years ago, with little thought to preserving the Blackwater River’s unique cultural, historic and environmental integrity,” the release states.

The state’s preferred route for Corridor H between Parsons and Davis would pass a large former strip mine that has not been reclaimed, with several mine tunnels that are filled with acid mine drainage pollution, according to the release.

“Construction in this area would be a recipe for disaster for water quality and stability of structures as mine tunnels collapse and spill polluted water into the river,” the release states.

Corridor H Authority Chairman Robbie Morris told The Inter-Mountain Thursday that, although the route is still being decided, the West Virginia Department of Highways will take steps to protect the environment and resources in Tucker County.

“We have seen the list and the Corridor H Authority has always supported an environmentally safe route for Corridor H,” Morris said. “I am confident that the route that the DOH selects will be environmentally safe.”

Morris described the list of threatened rivers as “fear propaganda.”

“Whatever route they select, plans will be put in place to protect the environment and cultural resources,” Morris said.

In the press statement, the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy Program said the supposed threat to the Blackwater River is a disservice to local communities.

“It would be a grave mistake on the part of the West Virginia Division of Highways and Federal Highway Administration, and a major disservice to local communities, to threaten the Blackwater River and simultaneously hinder the growth of the thriving outdoor recreation economy in this area,” West Virginia Highlands Conservancy Program Director Olivia Miller said.

“To those who know and love Tucker County – the Blackwater Canyon is the heart and soul of this region. To rob present and future generations of the opportunity to fully experience these special places and reap their many benefits is a huge error in judgment.”

In the press release, Sirianni’s Cafe owner Saundra Goss said the current preferred route for the roadway would have severe negative impacts on the cultural, historic and environmental integrity of the area, as well as the livelihoods of residents.

American Rivers and partners are joining community members and businesses to ask that the Federal Highway Administration mandate an alternative Northern Route, one that would “safeguard river health and enhance the heritage, character, and economies of local communities.”

“Anyone who values the Blackwater River should speak up in support of the northern route,” Thomas resident Rachelle Davis said in the press release. “A Blackwater avoidance alignment will help protect the river and the Blackwater Canyon, which are important to area residents and visitors alike. We can preserve our rich heritage and resources and still meet the goals of state and federal highway authorities.”

The Blackwater River flows 34 miles through the High Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County. The Blackwater is fed by the Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge, Blackwater Falls State Park and Big Run Bog, a National Natural Landmark in the Monongahela National Forest. It is designated as a West Virginia Critical Resource Water for its exceptional ecological, recreational and aesthetic values.

American Rivers is a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. For more information, visit www.AmericanRivers.org.