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ELKINS -- A total of 123 acres of land in Randolph County has been transferred to the U.S. Forest Service in order to "save the view," officials said.
The West Virginia Land Trust recently transferred the property to the USFS. In 2017, the Forest Service contacted the Land Trust regarding the parcel of land that was to be sold in a closed bid auction.
"The property is surrounded by the Monongahela National Forest and lies in the viewshed of the Bickle Knob Fire Tower, located along Stuart Memorial Drive in Elkins," a West Virginia Land Trust press release states. "With the support of Randolph County residents, WVLT was able to raise the funds to purchase the property and hold it until the USFS could take ownership."
"When the announcement was made that the forest below the Bickle Knob Observation Tower was going to be sold, WVLT heard from friends in Randolph County who asked for our help," said Brent Bailey, WVLT Executive Director. "We took a deep breath -- and jumped in to protect this beloved, iconic viewshed from development,"
If the property had been bought and developed, the view would have been altered and recreation experiences changed. On a 10-mile treak along Stuart Memorial Drive, visitors can "enjoy spectacular views, see unique limestone geology, access trailheads into Otter Creek Wilderness Area, visit iconic red spruce forests, appreciate luxurious rhododendron blooms, a quaint campground, the Bear Heaven rock house and boulders, and be reminded of the rich history of the Civilian Conservation Corps with a monument dedicated to Franklin Delano Roosevelt," the release states.
"I can't say enough about how excited I am that we were finally able to acquire this critical property," said Carol Whetsell, Monongahela National Forest Lands Program Manager. "The Forest Service had no way to acquire this property at auction and we are very thankful that the West Virginia Land Trust stepped in, purchased the parcel, and held it until the Forest Service could make it available for the public."
"Many people who live in Randolph County, as well as visitors, have a strong personal connection to Bickle Knob," said Dave Clark, a Board member of the Land Trust and a resident of Beverly. "Weddings, memorial services, star gazing, hunting, and family reunions in the area have touched the lives of thousands of people. Seeing that the property is conserved permanently for the community, has been a priority for the Land Trust."
West Virginia Land Trust is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to "protecting West Virginia's special places forever." Since 1994, the organization has protected more than 20,000 acres of land, creating outdoor recreation opportunities, safeguarding local drinking water supplies, protecting scenic views, and preserving historic sites and family farms. Learn more at www.wvlandtrust.org.