Gauley River
The Arc of Appalachia is gathering resources to purchase a 1336-acre swath of land bordering five miles along the Gauley River. Located in Nicholas County, West Virginia, just 12 miles away, as the crow flies, from New River Gorge National Park, this section of the Gauley River is a critical piece of land that a variety of endangered, vulnerable, and ecologically significant species call home. The success of this project would signify protection of endangered species that call the land home – including the federally endangered candy darter – improve water quality for the 60,000 commercial rafters who visit the region each year, and safeguard an ecologically significant piece of West Virginia land.
The Gauley River drains out of the vast conservation lands of Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. It is one of the top ten rafting rivers in the world because of its quick descent, narrow river canyon, bountiful white waters, and intimidatingly dangerous but beautiful rock outcrops. The property of interest lies upstream from the Summersville Lake Recreational Area, which is the only dam on the river. Rafting occurs below this dam; thus, all commercial rafting does not occur in the interested area. As the crow flies, the property is located just 12 miles away from New River Gorge National Park.
The Arc of Appalachia is in a race against time and commercial development. The current owner of the property improved roads into the property and cleared about 32 acres on the flat ridgetop, creating what could be a good foundation for development. If this property is not rescued, it may be developed, incurring the destruction of valuable, pristine wilderness and the associated damage of the species that rely on it.