Public Comment Period Open For Buckhannon Tygart Valley River Water Trail Designation

A Water-Trail in our future! Save The Tygart Watershed Association, Buckhannon River Watershed Association, and other community partners have teamed up to designate a 45-mile section of the Buckhannon and Tygart Valley Rivers as a WV Water Trail!

A water trail is a sponsored and maintained recreational route along a waterway that is promoted by local entities with publicly accessible access points. The Buckhannon Tygart Valley River Water Trail is a project aimed at enhancing recreational opportunities, promoting environmental stewardship, and boosting local tourism by creating a designated water trail along the Buckhannon and Tygart Valley Rivers. The proposed trail will offer a range of activities including kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, while providing access to scenic views and local wildlife. Application for designation is a lengthy process but, when finished, the BTV Water Trail will join a list of exciting destination water trails statewide and will be eligible for additional grant funding to develop safe river access points for people of all abilities.

Your input matters! Residents in Barbour and Upshur counties are invited to participate in the public comment period for the proposed designation of the Buckhannon Tygart Valley River Water Trail. This period is crucial for gathering community feedback and ensuring that all voices are heard in the decision-making process. Public input is a key component in the successful designation of the Water Trail. feedback from residents, business owners, and stakeholders will help shape the trail's development, ensuring it meets the needs and expectations of the community.

Your comments can influence various aspects of the project, including:

Trail Access Points: Determining the most convenient and environmentally responsible locations for launching and exiting the water trail.

Amenities and Services: Identifying necessary facilities such as restrooms, picnic areas, and informational signage.

Environmental Impact: Ensuring the trail supports conservation efforts and minimizes disruption to local ecosystems.

Safety Measures: Proposing safety enhancements such as signage, emergency access points, and waterway management practices.

The public comment period will be open from July 1 to September 1, 2024. There are several ways to provide your feedback. You can find a physical copy of the Draft Designation request at the Philippi Public Library or the Upshur County Public Library or you can access it electronically using the link below.

To register your comments, you can:

Complete an Online Submission: Visit the www.tinyurl.com/btvwatertrail to submit comments electronically.

Attend Public Meetings: Attend one of the scheduled public meetings to share your thoughts and engage in discussions. Two open house meetings will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. with short presentations on the water trail at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.: July 11, 2024, North Park Pavilion 1, Buckhannon, WV, and July 31, 2024, 17 North Event Center, Philippi, WV.

Following the public comment period, all feedback will be reviewed and considered by the Buckhannon Tygart Water Trail Committee. The committee will then finalize the proposal, incorporating community input, and submit it for state approval. The goal is to begin trail development later this year, with the trail opening to the public by summer 2025.

Your participation in the public comment period is vital to the success of the Buckhannon Tygart River Water Trail. Together, we can create a resource that enhances our community's recreational opportunities and promotes sustainable use of our natural waterways.

For more information, please contact the Buckhannon Tygart Valley River Water Trail Committee at kelley.flaherty@savethetygart.org. You can also follow Save the Tygart Watershed Association or the Buckhannon River Watershed Association on Facebook.