CLEAR October 2021

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WNS takes a toll on West Virginia bat populations - The Wildlife Society
by DUANE NICHOLS 29 Oct '21

29 Oct '21

https://wildlife.org/wns-takes-a-toll-on-west-virginia-bat-populations/ WNS takes a toll on West Virginia bat populations By Joshua Rapp Learn, Wildlife Society, I October 18, 2021 Researchers found that little brown bats in West Virginia declined due to white-nose syndrome. Credit: Keith Christenson Populations of several bat species plummeted in West Virginia due to the spread of the deadly white-nose syndrome over the past decade, according to long-term surveys. White-nose syndrome has decimated bat populations across much of North America. A fungal disease, it kills affected bats during hibernation periods, causing them to use more energy than uninfected bats during colder winter weather. A researcher extracts a Virginia long-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) from a mist net. Credit: Tim Jones Researchers in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia wondered how it was affecting the state’s 11 known bat species. Biologists had conducted mist net surveys for bats at hundreds of different sites in the forest since the late 1990s—before white-nose syndrome emerged—and recorded the species, body condition and sex of the bats they captured. “It became very fortuitous that we had all this data before white-nose syndrome hit,” said Catherine Johnson, who then worked as the wildlife program manager for the Monongahela National Forest. In a study published recently in Ecology and Evolution, Johnson and her colleagues split the data into two portions. They compared data from 2003 to 2008, before WNS was confirmed in the state, to data taken on surveys from 2011 to 2019, after it had spread through West Virginia. Northern long-eared bats were among those that declined after white-nose syndrome struck West Virginia. Credit: Keith Christenson “We could see this long-term change,” said Johnson, who now works as a coastal ecologist with the National Park Service. They found that three species declined dramatically after WNS hit the state: little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus), northern long-eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis) and tricolored bats (Perimyotis subflavus). Those trends matched data gathered from other research conducted on hibernacula counts, Johnson said. The population of big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) and eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis), however, actually increased after WNS appeared in the state. Johnson isn’t sure why, but other research has shown that big brown bats may benefit from more prey availability when WNS diminishes other species. They may also benefit from more quality roost space, Johnson said. Other bat species, like federally endangered Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis), also declined but were so rare even before WNS that it was hard to tell what was happening statistically, Johnson said. A tricolored bat with white-nose syndrome symptoms visible on its nose. Credit: Craig Stihler The researchers also found that two species—northern long-eared bats and big brown bats—began to breed 5 to 6 days earlier on average in recent years. That may be attributed to the spread of the disease, Johnson said, or it may be due to climate change. “These bats are dealing with so many different things at the same time,” she said. “White nose syndrome is one, but there’s also habitat loss, disturbance of hibernacula and maternity roosts, climate change and many other stressors.”

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Some History of Mont Chateau
by DUANE NICHOLS 27 Oct '21

27 Oct '21

John May on Facebook Admin · October 10 at 7:22 PM · The bill to sell Mont Chateau had passed the Senate during the 1977 Legislative session. House delegates from Monongalia County, however, opposed the bill, arguing that access to the trail system and the only public beach on Cheat Lake would be eliminated. One local delegate charged that DNR had “purposely let the property run down … and made the property unattractive to the public to encourage the sale.” The bill failed to pass the House. Mont Chateau Beach, from the Morgantown Dominion Post 4/15/1977: >>>>>>>>>………………………>>>>>>>>>………………………>>>>>>>>>> John May on Facebook Admin · October 12 at 7:31 PM · The bill to sell Mont Chateau had failed to pass the Legislature. Quarry Management had terminated its lease and no other prospective parties could be found to manage the Park. DNR did not want to resume operation due to the prohibitive costs to rehabilitate the facilities. The State had a property that it could neither sell nor operate as a park. There followed some discussion as to repurposing the Lodge for other uses. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Corps, for example, had expressed interest in the building but, upon an on-site inspection, the facility was deemed “not large enough to provide the necessary housing room and would be too expensive to convert to uses to suit our purpose.” On June 21, 1977, Governor Jay Rockefeller announced that the Mont Chateau Lodge would be leased to and occupied by the West Virginia Geological Survey, at that time housed in White Hall on the WVU campus and in several leased facilities in the Morgantown area. From the Morgantown Morning Reporter 7/12/1977: >>>>>>>>………………………>>>>>>>>>…………………………>>>>>>>>>> John May on Facebook Admin · October 7 at 7:35 PM · Unable to generate income from the Park, and given the neglected state of the Lodge, DNR recommended that Mont Chateau be sold. Per the DNR Director, “The public doesn’t support it. It never has been popular since the day it was built.” A resolution to sell the property for not less than $1,000,000 was proposed in the 1977 Legislative session. The rationale given for the proposal was that, “as of late, Mont Chateau operated more as a hotel than a park and did not fit into the scheme of the State Park system because it only had 42 acres that were not suitable for recreational development”. Per the chairperson of the House Parks sub-committee, “It will cost much to upgrade the park in a condition that will not embarrass the State and dim the image of the other State Parks. On the other hand, we do believe the park can be easily sold to the adjoining country club or land developers on Cheat Lake.” From the Morgantown Dominion Post, 1/12/1977:

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Scientists work to catch up with Va.’s endangered and threatened species before it’s too late - Virginia Mercury
by DUANE NICHOLS 20 Oct '21

20 Oct '21

https://www.virginiamercury.com/2021/10/20/scientists-work-to-catch-up-with… Scientists work to catch up with Va.’s endangered and threatened species before it’s too late Following an announcement in September from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that 23 species should be declared extinct, Virginia’s environmental scientists are feeling the pressure to learn more about the commonwealth’s endangered and threatened species so they can be protected. “That list really highlights that extinction is not just a down-the-road possibility; it’s a very real possibility that can happen now,” said Anne Chazal, chief biologist at Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Natural Heritage Inventory. “People think of it as a tropical rainforest issue or an arctic tundra issue, but this is happening in the rivers and forests of Virginia.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists 71 endangered and threatened species living in Virginia. The list is made up of fish, amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, birds, mammals and plants. The convergence of northern and southern habitats spanning from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic makes Virginia ecologically unique, according to Tom Akre, program scientist at the Conservation Ecology Center at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. “Ecologically, Virginia is an amazing crossroads, and as a result, we have amazing biodiversity and lots of species that are threatened and endangered because they were naturally on the margins of their ranges anyways or naturally not super abundant across wide ranges,” said Akre. Matthias Leu, associate biology professor at William and Mary, said he is concerned about the future for many of these species. “I don’t think it’s looking very good,” said Leu. “We’re worldwide losing a lot of species across all taxons, and the sad part for a lot of these species is we don’t even know how well they’re doing before all of a sudden they’re gone.” Piney Grove Preserve in Sussex County is home to one of Virginia’s last breeding populations of red-cockaded woodpeckers, Oct. 8, 2021. (Evan Visconti/ For the Virginia Mercury) Habitats are changing Sara Zeigler, a research geographer at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Coastal and Marine Science Center, said endangered species are often threatened by changes to their habitat. “It’s this constant conflict between habitat and people,” Zeigler said. In Virginia, Zeigler analyzed the habitat of the piping plover, a threatened shorebird that nests along Virginia’s barrier islands during the spring and summer. The piping plover requires wash-over habitats, which are created when an event such as a storm pushes sand and dunes from the beach further inland, covering much of the vegetation. “That allows the birds to nest further back from the ocean shoreline so the nest isn’t in danger of being flooded,” said Zeigler. “It gives them a lot of visibility so they can see any predators coming from shrubs or grasses on the interior. It also gives them access to the back side of the barrier which is where they bring their chicks to forage after they hatch.” When shorelines are developed and communities build sea walls or engineer dunes to protect from flooding, those overwash features that provide a habitat for piping plovers disappear, said Zeigler, and so do the piping plovers. The endangered red-cockaded woodpecker is experiencing a similar problem further inland. It requires large swaths of mature pine forest to survive due in part to the fact that it is the only woodpecker that excavates nesting cavities in live trees, according to Brian van Eerden, the Nature Conservancy’s Virginia Pinelands Program director. An aerial view of Piney Grove Preserve’s longleaf pine savanna, Oct. 3, 2021. (Evan Visconti/ For the Virginia Mercury) The southern longleaf pine forest historically provided tens of millions of acres of suitable habitat spanning south from Virginia to Florida and east all the way to Texas. “The red-cockaded woodpecker filled that niche with a large communal population structure,” said van Eerden. “Over the course of several hundred years, starting at Jamestown with colonial activities until the 1990s, there was a degradation of forest conditions suitable for species like the red-cockaded woodpecker,” said van Eerden. “The collapse of the red-cockaded woodpecker mirrored the collapse of the habitat it depends on.” Much of the southern pine forest was developed for agricultural land and harvested for timber. The natural role of fire in shaping the forest ecosystem was also curtailed. Without fire, the forest becomes thick and overgrown, limiting the abundance of herbaceous vegetation and causing a chain reaction that adversely affects the red-cockaded woodpecker’s source of food: insects, said van Eerden. The Nature Conservancy manages nearly 4,000 acres of forest called the Piney Grove Preserve in Sussex County. In an effort to restore the natural habitat and return the red-cockaded woodpecker to Virginia, conservationists began an aggressive prescribed burning program, removed canopy trees, installed artificial cavities (or nests) in trees and brought in juvenile red-cockaded woodpeckers from a donor population in South Carolina, said van Eerden. “We now have a stable enough population that we can safely contribute juvenile birds to other recovery areas, like the Great Dismal Swamp,” said van Eerden. “That’s a very convincing example of how we used science and some of the best ecological forest managers to drive population growth.” Relying on the science Conservation efforts across Virginia depend on scientists to monitor species’ populations and determine what a particular ecosystem or species needs in order to survive. This often requires teams of scientists to go into the field to collect data and make visual assessments. “We really need to be outdoorsy people who enjoy going out early in the morning and late at night to get bitten by mosquitos,” said Leu. “We are always pointing into the landscape and assessing the diversity at those points, so we need to be really well versed in recognizing bird songs and frog vocalizations and identifying plant species.” Christopher Davis, a fisheries biologist at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, monitors endangered Atlantic sturgeon and sea turtles in Virginia waterways as part of the Protected Species Observer Program. Davis teams up with commercial gillnet fisherman to study and track any sturgeon or sea turtles that get pulled up as accidental bycatch. If a sturgeon is caught, Davis sticks a transponder tag in it to track its movements after it is released. “We get length, weight and document any injuries that we see,” said Davis. “Then we get a fin clip for a DNA sample and we release it.” Different types of tags are used to monitor sturgeon movements. A VEMCO tag utilizes a string of receivers across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel that pings the tag when it comes within range to give scientists an estimate of the number of fish coming in and out of the bay. An Atlantic sturgeon caught off the coast of Chincoteague is tagged as part of the Protected Species Observer Program, April 25, 2021. (Photo by Christopher Davis) Additionally, scientists are utilizing new technology that can detect environmental DNA, or eDNA, in a given ecosystem to determine whether a species is present, said Akre, who used eDNA to detect threatened wood turtles in Virginia. “In the places we worked in northern Virginia, eDNA was almost as effective as visual encounter surveys at finding wood turtles, and it’s significantly cheaper because you don’t have to pay all these people to go out there and do these surveys,” said Akre. “You don’t get an understanding of how abundant the populations are, but it is a great surveillance tool and a fairly cheap one.” Surveyors from Virginia’s Department of Wildlife Resources snorkeling in the Clinch River at Speers Ferry to try to document all mussel species present at the site, Sep. 17, 2017. (Photo by Brian Watson) Scientists essentially take a sample of water (land and air eDNA samples are still being developed) and test it to see if they can find a particular species’ DNA. If the DNA is found in the water sample, scientists now have reason to believe that the species can be found in that ecosystem. Brian Watson, the statewide aquatic invertebrate biologist at Virginia’s Department of Wildlife Resources, said eDNA is starting to be used to look for certain species of mussel, but the science is still in the works. Virginia is home to a wide diversity of freshwater mussel species, several of which are endemic, or only found in one particular location. Due to freshwater mussels’ immobility, complex breeding process and overall sensitivity to changes in their ecosystem, they make up the largest portion of Virginia’s federally endangered species, said Watson. “eDNA, if it works properly, will allow you to get into a lot of sites rapidly and at least get an answer to the question of whether a particular species is present there or not,” said Watson. “It’s definitely an interesting tool that we are pursuing for freshwater mussels.” Given freshwater mussels’ stream bottom habitat and the sheer miles of waterways in Virginia, surveying with traditional methods can be difficult and time consuming, according to Watson. Watson sees drawbacks in potential false positives or negatives with the use of eDNA, but Akre and other scientists around the world are working to make eDNA more reliable and eventually have the ability to measure population abundance. “If we can use eDNA for abundance, then we can use it beyond just surveillance but also for monitoring how well a population is doing,” said Akre. “It does have great value in Virginia for detecting rare and endangered species.” xxx

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Take Your Leaf Peeping Escape to New Heights in West Virginia
by DUANE NICHOLS 04 Oct '21

04 Oct '21

Pictures of the day, of the week, of the month, October 2021. DGN https://www.mensjournal.com/travel/take-your-leaf-peeping-escape-to-new-hei… Take Your Leaf Peeping Escape to New Heights in West Virginia Blackwater Falls is an absolute masterpiece in autumn. Courtesy Image This article was produced in partnership with West Virginia Department of Tourism. Whether you’re desperately clinging on to the last glimmer of summer or eagerly counting down to the first day of fall, one thing’s for certain—autumn is coming. It’s time to grab your gear, pack your bags, and load up the car for that leaf peeping road trip you’ve been talking about. The crisp autumn air starts working its magic in late September, transforming summer’s lush canopies into sepia-tinted masterpieces across the country. But Mother Nature saves one of her most spectacular seasonal performances for West Virginia, where things are (quite literally) taken to new heights. The Mountain State is, not surprisingly, blessed with an awesome range of elevation. This rich and diverse topography allows the fall foliage to gradually reveal itself in waves for weeks on end. Depending on what part of Almost Heaven you’re exploring, you could either be a couple hundred or a few thousand feet above sea level, with nothing but stunning vistas and jaw-dropping panoramas as far as the eye can see. Trust us…it’s a show you won’t want to miss. Beech and birch trees erupt in brilliant explosions of gold. Scarlet oak and sumac trees become blanketed in crimson. And some species like witch hazel, hornbeam, and white oak trees dish out technicolored palettes that combine shades of copper, ochre, and burnt sienna. So whether you’re gazing out from a mountain overlook, wandering the winding trails, or enjoying the views during a statewide road trip, there’s an entire season of leaf peeping just waiting to be discovered this fall in West Virginia. Don’t miss the chance to see the majestic scenery for yourself—here’s how to plan an unforgettable leaf peeping adventure in Almost Heaven. Courtesy Image When to Go The cooler temperatures typically start hitting West Virginia’s higher elevations in late September. Regions like the Potomac Highlands become painted in bursts of burgundy, chestnut, and marigold. As the vibrant hues start washing over the treetops, in-the-know visitors head to iconic sites like Snowshoe Mountain and Canaan Valley Resort State Park to catch an early glimpse. Be sure to visit Monongahela National Forest. The national recreation area contains Seneca Rocks (paradise for rock climbers) and Spruce Knob, West Virginia’s highest peak, clocking in at 4,863 feet above sea level. Soon after, the flood of fall colors makes its way to Mountaineer Country and the Greenbrier Valley, dazzling onlookers in Historic Lewisburg and Stonewall Resort State Park. By late-October, the Northern Panhandle is usually in full swing. The region’s Tomlinson Run State Park converts into a spellbinding autumnal oasis, drawing hikers and campers in search of the changing leaves. It’s also the perfect time to visit the Mid-Ohio Valley, flaunting hot spots like Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park and the North Bend Rail Trail. Toward the end of the month, the dazzling display prepares for its final act. This is when you’ll want to explore regions like the Eastern Panhandle, Metro Valley, and New River-Greenbrier Valley. You can also choose to witness Mother Nature’s mesmerizing exhibition at other popular sites close by, like Babcock State Park and Hawks Nest State Park. Glade Creek Mill in fall Courtesy Image Can’t-Miss Leaf Peeping Destinations Babcock State Park: Babcock State Park is a fan favorite all year long, but it’s a real showstopper in the fall. Located in Clifftop, the beloved park boasts 4,127 acres of striking scenery that lures daredevils of all disciplines, from mountain bikers to whitewater rafters. It also happens to be one of the most photographed spots in the entire state, thanks to its iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill (above). The fully functional structure is a replica of the original Cooper’s Mill, which formerly operated on the grounds. The rustic campsite is an idyllic haven to use as a basecamp during your visit, complete with 28 electrical hook-up sites, 24 non-electric sites, and fully stocked cabins available to guests. Blackwater Falls State Park Courtesy Image Blackwater Falls State Park: Don’t be misled by the name…Blackwater Falls comes alive in the fall with one of the most vibrant foliage displays in the state. Tucked away in the Potomac Highlands and surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains, Blackwater Falls actually draws its name from the amber-colored waters that rush from its namesake 62-foot cascade, darkened by the tannic acid released from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. The park offers plenty of picture-perfect moments, from the waterfall viewing platforms to Pendleton Point Overlook and Lindy Point Overlook, which peers across the Blackwater River Canyon. Table Rock is another can’t-miss spot within the park. The famed rock climbing site offers spectacular mountain vistas and can be found toward the far western end of Canaan Loop Road. There are also 75 primitive campsites strung along the 18-mile road, which make for a magical getaway. Fall foliage in the Mountain State. Courtesy Image Dolly Sods Wilderness: Part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, Dolly Sods Wilderness sprawls across more than 17,000 acres within the Monongahela National Forest. Here, elevations range from 2,500 to over 4,700 feet, lending to drastic demonstrations of fall foliage that cover the spectrum from butterscotch to rich mahogany. Fishing, hunting, and camping are all desired activities at Dolly Sods, but the best leaf peeping experiences exist along its 47 miles of trails, most of which follow weathered railroad grades and old logging pathways. In the 1940s, the military used this region for World War II maneuvers and mountain training. Though the area has been swept, hikers are encouraged to stay on designated paths as there may still be live mortar shells. Coopers Rock State Forest comes to life in the fall. Courtesy Image Coopers Rock State Forest: Ask any West Virginian to rattle off their favorite spots to watch the autumn leaves change, and chances are Coopers Rock State Forest will rank high up on their list. Located in Bruceton Mills, this iconic forest covers more than 12,700 acres—so there’s no shortage of foliage to see. The main overlook gives way to sweeping views of the Cheat River Gorge that stretch on for miles and miles. Immerse yourself in the action by exploring the forest’s 50-plus miles of zigzagging hiking and biking trails. There’s also a six-acre, trout-filled pond on the north side of the forest, providing a quiet retreat to appreciate the autumn scenery in all its glory. Harpers Ferry National Historic Park: If you’re on the hunt for an Instagram-worthy, autumn-themed escape, look no further than Harpers Ferry. This cozy little town serves up all the quintessential fall vibes you can imagine. The historic community sits at the convergence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. It’s chock-full of waterfront views, beautiful brick buildings, and charming storefronts, restaurants, and museums. It’s the perfect place to stroll the quiet tree-lined streets with a hot apple cider in hand. Visitors can also trek to serene overlooks, hike along skirmish lines from the Civil War, or join a ranger-guided wilderness tour. A visit to Harpers Ferry feels like you’re turning back the hands of time to a picturesque, bygone era. Blackwater Falls State Park Courtesy Image Where to Stay to Take Advantage of Fall Foliage Blackwater Falls State Park: Tucked away in the mountains of Tucker County, Blackwater Falls State Park offers an extensive range of outdoor excursions for visitors. The park was officially established in the 1930s, but the area had been attracting adventure enthusiasts since the early 1800s. Its key features include the namesake Blackwater Falls, as well as Elakala Falls, Lindy Point, and Pendleton Point Overlook. Within the park, overnight guests can immerse themselves in nature by taking advantage of their range of lodging options. The park has 39 fully furnished cabins, a 65-unit tent and trailer campground, a spacious 54-room mountain lodge, and a Tentrr campsite with additional standalone canvas platform tents. Lafayette Flats: Planning to explore the New River Gorge? Find your home away from home at Lafayette Flats. Located in charming Fayetteville, this boutique property blends historic appeal with all the modern-day comforts you’d expect. The grand brick building boasts four open and airy flats for visitors to choose from: the Nuttall, Corten, Quinnimont, and Eddy. After checking in, spend the day discovering local hidden gems downtown or working up a sweat in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Comfortable, clean, and conveniently located—what more could you ask for? Hotel Morgan: Nestled deep in the heart of Mountaineer Country, Morgantown is a quaint town known for its rapidly growing multicultural heritage. Home to West Virginia University, the destination has an always-on energy, thanks to its youthful collegiate population (which also comes with a frenetic nightlife scene, exceptional restaurants, and an eclectic arts community). Here, visitors will find the polished Hotel Morgan, a Wyndham Hotel. Sleek and sophisticated, this refurbished hotel is perfectly positioned on Main Street, and just a 15-minute drive to Coopers Rock State Forest. Bavarian Inn: Looking for more international flair? Consider booking an escape to the Bavarian Inn, perched on a striking bluff that overlooks the Potomac River Bend (just minutes from Harpers Ferry). A stay at this 11-acre, European-inspired boutique resort will feel like you’ve traveled worlds away (but luckily, you can leave the passport at home). Steeped in Alpine heritage, the luxurious property offers 72 spacious state rooms (where you can cozy up next to a gas fireplace) or live large in one of its four classical old-world chalets. And in true Bavarian tradition, make sure to stop by its on-site Brew Pub, Brew Lounge, and outdoor Beer Garden. This is the perfect place to splurge on a romantic autumnal retreat. The Billy Motel: Sure, the idea of bunking at a motel might not be your first choice, but The Billy Motel is anything but typical. This boutique motel is equal parts retro and edgy, with a dash of (what they call) “hillbilly fabulous.” Positioned off Route 32, the 10-room property was recently renovated and oozes personality. This mountaintop getaway is only minutes from the nearby towns of Thomas and Davis, teeming with funky shops, cool coffee bars, art galleries, and music venues. Outdoor adventure hubs like Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, Canaan Valley State Park, and Monongahela National Forest are also just a short drive away. Canaan Valley Cabins: For a more private escape, check out the inventory listed by Canaan Valley Cabins. The company offers a diverse assortment of rentals and vacation homes sprinkled throughout the Canaan Valley. From isolated log cabins deep in the woods to bucolic estates that can sleep the whole crew, they offer something to fit every taste and budget. Plus, you can find your perfect retreat by filtering options with criteria such as pet-friendly listings, waterfront locations, and more. No matter where you wind up booking, you’ll be right in the heart of the region’s brilliant fall foliage and heart-racing outdoor exploits. Oglebay Resort: The stately Oglebay Resort can be found in Wheeling, just an hour from Pittsburgh, two hours from Columbus, and three hours from Cleveland. It’s perched on 1,700 rolling acres and offers tons of activities fit for the whole family. The recently updated Wilson Lodge sports first-class accommodations with top-notch amenities, while their collection of cottage rentals and estate homes come in three tiers: rustic, deluxe, and premium. Play a round on one of their four golf courses, spend the day exploring Schenk Lake (outfitted with pedal boats, mini golf, and an aerial challenge course), or get up close and personal with the wildlife of The Good Zoo.

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CLEAR October 2021