1. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES-- This proposed recreation plan is provided as part of the 2006 Triennial Review of the Cheat Lake Park and Trail Recreation Plan. It is intended to initiate a cooperative effort with the Allegheny Energy Supply Corporation and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, to bring increased activities, projects, programs and opportunities to our local region. 

2. CURRENT STATUS-- Currently, the Cheat Lake Park and Trail is owned by Allegheny Energy Suppy Corporation and operated by them as a requirement of the operating license for the Lake Lynn Hydro Dam electricity generation project. While Allegheny Energy has generally met the strict requirements of the federal license, this private company is involved in the generation and distribution of electricity and as such has no dedication to, no extensive record of, or employees trained in public recreation activities. Thus, the people of our region may be better served if a new approach is taken for the recreational programming and operation of the Cheat Lake Park and Trail.

3. PROPOSED NEW APPROACH-- It is herewith proposed that a new entity be selected relative to recreation and environmental education on Cheat Lake, to provide (A) planning and programming, (B) activities and events, (C) operation and maintenance, and (D) safety and security. One or more of the following organizations can be enlisted to assist and participate in this approach, namely: (1) the Monongalia County Commission [Mon Com], (2) the Board of Parks and Recreation of the City of Morgantown [BoPARC], (3) the Monongahela River Trails Conservancy [MRTC], (4) the Cheat Lake Environment and Recreation Association [CLEAR], and/or (5) a new entity formed expressly for the stated functions, to have strong working relationships with all interested parties.

4. MAJOR ADVANTAGES
A. Increased recreational opportunities-- By involving recreation professionals and the people who are the current and potential future users of the Park & Trail, greater use of existing facilities can be made. It may be desirable to have a gradual transition to new programs, as the cost and personnel requirements must be matched with available resources and the growing demand (need) for these activities.

B. Increased educational components-- This can include the introduction of new educational projects having appeal to both grade school and high school students. [Already a number of classes at West Virginia University include activities that interface with the Park and Trail.]

C. Enhanced safety with security-- To a significant degree, the considerations of human safety are in some cases, or can be in others, related to the security of the Park and Trail. Security personnel need to have capabilities to render help to people who are sick or injured. And, Safety personnel can assist in maintaining a secure facility. So, given the small size of the Park and Trail, it would be beneficial to integrate the Security and Safety components for effective and efficient public service.

D. Greater coordination with other county programs-- Given that the Mon Com maintains recreational programs at various locations in the County, including the Chestnut Ridge Camp (within a few miles of the Park and Trail), that the BoPARC has extensive recreational facilities and personnel in and near Morgantown, that the MRTC maintains trails along the Monongahela River and Deckers Creek,and that great progress is being made on the establishment of a Sheepskin Trail in Pennsylvania (immediately north of the Park and Trail), a substantial opportunity exists to coordinate and integrate some activities of the Cheat Lake Park and Trail with these others.

E. Improved economy of operations (cost savings & economical activities)-- There are three factors that could benefit the costs of operations for the Park and Trail that would result from a local operator. (1) The existing monies from Allegheny Energy could be spent on personnel that provide a combination of recreational activities, safety and security, i.e. these specific individuals could readily be trained in all three functions, (2) existing personnel of the County and City could provide some of their expertise, programming and operational skills to the Park and Trail, and (3) application could be made for financial assistance for the Park and Trail from funding agencies, to include the City, County, State, and federal government as well as independent sources of financial assistance.

F. Increased information and publicity-- It is desirable that some promotions of the Park and Trail and its programs is made through press releases, brochures, flyers, maps, etc. [Already substantial information on the local region is provided at the Interstate rest stops and at various business locations throughout the region for local residents.]

 

G. Additional research surveys to elicit public input-- It is desirable to perform update evaluations and research surveys, e.g. questionnaires, to determine the needs and desires of the greater community relative to the services provided at the Park and Trail. Then, this can be followed by planning and programming to meet those needs, to the full extent feasible. Unless this is done on a periodic or on-going basis, there will be no timely service to the public relative to the full potential of Cheat Lake in service to the common good.

5. IMPROVED ACTIVITIES
A. Hiking, jogging, and biking-- It is almost certain that the use of the Cheat Lake Trail could be enhanced with input from the various recreational entities in the Monongalia County area.

B. Canoes and kayaks-- If a small inventory of canoes and kayaks were kept on site near the Park and Trail, this would be a great benefit to the people of the region. Demonstrations on their usage could be scheduled and events could be planned to bring in others interested in using the backwaters for canoe and kayak enjoyment.

C. Jet skiis and motor boats-- These are already very popular on Cheat Lake. An annual event could be planned and implemented with emphasis on optional models available, their safety considerations, Q and A sessions on operation and maintenance; and, help could be provided on where to by gear and where to get fuel, maintenance, and upgrades.

D. Shoreline and boat fishing-- Now that fishing has become a major activity on Cheat Lake, there needs to be two or three events each year planned as educational sessions dealing with the fish themselves (their habits and where to find time), with fishing gear options, with handling fish when caught, etc.

E. Water skiing & boat swimming--- Safety regarding water skis and boat swimmers should include considerations of power and speed, proper gear, and respect for others in addition to water quality and water quality warnings (fecal coliforms, etc.)

F. Shoreline swimming -- Over the coming three year period, a comprehensive study can be completed to evaluate various alternatives for "guarded beach swimming" and/or "swim at your own risk beach swimming". Costs and safety considerations need to be fully examined so that all concerned are fully aware of the various conditions that prevail.

 

G. Picnicing-- Picnic tables are available at a few locations along the Trail, at the Millstone Point, in the shelters on the two bridges over the Morgan Run and Rubles Run backwaters, as well as within the day-use picnic area (above overflow parking area). Some of these are used from time to time, but a great opportunity exists to provide programming in support of the usage of the picnic areas.

6. NEW PROJECTS OR RENOVATIONS
A. Environmental educational programs-- Naturalists, biologists, scientists and engineers can all help to provide environmental education programs at four or more locations around Cheat Lake. A number of topics are already available for presentation by employees of the State of West Virginia, West Virginia University, and other existing agencies and organizations.

B. Boating safety programs-- The WV Department of Natural Resources is prepared to offer boating safety programs; and, other interested organizations and individuals can be scheduled to provide important information, provide Q and A sessions, and help to influence boaters of the need for an understand of and observance of proper safety rules and guidelines.

 

C. Events and activities at the Park-- Family day events that have been held in the past by CLEAR have been quite successful. This provides an opportunity for more frequent and more extensive family activities on Cheat Lake. Activities that are attractive to young children represent a grand opportunity to orient them into an interest in and respect for lakes and streams and their preservation and use.

 

D. Concessions may be a useful addition to the Park and Trail, if the anticipated usage level is achieved within the next few years. Healthful food concessions could be offerred as an additional incentive to visit the Park and Trail; and, rental gear (canoes and kayaks) would be a popular addition as soon as this can be arranged.