Reclaim the Trail System at Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area

Petitioning WV Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and 3 others

 The Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area (SHWMA) is an important public recreational asset enjoyed by residents of Monongalia County and visitors.  It is popular with hunters and is also enjoyed year-round by outdoor recreationists including hikers, runners, cross-country skiers and birders. Three magnificent scenic views of the Cheat River canyon are achieved with a short hike.   

     The SHWMA is managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR).  A 115 acre timber project was initiated in February, 2014 to create habitat for wildlife.  The logging activity has destroyed and disrupted significant parts of the established trail system, a system that is essential to the enjoyment of all permitted activities, including hunting.  WV Code 20-2-1 states that it is public policy to protect the state's wildlife resources for the use and enjoyment of all citizens of the state, particularly for hunting, fishing and other diversified uses, economic contributions, and scientific and educational uses.  Thus we ask the following:

• We ask that the WVDNR Wildlife Resources Division quickly reclaim roads and trails and that they do so in a way that promotes hiking. In particular, we request that the DNR refrain from using large (3”) gravel in reclaiming any significant section of these trails and roads, as this large gravel makes hiking extremely difficult.

• We request that the WVDNR relocate habitat designed for rattlesnake away from popular access points. 
• We urge the WVDNR Wildlife Resources Division to develop channels of communication and work cooperatively in the future with local residents, recreational experts from WVU, and local nonprofit groups to develop and implement a plan for maintenance and improvement of the hiking trails at the SHWMA using local volunteer and donated labor and materials.