American Whitewater and Friends of Cheat are working together to maintain river access to the Cheat and Big Sandy Rivers at Jenkinsburg. This area was recently purchased by Mountain Streams and Trails, a raft outfitter. Heavy use by ATV riders and college party groups has caused considerable damage here. The outfitter wants to maintain public access but needs our support. In exchange, we get a long-term access easement.
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has agreed to help out, This work will curtail the terrible erosion in the area. a non-point source of pollution which is part of their job. In addition to providing expert planning help they will match all your contributions on a 60:40 basis. This means that for every $1.00 you contribute, up to $10,000, the WVDEP will contribute $1.50! The project will be managed by Friends of Cheat with input from AW, the outfitters, and the DEP. Keith Pitzer works closely with this agency and can handle the complex paperwork with ease.
HERE?S A VERY BIG CATCH – we must have the final amount we intend to offer as the “match” in hand by June 1, 2005 – 30 days from now! This is so the project can be bid out and completed by September 30th. After that, the match money goes down a rabbit hole never to be seen again.
So if you’ve already contributed to American Whitewater to support this project, thank you! If not, don’t put it off, Please send your contribution to FRIENDS OF THE CHEAT,119 South Price St. #206, Kingwood, WV 26537. Or call 304-329-3621 after May 8th and use your credit card. FOC is a 501(c-3) nonprofit, and your conribution is tax deductable Charlie Walbridge American Whitewater & Friends of Cheat Board 304-379-9002; ccwalbridge@cs.com