American Whitewater has been told that the current Gauley Access solution for private paddlers is only temporary, until the Park Service obtains mid point access land. We believe strongly that the Old Woods Ferry Road will be important until a long-term access solution is found. It does not change the fact that the outfitters want a lot more for their property than the Park Service is currently prepared to offer. While we are working with others to pursue a number of promising leads, we could be facing exactly the same situation next year.
It is in the best interest of private boaters (both hard boats and inflatables) to complete work on the Old Woods Ferry Road. Currently it is the only legal launch and landing area for large private inflatables between Summersville Dam and Swiss. Later, if negotiations for the sale of the outfitter’s land fail, it might have to be used by everyone. This alternative also helps keep negotiations on track and focused.
Friends of Gauley River (FOGR), especially Bill Tanger, and Benjy Simpson, have been working hard on this project since April of this year. We applaud their foresight and hard work, which helped us move forward towards the short-term agreement we now have. This past Saturday two dozen volunteers worked long hours to help reopen the old Woods Ferry Road that was built in 1865. The work required digging, raking, shoveling, and removing some trees. FOGR and others helping to do this project are trying to minimize the environmental impact. By Saturday evening the first vehicle drove all the way to the river. Now they must widen this rough road, spread stone, and remove more stumps and brush. The work continues. Here’s how you can help:
The next (and maybe final) work weekend will be on Saturday, August 27 and Sunday August 28. Meet at Surf City on Milroy Gross Road at 9 am each morning. This is directly across from Wildwater Expeditions on Rt. 19.
If you are interested in helping to resolve this matter, please let Bill Tanger know as soon as possible. Email address: tanger@mediavisionva.com. Home tel. 540-366-2228.