The land around the Jenkinsburg is the only place to access the Chea River between Albright and Cheat Lake. It has been important to paddlers, fishermen, and other river-loving outdoorsmen for over fifty years. Last Spring, after several decades of abuse and neglect, it was purchased by Hough, the managing partner of Mountain Streams and Trails Outfitters.
Thanks to his generosity and vision a unique partnership developed. A fundraising effort by American Whitewater brought in contributions from individuals and clubs throughout the Middle Atlantic States. They also obtained generous private grants from LL Bean and Clif Bar. Friends of the Cheat, a Kingwood, WV based watershed organization, obtained matching funds from the WV- DEP and planning assistance from the WV Conservation Agency.
Last fall over $30,000 was spent to restore, upgrade, and beautify the area. Except for the upper parking lot, public use of the land is limited to foot traffic only. Mr. Hough plans to keep his property open to responsible public use and expects it to be an asset to his business and a source of pride in the community. Today key people met with him to inspect the project and install a sign recognizing the partners. Because the area has a reputation for atrocious littering and irresponsible behavior both the Preston County Sheriff’s Department and West Virginia DNR Conservation Officers will be giving the area extra attention in the coming year.
In the photo from left to right are: Brad Durst, WV Conservation Agency, Hough, Mountain Streams and Trails, Charlie Walbridge, Board Member of American Whitewater, Keith Pitzer, Executive Director of Friends of the Cheat, Matt Shafer, WV-DNR Conservation Officer, and Lou Schmidt, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.
The busy 2006 whitewater rafting season is now under way. When you see a Mountain Streams guide on the river, give him a big thanks!