Elkins, W.Va. (WVDN) — Gerald Dornburg, Mayor of Cowen and Chair of the West Virginia Resource Advisory Committee (RAC), and Josh Nease, Executive Director of Mon Forest Towns Partnership and RAC Co-Chair, today announced funding for sixteen projects that will benefit the Monongahela National Forest and nearby communities through the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program.
The Resource Advisory Committee emphasized its gratitude to U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito and U.S. Senator Jim Justice for their steadfast support of the Secure Rural Schools program, which provides critical funding to rural counties with National Forest land. This year’s investments will maintain and improve trails, restore historic sites, support youth education programs, enhance wildlife habitat, create employment opportunities, and strengthen local economies.
“Programs like Secure Rural Schools don’t just happen—they take champions in Washington who understand how important these funds are to rural West Virginia,” said Gerald Dornburg. “With SRS funding we’re able to put people to work, improve recreation opportunities, and invest in the next generation through programs that serve communities across our state.”
Mon Forest Towns Partnership echoed support, outlining how important these funds are to local communities. “These projects show what happens when we link community needs with forest stewardship,” said Josh Nease. “The funding that Mon Forest Towns Partnership is receiving from SRS will enhance recreation experiences across the Monongahela National Forest.”
2025 Funded Projects by County
- Pocahontas, Webster Counties – Flood Prevention Devices ($12,500): Install beaver baffles to reduce flooding and protect public safety.
- Randolph, Tucker Counties – EAST Mobile Trail Cache ($19,252): Outfit a volunteer organization with equipment and a mobile trailer to maintain 60 miles of trails.
- Multiple Counties – AFNHA Conservation AmeriCorps ($48,000): Deploy AmeriCorps members to assist the Forest Service on stewardship projects.
- Randolph, Tucker Counties – Mountain Stewards Youth Summer Program ($29,925): An expedition-style youth program combining stewardship, education, and exploration.
- Pocahontas County – Second Fork Foot Bridge & Trussell Improvements ($38,000): Build safe river crossings and improving watershed conditions on the Second Fork Trail.
- Pocahontas, Randolph, Tucker, Grant, Pendleton Counties – North Zone Trail Crew ($48,500): Establish a dedicated trail crew to address deferred maintenance and enhance recreation access.
- Randolph, Tucker, Grant, Pendleton Counties – Cheat Potomac Wilderness Sign Replacement ($14,151): Upgrade kiosks and signage in Dolly Sods, Otter Creek, and Roaring Plains West Wilderness areas.
- Randolph County – Historic Middle Mountain Cabin Roof Replacements ($34,873): Replace leaking roofs on historic cabins to preserve cultural heritage.
- Randolph, Pendleton Counties – Seneca Backcountry Signs ($15,578): Replace trail signs and kiosks to improve visitor safety.
- Randolph County – Historic Middle Mountain Cabin Chimney Repairs ($27,904): Restore chimneys to keep historic cabins safe and usable.
- Pocahontas County – Pocahontas County 4-H Camp Improvements ($30,000): Repair water lines and bathhouses to keep a vital youth camp operational.
- Multiple Counties – WV Prescribed Fire Council Website ($5,000): Develop an interactive website for the Prescribed Fire Council.
- Webster County – Fish Stocking Program ($28,800): Support tourism and recreation through fish stocking.
- Greenbrier County – Appalachian Grizzled Skipper Habitat ($25,000 partial): Enhance habitat for a rare butterfly and other pollinators.
- Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Randolph, Tucker, Webster Counties – Connecting Mon Forest Towns with Signage ($9,000 partial): Install signs that link communities to the Monongahela National Forest.
- Pocahontas County – Feather and Flora Trail at Yew Mountain Center ($13,200 partial): Restore trails and an accessible observation deck while adding interpretive signs for visitors.
In total, the RAC recommended $400,000 in federal support, matched by local and nonprofit contributions, for projects that benefit West Virginia’s communities and natural spaces.
The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, first enacted in 2000, provides stable funding to counties with National Forest land, helping to maintain schools, roads, and local services while also supporting special projects that improve infrastructure, enhance natural resources, and bolster rural economies.
