ELKINS, W.Va., (WVDN) — The Monongahela National Forest has approved nine new projects totaling about $240,000 through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. The projects will support recreation, historic preservation, infrastructure, and educational opportunities across West Virginia.
The West Virginia Resource Advisory Committee, established under the Secure Rural Schools Act, brings together representatives of local communities and diverse interests to recommend projects for funding under Title II of the Act. This year’s selected projects reflect strong partnerships between communities, organizations and the Forest Service—advancing shared priorities for sustainable land stewardship and community well-being.
“These projects demonstrate the collaborative spirit that defines our rural communities and the Monongahela National Forest,” said Gerald Dornburg, Mayor of Cowen and co-chair of the advisory committee. “Each investment supports both natural resource stewardship and the resilience of the towns connected to the forest.”
The committee recommended about $240,000 in federal support, matched by local and nonprofit contributions, for projects that benefit West Virginia’s communities and natural spaces.
2026 Funded Projects by County
- Randolph, Tucker, Pendleton, Grant Counties – North Zone Wilderness Portal Signs ($24,000)
- Pocahontas, Randolph, Tucker, Grant, Pendleton Counties – North Zone Trail Crew ($50,000)
- Pocahontas and Webster Counties – Cranberry Wilderness Trail Clearing ($21,600)
- Grant, Tucker, Randolph, Greenbrier, Webster, Preston, Nicholas, Pendleton, and Pocahontas Counties – Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area AmeriCorps ($45,000)
- Pocahontas County – Mountain Lick and Little River West Fork Trail Bridges Re-decking Project ($28,500)
- Pocahontas County – Marlinton Ranger District Recreation Sign Replacement ($8,500)
- Tucker County – Parking Improvements for Sundew and Bear Rocks Trailheads ($15,250)
- Webster County – Roof Repairs at Historic Red Oak Fire Lookout Tower ($35,000)
- Webster County – Camp Caesar Lake Vegetation Removal Project ($9,981)
“This year’s project slate showcases innovative and community driven ideas that improve trails, historic assets, educational programs, wildlife habitat and local employment opportunities,” added Josh Nease, executive director of Mon Forest Towns Partnership and committee co-chairman. “We’re proud to help advance projects that support the health of the forest and the economies that rely on it.”
About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in world-class science and technology — and rooted in communities — the Forest Service connects people to nature and recreation opportunities. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation’s forest industry and energy needs, and operates the largest and most respected wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. By providing assistance to state and private landowners and working with tribes and other partners, the Forest Service also helps steward an additional 900 million forested acres within the U.S.
