Immediate Business:
- Help FOC "Make It Shine" at the Cheat River Narrows Trash Clean Up on April 2nd - sign up through our Facebook event page and watch for more details. Gloves and bags provided!
- 2022 Cheat River Festival Tickets are on sale NOW! Get yours here.
Into the Canyon - Newsletter of Friends of the Cheat Winter 2022
Board of Directors and Key Personnel
Amanda Pitzer, Executive Director; Owen Mulkeen, Associate Director; Madison Ball, Restoration Program Manager; Garrett Richardson, Monitoring Technician; Valorie Dixon, Bookkeeper; Beth Warnick, Media and Outreach Specialist; Lisa Maraffa, Program Assistant/Events Producer
Board Members
Interim Chair: Charlie Walbridge, Treasurer: Miranda Peddicord, Secretary: Rich Dennis, Sarah Hinnant, Connie Miller, Ben Hogan, Rick Chaney, Zach Fowler, Michael Strager, Dani Martin, Chris Wade, Justin Reedy
FOC Completes Its Second Year of E-DNA Monitoring for EasterN Hellbender
Last year, FOC was excited to announce that Eastern Hellbender were detected at 8 locations in the Cheat River watershed during our inaugural e-DNA monitoring effort that took place in Fall of 2020.
For a recap, environmental DNA is the DNA shed by organisms into the environment, and in this case, rivers and streams. FOC staff are able to pump river water through a sterile filter, capturing the e-DNA from the water. Then, the filter is secured and sent to a laboratory. At the lab, scientists extract the e-DNA from each filter, and look for the specific genetic sequences unique to the Eastern Hellbender and no other species on earth! With this process in mind, when a sample tests positive for Eastern Hellbender e-DNA, we can conclude that one or more hellbenders were present upstream of the sample location.
However, there are limitations with e-DNA monitoring. A positive e-DNA sample cannot inform us of how many hellbenders have been detected. Also, because each species sheds DNA differently, we cannot pinpoint exactly how far the hellbender(s) may be upstream from the actual sample location, although it would likely not exceed 1 kilometer. Additionally, a negative sample does not mean hellbenders are absent from a site, but rather that no Eastern Hellbender e-DNA was detected in the sample. In summary, a positive eDNA sample can tell us that 1 or more hellbenders are located somewhere upstream of the sampling location. It cannot tell us how many, their exact location, age, health, or gender.
So with last year’s results spurring our curiosity, we were eager to get back to the river this year and see if we could make new discoveries regarding hellbender whereabouts in the Cheat Watershed. In Fall of 2021, FOC staff and volunteers sampled 55 sites across the over 1,400 square miles of the Cheat River Watershed.
A subset of these samples included several locations upstream and downstream of the Albright Power Station Dam. Across the Eastern Hellbender’s range in the United States, dams are considered one of many significant impediments to their populations. Dams greatly reduce their mobility, which can isolate populations from one another. They also create poor water quality conditions by collecting sediment and warming the water as it sits in the artificial and oversized pool.
After collecting the samples in early Fall, we patiently awaited the results. When they arrived, we were elated - 27 of our 55 samples were positive for Eastern Hellbender eDNA! This year’s results bolstered our evidence that Eastern Hellbender are indeed utilizing the Cheat River for the majority of its length. Hellbender e-DNA was detected both upstream and downstream of the Albright Dam, further illustrating the need for its removal to improve connectivity between these populations. Perhaps the most eye-opening, samples in the notorious Cheat River Canyon were positive, which was unthinkable to most given the severely degraded status of the Cheat just decades ago. Although we will collect repeat samples in Fall of 2022 to further confirm the 2021 results, this finding is beyond promising for the Canyon.
As the Restoration Program Manager for FOC, opening the email that contains our e-DNA results is a little bit like Christmas Morning. When I was truly stunned with these results, a mentor of mine shared the following quote:
“Wild rivers are earth's renegades, defying gravity, dancing to their own tunes, resisting the authority of humans, always chipping away, and eventually always winning.” - Richard Bangs
While I am both empowered and humbled to serve the Cheat River in its era of recovery, it is important to remember that we should have never lost species like the Eastern Hellbender in the first place. Now more than ever, we must continue to improve conditions for sensitive species in our watershed and ensure we never lose them again. Further, good water quality for the hellbender is good water quality for humans; we all need it, and we all deserve it.
This experience with e-DNA monitoring reminds me that our world, and even the places right in front of us, are full of mysteries waiting to be discovered. While our results can provide a wealth of information regarding the Eastern Hellbender’s presence in our watershed, the beauty is that it entices our curiosity and spurs the need to learn more.
FOC will continue our quest for answers to the hellbender’s mystery in our 2022 sampling efforts. In the meantime, you can help the Hellbender too, in easy ways:
- Don’t stack rocks for your Instagram Feed (or for any reason really)
- Don’t build rock dams in the creek (yes fun, but also destructive for our sensitive critters that live under the rocks)
- Participate in one of our snorkel workshops this summer to learn more about the Cheat’s unique freshwater ecosystem
- Print off one of our digital Hellbender Activity Booklets for a youngster in your life
- Tell all your friends about the coolest Appalachian critter, AKA The Snot Otter, Allegheny Alligator, Ol’ Lasagna Sides: The Eastern Hellbender.
Like our Hellbender Art? Keep in mind our new Hellbender designs will be available online at Cheat Fest 2022!
Preserved Hellbenders at the History House
The Preston County Historical Society in Terra Alta is home to a vintage collection of preserved specimens, including hellbenders, amphibians, snakes, salamanders, turtles, and more. The collection, dated around 1956, was owned by West Virginia University’s Department of Biology.
The Historical Society’s “History House” is located in the Terra Alta Bank building on East Washington Street; built in 1892, it’s on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside, over 25,000 Preston County artifacts are on display. The society recently applied for grant funds to cover the cost of critical repairs to the History House.
During the pandemic, History House visits were through appointment only, which significantly reduced their yearly donations. The society’s expenses are covered through donations and memberships - please consider joining or donating to help protect and preserve this important collection of Preston County history, and support the community members who work so hard towards it.
Memberships and donations can be sent to their treasurer, Janice Sisler, at P.O. Box 118, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525.
A Huge Thank You to our Donors!
Cheat Watershed Sponsors: Walbridge Family Foundation, Charlie Walbridge, Eliza Walbridge, Patrick & Lisa Ward, Thomas & Hope Covey, Sunrise Sanitation, Community Foundation for a greater Richmond
Cheat River Sponsors: Vince Luzentales & Michelle Salter, The Reed Foundation, the Szilagyi Family Foundation
Stream Stewards: Robert Uram, Susan & Don Sauter, David Brisell, Toddi Steelman & Joe Sinsheimer, John & Emy Hinnant, Paul & Betty Connelly, Healthberry Farm, Jen Sass & Michael Graham, Robert Moore, The Oakland Foundation, Megan & Bill Carlson, Meredith Pavlick, Giles Wright, Stratford Douglas & Jodie Jackson
For the period October 5 through December 31, 2021
Canyon Contributors: Jay Mullen, Bill & Megan Carlson, Jessie Douglas, Pamela Schwer, Jerry Spence, Lisa Dailey, Mykl Messer & Terri Brink, Heather Lukacs & Kyle Doerksen, Richard Volkman
Narrows Navigators: Adrian Piechowicz, Arkley Forestlands, Donald & Jane Martin, Samuel Liston, Robert Vagnetti, Kathy DeWitt, Charles & Kathryn Lilly, Sarah Hinnant, David Hough & Cyndy Graves, Susan Gordon, Kelli & Justin Reedy, Sam Stewart, Allan & Millie Karlin, Glenn Larew, Fred Glotfelty, Mowry Smith III, Jeffrey Mitchell, Brent Bailey, Judith Cronauer & Gerard Lechowick
Confluence Crew: Robert Alexander, Thomas Pue, Teresa Wamsley, William A Lindsay, Ben Badger & Jessica Zamais, Paul Miller, Sarah & Walter Veselka, Ruth & Douglas Willenborg, Lizbeth Pyle, Stephen & Catherine Kelso, Michael Buric & Patricia Kotchek, Amy Conger, Richard Cohen, Mac Thorton, David Gross, Nicole Cordan, William & Kathryn Tuscano, Jamie Pflasterer, Jim Hunt, David & Shelley Poli, Roger & Linda Abrahams, Sandra Cotton & Karen MacKay, Kurt Hass, Steven De Boer, John VanLuik, Valorie & Steve Dixon, Joel Wolpert, David Talmage & Fern Abrams, David Greenwald, George Street, Katie Heisler, Chris Jenkins, Dennis Allen, John Munnell Jr., Jeff Cessna, Thomas Beres, Fern & Rita Mulkeen, Daria & Randy Jones, Richard Anderson
Philip Coleman in memory of his father, Philip Y. Coleman; Lila Travinski in memory of Robert Ridenour; Joe & Connie Miller, Michael Miller & Kelly Pack, Andrew & Louisa Miller in memory of Delbert Benson
Five Forks Friends: Robert Alexander, Gary Cooper, Charles & Nancy Brabec, Grant Smith, Bill & Anna Mae Thorne, Shannon Orcutt, Barry & Darlene Pallay, Andrew & Louisa Miller, Virginia Zetty, Caroline Coleman, Dr. Donald DeLorenzo, Judith Clister, Jen & Greg Short, Vincent Fusco, Peter Wentzel, Steve & Susan Kite, Robert & Dee Leggett, Edward Gertler, Paul Houndt, Paul Gould, Christopher Lazzell, Juliet Marlier, Everett Mulkeen, Simon Chavez, Michael F Kalanick, Michael Rzesutock, Jason Coffmam, Liz Clough, Michael & Amy Savage
Bruce & Judy Huggins in memory of Robert Ridenour; Constance Miller in memory of Jake Pitzer
Good ‘Ole Friends: Newton G. Gorrell, William R. Lickert, Jr., Michael Miller & Kelly Pack & Family, Gerald Milnes, Michael T Burk, Don Frew, Michael Bradley, Joel Beane, Jennifer Hagan, Scott & Terry Stough, Andris Suna, Liz Deardorff, Glenn Miller, William Sheppell, Matthew Cross, Phil & Mary Wotring, Kaycie Stushek, Robert Sypolt & Carolyn Baumgardner, Deb Hemler & Roger Opel, Diane Macklin, Paul Lange & Karen Frank, Art Bertol, David Atkinson, Scot Meadows, Robert Wolfson, Jane & Bill Yearout, Brenden Lingg, Ken Durr, Shawn Falkenstein, Janie Lou White, Oren Kennedy, Gerald Andy
Linda Adams in memory of Robert Ridenour
#GivingTuesday - Education & Outreach Donors: John & Emy Hinnant, David Brisell, Jay Mullen, Justin Cameron, Lyndsie Barnes, Kathleen Torkildson, Katie Plum, Caitlin Sullivan, Kaitlyn Snyder, Elizabeth Strearns, Jessica Spatafore, Kari Harsh, Donald Riggs, James Nardozzi, Natalie Shannon, Kendra Hatcher, Todd Fedak, Ben Badger & Jessica Zamias, Tess Meinert, Janie Lou White, Jon Ziedler, Christina Parrish, William Corley, Duane Lazzell & Sally Wilts, Moriah Peddicord, Julio Scheufele, Danielle Mucciarone, Douglas & Margaret Richardson, Linda Sharkey
Swim Guide Donors: Adam Webster, Theo, Colette, Sera, & Nico Zegre
In Memory of Keith Pitzer: Joan Pitzer, White Grass Ski Touring Center, Scott & Maureen Patton, Randy Robinson, Maggie DeWeirdt, Leigh Williams, East-West Printing Inc, Roger Calhoun
In Memorandum:
Wendy Summers Webb passed away on Jan. 3, 2022, in Morgantown. She resided in Albright. Born Aug 8th, 1958, Wendy was the daughter of W. Tap and Barbara Webb. She grew up in Milford, NJ, and attended Delaware Valley High School.
Growing up, Wendy was blessed with many opportunities to explore the outdoors, a passion she continued her whole life. She also loved time with animals and friends. The family fondly remembers her pet raccoon Bandit and the antics of them together.
Following high school, Wendy attended Davis & Elkins College in West Virginia, where she developed a love for the state that was to be her lifelong home. After college, Wendy spent years as a raft guide on the Cheat River and settled in Albright, where she continued her love for the river. She worked for many years as a hospital chef and continued to help others after her retirement.
Wendy was proud of her state and its natural environment. She was well-known for her compassion and was always willing to lend a hand to friends and neighbors. She will be missed by many, including her dear friend Rose. She is survived by two brothers, Brad in Bozeman, Mont., and Chris and his wife Jaci in Billings, Mont.; along with four nieces, one nephew, and one great-nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved grandmother, Lillian McKinnon.
FOC adopts Shavers Fork Coalition
Formed in 1997, the Shavers Fork Coalition (SFC) was dedicated to the "ecological health, natural appeal, and cultural heritage of the watershed.” Incorporating the interests of a diverse stakeholder base, the organization worked to promote the appreciation, enjoyment, understanding and sustainable management of this unique mountain resource." SFC provided workshops and trainings for local residents, sponsored cleanups and on-site watershed improvements, and strove to act as an informative source of watershed issues. In 2001, SFC was awarded “Watershed of the Year” by the West Virginia Watershed Network.
The Shavers Fork is one of the largest tributaries to the Cheat River. An incredible diversity of plant and animal life exists in the watershed due to its geology, mountainous topography, and geographical location. Over the course of its 84 miles, the river rages through Class V rapids, descends through dramatic canyons, meanders by historic communities and ghost towns, and provides some of the finest fishing in the state of West Virginia. The watershed is densely forested with over 65% in public domain as the Monongahela National Forest and is home to the globally unique Mixed-Mesophytic forest.
Friends of the Cheat is excited to welcome the SFC under the fold of our organization, and expand FOC’s mission to our important headwater tributaries. Through this merger, FOC looks to expand our restoration efforts, recreation opportunities, and river community into the Shavers Fork. After decades long clean up focused in the Cheat mainstem, we are now able to pursue important opportunities to restore, preserve, and promote outstanding natural qualities throughout our watershed.
Some ideas we are already kicking around include:
- pursuing grant funds to write a Shavers Fork Watershed Based Plan and/or Protection Plan
- promoting and securing public river access along the Shavers Fork (Bowden - Parsons)
- collecting water quality samples and bacteria monitoring
- forging new partnerships to protect or restore high quality trout streams
- improving aquatic organism passage (replacing failing or outdated culverts or stream crossings in the watershed)
We hosted our first virtual meeting in February and were able to virtually meet some really great folks who care about the Shavers Fork, its issues, and it's natural assets. If you or someone you know is interested in our new efforts in the Shavers Fork, please reach out to madison@cheat.org.
We will also be hosting an Meet & Greet event in the Shavers Fork Watershed on June 25th, 2022. Details to be announced in the Spring edition of Into the Canyon (April).
2022 Cheat River Festival
by Lisa Maraffa, Fest Coordinator
Mark your calendars for May 6th & 7th, 2022 and join us at the 28th annual Cheat River Festival!
Tickets for the 2022 Cheat River Festival are now available for purchase online at the Friends of the Cheat store! Presale Friday/Saturday combo tickets are available for $35 - a $10 saving off of tickets at the gate. Be sure to get your tickets ahead of time as we have sold out in past years. We look forward to seeing you there!
TICKETS ON SALE NOW: $35 FOR COMBINED ENTRANCE
Whenever someone asks me about Cheat Fest, I say "Cheat Fest is a living thing. It has an energy around it that cannot be easily explained to someone who hasn't attended." From the amount of volunteers that come out of the woodwork to help, to the sense of community that you feel when you attend, Cheat Fest has its own aura, full of many brilliant colors.
Knowing what goes into planning an event, this festival should feel like a job, but instead, it feels like a reward. A reward for every person who has supported FOC in our mission to restore the Cheat River, a reward for past and present FOC staff whose hard work was/is confirmed by clean water quality data and increasing recreational use by the public, and a reward for the Cheat River itself, which continues to heal.
The Cheat River Festival is FOC's main fundraising event, and supports our mission to Restore, Preserve, and Promote the outstanding natural qualities of the Cheat River watershed. I hope that every person reading this today is able to attend the festival and experience the same sense of community that I do each year at this amazing celebration.
Friends of the Cheat has held this annual fundraiser along the banks of the mighty Cheat River for many years. Join folks from all over as we congregate and enjoy local music, artists, food trucks, vendors, races, kids activities, educational talks, and more!
Sponsorships
Through a cross-promotional partnership with Friends of the Cheat, you can highlight your business at the confluence of fun and fundraising! Sponsorships can help your business reach a wider audience, promote a special service, or simply reinforce your brand. Check out the sponsorship page at www.cheatfest.org for a variety of ways your sponsorship dollars can make a splash. Please make sure to register by April 1st, 2022.
Volunteers
We get by with a little help from our friends! Volunteers are such an important part of the Festival so we like to reward our volunteers with Festival perks such as free entry, on site camping, food, and beer. Positions vary from 4-hour shifts to Lead Volunteer responsibilities. Make sure to visit www.cheatfest.org/volunteer to sign up now!
Cheat River Massacre-ence Race
The Cheat River Festival weekend kicks off on Friday with the largest mass start, whitewater downriver race in the country known as the Cheat River “Massacre-ence”. This year, the Down River Race will be held in memory of Rick Gusic, a local boater, river advocate, and Down River Race Coordinator for 22 years. Come join the race to celebrate Rick’s legacy and show us what you got! Registration is online only and closes May 1st, 2022.
5K Foot Race
The Cheat Fest 5K Foot Race is held the Saturday morning of Cheat Fest at the Preston County Country Club, where participants cruise along the gently rolling course through the grounds of the golf course, the rhododendron lined banks of Buffalo Creek, and along the mighty Cheat River. Registration is online only and closes April 30th, 2022.