Immediate Business
- Friday through Sunday, June 2-4 - Are you a whitewater enthusiast - or an FOC Whitewater Access Donor? Stay at the FOC Campground in Albright, WV FOR FREE during Whitewater Appreciation Weekend. The Whitewater Appreciation Cookout will be Saturday, June 3, from 4:00-8:00pm.
- Sunday, June 11 - Join FOC, the Upper Cheat River Water Trail Committee, and Blackwater Outdoors Adventures for the Tucker County Meet the Cheat! Everything you need to know is HERE.
Into the Canyon - Newsletter of Friends of the Cheat Winter 2023
Board of Directors and Key Personnel
Amanda Pitzer, Executive Director; Owen Mulkeen, Associate Director; Madison Ball, Conservation Program Director; Garrett Richardson, Monitoring Technician; Valorie Dixon, Bookkeeper; Beth Warnick, Media and Outreach Specialist; Lisa Maraffa, Program Assistant and Events Producer
Board Members
Chair: Rich Dennis, Vice-Chair: Chris Wade, Treasurer: Miranda Peddicord, Secretary: Michael Strager, Charlie Walbridge, Sarah Hinnant, Connie Miller, Ben Hogan, Rick Chaney, Zach Fowler, Dani Martin, Justin Reedy
River Otter Conservation in West Virginia: Historic Victories & Contemporary Challenges
by Eden Nitza, WVU Graduate Student
Apex predators, species at the top of their food chains, are more vulnerable to certain anthropogenic disturbances, such as water pollution and biodiversity loss, than other species. This is because of ecosystem processes such as biomagnification: with each successive level in the food chain, pollutants are increasingly concentrated within individuals. Because river otters (Lontra canadensis) are apex predators in many aquatic ecosystems, they are considered a sentinel species- the status of river otter populations is reflective of the status of entire ecosystems. The return and continued presence of river otters in West Virginia is a symbol of the progress we are making toward aquatic ecosystem conservation.
River Otter Conservation History
River otters are considered a victory for conservation. Prior to European colonization in North America, river otters occupied every major drainage in what is now the United States. However, by the early twentieth century they had been extirpated (locally extinct) from most of their native range due to unregulated trapping, habitat destruction, and extensive pollution in aquatic habitats. Because of conservation actions such as legislation protecting aquatic ecosystems, improved trapping regulations, and reintroduction programs across the country, river otters have made an almost complete recovery- as of the twenty-first century, they are thought to occupy over 90% of their native range [1, 2].
In West Virginia, river otters were extirpated from the early 1900’s until they were reintroduced in the 1980’s and 90’s by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR). This reintroduction project live-trapped river otters from states in which their populations were abundant, transported them to WV, and released them across the state. This project was unanimously successful- the translocated otters repopulated the state to such an extent that by 2011, a trapping season was opened for otters based on statistical estimates that the population could support regulated harvest without compromising its stability.
Current Conservation Challenges
Despite the historic victory of river otter reintroductions, conservation work is never complete. Currently, much is unknown about the status of river otters in West Virginia, which presents a challenge for conservation-decision makers as to how we can best protect this population. To address this issue, the WVDNR is supporting several graduate student-led research projects that are furthering our knowledge of river otters here. My research focuses on river otter diet and population genetics, and other projects are addressing survival, toxicology, and spatial ecology. These projects will help answer questions about the current impact of harvest, pollution, and habitat fragmentation on this species, which will inform best practices for conservation and management programs.
How You Can Help
Stay Informed:
As the current graduate student research projects develop, we will be broadcasting our results to the public, so stay tuned for additional research next year.
Support Watershed Health:
- Continue to support organizations that work to protect suitable habitat for river otters such as FOC and their partners.
- Reduce your contribution to watershed pollution by eliminating your use of rodenticides, pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides.
Speak up:
In West Virginia, the Natural Resources Commission determines hunting, trapping, and fishing regulations for all wildlife species that can be legally harvested. The Commission determines these regulations based on input from both WVDNR scientists and public feedback. Consider submitting public comments and/or attending their next quarterly meeting, which will be announced here: https://wvdnr.gov/natural-resources-commission/
A recommended reading is linked below.
A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS!
Cheat Watershed Sponsors: Walbridge Family Foundation, Charlie Walbridge, Eliza Walbridge, Margaret Walbridge, Patrick & Lisa Ward, Tom & Hope Covey, Sunrise Sanitation, Robert Uram, Community Foundation for a greater Richmond, Randy Robinson
Cheat River Sponsors: Richard Volkman, The Oakland Foundation, Szilagyi Family Foundation, The Reed Foundation, Scott Mitchell & Dan Cardinali, Northeast Natural Energy
Stream Stewards: Joe Sinsheimer & Toddi Sleelman, John & Emy Hinnant, Don & Susan Sauter, John Guilfoose, Peter Lusardi, David Brisell, Calleva Outdoor Inc, Hoffman Construction Company, Newton Gorrell, Stratford Douglas & Jodie Jackson, Bill & Megan Carlson, Fred & Kim Wright
For the period February 21 through April 4, 2023
Canyon Contributors: Dr. Darren Tanner, Tyler Mayhew & Mary Luckini, Don & Martha Ferguson, BioMost Inc, Peter Bernstein, Janet Graul & Matt Moore
Narrows Navigators: Justin Reedy, Joan Pitzer, Garrett Tomblin, Donald Ferguson, Donald Moats, Ryan Kuehn, Alicia Pingley, Steve Taylor, Ron Cunningham, Glen Larew, Roger Calhoun, Spring & Ken Kingsley, Frank Jernejcic & Martha Korona
Confluence Crew: Jerry Spence, Constance Ramirez, Erin Hartman, Delbert Royce, Tom Williams, Shawn Grushecky, Andrew Linday, Eugene Baker, Jason & Lova Jaros, Bronnie Stroud
Five Forks Friends: Susan Gordon, Gregory Campbell, Tina Lachowski, Michael Rzesutock, Daniel Slattery, Rachel & Aaron Humberson, Johnathan Myers, Adam Webster, Caitlyn Sullivan
Good Ole Friends:Dan Twardus, Charles Badger, Andrew Gunnoe, Kathryn Moran, Greg Corio, Russell Keifer, Nancy Cullison, Madison Cox, Eden Nitza, Chris Bauer, Jennifer Hagan
Swim Guide Donors: Adam Webster, Theo, Colette, Sera, & Nico Zegre
FOC Awarded Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Outdoor Fund Grant
by Madison Ball, FOC Conservation Program Director
Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Outdoor Fund has awarded a grant to Friends of the Cheat to continue our bacteriological monitoring program, which monitors harmful bacteria (namely E.Coli) at 12 fishing and recreation access points along Big Sandy Creek and the Cheat River, including Cheat Lake.
“This funding will be huge for our program. Knowing the E.Coli levels of our river is important to all outdoor enthusiasts. Anglers, kayakers, and swimmers will all continue to be able to find up-to-date data and information about the safety of where they recreate.” -- Garrett Richardson, FOC Monitoring Technician and outdoor enthusiast
Friends of the Cheat has been monitoring E.Coli and other bacteria in the Cheat River along several access points since 2017. Sampling locations include local favorite hot spots for fishing and paddling, such as Riverview Lounge, Holly Meadows, Hannahsville Ford, the Cheat Narrows, and Jenkinsburg.
Friends of the Cheat’s bacteriological monitoring program is the most difficult program to find funding for, as the need to monitor and inform the public remains consistent every year. The award from Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Outdoor Fund will ensure that Friends of the Cheat can continue to provide updated water quality information to the public so that anglers and recreationalists can make informed and safe decisions on when to interact with the river.
Overall, the program has shown that the sites monitored are generally safe for recreation, but should be avoided after heavy warm rains to reduce exposure to harmful levels of bacteria and E.Coli. Additionally, recreationalists should avoid contact with the river at Rowlesburg Park until major sewer upgrades are completed.
To see Friends of the Cheat’s most recent results and current monitoring locations, visit https://www.theswimguide.org/affiliates/friends-of-the-cheat/
Thank you Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Outdoor Fund for investing in safe recreation opportunities in the Cheat River!
2023 Whitewater Access Campaign
Help FOC reach our goal of $25K for Whitewater Access improvements in BOTH the Cheat Canyon AND the future Cheat Narrows “Caves Put-In.” Since the campaign kicked off in April, our amazing donors have raised over $15k already! Sincerest thanks to all those who've donated.
$100 renews your FOC membership, $150 renews your membership and gets you a custom-engraved Hydro Flask, and $300 adds an FOC hat and 2024 Cheat Fest VIP status (for those donating after 5/7/23)! Every donation makes a difference.
Earlier in 2023, FOC was awarded $15K from Hydro Flask and their Parks-for-All Grant Program to begin improvement designs for the heavily used Cheat River Narrows “Caves Put-In” along Route 72. Additional funding will be necessary to make this project a reality. To help with fundraising, Hydro Flask has also donated over 200 stainless steel bottles which FOC is offering to donors giving $150 and up!
For the past 17 years, FOC has developed and maintained access to the Cheat Canyon and Big Sandy Rivers in Albright, Rockville, and Jenkinsburg through our Whitewater Access program. This year’s improvements included: clearing blocked culverts, ditching, adding/smoothing gravel, and special attention to the hairpin before the Jenkinsburg Bridge parking lot.
The Rockville Bridge remains closed after being shut down by DOH in August of 2020. Paddlers can use the road on the Valley Point side to reach the river left access point – but fair warning – the road is in bad shape and only high clearance vehicles clearing should attempt it. The put-in there is on private property, so please respect the landowners and don’t park in front of the house at the bottom left. The river right access from the Pisgah side (ideal for the Upper Big Sandy) is in better condition, and goes straight to the FOC access point. The last 50 yards are in poor shape!
In 2020, the West Virginia Land Trust (WVLT) acquired the Jenkinsburg Recreation Area, securing and protecting it for future river and trail public access. FOC will continue to manage the area in partnership with WVLT – and assist in future improvements.
2023 Cheat River Festival Reflection
by Lisa Maraffa
Cheat Fest can be described with words like friends, family, music, community, reunion, Chacos - but sometimes mud, storms, and muck boots are also applicable. Luckily, this year was blessed with the elusive “sunny weather” and the result was quite impressive.
Every aspect of this event came together to create what has been nicknamed the “Best Fest” and this is not only because 2023 has proven to be the most lucrative Fest ever on the books. It is also due to the fact that so many new people, near and far, were able to come out to celebrate with us and experience what Cheat Fest truly is at its heart. Our music, arts, food, and vendors are only one layer of onion so to say. The core principles of Cheat Fest lie with those who attend, from those who have attended all 29 festivals, to the first timers, and everyone in between. This river has somehow created and nurtured a community of understanding and openness that is very difficult to find in life. I can say it a million times in a million different ways, but in the end, the sentiment is always the same; Cheat Fest is and always will be the Best Fest no matter the weather because of the LOVE present here and I applaud each and every one of you for contributing to that love.
I watched a storm brewing that weekend but this storm was different than most I am used to. This was the perfect storm of weather, planning, diversity, support, and amazing community outreach. On Friday night, I couldn't help but smile as I watched bats emerge from near the stage and fly over the crowd followed by a Full Flower Moon that rose in the night sky to bathe the Festival Site in moonlight.
I cannot send enough thank yous out to those involved so please accept this one, big THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. You are the lifeforce of Cheat Fest and you are amazing, special people that I will never forget. Until next time, stay classy West Virginia.