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Blackwater Falls in Blackwater Falls State Park attracts visitors who spend more than $25 million in the region yearly, according to West Virginia State Parks. (Adobe Stock).<br />

Report: WV’s Blackwater River among America’s most endangered

The Blackwater River, which flows more than 30 miles through West Virginia's Allegheny Mountains, ranks among the top 10 most endangered rivers in …

In 2021, approximately 368 stream miles throughout West Virginia and Virginia were designated as critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act for the endangered candy darter. (Adobe Stock)

WV groups sue Forest Service over Cherry River watershed protections

West Virginia environmental groups have sued the Forest Service for failing to protect streams in the Cherry River watershed from the impacts of coal …

The Federal Highway Administration estimates there are 1 million to 2 million accidents involving vehicles and large animals every year in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

WV leads nation in wildlife collisions; federal funding could lower the odds

West Virginia ranks number one in the nation for wildlife/vehicle collisions, with residents having a one-in-37 chance of hitting an animal in a …

Lesser prairie chickens require large parcels of intact native grasslands, often in excess of 20,000 acres, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Congress Votes on Revoking Popular Game Bird’s Endangered Status

Congress votes today on whether the lesser prairie chicken -= a popular southwestern game bird -- should have its status as "endangered" overturned…

Research shows West Virginia's Corridor H highway could potentially impact threatened and endangered species such as the West Virginia flying squirrel. (Adobe Stock)

After WV Town Greenlights Corridor H Highway, Residents Want Input

Residents in West Virginia want more input on a four-lane highway slated to cut through the towns of Thomas and Davis, continuing over the Blackwater …

The Long Run watershed, located in the Greenbrier Southeast Project area, supports native brook trout and drains into waters that are home to the endangered candy darter fish. (Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance)<br /><br />

Conservation Groups Scrutinize Monongahela Timber-Harvest Proposal

A U.S. Forest Service timber-harvest proposal in Pocahontas County has conservation groups worried about potential harmful impacts to endangered …

Radio telemetry can identify radio-tagged animals 10 or miles away. (West Virginia Department of Commerce)

WV Using Radio Technology to Track Wildlife Migratory Patterns

UNION, W.Va. -- West Virginia researchers are utilizing old-school radio technology to study the migratory patterns of wildlife in remote areas of …

Wildlife crossings can help reduce animal-vehicle collisions, which cause more than 200 human fatalities and more than 26,000 injuries each year. (Adobe Stock)

Wildlife Crossings Reduce Collisions, Impact of Roads in Natural Areas

Charleston, W.Va. - Wildlife crossings such as green bridges or other structures that allow animals to cross roadways safely have been shown to …

West Virginia's forests support more than 35% of the world's cerulean warblers, an endangered species. (Wikimedia Commons)<br /><br />

WV Groups Applaud Landmark Wildlife Recovery Act

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - As the nation faces what scientists call a mass extinction crisis, West Virginia environmental groups are hailing Congress's new …

The candy darter is one endangered fish species that conservation groups want to protect from the effects of pipeline construction in Virginia and West Virginia. (Native Fish Coalition)<br /><br />

WV Groups Laud Court "Freeze" on Pipeline Construction

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Conservation groups are applauding a federal court ruling that blocks permit approval to construct the Mountain Valley Pipeline …

The Mountain Valley Pipeline is being built on slopes so steep that trucks carrying pipe sections sometimes have to be pulled up by bulldozers. (Alan Moore/Virginians Against Pipelines/Facebook)

MVP Critics Request Stay, Citing Endangered Species Act

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Conservation groups want a federal court to halt the troubled Mountain Valley Pipeline, saying it harms rare species of …

Public forestland such as Cranberry Glades is central to West Virginia's identity. (Mike Costello)

Election Called Good News For WV Federal Public Land Protections

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With the elections over and deer hunters returning to West Virginia's woods, conservationists are looking forward to better …

Much of West Virginia's self image is defined by its connection to the state's wilderness. But a new voting scorecard shows record opposition to conservation legislation. (Chad Cordell)

Almost Half of Legislature Voted Against Every Conservation Proposal

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A voting scorecard by the West Virginia Sierra Club shows record levels of opposition to conservation measures by state …

The only true old-growth forest in the West Virginia state park system is in Cathedral State Park. (West Virginia State Parks)

Former Administrator: State Park Logging Plan Numbers Don’t Add Up

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The numbers in a plan to log West Virginia state parks don't add up, according to a retired forester and administrator…

Wildfires and the cost of fighting them often are considered a western problem, but 14 people died in a 2016 fire in the Great Smoky Mountains. (National Park Service)

Even in East, Wildfires Straining Forest Service Budget

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – More and bigger wildfires – even in the East – are burning through the budget of the U.S. Forest Service…

Conservationists say they're worried about what a huge gas pipeline would do to the Appalachian Trail. (Appalachian Trail Conservancy/Benjamin Sentz)

MVP Impacts on Appalachian Trail Cited

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – A new report details the impacts a huge natural gas pipeline would have on the Appalachian Trail, and some of America's …

Researchers say conservation provisions in the U.S. Farm Bill have helped stabilize some wild bird populations. (Pixabay)

Some Wild Birds Get Boost from Farm Bill

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – While the Farm Bill is crucial policy for agriculture, it's also quite literally for the birds. The "State of the Birds 20…

Bees are important pollinators for plants and flowers, but in the past year, populations nationwide have dropped by one-third. (Pixabay)

Pesticide Rules and Bee Health; Final Chance for Comments

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Today is the final day for the public to comment on an updated assessment of four pesticides that environmental and food-safety …

The American Society of Foresters recognized the Gaudineer Scenic Area in 1983 for its

Group Aims to Find, Protect Older Forests in WV, Nation

HUNTINGTON, W. Va. – A conservation group wants to designate an old-growth forest in every county in the United States that has forestland - …

Trump administration moves that could undermine the naming of national monuments might affect West Virginia's push for a Birthplace of Rivers monument. (Samuel Taylor/Birthplace of Rivers)

Possible Public-Lands Rollback Sparks Suspicion in WV

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginians are likely to react with suspicion to Trump administration moves toward rolling back the national monuments …

Angie Rosser, West Virginia Rivers Coalition, says ordinary folks are going to have to get involved if they want lawmakers to protect water quality. (Dan Heyman)

Critics: WV Water Legislation Leaves Out Voice of People

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – Community groups are harshly criticizing legislation they say would hurt West Virginia streams and drinking water…

Tourists bike on the Williams River Road after flood damage repairs. Supporters of a new Birthplace of Rivers National Monument say it should help the area recover from this summer's storms. (Matt Kearns)

Could Birthplace of Rivers Help Richwood Recover from Floods?

RICHWOOD, W. Va. – A new Birthplace of Rivers National Monument could help Richwood recover from this summer's devastating floods, according to …

Conservationists want the presidential candidates to pledge to keep public lands, including national forests, in public hands. (Samuel Taylor/BirthPlaceofRivers.com)

Asking Presidential Candidates for Pledge to Protect Public Lands

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A long list of conservation groups is calling on the presidential candidates to pledge to keep public lands in public hands…

A geologic study of the Mountain Valley Pipeline says part of its path crosses a

Geologic Survey Finds "No-Build Zone" In MVP Path

CHARLESTON, W. Va. - A big chunk of the proposed path of the Mountain Valley Pipeline is in what ought to be a "no-build zone," according to a …

Adam Swisher and Matt Kearns traveled the length of the Elk River. They say protecting it will be good for West Virginia's future. (Chad Cordell)

WV's Future: The Elk River Runs Through It

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – As West Virginians consider their future, some say the Elk River runs right through it. In part to build support for the …

Supporters say a Birthplace of Rivers National Monument - including the Cranberry Glades - would mean more jobs at a time when West Virginia needs them. (Mike Costello)

Birthplace of Rivers Potentially Part of WV Transformation

CHARLESTON, W. Va. - A Birthplace of Rivers National Monument could boost tourism and help the state replace losses in the coal and gas industries…

Conservationists say a steady funding source for the Land and Water Conservation Fund will help protect areas like the New River Gorge. (M. Ahmed/West Virginia Rivers Coalition)

WV Senators Praised for Money Dedicated to Conservation Fund

CHARLESTON, W. Va. - An important conservation fund, which had been threatened in Congress, is one step closer to permanent funding. For the first …

Backers have high hopes for the economic impact of a proposed Birthplace of Rivers National Monument for eastern West Virginia. (BirthplaceofRivers.org)

Economic Impact Promising for New Birthplace of Rivers National Monument

CHARLESTON, W. Va. - Economic research is lending support to folks backing a new Birthplace of Rivers National Monument in eastern West Virginia…

Conservationists want national monument status for the Birthplace of Rivers wilderness in eastern West Virginia. (Live Monumental campaign)

Birthplace of Rivers Up for Possible National Monument Status

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The Birthplace of Rivers in the eastern West Virginia mountains would become the next national monument if a coalition of …

Opponents are calling for a comprehensive plan to reduce the impact of four huge proposed natural gas pipelines on national forest land and endangered species. Credit: Dominion Pipeline Monitoring Coalition.

Three Pipelines Would Cross Two Miles Of Creek, Opponents Want Consolidation

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A boom in gas pipeline building means three could all cross one Doddridge County Creek at the same spot. Opponents say …

West Virginians will get to voice their opinions tonight in Charleston on a federal rule designed to protect streams. Credit: Trout Unlimited

Hearing on Protecting Streams from Surface Mining Tonight

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginians get to have their say tonight on surface mining's impact on streams. The federal Office of Surface Mining…

A National Wildlife Federation poll shows hunters and anglers are willing to put aside their political differences in support of greater EPA protections for clean water, including small headwaters and wetlands. Photo courtesy of Trout Unlimited.

Hunters, Anglers Strongly Support EPA Clean Water Policy

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – A national poll of hunters and anglers has found overwhelming support – even among conservatives – for what …

The Obama administration plan to cut emissions at coal-fired power plants would affect 11 plants in West Virginia. Conservationists are hailing the move, while the coal industry and its allies are threatening legal challenges. Photo credit: Greg Stotelmyer.

Will Clean Power Plan Chart West Virginia's Energy Course?

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – President Obama has finalized plans to reduce carbon emissions from existing power plants by 32 percent by 2030. …

Unusual bipartisan cooperation might save a 50-year-old program that supports public lands. Photo from the Monongahela National Forest by Beth Little.

Conservationists Hail Rare Bipartisan Agreement in Congress

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Conservationists are praising a rare bit of bipartisan cooperation in Congress to fund a program for public areas and historic …

A federal court has cleared the way for a six state plan to clean the Chesapeake Bay. Photo courtesy National Park Service.

Cleaning Up Farm Runoff Crucial to Chesapeake Bay

HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. – A federal court victory has cleared the way for what conservationists say needs to happen on farms within the Chesapeake …

PHOTO: The EPA's new rule clarifies which waterways are covered by the Clean Water Act. Conservation groups in West Virginia think it could be especially important for rural areas. Photo courtesy West Virginia Dept. of Tourism.

Controversial New Federal Water Rule Hailed in WV

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – The Obama administration has released a new rule clarifying which waterways are covered by the Clean Water Act. Many West …

PHOTO: A Kenyan university student inspired by Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai has spent the past five months learning about reforestation by planting spruce trees in West Virginia. Photo courtesy of CASRI.

Kenyan Student Learns Reforestation in WV Spruce Trees

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A Kenyan college student is getting ready to take home lessons he learned over five months working in West Virginia's spruce …

PHOTO: New analysis published in the magazine Science predicts that one in six species, including native brook trout, could become extinct as a result of climate change. Photo credit: Wild Virginia.

Brook Trout, 1 In 6 Species Could Be Wiped Out By Climate Change

CHARLESTON, W. Va. - A new study predicts as the planet's temperature rises, plant and animal species, maybe including cold-water brook trout…

PHOTO: Conservation and environmental groups are highlighting what they say is the destructive work of the Republican-led Congress' first 100 days under the leadership of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Photo of the Mon National Forest by Beth Little.

GOP Congress Gets 'F' Grade From Conservationists So Far

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The Republican-led Congress has earned a failing grade from conservation and environmental groups for its first 100 days in …

PHOTO: Industry critics say they are very concerned about the impact building big natural-gas pipelines on national forest land might have on downstream drinking water. Photo courtesy of Appalachian Mountain Advocates.

Gas Industry's Spread Onto WV Public Lands Raises Concerns

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Growth of natural-gas drilling and new pipelines have observers concerned about their impact on public lands. The state is …

PHOTO: Worried about losses to wildlife, including brook trout now gone from a third of their former homes in Appalachia's cold-water streams, outdoor groups are backing EPA limits on greenhouse gasses. Picture of native brook trout from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Global Warming Blamed for Trout Decline

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – Worried about losses to wildlife, hunting and fishing groups are backing limits on carbon pollution from power plants…

PHOTO: The EPA is taking comments on a proposed rule that would clarify which West Virginia waterways, like the New River viewed here from Hawk's Nest State Park in Fayette County, would receive protection under the Clean Water Act. Photo credit: Steve Shaluta Jr.

Anniversary of Clean Water Act Offers New Opportunity to Undo Uncertainty

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Saturday marks the 42nd anniversary of the enactment of the Clean Water Act, and the federal government wants to hear from the …

PHOTO: Conservationists are concerned about the potential impact of a huge natural-gas pipeline on parts of the Monongahela and George Washington National Forests, such as Laurel Creek in the GW. Photo courtesy of Wild Virginia.

Pipeline Plan Sparks National Forest Concerns

CHARLESTON, W. Va. - Conservationists are worried about plans to run a huge gas pipeline through national forests in West Virginia and Virginia…

PHOTO: A new rule clarifying where the Clean Water Act applies seems to be drawing a lot of support from farmers like Steph Larsen, seen here watering her sheep. Photo courtesy of Steph Larsen.

Support Grows for “Clearing the Waters” of the Clean Water Act

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A change in federal clean water rules appears to be popular with some major stakeholders, especially farmers, hunters and anglers…

PHOTO: The Freedom Chemical spill has motivated many in West Virginia to demand broad improvements in water quality and safety protections. Photo credit: Dan Heyman.

Support Grows for Broad Water Protection, But Legislation is Narrow

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The Freedom chemical spill has sparked a wave of demands for major improvements in clean water protections, but so far West …

PHOTO: Researchers say the Freedom Industries' chemical spill is part of a broader pattern of damage to West Virginia's drinking water from the mining industry and its suppliers. Photo credit: Dan Heyman

Researchers: Freedom Not First to Contaminate WV Drinking Water

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The Freedom chemical spill drew international attention, but researchers said it is hardly unique, since coal mining and …

PHOTO: All sorts of people from many walks of life are collaborating to restore West Virginia's spruce forests. Photo courtesy of the Central Appalachian Spruce Restoration Initiative (CASRI).

Restoring West Virginia’s “Magnificent” Spruce Forests

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Government agencies, nonprofits, businesses and individuals are all working to bring back West Virginia's "magnificent" spruce …

PHOTO: West Virginia political and coal industry leaders are hoping for a

West Virginia Seeks "Reset" on Coal With EPA

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The new head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was briefed Thursday by a West Virginia delegation about the …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - September 19, 2024

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WV: Endangered Species & Wildlife