Monongahela National Forest
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| Monongahela National Forest | |
|---|---|
 Valerius Tygart · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source | |
| Name | Monongahela National Forest |
| Location | West Virginia, United States |
| Nearest city | Elkins, West Virginia |
| Coordinates | 38.55°N 79.97°W |
| Area | 921,000 acres |
| Established | 1915 |
| Governing body | United States Forest Service |
Monongahela National Forest is a United States National Forest located in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia, near the cities of Elkins, West Virginia, Richwood, West Virginia, and Marlinton, West Virginia. The forest is situated near the New River Gorge National River, Gauley River National Recreation Area, and Seneca Rocks, and is managed by the United States Forest Service in cooperation with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and the West Virginia University Cooperative Extension Service. The forest is also close to the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Green Bank Telescope, and Snowshoe Mountain.
Geography
The Monongahela National Forest covers over 921,000 acres in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, Randolph County, West Virginia, Tucker County, West Virginia, Greenbrier County, West Virginia, Webster County, West Virginia, and Nicholas County, West Virginia. The forest is characterized by rugged terrain, with elevations ranging from 900 to over 4,800 feet at the summit of Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia. The forest is drained by several major rivers, including the Monongahela River, Gauley River, and Cheat River, which flow into the Ohio River and ultimately into the Mississippi River. Nearby cities include Morgantown, West Virginia, Fairmont, West Virginia, and Clarksburg, West Virginia, and the forest is also close to the Shenandoah National Park, George Washington National Forest, and Jefferson National Forest.
History
The Monongahela National Forest was established in 1915, when the United States Congress passed the Weeks Act, which authorized the federal government to purchase private land for the purpose of establishing national forests. The forest was initially managed by the United States Department of Agriculture and was later transferred to the United States Forest Service in 1919. During the Great Depression, the forest was the site of several Civilian Conservation Corps camps, which provided jobs for young men and helped to develop the forest's infrastructure. The forest has also been the site of several major United States Army and United States Air Force training exercises, including those conducted at the Camp Dawson training area. Nearby historic sites include the Harper's Ferry National Historical Park, New River Gorge Bridge, and Seneca Caverns.
Ecology
The Monongahela National Forest is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, including the black bear, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey. The forest is also an important habitat for several endangered species, including the northern long-eared bat and the eastern hellbender. The forest's ecosystem is characterized by a mix of oak-hickory forest, northern hardwood forest, and red spruce forest, with a variety of tree species, including sugar maple, yellow birch, and eastern hemlock. The forest is also home to several rare and unusual plant species, including the Monongahela sandstone and the West Virginia saxifrage. Nearby ecological areas include the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, and Kanawha State Forest.
Recreation
The Monongahela National Forest offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. The forest has over 800 miles of trails, including the Allegheny Trail, Seneca Creek Trail, and Laurel Fork Trail, which offer scenic views and opportunities to spot wildlife. The forest also has several developed campgrounds, including the Seneca Shadows Campground and the Cranberry Campground, which offer amenities such as picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. Nearby recreational areas include the Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park, Berkeley Springs State Park, and North Bend Rail Trail.
Management
The Monongahela National Forest is managed by the United States Forest Service in cooperation with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and the West Virginia University Cooperative Extension Service. The forest is divided into several management areas, each with its own unique characteristics and management goals. The forest is managed for multiple uses, including timber production, wildlife habitat, and recreation. The forest is also subject to several federal and state laws, including the National Forest Management Act and the West Virginia Forest Practice Act, which regulate activities such as logging and mining. Nearby management areas include the George Washington National Forest, Jefferson National Forest, and Shenandoah National Park.