Division of Forestry Story Archives - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Justice Declares State Of Emergency For Eastern Panhandle, Potomac Highlands Fires

Wildfires in several Eastern Panhandle and Potomac Highlands counties have burned through thousands of acres cumulatively. Emergency personnel are on the ground fighting the flames.

Updated on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 4:15 p.m.

Gov. Jim Justice declared a state of emergency for Grant, Hampshire, Hardy and Pendleton counties over ongoing wildfires.

According to a Thursday press release, the emergency declaration will allow for resources and emergency response efforts to more swiftly reach those affected by the fires.

In a separate Thursday statement, U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney, R-W.Va-2, said he has reached out to officials in the affected counties to provide support.

“I applaud the brave firefighters on the front lines of these fires who are doing all they can to contain the fires,” he said. “I thank the crews from across the state that have made their way to the Eastern Panhandle to assist.”

Original Post: Wildfires Blaze Thousands Of Acres In Eastern Panhandle, Potomac Highlands

After days of strong winds and low humidity, wildfires have burned across thousands of acres in eastern West Virginia this week, according to estimates from the West Virginia Division of Forestry.

Assistant State Forester Linda Carnell said that emergency personnel are working to quell the fires, which grew from separate origins but likely spread due to current weather conditions.

Carnell said the wildfires have burned most intensely in Berkeley, Hardy, Hampshire, Morgan and Pendleton counties, marking the arrival of what she described as “spring fire season.”

From March 1 to May 31 each year, the state bans most forms of outdoor fires from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fluctuating temperatures, humidity and wind levels — hallmarks of spring — make it harder to control burns, and more likely that small fires will spread into something more dangerous.

Fire departments from all of the affected counties and several neighboring counties are currently in the field, working to put out the fires, Carnell said. More information on the total damage and the causes of the wildfires will surface once their work is complete.

So far, the fires have caused significant structural damage, and also burned through several areas of forest land, she said. “It’s been pretty devastating just within these few days, especially once you start losing structures.”

While the exact origins of each fire are not yet known, Carnell said there are several recurring causes of wildfires during the early spring, like a burn spreading uncontrollably or a tree branch falling onto a power line.

While emergency personnel respond to the current incidents, Carnell offered a simple piece of advice to residents across the state: “Refrain from any type of burning outside till we get significant precipitation.”

For more information on wildfire incidents in West Virginia, visit the Division of Forestry’s Fire Report webpage.

Tourism Department Released First Fall Foliage Report

Jones said different elements like temperature and precipitation go into an especially vibrant season. He said all those factors are lining up this year. “We are fortunate here to have a very diverse hardwood forest in West Virginia,” Jones said. “I think this year is going to be really vibrant. And you know, I encourage everyone to get out and, in our woods, and enjoy the view.”

The West Virginia Department of Tourism released its first fall foliage report Wednesday. It outlines what to expect for this year’s fall colors.

The reports are produced in partnership with the state Division of Forestry.

Jeremy C. Jones, state forester, said the changing colors are in full swing at higher elevation areas in the state. Lower areas are just beginning to see the change.

“What kicks the trees into gear to start with is the shorter days,” he said.

Jones said different elements like temperature and precipitation go into an especially vibrant season. He said all those factors are lining up this year.

“We are fortunate here to have a very diverse hardwood forest in West Virginia,” Jones said. “I think this year is going to be really vibrant. And you know, I encourage everyone to get out and, in our woods and enjoy the view.”

The Tourism Department and the Division of Forestry will also be recommending drives and hikes each week in areas where the fall colors are peaking.

“Where there is really nice color, we will provide recommended routes and things like that for folks to get out and enjoy the colors,” Jones said.

Jones Appointed State Forester And Director

Jeremy Jones has been named state forester and director of the West Virginia Division of Forestry.

Gov. Jim Justice announced Monday that he had appointed Jones to the position. He will assume his duties immediately.

“I just wish him the very, very, very best, and I know he’ll do a terrific job,” Justice said during a weekly press briefing. “And Jeremy, just take over and do your thing. You know, you’ve already done all kinds of greatness in West Virginia, just keep on doing it.”

West Virginia’s Division of Forestry Director Tom Cover retired this year and is being replaced by Jones, a West Virginia native and graduate of West Virginia University.

Jones also has more than 20 years of experience with the West Virginia Division of Forestry, most recently serving as assistant state forester/fire for the division.

“I am honored to continue to serve the West Virginia Division of Forestry through this new role and thank Gov. Justice for this opportunity,” Jones said. “I am excited to lead the agency into the future.”

H. Tony Evans has been the Acting Director since Cover’s retirement. He now becomes the Deputy State Forester.

Legislators Voice Concerns About Carbon Offset Lands

The Legislative Post Audits Committee learned Sunday about the outdated way managed timberland is handled between the state tax department and forestry department. But that report led to questions from Senate President Craig Blair about how the state was handling carbon offset lands.

Carbon offset land is property the landowner agrees to keep undisturbed to offset carbon pollution elsewhere, likely out of state. The landowner is paid for that use.

Blair was told the state had just begun tracking that information.

“That’s why I was asking a year and a half ago for us to be getting that information so that we can manage it before it gets out of hand,” he said.

The state forestry department has about 4000 applications for managed forestry lands that now include a checkbox to indicate if the land is used for carbon offset. A representative from the forestry department promised to have the information to Blair in two weeks.

“If you lock down a property, forest property, for 99 years, and you can’t do anything with it, the likelihood of being California if it catches on fire, that is a big problem,” Blair said.

Blair continued to say that he wasn’t worried about the financial implications of carbon offset lands, except for the potential of fighting forest fires, but that tax money from lands used this way should go to the counties.

Mike Jones, the audit manager of the Post Audit Division explained that in 1990, the legislature passed the Managed Timberland Program Act that allows for West Virginia landowners to agree to sustainably manage timber in exchange for a very reduced property tax rate. It involves the Division of Forestry, which certifies property as managed timber, and the state tax department, that applies the appropriate property tax rate based on forestry certification.

Every year a landowner applies to forestry for certification of a parcel of property. Once certified, the tax department determines the appropriate tax valuation class for the property to provide to the county assessors.

The legislature adopted a rule in 1998 to further guide the program, but it hasn’t changed since. Jones said their review of the program revealed several weaknesses and areas which could be improved to produce better outcomes.

One concern was that landowners could be receiving a tax reduction from the property taxes while also receiving income from the carbon offset agreement. Without a database, the state cannot be assured that all property taxes are accurately assessed and paid or if there are landowners improperly receiving a reduced tax rate.

Currently, there are more than 600,000 acres of forest in West Virginia confirmed to be under a carbon capture agreement and approximately 2.6 million acres in the managed timberland program. With 54 counties having managed timberland properties under reduced tax rates, there could be significant potential for overlapping conflicting agreements that could result in the improper reduction of assessed property taxes.

To correct this, the Legislative Auditor suggests the legislature codify a requirement that carbon offset agreements be noted on the landowners deed within the county, as conservation easements on the property that exists potentially belong beyond the life of the current landowner and could preclude certain uses of the land, including the access to minerals or natural resources within that land.

First Fall Foliage Map Released

The first signs of leaves changing colors are a little behind schedule, but starting to show in higher elevations, according to the first fall foliage tracker of the season produced by the West Virginia Division of Forestry.

To access the live leaf map, along with the latest updates, happenings and insider tips around fall in Almost Heaven, visit WVtourism.com/fall.

The first signs of leaves changing colors are a little behind schedule but starting to show in higher elevations, according to the first fall foliage tracker of the season produced by the West Virginia Division of Forestry.

The mountains of Pocahontas and Tucker counties, along with Spruce Knob are dotted with splashes of red, orange and yellow and should reach peak color the first weekend of October.

Species of maples are beginning to turn, including red and sugar. Oak and Hickory trees will follow soon behind.

“Due to the warmer weather West Virginia has experienced this month, fall color is a bit slower moving into the mountains this season,” said Division of Forestry Director Tom Cover. “However, fall color is, in fact, beginning to make an appearance in the highest elevations around the state. This once-a year-event won’t last long, so be sure to get out and enjoy it while you can.”

West Virginia is the third most forested state in the country and has plenty of trails to view the foliage. The West Virginia Division of Forestry and the Department of Tourism have put together a list of more than 1,500 miles of hiking trails in areas to get the best hiking and foliage experience.

Featured Hikes

Seneca Rocks Trail

Moderate | 3.6 out and back
Beginning at the Seneca Rocks Trailhead, this uphill climb rewards guests with an up-close-and-personal view of one of West Virginia’s best-known landmarks. This trail features benches along the way, as well as picnic areas and a visitor center.

Lindy Point Overlook

Easy | 0.8 mile out and back
Lindy Point Overlook is an easy hike that leads to the most iconic scenic overlook within Blackwater Falls State Park, overlooking the Blackwater Canyon at 3,000 feet below. There is a small parking area at the trailhead and dogs are welcome, as long as they are on a leash.

Whispering Spruce Trail and Spruce Knob

Easy | 0.6 mile out and back
Part of the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, this trail peeks into the North Fork Valley of the Allegheny Mountains with exceptional views. Feel the west wind blow as you wind through windblown rock before coming to an open field full of scattered boulders.

Blackwater Falls Overlook

Accessible | 0.2 mile
This overlook is reached by taking the park’s Gentle Trail which is accessible for visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment and strollers. The paved path leads to a wooden boardwalk that gives expansive views of the park’s namesake falls.

Shavers Lake, Bail Out, 6,000 Steps and Cheat Mountain Ridge Trail

Moderate | 6.4 mile out and back
Take this Snowshoe Mountain trek to gain over 1,000 feet in elevation and be prepared for steep portions along the way. Following this route will lead to the Fire Tower, which can be climbed for additional autumn mountain views.

AllTrails Partnership

AllTrails and the West Virginia Department of Tourism are working together to offer hikers a free, one-year AllTrails Pro membership. With AllTrails Pro, users can download offline maps, unlock more map details and view 3D maps. For more official information on the partnership, visit wvtourism.com/alltrails/.

“We welcome all travelers to visit West Virginia this fall season to experience the incredible hiking, leaf peeping opportunities and more,” said West Virginia Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. “Our forests and mountaintops come alive with hues of red, orange and yellow, creating beautiful views. We’re excited to team up with AllTrails to help travelers discover and explore the incredible fall hiking trails we have.”

The West Virginia Department of Tourism’s live leaf tracker will be updated daily, featuring photos from social media.

Ag Commissioner Sees Opportunity in Hemp, Forestry

Each legislative session, the state’s Constitutional Officers, or the heads of government offices who are elected by the people, bring their priorities to lawmakers and ask for support for various legislative changes.

This year, newly elected Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt is hoping to change the structure of government, expand a growing program that’s been controversial in some parts of the country, and incentivize the purchasing of West Virginia-grown products.

Elected in November, Leonhardt ran on a platform of finding new niche agricultural products to put West Virginia on the map. And House Bill 2453 just might provide a boost for that product.

“I think we need to move forward with the industrial hemp program,” Leonhardt said Monday on The Legislature Today.

During the 2015 legislative session, lawmakers, including Leonhardt who was a member of the state Senate at the time, voted to make it easier for researchers in the state to get a permit to grow industrial hemp.

It’s a plant in the cannabis family that is illegal to grow because of federal drug laws. Hemp has a much lower level of THC, the mind-altering drug of other cannabis plants like marijuana, and can be used to create any number of products.

“They make purses out of it, they tell me that the body armor you make out of it can be stronger than Kevlar,” Leonhardt said. “There are thousands of products out there that people talk about using.”

But state law currently only allows researchers taking part in university studies to grow hemp. House Bill 2453 would change that though, allowing the agriculture commissioner to provide licenses to commercial growers as well.

West Virginia-grown hemp that’s going to be turned into a variety of products has to stay in West Virginia, though. Because the plant is an illegal substance under federal law, it can’t be shipped across state lines.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing though, according to Leonhardt, who said a fresh crop could attract new businesses and manufacturing jobs, but it poses a small problem.

“It’s a little bit of the chicken and the egg and the cart before the horse kind of thing,” he said. “You have to get the growers to grow it, but then you also have to have the manufacturers come in.”

“So, there’s going to be a little bit of a challenge there, but I believe we can work our way through it.”

Leonhardt is backing another bill that he says poses a similar problem, — the West Virginia Fresh Food Act. The bill will also be discussed by members of the House Agriculture Committee today and would require all state-funded institutions, like schools and prisons, to purchase 20 percent of their fresh produce from in-state farmers.

“It’s helping create a market for fresh foods in West Virginia,” he said. “We’re obviously importing more than we’re growing.”

Leonhardt’s interview begins at the 20 minute mark.

But Leonhardt said that could change if farmers had steady buyers to produce for. Again, the chicken and the egg, but Leonhardt said he’s working with privately owned regional aggregation centers to make sure those supplies are there should lawmakers choose to move the bill forward.

Leonhardt is also asking lawmakers to consider restructuring state government to bring the Division of Forestry under his authority. The commissioner said trees should be considered a crop, one that just takes slightly longer to grow.

“When you look at what’s happening with our state’s resources, we’re one of the most forested states in the nation, we’re number 3, and we’re number 2 in hardwoods per square mile,” he said. “We’re growing trees at a rate of 2.5 times the rate of harvest, which means we could harvest our trees at twice the rate we currently are and not lose our natural beauty.”

The bill is likely to draw pushback from some environmental groups who disagree with Leonhardt’s assessment that trees are a crop, but Gov. Jim Justice has also pushed to increase timbering to revitalize the furniture manufacturing industry in the state.