Never mind our country s historical precedence of protecting spectacular natural areas for future generations. Cutting a few trees won t hurt the Canyon, says Allegheny Wood Products owner John Crites. After all, he wants the Canyon to be a source of lumber for years to come. Many state parks and national forest officials know the Canyon is an extremely special place, vital to the health of an ecosystem and vital to the economic health of Tucker County. If West Virginia is truly as important to Mr. Crites as he says it is, then he will sell the Canyon back to the public, make his profit, and buy the trees he needs in other, less spectacular and biologically important areas of the state.
Private property is central to American culture.
But absolutely no one can do whatever he or she wants at the cost of the greater societal good. Also central to our culture is the idea that some places are so sacred they must be preserved. Blackwater Canyon is one of these sacred places.