What the State of West Virginia needs is to snap out of this syndrome and take the economic and conserva- tionist high ground. The people can create viable sources of revenue, resources and recreation for all the citizens of West Virginia within the public trust. The people can create a modern-day reversal of fortune story that will nourish the State and inspire the nation. The conservation organizations of West Virginia must meet this challenge by ensuring permanent funding for open space and in particular the expansion of the State Forest system. If the State of West Virginia and its citizens determine that expansion of the State Forest system is unwarranted, then I recommend that no timbering ever take place within the present State Forest system.
Parks can there be any small hope of sustaining bio-diversity.
Larry Pittis is a long-time member of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, and has spent many, many hours hiking West Virginia s mountains and forests. He lives in New York City.