Hi All Yinz Guys!

I found this on the TRPC Message Board

JAM

Posted Tuesday, March 29, 2005 @ 07:32:32

Mountain Streams and Trails, the oldest outfitter in West Virginia's Cheat
Canyon, recently purchased the takeout for both the Cheat and Big Sandy
Rivers. This key piece of property, located just below the High Bridge at
Jenkinsburg, has been used continuously by canoeists, kayakers, and rafters
since the mid-1950's. Increased use by ATV riders and college party groups
during the last two decades has caused considerable damage to the land.
Jenkinsburg, is now known for terrible erosion and industrial strength
litter.

After more than five decades in the hands of a regional power company the
property was sold to Allegheny Wood Products, a large hardwood timber producer
based in Petersburg, West Virginia. Efforts to negotiate an access agreement
with AWP was unsuccessful. Although the access remained open, there was no
formal agreement and the the company regularly threatened to close it down.

During the past year Dave Hough, the managing partner of Mountain Streams and
Trails, negotiated a land swap. He traded a portion of his property below
Albright for the Jenkinsburg Access. He and his company are committed to
maintaining river access for private paddlers but they need our support.

American Whitewater has agreed to take responsibility for upgrading and
maintaining the upper parking lot, which is where most private paddlers park.
The area s now filled with deep potholes and truck-stopping mega-puddles, so
considerable grading and filling will be required. The project is currently
going out to bid, and ball-park estimates range from $5000 - $10,000.

We need your donations to make this happen and to fulfil our promise to the
outfitter. Any money raised beyond the cost of improving the parking lot will
be used to pay for other improvements at the site and to fund a police
presence during busy weekends. American Whitewater has established a Cheat
River Fund at their relocated offices in the Washington, DC area.

To donate, make checks out to American Whitewater - Cheat River Fund and mail
to: American Whitewater - Cheat River Fund, 204B Philadelphia Avenue, Takoma
Park, MD 20912.

Thanks, Charlie Walbridge