Stakeholder Discussion Topic: UNIQUE NATURAL FEATURES

UNIQUE NATURAL FEATURES

An inventory of unique features of the Elk Headwaters area was determined to be of significance. An inventory should not only include natural features of significance but also cultural and historical. Providing a definitive “description” for people to buy in to, which can guide the process as to “why” such planning is important?

The forum could be used to begin this inventory, utilizing local knowledge of specific unique and important features. In addition, people can write about the value of a particular feature, what it means to them, what it means to the character and uniqueness of the watershed. This value can be qualified as planning tool, which will help the watershed plan to protect and preserve such features.

Listed below are some initial features:

- Water quantity
- Reproducing trout fishery: preserve this
- Inventory of all of our recreational attributes, resources
- Hunting
- Fishing
- Public Lands
- Handicap accessible
- Hiking
- Skiing
- Biking
- Camping
- Birding
- Caving: Underground rivers and waterfall, caves
- National Forest

The list seems to me to be more activity oriented than actual natural features oriented.Handicap accessability is not a natural feature, neither is biking or skiing, though the unique natural features of the area make these activities especially rewarding. There are certainly loads of unique features in the national forest, don't we want to list some of these. One particular feature I love, not exactly in the Mon. is where the river goes underground just below Blue Hole. Another of a different sort, architectural rather than natural,is the stone arch on 219 near Slaty Fork. Another activity to add to the list may be butterfly identification. I know there are people who have told me that this part of WV has a fantastic array of butterflies and moths, mostly because of the prolific wildflowers I guess. DNR non -game folks I think are responsible for a checklist pamphlet listing butterflies of WV.

To me, what makes the Upper Elk unique is the hydrology and geology which result in the magnificent caves, underground steams / rivers and springs. There are some spectacular caves in the Big Spring Fork and Upper Elk - unbelievable challenges for novice to expert recreational cavers. It is truly one of the caving centers of the mid-Atlantic.

The following article describes the geology/hydrology of the underground Elk.

http://www.bstorage.com/speleo/Elk/

There is no where else in the state where a river of this size goes underground for such a long distance - and there is still much, much more cave out there to be found.