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Photo: John Warner
Olson/Big Run Bog
Beautiful highland bog, National Natural Landmark and Research Area within the
Monongahela National Forest, harbors rare botanical treasures such as pitcher
plants.
IMPACT: Corridor H would fill in the headwaters of the bog.
Corricks Ford
In the narrow Shavers Fork Valley, in July 1861, the Union gained control of
western Virginia, General McClellan advanced his career, and Confederate
General Garnett lost his life. The battlefield's small farms and steep forest
still look much the way they did then.
IMPACT: If Corridor H were built here as planned, on the slopes of Fork
Mountain directly above the battlefield, stripmine-like scars, fill slopes and
truck traffic would crowd the boundary and destroy the peace of this historic
site. The four-lane could be seen and heard from Otter Creek Wilderness. This
impact can be avoided by an alternative that improves existing U.S. 219 and
adds a scenic overlook of the battlefield.
Blackwater Canyon
Spectacular canyon below Blackwater Falls State Park, partly within Monongahela
National Forest. Campaign to save the
privately owned south side of the canyon, now closed to the public and
being logged, aims to prevent further damage and any development that would
restrict the canyon's use to a few condominium owners.
IMPACT: Proposed Corridor H interchange location less than a mile from
the canyon would increase development pressure. Nearby, acid runoff from old
coal mines is a continuing problem, and road construction would expose new
sources of that pollution.
Photo: John Warner
Greenland Gap
Nature Conservancy Preserve and site of 1862 Civil War battle between
Mulligan's Irish Brigade and Confederates under "Grumble" Jones. Breathtaking
800 foot gap in New Creek Mountain is a National Natural Landmark.
IMPACT: A Corridor H bridge and interchange less than 300 yards from the
Gap would bring traffic, vibration, and noise, and intrude on the view from
overlook trails.
Lost River Sinks and Hanging Rock
Lost River cut a deep gorge east of Baker, leaving hard Tuscarora Sandstone
outcroppings such as Hanging Rock, which towers over the historic Baughman
House at McCauley. Further east, Lost River "sinks" into an underground
channel, reappearing near Wardensville as the Cacapon River. Route 55 has been
named a scenic byway in Virginia, and should be here as well.
IMPACT: Huge Corridor H bridges are planned beside Hanging Rock and on
top of Lost River Sinks. NOTE: The proposed overbuilt corridor's 100 stream
crossings would damage our clear waters with sediment, runoff, and
pollution.
Photo: Robb Mapou
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