Speak For The Trees Too

04/01/2025

A victory today. The Forest Service posted a final, final decision on the Upper Cheat River Project. At the request of the local community they dropped from the clearcutting project 3 stands (total 115 acres) that overlook the unincorporated town. The Forest Service did not address the bigger concerns of the many other clearcuts on very steep slopes, protecting water supplies or invasive plants, but this is still a big victory when you're up against the government. Thanks to everyone that worked on and supported our efforts. Anyone that wants to visit the big trees saved and hasn't been there before let me know, I'd be glad to give directions or take a hike😆

08/13/2024

Looking forward to it. For those that have extra time, we can visit the 3rd largest hemlock listed by W.Va. Forestry

An initiative by WVHC aimed at connecting people with the natural wonders of the West Virginia Highlands and creating a culture of environmental stewardship within local communities.

07/18/2024

Movie about West Virginia's elder trees coming out. See the trailer:

IN-PERSON PREMIERE JULY 23RD IN EUGENE, OREGON - Get Tickets Here:

04/06/2024

W.Va.'s 3rd largest Eastern Hemlock we found this winter got some coverage yesterday. WBOY 12News covered the proposed clearcutting of the stand holding the hemlock but unfortunately went with the Forest Service's incomplete information on amount of young forest in the area. With all the Western Pocahontas Properties clearcutting there is over 30% of the forest here that is 1-19 years old.

03/19/2024

Got a call from a State Forester that the Hemlock we found in January is the 3rd largest hemlock on record in the State. This spring it will be added to the state list of large trees. It is on the slope of stand R45, which is proposed to be clearcut in the Forest Service's Upper Cheat River Project, but it's easier to get to than the other champion trees here, like the 17 foot circumference oak at the top of the hill.

02/03/2024

Speak4Trees2 submitted comments to the Forest Service Friday on it's "National Old Growth Amendment" (NOGA) planning. Comments ask that the oldest 30% of each eastern National Forest be identified as Old Growth Conservation And Stewardship Areas ( 's).
https://app.box.com/s/fclkhe6y05hzpa5djhz8wdz52v8fih96

01/29/2024

10 feet 10 inches around! The Forest Service silvics book stops listing Hemlocks at 10 feet 4 inches which it says are 200 years old. So so cool!

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01/29/2024

A 200 year old Eastern Hemlock with it's partner for life an ancient grape vine. Some of the wonderfully old beings in the Horseshoe area.

01/27/2024

What a couple of great days roaming the hills looking for big trees. Starting looking for Eastern Hemlocks and found many over 140 years old and one over 200, according to a Forest Service table of hemlock sizes. Contact the Monongahela National Forest and ask that they not be clear-cut in the Upper Cheat River Project.

01/21/2024

Some beautiful fatties I found last week. All over 150 years old. Two white oaks and one n. red oak.

12/20/2023

News: Forest Service announced today an effort to better protect and manage old growth . In an accompanying letter the USDA Forest Service required that any proposal to log in old growth stands in National Forests be given additional review at the highest level. If the Monongahela National Forest develops a realistic inventory of , some of the oldest in the project area may be protected. https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/newsroom/releases/usda-proposes-first-its-kind-national-forest-plan-amendment-conserve
photo: measuring N. Red Oaks proposed for in the Project area

12/03/2023

NEWS RELEASE by The Church of the Brethren December 1 highlights the West Virginia Christmas tree going to the Capitol and contrasts it with the Project to clearcut 3,500 of the oldest trees in the Monongahela National Forest . It asks members to support our mature and .

In the glow of the Christmas tree lights, let us remember the forests Church of the Brethren Newsline December 1, 2023 A reflection for Advent from Creation Justice Ministries, of which the Church of the Brethren is a member denomination: This December, on the West Lawn of the Capitol Grounds in Was...