Welcome to the frequently asked questions section of the Coopers Rock Foundation website. We hope that we can answer most of your questions, but if you have more you are always welcome to contact us.

1. What is the Coopers Rock Foundation About?
   
2. How can I get involved with the Coopers Rock Foundation?
   
3. Where is Coopers Rock State Forest?
   
4. What’s so special about a snail?
5. Are there any special events or family activities at Coopers Rock?
6. How do I upload photos to the gallery?
   

The Coopers Rock Foundation (CRF) was established as a nonprofit tax-exempt corporation in May of 1989 to receive contributions on behalf of the forest and provide financial assistance for state-approved projects not funded by the state. CRF members are people who care about the future of Coopers Rock State Forest. CRF is actively involved in promoting and sustaining recreational use and preservation of the forest. Current CRF projects include:

(1) acquisition of a 55 acre tract of land along the Cheat River to add to the forest;

(2) development of a road side trail along the main road into the overlook using an $11,000 grant from the WV Division of Highways;

(3) trail maintenance and construction throughout the forest;

(4) putting on the annual “Celebration of the Outdoors”, which consists of educational workshops open to the public;

(5) donation of equipment and facilities to the forest;

(6) providing funding for research to protect threatened wildlife species on the forest;

(7) restoration areas impacted by recreational use (particularly rock climbing areas); and

(7) updating maps of the forest and surrounding public lands.

In 2005, CRF was instrumental in building grassroots support for a comprehensive recreation plan for the Coopers Rock State Forest as part of the forest resources management plan for the Coopers Rock State Forest. The plan is under development by members of the community, CRF and theWV State Division of Forestry.

Coopers Rock Foundation is always looking for new members and/or volunteers. There are membership levels whatever your budget. Levels range from Companion (no charge) to Conservator ($1000 or more). Most members are Active Members ($15) or Contributor/Family ($50). A printable membership form is available at:

The Coopers Rock Foundation is led by a 12 person board of directors who meet on a monthly basis. Annual member meetings are held each September to elect new board members.

Coopers Rock State Forest is one of the largest and most visited state forests in the West Virginia system. More than a quarter of a million people use this forest in a given year. Located approximately 13 miles east of Morgantown, WV along Interstate 68, the 12,713 acres is a popular spot for hiking, biking, picnicking, hunting, climbing, and many other outdoor activities. Although the forest serves as a recreation and preservation area, it has a wider range of uses. West Virginia's state forests also serve as areas of publicly owned land for forestry research, timber management, and watershed and wildlife protection.

The forest is bisected by Interstate 68. The side north of Interstate 68, known as the WVU Forest, makes up the forest management area leased by the West Virginia University Division of Forestry for forestry research, teaching, and demonstration. To the south of I-68 is the main recreation area.

The Cheat threetooth snail (Triodopsis platysayoides) is a federally protected species threatened with extinction according the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

In March 2005, the WV Sierra Club filed suit against Allegheny Wood Products (AWP) over a lack of sufficient management plans for threatened species in the Cheat River Canyon Cheat threetooth snail (Triodopsis platysayoides)and Indiana bat) for their logging practices on the Cheat River Canyon. In April 2006, the CRF board voted to support a research study for this lawsuit to document Cheat threetooth snail habitat conditions with a $7,500 contribution. This study will be conducted by Dr. Ronald S. Caldwell from Lincoln Memorial University and CRF funds represent about ½ of the funding required for this study. This is a large contribution (about 10% of CRF funds from past fund raising efforts) and was decided by several months of consideration by the board. This study will provide the board with a better scientific basis to determine potential snail habitat areas on Snake Hill and CRSF without having to go out and find snails. This information should be particularly useful in addressing any future timber harvesting plans on either Snake Hill or CRSF. While the CRF is not a party in this lawsuit, the board has decided to support the WV Sierra Club in their efforts to protect endangered species habitat in the Cheat River Canyon. The snail habitat study began this June and will be completed in the fall of 2006.

There is the “Celebration of the Outdoors” which is held annual on the second Saturday of June. The 17th Annual Celebration of the Outdoors took place on Saturday June 10th, 2006. The 2006 celebration was a success featuring 14 educational workshops ranging from a bird walk to geocaching to caving. Between 80 to 100 people participated in the workshops this year. Next year’s celebration will be held on Saturday June 9, 2007. We hope to see you there!!