Elkins, WV 26241

Feb. 2, 2006

Clyde Thompson, Forest Supervisor

Monongahela National Forest

U.S. Forest Service

200 Sycamore St.

Elkins, WV 26241

re: Allegheny Wood Products (AWP) Easement DEIS

Dear Mr. Thompson:

Highlands Trail Foundation (HTF) supports the Forest’s selection of Alternative 3, a Reciprocal Easement, as the preferred alternative to grant AWP access to private property using the Blackwater Canyon railroad grade.

We do not favor use of the railroad grade as a haul road due to the impact on both recreation and heritage resources. However, we support this alternative in hopes that it will allow development of the Allegheny Highlands Trail (AHT) on the grade from Hendricks to Thomas.

HTF has worked since 1995 to promote development of the AHT from Elkins to Thomas on the historic West Virginia Central & Pittsburg Railway line. Although the AHT was not specifically mentioned in the DEIS, reference to managed recreation and historical interpretation of the corridor imply compatibility with this project.

Alternative 3 addresses our concerns about some of the historical assets such as the stone culvert at Big Run. We strongly support language that protects these assets, but urge greater protection of the trail’s recreational quality, specifically the trail’s surface and recreational season.

Surfacing with large stone will not only impact enjoyment but preclude accessibility and may also cause accidents and injury to trail users. Loose gravel presents even greater safety issues for bicyclists who may be thrown from their bikes upon entering loose gravel sections. Any surface should be well compacted to prevent accidents. We strongly recommend a rolled limestone sand surface, which is suitable for all users, including handicapped and motorized.

The popularity of the Blackwater Canyon is not limited to weekends. To provide adequate recreational access for the trail’s many uses—including hiking, biking, equestrian and fishing, among others—we urge the Forest to prohibit logging activity during the peak recreation season from Memorial Day to Labor Day as well as weekends year-round.

Sincerely,

Karen Carper

President