New Services to Include:
Guided Trout Fishing within the Gauley and Greenbrier Ranger Districts of the MNF.
1/2 & Full Day Guided Fishing Trips- Wading on the Greenbrier River, utilizing hiking or biking access from the Greenbrier River Trail from Cass in the North to Watoga in the South. Beginner to Advanced,
Full Day Guided Fishing Trips- Hiking into the Headwaters of the Greenbrier River and Cranberry River. Advanced.
We intended on sharing this news with a bit more fanfare, but given the circumstances, we will settle for some air High Fives & good intentions. We will be integrating our new services online immediately. Check back in for updates on our operating plan, or reach out to chat with us directly - We look forward to greeting you!
Check out the MNF Centennial Website - for well curated heritage & historical documentation!
A Century of Change
At the turn of the 20th century, West Virginia’s vast forests seemed to offer an infinite supply of timber for the growing nation. Huge trees up to 12 feet in diameter were cut and milled. All that remained of these giant trees were piles of leftover branches called “slash” and a desolate landscape. The region became a tinder box where forest fires were rampant. After the fires, barren hillsides could not absorb rainfall which led to devastating floods.
To solve these issues, Congress passed the Weeks Act in 1911, which allowed the federal government to buy property and restore it to protect headwater streams. In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson signed the proclamation designating land purchased for the protection of the Monongahela River as Monongahela National Forest.
Since the creation of Monongahela National Forest, it has grown from 7,200 acres to over 900,000 acres. The Forest serves the public by providing recreational opportunities, forest products, and abundant clean water from healthy ecosystems.
Throughout the year ahead we invite you to enjoy your forest, share your stories, and learn with us as we look forward to the next 100 years.