Tucker County Research Articles

The Effect of Social Capital on Resident Attitudes Toward Tourism and Support for Rural Tourism Development

This article analyzes the effect of social capital on resident attitudes toward tourism and support for tourism based on data collected from 637 residents in Tucker County, West Virginia. Data analysis includes descriptive analysis, factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modeling, multigroup analysis, and ANOVA. Results confirm findings of other studies that concern for the potential environmental, and social impacts of tourism and long-term planning have a direct positive effect on support for additional tourism development. In addition to the direct effect of the social and environmental impacts of tourism and long-term planning on support for tourism, this study identified that a common vision and participation in local organizations and informal social groups has a significant direct effect on long-term planning and protection of community values and an indirect effect on support for tourism development. In addition, significant differences were identified according to group, stake, and power in the community.

FORTY-YEARS OF FIELD NOTES THE CHEAT MOUNTAIN SALAMANDER (PLETHODON NETTINGI)

In the following pages, I describe 40 years of field observations on the Cheat Mountain Salamander (Plethodon nettingi), a federally threatened species. This is not a research paper in that I do not attempt to analyze data, but rather it is a means to share information I have collected during my time in the field with this species. Cheat Mountain Salamanders are found in just five counties in the high elevations of the Allegheny Mountains in eastern West Virginia. I have searched over 1,300 sites in these five counties and determined that its range extends from Blackwater River Canyon (Tucker County) in the north to Thorny Flat (Pocahontas County) in the south, a linear distance of about 92 km. Within this range, I observed over 2,000 Cheat Mountain Salamanders in 81 populations. Data collected in these 81 populations include habitat characteristics, elevational ranges, mountain aspects, cover objects, food items, sympatric species, syntopic events, phenology, reproduction, conservation issues, and status of populations. It is my hope that information presented herein will be useful to biologists who will be studying this species in future years.

Residents’ Attitudes Toward Tourism Development in a Rural Community: A Qualitative Approach

In North America, many rural communities with rich amenities have experienced increased population, often referred to as “amenity migration.” This type of change theoretically impacts residents’ attitudes toward tourism development but has not been studied in this community context. Thus, the purpose of this study was to use the interaction approach to uncover residents’ attitudes toward tourism development in one rural community experiencing amenity migration. The interaction approach has been commonly used to address residents’ response to “…place relevant matters” (Bridger et al., 2010, p. 2). However, it has rarely been used to address tourism development in rural communities within North America, and never with residents experiencing amenity migration as well as ongoing tourism development.Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 residents of three communities in Tucker County, West Virginia. Participant observation and secondary data collection were also employed. Results indicated residents had positive (i.e., an increase in economic development, more recreation opportunities, and positive social interactions); negative (i.e., exploitation and type of job growth, and housing issues); and ambivalent attitudes toward tourism development in Tucker County. Residents’ ambivalence focused on the future of tourism development and what impacts it will have on their communities. The impacts they addressed ranged from increased prices for housing, to changes in community dynamics, to protection of the culture and character of the County. The results associated with positive and negative attitudes toward tourism development were generally in line with the literature. The introduction of ambivalent attitudes, however, was unexpected and a contribution to the literature. Further, most residents recognized amenity migration as having a positive effect on the area; this may change as tourism development and the influx of new residents continues. Using an interactional approach to uncover residents’ attitudes toward tourism development proved successful as residents’ ambivalence, focus on the need for collaboration and controlled growth in the future, and more would not have been uncovered using traditional quantitative measures. Scholars should continue to use this approach to study residents’ attitudes toward tourism development and use their results to inform community officials, lawmakers, and advocacy groups who are advocating for sustainable tourism development in rural communities throughout North America. Subscribe to JPRA

Comparing stakeholder attitudes toward white-tailed deer and rare plant management in Canaan Valley, West Virginia

Canaan Valley, West Virginia, USA provides habitat for many plants considered rare in West Virginia. The local white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimm.) are a popular attraction for visitors as well as resident and nonresident hunters. However, concerns exist over the impact of white-tailed deer herbivory on rare plant communities in the wetlands. We evaluated stakeholder attitudes regarding white-tailed deer management and rare plant conservation by mailing surveys to property owners in Canaan Valley and Tucker County, WV, and providing surveys to visitors at Canaan Valley State Park and National Wildlife Refuge. Individuals that had incurred crop damage were more likely to view the Canaan Valley population as overabundant while nonresident landowners placed higher values on the conservation of rare plants and plant communities in Canaan Valley. We found that hunters were more likely than nonhunters to support white-tailed deer management actions. Results of this survey may help managers to direct management and education goals toward actual rather than perceived stakeholder attitudes.

DMOs and Rural Tourism: A Stakeholder Analysis the Case of Tucker County, West Virginia

Rural destination management organizations (DMOs) are faced with considerable challenges as they attempt to promote economic prosperity through tourism. This study sought to identify rural destination management challenges in Tucker County, West Virginia; identify the roles and activities of the destinations DMOs in addressing these challenges; and develop a perceived destination management framework. DMO challenges include maintaining authenticity and sense of place; economic diversification; seasonality, low wage jobs, and lack of employees; connecting resorts to small businesses and communities; and establishing a common vision, identity, and coordination of activities. While the majority of tourism literature calls for DMOs to play a dual marketing and management role, this paper makes an important contribution by identifying the need for a Convention and Visitors Bureau and a separate organization with a specific mission to sustainably develop and manage tourism and coordinate activities of the stakeholder network.

Effects of Acid Mine Drainage on Plant Community Structure in the Central Appalachians

Acid mine drainage (AMD), is one of the major environmental complications in West Virginia. AMD occurs when abandoned mines leak heavy metals into streams and rivers. AMD leaches into the groundwater, which in turn may have implications on plant community composition and health. Five abandoned mine sites in Tucker County West Virginia were identified and all necessary permissions to conduct research at the sites were obtained. Sites were chosen based on remediation activities ranging from completely reclaimed to unreclaimed. Field work consisted of laying out two transects radiating outwards approximately 200 meters from a highwall. Along each transect two plots were established. Within each plot all mature trees were identified and soil pH was measured. Water samples were collected to find an estimate of iron concentration. Measures of species composition, diversity, and richness were calculated and modelled against soil properties.Data suggests that the effects of groundwater contamination did not have a negative impact on community composition, diversity, and within species performance. Community composition was predicted to shift from dominance of low pH tolerant species to less tolerant species, and within species performance was expected to rise with distance from mine. Data shows no significant differences between soil pH, species richness and diversity. This study was important for understanding which tree species are able to inhabit acidic soils and if there were any differences with soil pH of mine that has been reclaimed and one that is not.

West Virginia's Big Trees: Setting the Record Straight

People love big trees, people love to find big trees, and people love to find big trees in the place they call home. Having been suspicious for years, my coauthor and historian Rob Whetsell, approached me with a species identification challenge. There are several photographs of giant trees used by many people to illustrate the past forests of West Virginia, specifically, these photographs are claimed to be of a giant white oak (Quercus alba) in Tucker County, West Virginia. Rob was sure these were of a species not found in West Virginia…and he was right.

Historic Game Harvests in Canaan Valley and Tucker County, West Virginia

Abstract In this paper, we present tabulations of annual game-animal harvests in Canaan Valley and Tucker County, WV, from several time periods. We present countywide harvestdata for 1923–2001 for Odocoileus virginianus (White-tailed Deer), 1969–2001 for Castor canadensis (Beaver), 1976–2001 for Lynx rufus (Bobcat), 1950–2001 for Ursus americanus (Black Bear), 1975–2001 for Martes pennanti (Fisher), and 1940–2001 for Meleagris gallopavo (Wild Turkey). Annual numbers of animals harvested in Canaan Valley have increased steadily during the past 75 years since the establishment of modern regulations. Interpretations of reported harvest data are difficult because of changes in extrinsic factors that affect hunting and trapping pressure and success. The only game animal for which harvest levels are positively correlated with population density is White-tailed Deer. It is difficult, if not impossible, to determine by examining the harvest numbers whether populations of game animals have increased, decreased, or...

A General Overview of the Birds of Canaan Valley and Tucker County

Abstract High elevation; harsh winter weather; variable topography, seasons, and habitats; and shifting ranges provide for a diverse bird community in Canaan Valley and Tucker County, WV. A total of 195 species has been recorded during censuses—50 permanent residents and 145 summer residents, migrants, and accidentals—and 86 species are confirmed as breeding in the county. Bird habitats include coniferous, hardwood, and mixed hardwood-conifer forests; old field and forest-field margins; and alder swamps, spirea thickets, and wet meadows. Harsh winter conditions limit the number of overwintering birds. All of these factors affect the occurrence and distribution of Canaan Valley's birds.

The Civilian Conservation Corps in Tucker County, West Virginia, 1933–1942

Abstract In 1933, during the first 90 days of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's term, Congress passed the Emergency Conservation Work Act, which established the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Parts of Tucker County, WV, are located in the Monongahela National Forest, where the US Forest Service operated 3 CCC camps between 1933 and 1942 in the towns of Parsons, Dry Fork, and Lead Mine. In this paper, I present a history of the CCC in the Canaan Valley region and discuss some of the its achievements.

Nesting Birds in Hawthorn-Savannah Habitats of Canaan Valley, Tucker County, West Virginia

Abstract A decline in the amount of North America's early-successional habitats has triggered a concern for birds that nest in these environments. In West Virginia and throughout the Northeast, sharp drops have been detected in the populations of early-successional birds. We monitored the nest success of birds in Crataegus (hawthorn)-dominated areas of grasslands in the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge (herein called The Refuge) during the summers of 1999 and 2000. We found 30 nests of six species, including Bombycilla cedrorum (Cedar Waxwing), Turdus migratorius (American Robin), Pooecetes gramineus (Vesper Sparrow), Tyrannus tyrannus (Eastern Kingbird), Spizella passerina (Chipping Sparrow), and Geothlypis trichas (Common Yellowthroat). Hawthorn trees were the dominant plants used for nest placement. Overall, a similar number of nests fledged young (n = 17, 56.7%) as failed (n = 13, 43.3%) (P = 0.31). We attributed most nest failures to avian or mammalian predation, which may reflect an edge effec...

Characterization of Soil Developing in Reclaimed Upper Freeport Coal Surface Mines

Abstract A new highway, called Appalachian Corridor H, will pass through the Beaver Creek watershed in Tucker County, WV. Some of this area has been affected by surface mining of Upper Freeport Coal. The resulting mined lands are currently producing acid mine drainage and have the potential to produce more if disturbed. To document soil development and the effect that disturbance of these mined lands might have on water quality, we evaluated the properties of the soils that will potentially be affected by highway construction. Six sampling sites were located on mine soils and on adjacent undisturbed soils. After describing soil profiles, we sampled each horizon for laboratory analyses. We analyzed the soil samples for pH, electrical conductivity , carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and acid-base account. Other soil properties like texture, water holding capacity, acidity, cation exchange capacity, and elemental concentrations (Al, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe) were determined but not reported herein. Most of the mine soils h...

In-Situ Bioassay Response of Freshwater Mussels to Acid Mine Drainage Pollution and its Mitigation

Abstract Many West Virginia watersheds have been affected by mining activities. Runoff water, known as acid mine drainage (AMD), is acidic and tends to have a high metal content. Over the last several decades, various strategies have been employed to remediate the conditions caused by AMD and restore water quality to levels that support diverse native organisms. Located in the Canaan Valley, Tucker County, WV, the Blackwater River and its tributaries have been the focus of restoration efforts. Limestone application has proved to be among the most successful treatments to raise pH and ameliorate the effects of AMD. Our objectives were to use the introduced freshwater mussel Strophitus undulatus (Creeper) in bioassays to determine the effects of AMD and AMD neutralization on the health and survival of individuals and the potential dispersal of the species. In addition, we sought to determine the effects on mussels of limestone sediments that accumulate as a result of water treatments.

The Fernow Experimental Forest and Canaan Valley: A History of Research

The Fernow Experimental Forest (herein called the Fernow) in Tucker County, WV, was set aside in 1934 for “experimental and demonstration purposes under the direction of the Appalachian Forest Experiment Station” of the US Forest Service. Named after a famous German forester, Bernhard Fernow, the Fernow was initially developed with considerable assistance from the Civilian Conservation Corps. Shut down temporarily during World War II, the Fernow was reopened in 1948 as an outdoor laboratory and classroom with the purpose of conducting research that would be useful to the forest landowners and managers throughout the Central Appalachians. Early research focused on the silvicultural management of high-value hardwoods and the effects of various forest management schemes on water quantity and quality. Over time, additional research projects in wildlife, soil science, ecology, air quality, and other environmental topics were included. Today, the Fernow is involved in long-term silvicultural and hydrological research, as well as shorter-term, more topical research projects on the effects of air pollution on wilderness areas, developing management guidelines for threatened and endangered wildlife species, the uses of prescribed fire for managing hardwood stands, and the restoration of the Red Spruce—northern hardwood ecosystem. We include examples of the Fernow's significant findings and conclusions over the years, as well as anecdotes of contributions to West Virginia's quality of life.

Canaan Valley: Promised Land or Battleground for Outdoor Recreation and Nature-Based Tourism

Abstract We assessed outdoor recreation and tourism trends for Canaan Valley (hereafter, the Valley) and Tucker County, WV, from historical and contemporary perspectives. Using various primary and secondary sources, including academic research papers, agency reports, newspaper articles, and personal interviews, we developed a socio-demographic profile of Tucker County to gain a context for understanding the issues associated with outdoor recreation and tourism in the region. We then developed a historical model to outline discrete stages of outdoor recreation and tourism development in the Valley. We identified critical issues, such as the lack of coordination and level of conflict, then formulated sustainable development options for the Valley and its environs. Two specific strategies towards sustainable development include (1) the creation of a Canaan Valley Coordinating Council and (2) the County's active participation in regional heritage- and nature-based tourism initiatives. Tourism development shou...

Skiing from Top to Bottom: The History of Skiing in Canaan Valley

Abstract I place the development of skiing in Canaan Valley in context by sketching the history of skiing around the world, across the US, and in West Virginia. After describing the state's 13 downhill ski areas and the WV Department of Commerce's feasibility study of four potential downhill skiing sites, I describe Canaan Valley's five ski areas. I also describe the people of Canaan Valley's ski industry, including their significant contributions. Several cutting-edge ski programs have been developed in Canaan Valley. Canaan Valley's cross-county ski centers, both past and present, are described along with their impact on the local ski community. I conclude with opinions about the quality of Canaan Valley's skiing experience, the economic benefits of skiing for Tucker County, and the future of skiing in Canaan Valley.

Fishes of the Blackwater River Drainage, Tucker County, West Virginia

Abstract The Blackwater River, a tributary of the upper Cheat River of the Monongahela River, hosts a modest fish fauna. This relatively low diversity of fish species is partly explained by its drainage history. The Blackwater was once part of the prehistoric, northeasterly flowing St. Lawrence River. During the Pleistocene Epoch, the fauna was significantly affected by glacial advance and by proglacial lakes and their associated overflows. After the last glacial retreat, overflow channels, deposits, and scouring altered drainage courses and connected some of the tributaries of the ancient Teays and Pittsburgh drainages. These major alterations allowed the invasion of fishes from North America's more species-rich southern waters. Here we review fish distributions based on 67 surveys at 34 sites within the Blackwater River drainage, and discuss the origin and status of 37 species. Within the Blackwater River watershed, 30 species (20 native, 10 introduced) have been reported from upstream of Blackwater Fal...

Illustrations

Illustrations Gary Cooper (bio) Click for larger view View full resolution Blowing Snow. Asbury Road. Greenbrier County, W. Va. (Page 5) Click for larger view View full resolution On Snowshoe Mountain. Pocahontas County, W. Va. (Page 8) Click for larger view View full resolution Sharp’s Tunnel and Bridge. Greenbrier River Rail Trail. Pocahontas County, W. Va. (Page 12) Click for larger view View full resolution Sycamore. Bartow, Pocahontas County, W. Va. (Page 17) Click for larger view View full resolution Morning Shadows. Greenbrier County, W. Va. (Page 24) Click for larger view View full resolution Oak on Kitchen Creek. Monroe County, W. Va. (Page 50) Click for larger view View full resolution New River. Raleigh County, W. Va. (Page 55) Click for larger view View full resolution Salt Sulphur Inn. Monroe County, W. Va. (Page 68) Click for larger view View full resolution Coleman’s Cliffs. Greenbrier County, W. Va. (Page 75) Click for larger view View full resolution Blizzard on Dolly Sods. Tucker County, W. Va. (Page 81) Click for larger view View full resolution Seneca Creek Falls. Randolph County, W. Va. (Page 88) Click for larger view View full resolution Morning Fog. Tucker County, W. Va. (Page 97) Click for larger view View full resolution Greenbrier Rocket. Pocahontas County, W. Va. (Page 98) Click for larger view View full resolution Sunrise on Dolly Sods. Tucker County, W. Va. (Page 100) Gary Cooper G. P. Cooper moved to Greenbrier County, West Virginia, in 1991 after he retired as a professor of Environmental Health at the University of Cincinnati. His wife, a West Virginia native and a painter, and he, a nature photographer, established the Cooper Gallery in Lewisburg in 1995. Copyright © 2009 Berea College

Roost Selection by Male Indiana Myotis Following Forest Fires in Central Appalachian Hardwoods Forests

AbstractDespite the potential for prescribed fire and natural wildfire to increase snag abundance in hardwood forests, few studies have investigated effects of fire on bat roosting habitat, particularly that of the endangered Indiana myotis Myotis sodalis. From 2001 to 2009, we examined roost selection of Indiana myotis in burned and unburned forests in Tucker County, West Virginia. We radiotracked 15 male Indiana myotis to 50 roost trees; 16 in burned stands and 34 in unburned stands. Indiana myotis roosted in stands that had initially been burned 1–3 y prior to our observations. In burned stands, Indiana myotis roosted exclusively in fire-killed maples (Acer spp.). In unburned stands, they roosted in live trees, predominately hickories (Carya spp.), oaks (Quercus spp.), and maples. Roost trees in burned stands were surrounded by less basal area and by trees in advanced stages of decay, creating larger canopy gaps than at random trees in burned stands or actual roost trees located in unburned stands. Compared to random trees in unburned stands, roost trees in unburned stands were less decayed, had higher percent bark coverage, and were surrounded by less basal area, also resulting in larger canopy gaps. Roost-switching frequency and distances moved by Indiana myotis among roost trees were similar between burned and unburned stands. Our research indicates that use of fire for forest management purposes, at minimum provoked no response from Indiana myotis in terms of roost tree selection, and may create additional roost resources, depending on spatial context.

Using photographic image analysis to assess ground cover: a case study of forest road cutbanks

Road prisms, including cutbanks, road surfaces, and fillslopes, can be important contributors of sediment to streams in forested watersheds. Following road construction, cutbanks and fillslopes are often seeded, mulched, and sometimes fertilized to limit erosion and sedimentation. Assessing the success of vegetation establishment on cutbanks and fillslopes is a common task of forested land managers. This study developed and applied a photographic image analysis method to assess percent ground cover along an entire cutbank of a cut-and-fill haul road in the Monongahela National Forest in Tucker County, West Virginia. Variable-sized sections were employed to quantify the vegetative cover. Measurements obtained by this technique were similar to more commonly applied fixed-area plots, and it proved to be a useful tool for land managers who require a more repeatable quantification of ground cover than is possible through visual assessments. Cutbank slope and aspect also were analyzed to determine their potential impact on cutbank vegetation establishment. Slope was not a significant variable in explaining differences in vegetation cover; however, aspect did affect vegetation establishment. South-facing aspects had significantly lower percent vegetation cover than northeast, east, northwest, and north northwest aspects after the first year following seeding and throughout the entire study. Mean percent cover on the south-facing cutbanks was 32% over all time periods, compared to 60% to 73% for the other represented aspects. This result was expected since south-facing slopes generally are drier in the growing season and are subject to more freeze-thaw cycles in the winter. Timber felled onto the cutbank also decreased vegetative cover in the short term on north and north northwest aspects, but vegetation quickly became reestablished on these aspects with their favorable growing conditions.