Important Habitat on North Fork Mountain Secured by Monongahela National Forest

Another little piece of Heaven has been acquired for preservation inside the state of West Virginia. The Monongahela National Forest has purchased an ecologically important private parcel along the summit of North Fork Mountain. It is located along the eastern portion of the forest and includes 175 acres of forests, high cliffs, and rocky summits. There are a wide and exciting array of Appalachian plants that now can be conserved that are of national and West Virginia interest.

The Nature Conservancy is to thank for making this possible as they purchased the property from the landowner and held it until Forest Service had saved the funds to buy it. The owner, who needed to sell the land quickly, wished for the area to remain undeveloped and in its natural state. Since the Nature Conservancy is able to work expediently, the terms were negotiated and the property was closed on within the landowner's time frame.

Several important high elevation plant groups populate North Fork Mountain. Highland Rush, normally found in the High Arctic, is one southern population of a northern species. In addition, the pink-edged sulphur butterfly and white alumroot, which is only found on a select few mountains in WV and VA, are also samples of what can be found on North Fork Mountain.

"There are few places in the Appalachians as biologically distinct as North Fork Mountain," commented the Conservancy's West Virginia director Rodney Bartgis in a press release. "In a world that is becoming more and more alike, it is rewarding to be involved in sustaining what is uniquely West Virginia's natural legacy."

The North Fork Mountain property acquisition is located near to Seneca Rocks in Pendleton County. The Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area of the Monongahela National Forest will manage the land. Spruce Knob is the highest peak in West Virginia at 4,863 feet about sea level.

"The towering white sandstone cliffs and unbroken forests along the western summit of North Fork Mountain are iconic symbols of the rugged beauty of West Virginia's mountains," said Clyde Thompson, Forest Supervisor. "With this acquisition, one of our most spectacular vistas can continue to be enjoyed by all."

North Fork Mountain is one of the driest mountains in the Appalachians. This is due to most of the precipitation falling long before it arrives at the mountain. It is highly susceptible to fires, which actually help support and foster the unique plant and butterfly populations.

SOURCES:

The Nature Conservancy Press Release. URL: (http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/westvirginia/press/press3094.html)

"North Fork Mountain: Little Creek, Pike Knob, and Panther Knobe Preserves" URL: (http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/westvirginia/preserves/art1213.html)