CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — As part of a project to remove three dams along the West Fork River in Harrison County, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service continues work with landowners who are using the pools behind the dams as a water source or fence.
On Thursday, the agency was working on the property of Earl Fore, who owns land along the pool created by the Highland Dam.
Among the projects for Fore’s property, fencing was set up to keep cattle out of the stream, tree plantings are being planned and water sources are being developed.
“He’s also got a small stream running through his property that was a water source and that stream pours into the West Fork. So, that was another resource we wanted to protect,” said Nick Millet, a biologist with U.S. Fish and Wildlife. “By fencing off both stream, we cut off his water supply, so we’re also a water trough.”
From Fore’s perspective, the work has been a positive experience.
“Compared to what I was before, it’s a thousand times better. It’s stronger than I could have ever done by myself.”
Beyond providing the fencing and water supply, keeping an open line of communication and keeping his property clean while working, he said there is one other aspect of the agency’s work that he appreciates.
“They’re building Bluebird houses. We do have a lot of nesting Bluebirds around here and they’re just beautiful.”
U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s work with landowners coincides with its project of removing the Highland, Two Lick and West Milford Dams, while renovating of the Hartland Dam on behalf of the current owners, the Clarksburg Water Board.
By doing so, the agency will restore the river and the natural habitat of several endangered species. The CWB benefits by ridding itself of the liability of someone potentially injuring themselves on the dams.
In an effort to reach out to landowners like Fore, the agency put an ad in the local paper offering their services to provide fencing and water sources.
Millet said they have had a decent response to their proposal.
“We’re finishing up Earl’s and we’re getting ready to move directly across the river to another landowner. We’ve received a couple other phone calls that we’re still trying to follow up on. Some folks are still hesitant.”
The hesitation of some does not come unexpectedly as the demolition/ river restoration project has had its share of vocal opposition, with the Harrison County Commission openly trying to block it and speculation that a small group of landowners might file suit against the agency to delay or put a stop to it.
Opinions on the project aside, Fore encourages landowners who may be hesitant about reaching out the the agency to go through with it.
“Anybody should take advantage of the situation and take advantage of the situation as presented.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can be reached at 304-636-6586.