Public invited to review and comment on proposed improvements to natural area and trails
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced today that it will host a public meeting on Tuesday, May 20 to review and receive feedback on proposed options for the Forks of Coal Master Plan.
The open-house meeting will take place 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center in Alum Creek. During the two-hour event, attendees will have the opportunity to review and comment on proposals at their own pace. WVDNR staff will be available to answer questions..
“Community feedback plays a vital role in our efforts to promote wildlife conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “Engaging with the public helps us make better-informed decisions that preserve both our natural resources and the well-being of those who depend on them.”
The proposal is divided into two north and south sections with recommended improvements to enhance visitor access, education, recreation and habitat conservation.
Proposed projects for Forks of Coal North include:
- New trail on the Little Coal River side connecting FOC North with FOC South
- New service vehicle access and pedestrian trail on the Big Coal River side connecting FOC North and FOC South
- A boardwalk in the pollinator field to help users navigate the wet areas
- An outdoor classroom near the pollinator field
- A shelter located on the edge of the parking lot near the Yellow and Blue Trails trailhead
- Detention pond beautification via a new rain garden/bioretention area near the main parking lot
- An ADA accessible pathway to the top of Roof Rock
- A trail connecting Mine Portal Trail with Yellow Trail
- Reconfiguration of existing amphitheatre
- Closure of historic pedestrian suspension bridges due to deterioration
- New benches and interpretive signs
Proposed projects for Forks of Coal South include:
- School House Fire Trail Trailhead located across from existing main entrance to FOC North
- Tree limb trimming to improve sight distances for users entering and exiting the new trailhead parking lot
- Sorghum Patch Bypass Trail that will provide service vehicle access and pedestrians under the Corridor G bridges to FOC North
- Gore Mountain and Jeep Trail Lookout Towers
- Fence around the Hill property
- Various trail improvements
- New amphitheater/outdoor classroom located in the open field
- The Crooked Branch Trail extension
- Cemetery access
- New benches and interpretive signs
Those unable to attend the meeting in person may view the proposals and submit comments online at sites.google.com/wv.gov/forks-of-coal-master-plan. Comments are due June 6, 2025.
About the Forks of Coal State Natural Area
The Forks of Coal is a natural area at the confluence of the Little Coal and Big Coal Rivers on the Kanawha and Lincoln County line. The area was donated to the WVDNR in 2015 by Jack Workman in honor of his late-wife Claudia’s memory and their shared vision of conserving the land for public enjoyment and education. Now home to the Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center, the Forks of Coal serves as a hub for wildlife conservation, environmental education and outdoor recreation.