WVFA Mountain State Forestry Winter 2021-22

F E A T U R E D N E W S 10 West Virginia Forestry Association Mountain State Forestry | Winter 2021–22 www.wvfa.org The Significance of the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area The Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area (AFNHA) was designated as a National Heritage Area in March 2019, recognizing the national significance of our forest heritage in the highland’s region of West Virginia and Maryland, including the Monongahela National Forest. A journey that began in 2001 as a heritage tourism initiative from West Virginia University, AFHA, Inc, was incorporated as a non-profit in 2003. AFNHA operates several programs to support the mission to benefit local communities. Since 2007, AFNHA has operated an AmeriCorps program that works with local heritage community development and conservation partners. Our Significance The Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area has outstanding natural resources, and historical and cultural themes of regional and national significance. The central Appalachians of AFNHA are the core of the central hardwood forest that is today the largest of its kind in the world, hosting an unusual biodiversity of plant and animal species. This forest provided resources for American industrial expansion in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The lessons learned from cutting these forests contributed significantly to the conservation movement, the formation of eastern National Forests, and rise of modern scientific forestry. The Forest Heritage story can be told through a variety of resources, such as remnants of old growth forests, protected wilderness areas, historic sites from the logging era including the intact logging company town at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, national and state forest lands created to foster regrowth of the forest, CCC structures demonstrating conservation efforts, experimental forests demonstrating the evolution of forestry management, managed public and private forests, and a dynamic forest industry with mills and value-added products that demonstrate the ongoing importance of the forest and forest products to this region. The central Appalachian culture—including folklife, music, dance, crafts, and traditions—are inextricably tied to the forest and reliance upon forest products. The extensive forests and undeveloped rural character of the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area provide natural and recreational resources, scenic vistas, outdoor recreation, and opportunities for nature observation for people throughout the United States to enjoy. Current Work As a designated National Heritage Area, AFNHA is currently working to develop a “Management Plan” to guide our partnership efforts moving forward. This work is being directed by our consultant team and AFNHA staff, with extensive input from partners and the public. AFNHA has developed a new mission statement for the Plan and set of goals for the organization’s future, with intention to submit the Management Plan to the National Park Service in the Spring of 2022. Mission: The Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area conserves, interprets, and promotes forest heritage to enhance landscapes and communities in the highlands of West Virginia and Maryland. Five goals are: Identify, preserve, conserve, and enhance assets that reflect forest heritage. Share the stories of our forest heritage through education, interpretation, and experiences. Support heritage tourism and community economic development to benefit rural communities. Connect and support partners linked by the region’s forest heritage. Manage, promote, and sustain AFHA, Inc as the National Heritage Area Coordinating Entity organization.