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WEST VIRGINIA ^ 



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 General description: Core ( 1966) recognizes three major physiographic regions _^ 



within the state, each with a distinctive vegetation. These are: Eastern Ridge- < 



Valley Section (oak-pine); the Allegheny Mountain and Upland Section 55 



(northern forests); and the Western Hill Section (central hardwoods forests). Q 



Among the 12 areas reported, most are bogs or glades concentrated in the two Z 



eastern sections. These glades are believed to be correlated with bedrock near > 



the surface, which impedes the drainage of mountain streams. Thus they differ 

 from many of the bogs of the glaciated region farther north. Floristically, they 

 exhibit many species typical of northern bogs. One such area, Cranesville 

 Swamp Nature Sanctuary, has already been designated as a Natural Landmark. 

 Another significant wetland type is the flood-plain forest. Examples are Blenner- 

 hassett Island in the Ohio River and Granville Island at Morgantown, now part 

 of the Arboretum of West Virginia University. Among the typical flood-plain 

 species are black willow, sycamore, sweet gum, silver maple, and river birch 

 (Core 1966). 



Status of the wetlands: Innumerable threats have been reported on the limited 

 wetland resources of this state. Strip mining by electric power companies 

 threatens Fisher Spring Run and Dobbin Slashing. A proposed pump-storage 

 facility may also be constructed in the Dobbin Slashing area. Cattle and sheep 

 grazing is occurring in Blister Swamp. Excessive public use by groups visiting 

 Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is still another problem which the U.S. Forest 

 Service is attempting to resolve. 



Sources of data: The State Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Forest 

 Service, and biologists at the state universities have contributed the data in- 

 cluded in this section. 



Recommendations: With the exception of the Sinks of Gandy, all the other areas 

 are bogs or glades. Among the larger tracts is Canaan Valley, a 20,000-acre 

 mountainous wilderness with numerous bogs, glades, and beaver ponds. 

 Although it is an outstanding area biologically, the potential encroachments 

 must be resolved prior to designation as a Natural Landmark. Another extensive 

 tract, Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, has been studied extensively and is part 

 of the Monongahela National Forest. It is a logical candidate for landmark 

 status. Red Run, comprising 100 acres, is also in U.S. Forest Service ownership. 

 Red spruce and sphagnum with typical heath vegetation typifies this tract. 

 Either Red Run or the nearby Canaan Valley tract should be designated as a 

 Natural Landmark. Dobbin Slashing is an alder-sphagnum area with red spruce. 

 Owned by the Western Maryland Railroad, future protection would have to be 

 resolved prior to designation. Blister Run Bog, another northern outlier with 

 balsam fir, is under U.S. Forest Service jurisdiction. One of the most southern 

 such bogs in the state, this area should be given careful scrutiny. Fisher Spring 

 Run, Moore Run, Yellow Creek, and Big Run of Blackwater River are bogs or 

 glades of less than 50 acres on U.S. Forest Service land. As relatively high eleva- 

 tion bogs, at least one of these four areas is recommended, if size is not a limit- 

 ing factor. Blister Swamp — actually a sphagnum bog with balsam fir — is of spe- 

 cial botanical interest since it is the southernmost locality for twin flower 

 (Linnaea borealis). As a privately owned area, a commitment to long-term pro- 

 tection from grazing and other disturbances would be required prior to land- 

 mark designation. Within the limestone region, the Sinks of Gandy include a 

 botanical and geological complex of considerable interest. If protection can be 

 assured on a long-term basis, it should be considered for landmark status. 



