We are asking the WV DNR to withdraw the RFP, revise it to encourage small, historically and ecologically appropriate development, and solicit public feedback at every step.
The proposed development:
- Will mar the natural beauty of the park.
- Is wildly out of scale, with 350 proposed RV spots. Parks with double the acreage have fewer than 50 spots.
- Will reduce the recreation value of the park for existing users, including hikers, bikers, golfers and fishermen.
- Will require massive road construction inside the park, and create traffic jams outside of the park.
- Is out of character with the historic nature of the park, which was built in 1930s by the CCC.
- Will imperil rare and endangered species, including the federally listed harperella, and the soon-to-be federally listed wood turtle.
- Is a tax dodge for developers, who will not have to pay county taxes while also putting a strain on local infrastructure.
We demand:
- A new round of proposals with opportunities for public comment that are announced at least two weeks in advance.
- A thorough environmental impact assessment of the proposed RV park, including its potential impacts on water quality, wildlife, historic value and landscape.
- A Habitat Conservation Plan and Incidental Take Permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as is required by law.
- A safety impact assessment on increased traffic on Route 522, the state park entrance, residential communities, park visitors, and downtown Berkeley Springs.
- An assessment of how the proposed RV park will tax local infrastructure, including law enforcement.
- An assessment of the development’s potential to create or intensify existing fire and flood hazards.
Contact information for relevant officials
Governor Jim Justice
(304) 558-2000 (does not take messages)
Email contact form
Gary G. Howell, Chair of Economic Development and Tourism
gary.howell@wvhouse.gov
(304) 340-3090
(304) 790-9022
Brett W. McMillion, director of WV Department of Natural Resources
Brett.W.McMillion@wv.gov
Chelsea A. Ruby, Cabinet Secretary
Chelsea.A.Ruby@wv.gov
(304) 558-2200
charles.trump@wvsenate.gov
(304) 357-7880 & (304) 258-5133
george.miller@wvhouse.gov
(304) 340-3177