WV Ready AmeriCorps Support Stewardship Across the Mon
Partnership AmeriCorps Chris Downing has been hard at work in 2024, supporting trail stewardship across the Mon Forest Towns Region and connecting with the land managers and community volunteers that help to keep the Monongahela National Forest and its surrounding public lands so wild and wonderful!
Chris Downing receives trail stewardship and maintenance training at U.S. Forest Service program.
With support from Appalachian Conservation Corps’ WV Ready program and equipped with sawyer and trail maintenance training from our Forest Service partners, Chris has lent his skills to stewardship groups throughout West Virginia, including Poca Trails, the West Virginia Scenic Trails Association, The Nature Conservancy, and the Heart of the Highlands Trail System. Over the past year, Chris has contributed to the maintenance of over a dozen trails in the National Forest, including West Virginia’s longest hiking trail, the 311-mile Allegheny, Red Spruce Knob Trail, Gauley Mountain Trail, Davis Trail, Pointy Knob Trail, Splash Dam South Trail, Moon Rocks Trail, Fire Trail 6, Railroad Grade, Plantation Trail, Bear Rocks Trail, Table Rock Trail, Big Springs Gap Trail, McGowan Mountain Trail, Mower Basin’s Grackle Trail, and Seneca Rocks Trail!
Mon Forest Towns AmeriCorps Chris Downing helps install new signage at The Nature Conservancy’s Bear Rocks Preserve in Grant County.
Chris’s stewardship also extends to developing the recreation amenities that take our Mon Forest outdoor adventures from good to great, including the construction of walking platforms, picnic tables, and wayfinding signage. In addition to his work out on the trail, Chris has helped organize a “Train the Trainers” trail stewardship event with West Virginia University’s Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at Davis & Elkins College to increase engagement and awareness of stewardship resources. As the Mon Forest Towns Partnership continues its mission of supporting outdoor development in the heart of West Virginia, connecting visitors and residents to these resources remains a critical component in the sustainable recreation economy.
PPE is important when constructing new trails in the Monongahela National Forest!
Although Chris completed his WV Ready AmeriCorps term this Fall, he will continue working with the Mon Forest Towns Partnership to advance trail stewardship through the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area’s 2024-2025 AmeriCorps program!