ALUM CREEK, W.Va. — Officials with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will host a public meeting on Tuesday, May 20, to review and receive feedback on options proposed for developing the Forks-of-Coal State Natural Area.
At the confluence of the Little Coal and Big Coal rivers south of Charleston, West Virginia, on the US-119 expressway (Corridor G), the natural area is home to the Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center and is a hub for West Virginia wildlife conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation.
Brett McMillion, director of the division, said the state is depending heavily on public input in the development, which has the power to significantly increase tourism in the region south of the Charleston metropolitan area.
“Community feedback plays a vital role in our efforts to promote wildlife conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation,” McMillion said.
“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 open-house meeting will occur from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the park's wildlife education center. During the two-hour event, attendees can review and comment on proposals at their own pace. Division staff will be available to answer questions.
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 the northern and southern areas
- New service vehicle access and pedestrian trail on the Big Coal River side connecting the northern and southern areas
- 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
- A wheelchair accessible pathway to the top of Roof Rock
- A trail connecting Mine Portal Trail with Yellow Trail
- Reconfiguration of an existing amphitheater
- 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.
On the border between Kanawha and Lincoln counties, Jack Workman donated the area to the state in 2015 in honor of his late wife, Claudia, and their shared vision of conserving the land for public enjoyment and education.
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