HURRICANE, W.Va. (WVDN) – The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has been awarded a $17,500 grant for much needed forestry work at both Bluestone and North Bend State Parks. Staff at both parks will use these funds to assist in cutting and removing dead and potentially dangerous trees from public recreation areas.
Bluestone State Park Superintendent Jessica Stoner said, “This grant will be a tremendous help as we continue clearing debris on the park following our historical flooding events. As the construction on Bluestone Dam continues, we anticipate more extreme flooding events for the next 4-5 years. With the addition of this new equipment, we’ll be better prepared for the cleanup of these future events.”
North Bend State Park Superintendent Kelsey Gilbert said, “Thanks to the Hearts of Stihl grant, we can take proactive steps to remove hazardous trees around our guest cabins. It’s an important project that protects both our facilities and, most importantly, the well-being of our guests and staff. We’re honored to receive this support and know it will strengthen park safety for years to come.”
Project Funding:
The Hearts of STIHL grant program funded by Stihl USA for America’s State Parks focuses on projects that are related to sustainability, recovery, conservation or environmental education programs. Each year grants are awarded regionally through the National Association of State Park Directors. The West Virginia State Parks Foundation received a similar grant last year for work at Twin Falls State Park. “We are thrilled to be the recipient of the grant again this year,” said Foundation Executive Director Brad Reed. Grants such as this along with donations help us to meet our goal of assisting West Virginia State Parks with funding important projects around the state.
About Hearts of Stihl and the WV State Parks Foundation:
Hearts of STIHL is a support program which prioritizes responsible forest management practices, sustainability, recovery, conservation, and environmental education programs. The mission of Hearts of STIHL is to help those people and programs that are caring for the national treasures that are our America’s State Parks and preserve them for the enjoyment of all Americans, current and future.
The West Virginia State Parks Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to “preserve, protect, and enhance West Virginia State Parks by providing leadership in communication, funding, and advocacy in partnership with individual Park Foundations.”
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