Fayette, Raleigh and Summers County, West Virginia
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED JING CHU DECEMBER 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1. Historical Context Introduction Environmental History Social History Cultural History Major Elements of Planning Conclusion
Chapter 2. Inventory Chapter 3. Analysis Environmental Analysis Cultural Analysis Economic Analysis Social Analysis
Chapter 4. Conceptual Design Cultural Plan Recreation Plan Typical Streetscape Construction Detail
Chapter 5. Thurmond Historic park Inventory & Analysis Conceptual Design Sketches Construction Detail
Chapter 6. references
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 1
Since the New River is one of the nation’s American Heritage Rivers. The Lower New River watershed receives special attention to protect local natural resource and environment, revitalize economy, and preserve hiistoric and cultural. Annually, More than one million visitors enjoy a wide range of recreational activities in the Lower New River watershed. It is well known for its history of coal mining and outstanding whitewater rafting. And also mountaini biking, hiking, and ATV trails offer many opportunities for enjoyment.
Fig.1.1 Lower New River Watershed
Introduction
The Lower New River watershed, located in southern West Virginia, consists of 690-square-mile land area. It includes parts of Summers, Raleigh, Fayette Countries, and 53 miles of the New River Gorge National River (see Figure 1.1). In 1978, its central river area (Lower New River) was developed as the New River Gorge Nation Park by Congress. The New River Gorge National Park, containing one of the most diverse plant species assemblages in the southern Appalachians, has an average depth of 1,000 ft. For the Lower New River watershed, lots of remnants from the recent industrial age make up the local prehistoric sites, such as company towns, abandoned coal mines and coke ovens.
Historical Context
Introduction
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 2
Historical Context
Environmental History The New River can be traced back to the ancient Teays. As one of the oldest rivers in the world, the New River has a length of more than 320 miles and flows through three states of North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.
Around two million years ago, a huge ice layer came down from modern-day Canada when a cold period of glaciation occurred. The huge ice sheet crushed and buried almost everything in its path and covered the lower Teays River. Around ten thousand years ago, the ice age came to an end and the climate changed to warm. The last ice sheet buried most of this river. Finally, the ancient river was diverted into the Ohio and Kanawha rivers (see Figure 1.2).
The New River Gorge National River was under development until the year of 1873, when the railroads (see Figure 1.4) and coal mines were gradually developed and changed the local population, economy and culture. However, with the industry development, the effect on the natural environment was getting serious. The demand for lumber rode these towns boom, but it brought the forests to doom on the New River. By 1930, the forests on every ridges and valleys were almost totally cleared for fuel, lumber and building space. The railroads which were built for lumbering were abandoned, and the metal bridge was recycled during WW II.
Fig.1.2 Route of Ancient Teays River
Fig.1.3 Scarlet Tanager
Fig.1.3 Bald Eagle
19th Century
Different from other areas, the southern part of the river is quiet and the surface is flat. Farming was developed as the local life, which also makes a great contribution to the Southern Appalachian culture development. Because the New River has so long history, its habitats and wildlife were able to achieve a form of stability. Many species of plants and animals are allowed to move in this area. Certain unique species and several species of fish have been able to carve their own niches here (see Figure 1.3). Also specific species were found here such as melic grass, because the New River cuts from east to west the Appalachians.
Two Million Years Ago
Environmental History
Over 300 million years ago, the African plate collided with the North American plate, and then thrust upward the Appalachian Mountains. Vast swamps were developed in the lower basin areas because streams and rivers flowed down the western slopes. Since then, the surface plant resources and soil were accumulated as underground coal seams, shale, mudstone and other sediments. At the same time, the erosion effect is continuously working on the surface, which consists of current landscape.
Fig.1.3 Red Eft
Fig.1.4 C & O Railroad
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 3
1873 C. & O. Railway completed
1968 First commercial rafting opens 1972 Clean Water Act passed 1980 NPS started monitoring water quality 1988 Gauley River National Recreation Area and Bluestone National Scenic River was established
Fig.1.5 New River National Park
21th Century Environmental Pollution
1930 Old-growth forests were completely cut down
Since this watershed has active rail lines and mine sites within their boundaries, there is great potential for hazardous material spills to river within the parks, particularly into surface waters. Based on a survey of approximately 65 priority Abandoned mine lands, abandoned mine sites bring significant hazardous materials problem. In the Lower New River watershed, more than 270 miles of streams are impaired by fecal coliform. However, the upper stretches, above Bluestone Lake, are not impaired by the fecal coliform. It is imperative that Lower New River stakeholders participate in a collaborative effort to address this problem (see Figure 1.6). The Lower New River Watershed is also suffered from the coal mine pollution. Historic and current coal mining operations have left their marks on the watershed (see Figure 1.7). Of the 93 stream miles impaired by poor biological conditions, nearly 70 percent are also impaired by acid mine drainage related parameters (mostly iron, aluminum, and manganese). Abandoned mine lands (AMLs) comprise over 2,500 acres are considered to be a significant pollution source throughout the watershed. The Lower New River Watershed has 133 miles of iron-impaired streams, 18 miles impaired because of pH levels, and 14 miles impaired by high levels of aluminum.
Fig.1.6 Impaired Streams
Fig.1.7 Permit Coal Mine Boundary
Environmental History
1909 Peak of lumber operation
With the effort of the government and national state parks, the forest is reclaiming the abandoned or destroyed area in an amazing speed. But the unique ecosystems that the ancient forests produced may never get back, because of our needs for wood products for housing and commercial land development. In 1978, the Congress established the national park to preserve and protect this flowing river (see Figure 1.5). With people’s effort, the New River is known for its excellent fishing and vacation site.
1978 National Park
Lower New River Watershed Environmental Timeline
Historical Context
Environmental History
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 4
In the late-1700s, the first Euro-Americans began to explore and settle this area. At Bowyer’s Ferry, these people settled down and built up the “Old State Road” crossed the New River in 1790. Since the surface is not flat, the early settlers from Europe had to make living by small farms (see Figure 1.9).
18th
In the late 1800s, the population expanded rapidly when they found the underground coal resources in the gorge. Coal was the attraction for people to develop this area in that period. When the American’s Industrial revolution haid started, the coal industry boomed at a fast speed to meet the needs of fuel and metals production. At that time, the New River Gorge was famous for its coal resource and the trains crossing the land.
19th Century
Social History
The New River Gorge has an extremely long human history. Thousands of years ago, human settled down this area before the written history. According to the archeological evidence found in the park, the pre-historic Native American (see Figure 1.8), Paleo Indians, lived here 10,000 to 15,000 years ago. The human population swelled here by hunting and fishing. And the intricately-shaped spears were used by ancient huntergatherers. Later artifacts were found in village site, such as pieces of pottery, stone and bone tools, and arrowheads, showing the development of thriving agricultural-based villages.
Thousands of Years Ago
Historical Context
Social History
Fig.1.10 Route of Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C. & O.)
Fig.1.8 Native American
Fig.1.9 Upper Paint Creek Farm
Fig.1.9 Asa Spangler’s Mill
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 5
1873 C. & O. Railway completed
1920s Over 100 communities shipped coal 1960s Many coal towns closed their door
1968 First white water rafting opens 1978 New River Gorge National Park designated
The railroad also made this area’s coal resources accessible to mine. The towns close to the coal resources and the towns along the railroad quickly developed (see Figure 1.11). Until 1920s, there were over one hundred communities in the gorge like Thurmond, where trains ran the rail and coal was shipped on the track. This industrial boom lasted for over eighty years, with over 18 million tons of coal was mined in 1916 alone. However, the mining of coal was putting coal miners at risk. According to the document of fatality records, over 21,000 West Virginia coal miners have died since 1883, which were disasters for those families. By the 1960s, many coal towns have been shut down. And the abandoned coal mine lands are inventoried and monitored. These remaining coal mine sites provide tourists a glimpse into the nation’s industry revolution.
20th Century
1800s Late Kaymoor was one of most productive coal operation
In 1873, the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C. & O.) was completed, which dramatically enhanced the industrial boom speed of the New River Gorge (see Figure 1.10). This railroad changed the isolation situation of this area. It opened up a seemingly endless old growth deciduous forest. Sawmills and mill town started to appear cross the Low New River watershed. By 1882, there were 82 sawmills along the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad alone. In 1909, at the peak of lumber operations, 83 band mills and 1441 other lumbering establishments were operating in the state.
In 1968 the first white water rafting company offered guided trips down the wild rapids of the New River. As interest in the landscape and its heritage, New River Gorge National Park was established in 1978 and it provides great opportunities to explore the geology. The New River Gorge National Park hosts more than one million visitors per year. They have great many recreation options to explore the nature and history in this area, like rafting, climbing, and hiking (see Figure 1.12). Fig.1.11 Thurmond Fig.1.12 Rafting
Fig.1.11 Kaymoor Coal Miners Fig.1.12 Kaymoor Trails
Social History
1700s Late First Euro-Americans began to settle
19th Century Late
Lower New River Watershed Social Timeline
Historical Context
Social History
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 6
The Lower New River Watershed is rich with live music, artifacts, great outdoors and historic small town, such as Tamarack, Cliffside Amphitheater, Thurmond, Fayetteville. Also it offers some very unique underground attractions, including the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. All of them provide their own story about the culture and history of this region.
Cultural History
The oldest artifacts can be tracked back to 11,000 years ago. The Clovis points were used by Native American to kill mammoth, mastodon, and other Ice Age creature. Later artifacts were found in excavated village site, such as pieces of pottery, stone and arrowheads.
Fig.1.13 Exterior Pic of Tamarack
Fig.1.14 Thurmond
20th Century Coal Mine
With the completion of the Chesapeake and Ohio mainline, many towns grew along with the expansion of the coal and timber industries in the Lower New River watershed. Thurmond became the chief railroad center on the C&O mainline by 1910. The coal from surrounding coal field was shipped by Thurmond. With the onset of the Great Depression, Thurmond’s economic vitality faded. The gradual decline was also impacted by the changing technology. Therefore, comparing with other cities, it is surprisingly under modern development. In 1995, the historic Thurmond Depot was chosen and restored to serve as a park visitor center by the National Park Service (see Figure 1.14). The significance of the region’s railroading, coal mining heritage in the early 1900’s are exhibited here. For the underground coal mine, the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is the largest and most popular coal heritage destination in the Lower New River Watershed. It offers a wonderful experience of underground mine tours, which will present the history of underground coal mining to tourists.
Fig.1.13 Interior Pic of Tamarack
20th Century Tamarack
Tamarack is the first of regional artisan center featuring art and crafts from West Virginia artisans. It located in Beckley, southern West Virginia. Tamarack is more than a unique building, because it brings most of the best things of West Virginia under one roof. The special circular design allows visitors to weave in and out of an unparalleled selection of fine crafts, books and recorded music, gourmet food, and wine (see Image 1.13). Around one million visitors come to here every year. From May 1996 to June 2011, Tamarack has made a profit of approximately $72 million. Not only it makes a great contribution to the local economy development, but also creates lots of opportunities for cottage industries of West Virginia.
11,000 Years Ago
Historical Context
Cultural History
Fig.1.14 Park Visitor Center
Fig.1.14 Thurmond Depot
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 7
Forest and stream are the majority elements of the Lower New River watershed which covers 690 square miles. Within this region, the New River Gorge National River has an area of around 110 square miles (see Figure 1.15). And the total length of the streams is more than 1,600 miles. Six percent of the Lower New River watershed is developed, where more than 90,000 people settle down. And most population is spread out along the main roads.
Lower New River Watershed Cultural Timeline
In the lower new river watershed, more than fifty mining towns grew along with expansion of the coal and timber industries. Thousands of people once lived in these towns during industrialization period. In 1800s, lots of railways, roads and bridges were built to meet the need of industrial development, which link the urban patches together for automobile travel. Today almost all of the old coal mining towns are ghost towns, gradually being reclaimed by the forces of nature such as Thurmond, Kaymoor. But some towns and cities are still growing because of local geology, such as Beckley and Oak Hill.
Beckley
1977 U.S. 19 (Mountaineer Expressway) opens
Ghost Town
1958 Interstate 77 opens
City/Town Development
Beckley is a major hub in Southern West Virginia. Interstates 64 and 77 form a major crossroads south of Beckley. The city is the eighth largest city in West Virginia with over 200,000 residents. In its history, Beckley has been the subject of intense growth along U.S. Route 19 with expansion of the coal industries. But from 1980, industries had run out of resources. Beckley’s demographics continued on a gradual decline during that time. However, the population was still growing slowly in last 10 years because of the advantage of local geology and tourist attractions such as: Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Tamarack (see Figure 1.16).
1977 New River Gorge Bridge was completed
1987 Interstate 64 opens
1995 The Depot in Thurmond was restored as a visitor center
1996 Tamarack was opened in Beckley Fig.1.15 Land Use
Fig.1.16 Historical Populations of Beckley, WV
Major Elements of Planning
1891 First mine in Raleigh county, which became Beckley Exhibition Mine
Historical Context
Major Elements of Planning
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 8
Historical Context
Major Elements of Planning Transportation
In 1977, Fayette Station Bridge was replaced by the New River Gorge Bridge (see Figure 1.18) to meet the increased traffic and the construction of Route 19. US 19 cross the New River Gorge Bridge at Fayetteville and passes through Summersville, and Birch River before arriving at Interstate 79. Every year, on the third Saturday of October, “Bridge day” is celebrated by the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce. The New River Gorge Bridge makes it possible crossing the New River in less than a minute instead of driving down narrow mountain roads.
Transportation
Major Elements of Planning
In 1873, the Development of Railroads built the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway (C&O) through the New River Gorge, to further develop the transportation through the New River. The railroad bordered the river, making it possible to connect the isolated part of West Virginia to outside world. After that, coal became accessible to markets around the world. By 1889, a road provided access to Fayette Station by going down the steep slopes. Then the Fayette Station Bridge (see Figure 1.17) provided connects with Fayette Station to South Fayette.
Fig.1.17 Fayette Station Bridge
Fig.1.18 New River Gorge Bridge
Open Space and Recreation
Hawks Nest State Park (see Figure 1.19), Babcock State Park and Litter Beaver State Park in the Lower New River Watershed offer great sceneries, historical sites, fabulous golf, hunting, fishing, resort- style lodges, and wonderful camping sites.
Fig.1.19 Hawks Nest State Park
Summit
The Summit (see Figure 1.20) is a 10,600 acre adventure center between the New River Gorge national River and the US-19. In 2007, the Boy Scouts of America started the construction. In 2013, the site will be the home of the national Scout jamboree. It will serve as the location of a summer camp, high-adventure base and leadership training center. Millions of youth and adults are expected to join in these outdoor action sports and learning program.
State Park
New River Gorge National Park, three state parks (Hawks Nest State Park, Babcock State Park and Litter Beaver State Park), Summit Boy Scouts of America, and Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreational Area consist of the major open space for recreation in Lower New River Watershed. They provide amazing outdoor active opportunities for local people and tourists.
Fig.1.20 100-year Vision of “The Summit.”
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 9
Open Space and Recreation
Trail Economy
Annually, more than 100,000 commercial rafters and boaters enjoy whitewater rafting on the Lower New River An estimated $130 million is spent by more than one million visitors annually in the New River Gorge region. It was selected recently for their fourth national high adventure camp, national jamboree site, and leadership academy The Boy Scouts of America (BSA). In 2013, the BSA will host its first national jamboree on the site, inviting an estimated 30,000 scouts to the region.
Conclusion
Conclusion
The Lower New River watershed, one of the oldest sites with pre-historic civilization, developed rapidly with the completion of C&O Railroad. The temporary booming attracted numerous people by its natural resources and convenient railway system. When this area was extremely explored, industry pollution and serious environment problems were gradually accumulated without conscious. People and the nature have been working together to reclaim this area. Civilized towns and gorgeous nature parks are neighbors in the Lower New River watershed, which are developing in both environment and economy.
Major Elements of Planning
Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreational Area covers over 500 miles and eight counties. Lots of challenging trails are offered in this area for all forms of transportation including ATV’s, motorcycles, horseback, mountain bikes and utility vehicles. Great many trails are offered to the residents and visitors to enjoy the nature.
Historical Context
Major Elements of Planning
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 11
Inventory
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED
Legend Major Cities Interstate Highway Major Roads Major Rivers and Ponds Lower New River National Park
13
Vegetation NVC_MACRO Appalachian & Lauentian Rocky Scrub and Meadow
Central Mesophytic Hardwood Forest Central Oak-Hardwood & Pine Forest Developed & Urban
The Lower New River watershed supports diverse plant assemblage, especially oak and pine forest. This is due, in part, to the moisture gradient extremes that exist between the rim and river.
Eastern North American Cliff & Rock Vegetation
Eastern North American Ruderal Forest & Plantation Eastern North American Wet Meadow & Marsh Herbaceous Agricultural Vegetation
Introduced & Semi Natural Vegetation Northern & Central Alvar & Glade
Inventory
vegetation
Barren
Northern & Central Floodplain Forest & Scrub Northern & Central Swamp Forest
Northern & Eastern Pine - Oak Forest, Woodland & Barrens Northern Mesic Hardwood & Conifer Forest Open Water
Quarries, Mines, Gravel Pits and Oil Wells Recently Disturbed or Modified
Southeastern North American Ruderal Forest & Plantation Southern-Central Oak-Hardwood & Pine Forest Developed & Urban
The Lower New River is covered by two main forest, Central Mesophytic Hardwood Forest and Central Oak-Hardwood & Pine Forest. They mainly distribute in the river bank separately. Herbaceous Agricultural Vegetation mainly located in the relatively flat area. Most of them distribute in Southwest. Some of them close to Fayetteville, Oak Hill and Beckley.
Beckley
The rare Appalachian Flatrock plant is also found in watershed, Hinton which includes sedges, cedars and pines. They occurs on flat sandstone ledges along the the 0 1.25 2.5 5 7.5 New10Miles River. Vegetation Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Appalachian & Lauentian Rocky Scrub and Meadow Barren Central Mesophytic Hardwood Forest Central Oak-Hardwood & Pine Forest Developed & Urban Eastern North American Cliff & Rock Vegetation Eastern North American Ruderal Forest & Plantation Eastern North American Wet Meadow & Marsh Herbaceous Agricultural Vegetation Introduced & Semi Natural Vegetation Rhododendron Northern & Central Alvar & Glade Northern & Central Floodplain Forest & Scrub Northern & Central Swamp Forest Northern & Eastern Pine-Oak Forest, Woodland, Barrens Northern Mesic Hardwood & Conifer Forest Open Water Quarries, Mines, Gravel Pits and Oil Wells Recently Disturbed or Modified Southeastern North American Rueral Forest & Plantation Southern-Central Oak-Hardwood & Pine Forest
ÂŻ
Vegetation
Fayetteville
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 14
Inventory
Endangered and Threatened Animal Species Cheat Mountain Salamander (Plethodon netting)
Fayetteville
Habitat: Found in cool, moist red Endangered and Threatened Animal Species
spruce forests and deciduous forests which include yellow birch, American beech, Sugar maple, Striped maple, and Eastern hemlock trees.
Beckley
Flat-Spired Three-Toothed Landsnail (Triodopsis platysayoides)
Hinton
Habitat: The snails are often found
in cracks and crevices in the rocks or in small cave-like structures. At one site, the snail is associated with a cave in the limestone layer beneath the sandstone.
Bald Eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Habitat: Nest in large trees near large
streams or lakes. Its migration routes follow river systems or mountain ranges which run in a general northsouth direction. Bald eagles are seldom found far from water.
Fayetteville
Great Blue Heron
(Neotoma magister)
Beckley
Habitat: Nest in fresh and saltwater
marshes, swamps, flooded meadows, lake edges, always nesting in trees near water bodies.
Hinton
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 15
Allegheny Woodrat (Neotoma magister) Fayetteville
Inventory
Endangered and Threatened Animal Species
Habitat: Most woodrat dwellings are
Beckley
Virginia Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianuster) Hinton
Habitat: Forage in a variety of habi-
tats including old fields, hay fields, and forested areas. And also Caves are used in both winter and summer. These bats travel up to 10.5 kilometers from the cave roost to feed.
Indiana Bat
(Myotis sodalis)
Habitat: Caves are important. Dur-
ing the winter, caves which provide suitable conditions for hibernation are important for the Indiana bats. Wooded areas along rivers and upland forests were the preferred feeding areas .
Fayetteville
Virginia Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus fuscus)
Beckley
Habitat: Associated with red spruce Hinton
and northern hardwoods such as sugar maple, black cherry, American beech, black birch, and yellow birch. Habitat types are most common in areas over 909 meters (3000 feet) in elevation.
Endangered and Threatened Animal Species
located in or around hardwood forests (beech, birch, maple) and oakpine forests. And also live almost exclusively in rocky areas such as caves, deep vrevices, and large boulder fields.
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 16
Inventory
Hydrology
Subwatershed
Hydrology
Bluestone River Dunloup Creek Gauley River Glade Creek Greenbrier River Jumping Branch Lick and Laure Creek Loop Creek Lower Bluestone River Lower Meadow Creek Lower Meadow River Manns Creek Mullens New River Piney Creek Upper Marsh Fork Upper Meadow Creek Upper Meadow River Upper Paint Creek
Subwatershed Flow Direction Stream Flow Direction
New River Gorge National River encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along 53 miles of the New River from Bluestone Dam to Hawk’s Nest Lake.
Each subwatershed, from Madam Creek across the river from Hinton to Mill Creek, is unique, and plays a role in shaping the characteristics of the New River.
The Lower New River watershed can be divided into smaller suwatersheds that drains into 15 major tributary creeks of the New River. All the creeks drain their land area and ultimately flows into the Lower New River.
The Keeney’s Creek subwatershed, for example, includes the communities of Winona and Lookout. Keeney’s Creek drains this land area and ultimately flows into the New River at rapids popular with whitewater rafters and kayakers.
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 17
Inventory
TOPOGRAPHY The right map shows the topography of Lower New River watershed. The Lower New River watershed is located in the Appalachian Highlands.
Fayetteville
Legend Major Cities Interstate Highway Major Roads Major Rivers and Ponds
Topographically, the surface consists of long, narrow ranges, ridges, and hills interspersed with valleys and canyons. Creeks and New River are created by deep valleys and canyons.
Beckley
Hinton
ÂŻ
Legend
0
1.25 2.5
5
7.5
10 Miles
Major Cities Interstate Highway Major Roads Major Rivers and Ponds
Slope
Lower New River National Park
Slope Fayetteville
<VALUE> 0 - 3% 3- 8% 8 - 15% 15 - 100%
0 - 3% 3 - 8% 8 - 15% 15%+
Most areas of the Lower New River watershed are steep. The slope is higher than 15 percent. Small regions, which is flat relatively, locate along the major roads and also close to Fayetteville, Oak Hill, and Becley.
Beckley
Hinton
ÂŻ
0
1.25 2.5
For slope analysis, four categories were used: 0 - 3 percent; 3 - 8 percent; 8 15 percent; and 15 percent and higher.
5
7.5
10 Miles
Topography
Lower New River National Park
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 18
Inventory
Contour 300 - 700 Ft 701 - 1100 Ft 1101 - 1500 Ft 1501 - 1800 Ft 1801 - 2100 Ft 2101 - 2400 Ft 2401 - 2700 Ft 2701 - 3000 Ft 3001 - 3300 Ft 3301 - 3900 Ft The lower New River watershed slopes downward from South to the North, with elevations ranging from 3900 Ft in the far Southeast and Southwest corner of the watershed to 660 Ft in the Northwestern area. The Lower New River, which forms a gorge to the Northwest of the watershed, hasLegend higher elevation in the southeast around 1300 Ft.
Fayetteville
Topography Beckley
Hinton
Major Cities
Interstate Highway Major Roads
Major Rivers and Ponds
Lower New River National Park
Suitability for Sanitation Facilities
Suitability for Buildings and Roads
Sanitation Facilities for Septic Tanks Somewhat limited <all other values>
Not Limited Not Rated Somewhat Limited Very Limited
Not limited Not rated Somewhat limited
Fayetteville
Very limited
Suitability for Sanitation Facilities Somewhat Limited Moderately deep silt loams and sandy loams dominate the Lower New River watershed. These soils are well drained and very stony. Most of the soils are limited for building and transportation. However, there are still some areas are suitable for building and transportation. Most of available areas are close to Fayetteville, Beckley, and Hinton. Some of buildable area are along the interstate highways and major roads.
Beckley
Hinton
ÂŻ
0
1.25 2.5
5
7.5
10 Miles
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 19
Mauch Chunk Pottsville
The subsurface of Lower New River watershed is made up of Mauch Chunk and Pottsville formation.
Inventory
Subsurface
Geology
Fayetteville
Geology
The Mauch Chunk formation locate in the southeastern region of Lower New River watershed, which mainly consists of shale and sandstone.The Pottsville formation distribute other area of watershed, which mainly consists of fine to coarse grained sandstone.
Beckley
Hinton
Legend
ÂŻ
Major Cities Interstate Highway Major Roads Major Rivers and Ponds
0
1.25 2.5
5
7.5
10 Miles
Lower New River National Park
Marcell Shale <all other values>
Marcellus Shale Thickness 2
40 60
Fayetteville
2 Ft 40 Ft 60 Ft
The Marcellus formation is a black shale that contain limestone beds and concentrations of iron pyrite and siderite. Even though the thickness of Marcellus Shale is different, the Marcellus is found throughout the Lower New River watershed. The thickness of the Marcellus Shale ranges from 2 Ft to 60 Ft. The Marcellus is mapped with three thickness, from left to right: 40 Ft and 60 Ft. At the bottom of watershed is 2 Ft.
Beckley
Hinton
ÂŻ
0
1.25 2.5
5
7.5
10 Miles
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 20
Inventory
Geology Coal Site
Geology
Auger Mine Highwall Mine Surface Mine Underground Mine Coal Not Mined Lower New River Watershed
Fayetteville
Beckley
Hinton
ÂŻ The New River Coalfield is located in northeastern Raleigh County and southern Fayette County, West Virginia. It began to boom following the completion of the railroad line through the New River Gorge in 1873 and thrived into the 20th century. The coal in this field is a low volatile coal, and the seams of coal that have been mined include Sewell, Fire Creek, and Beckley.
0
1.25 2.5
5
7.5
10 Miles
Most of mines in Lower New River watershed are underground. A small number of Auger, Highwall, and surface mines intersperse among the coal mines. These coal company towns are located along Laurel Creek, Wolf Creek, Dunloup Creek, lower Piney Creek, and, of course, the New River.
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 21
As rivers and ponds meander through the Lower New River watershed, 50’ vegetated buffers help maintain the connectivity between rivers and adjacent floodplains, etc. They also provide longitudinal connectivity and habitat corridors, which provide important linkages between critical habitats.
50’ Buffer for Major Rivers and Ponds Weather Stations
"
Climate
Fayetteville
"
Beckley
Inventory
Climate
"
"
Hinton
¯
0
1.25 2.5
5
7.5
10 Miles
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 23
Analysis
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 25
Fayetteville
However, there are still some areas are suitable for building and transportation (See Left Map). Most of available areas are close to Fayetteville, Beckley, and Hinton. Some of buildable area are along the interstate highways and major roads. The land can provide a range o f
Beckley
housing and support more Hinton density to make efficient use of infrastructure. They can be considered in the future plans of Lower New River watershed. Soils Suitable for Building and Transportation
Environmental Analysis
Moderately deep silt loams and sandy loams dominate the Lower New River watershed. These soils are well drained and very stony. Most of the soils lie on steep (15%+) slopes and are very limited for building and transportation. Derived from shale and sandstone, they are well suited for tree growth, but have severe erosion potential when destabilized.
Analysis
Buildable Areas from soil suitability
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 26
Analysis
Buildable areas from coal mines and soil
Environmental Analysis
Coal beds of the New River Formation are found in the Northern and Southwest of the watershed. Most of the underground and surface coal mines are located in the Northern region. A small number of coal mines lie in the Southwest region.
Fayetteville
The left map shows an overlay of soil suitability for development map and the coal mine map. Mine subsidence, which is an unfortunate consequence of underground mine, can damage the foundations of homes, buildings and roads, disrupt underground utilities, and can be a potential risk to human life. And permit boundary mine allows people to conduct mining operations. So the p er mit
Beckley
Coal Site
Permit Boundary Auger Mine Highwall Mine Surface Mine Underground Mine Coal Not Mined Buildable Areas
boundary of coal mine and unHinton derground mine are not suitable for building development. But the abandoned surface coal mines can be cleaned up and reclaimed for other uses, such as housing and recreation. The blue outlines will be buildable areas considering soil and coal mine all factors.
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 27
Babcock State Park
Plum Orchard Wildlife Management Area Summit Bechtel National Scout Reserve
Beury Mountain Wildlife Management Area
New River Gorge National Park
Wetlands play a number of roles in the environment, flood control, and water purification. They also produce an array of vegetation and other ecological products. Filling one small parcel of wetland m a y seem
Beckley Little Beaver State Park
National Park Conservation Areas
harmless, but the damage Hinton adds up when several property owners in a watershed also begin draining and building. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why conservation are concerned to avoid nibbling away the precious wetlands.
Wetland Conservation Areas State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Areas
Environmental Analysis
A wide variety of animals and plants live in and around here. These parks, management areas , and summit provide critical habitat for abundant and diverse breeding populations of migratory birds. They also provide lots of amazing acHawks Nest tivities, such as rafting, rock climbing and State Park ATV trails. Roads are needed to provide access to recreation sites and allow timber harvesting and fire control. ConFayetteville struction should be careful to avoid damage to the surrounding area during and after construction.
Analysis
Conservation Areas from parks and wildlife
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 28
Analysis
Conservation Areas From Wildlife
Environmental Analysis
A wide variety of animals live in Lower New River watershed. The diverse forest and river ecosystems provide critical habitats for a number of threatened and endangered species. Lots of species are concerned in Lower New River watershed, such as woodrats, bats, flying squirrels, salamanders, landsnails, and bald eagles.
Fayetteville
Beckley
All threatened and endangered species are protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Due to these endangered species decline throughout WV, Conservation, protection, and enhancement of their essential habitat in nature reserves or wilderness areas is one of the most important ways to help threatened animals survive. There they can live without too much i nt e r f e re n c e from hu-
mans. The protection and restoration of natural habitats saves our native wildlife from going exHabitats tinct. Losing these threatened and Habitats of Allegheny Woodrat endangered species would have impacts Habitats of Big-Eared and Indiana Bat on the rest of the ecosystem. Making space for Habitats of Northern Flying Squirrel our wildlife and planting native plants that are loHabitats of Cheat Mountain Salamander cal to the area also will be helpful to save endangered Habitats of Three-Toothed Landsnail species.
Hinton
Habitats of Bald Eagle
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 29
The potential buildable areas, transportation areas, and conservation areas are showing in the left map. Most of Beckley the buildable areas are located in the Northern watershed. A small number are Hintonclose to Fayetteville. The conservation areas lie around New River Gorge National Park. The buildable areas and conservation areas considering terrain, soils, and other information will Boundary of Potential Conservation limit impact to Lower New River watershed Areas areas and surrounding environment. They can be Boundary of Potential Buildable considered in the future plans of Lower New River watershed. and Transportation Areas
Environmental Analysis
The combination of buildable areas and potential conservation areas create an analysis map. The overlapped buildable areas by conservation areas are valuable enough to justify the extra concern. Developers and home builders must Fayetteville take precaution to ensure that trees designated for preservation are not injured during construction. The buildable areas can provide a range of housing and support more density to make efficient use of effective infrastructure.
Analysis
The buildable areas and potential conservation areas were obtained by analyzing soil, coal mines, wetlands, parks, and wildlife together.
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 30
Analysis
Native American Influence
Cultural Analysis
The first people known to occupy the territory of West Virginia were the Paleo-Indians, which arrived sometime before 11,000 BCE. Some of them lived in the Kanawha and Ohio valleys, which is close to Lower New River watershed. After that, the Native American continuously occupied this region until the 17th century. Known as the “War Road”, the “Hunter’s Road”, or simply the “Indian Path” by the time European explorers arrived in the 18th century (see Figure 3.1). These routes served as interaction between Native American groups in various cultural regions. Many of the trails used by Native American were still in use by the first European settlers arrived, and frequently these pathways became major highways. Some of them are still in use today. The Indian path on Paint Creek was one of many similar paths that cross the area of South West Virginia. One major junction of Indian trails was “The Big Painted Trees”. From The Big Painted Trees, the Cool River Paint Creek Path headed northwest toward the Coal River. Another trail – Paint Creek Trail, branched south toward the Bluestone River and Virginia, which traveled through the seat side of Beckley.
City Layout Shortly after European explorers arrived, permanent settlers began to use the “Indian Path” to enter Southern West Virginia. Agriculture was the dominant way of life for those first settlers. Early settlers were predominantly Scotch-Irish, German, English, and Dutch. They cleared land and built homes in West Virginia.
Inhabited Ghost Towns Coal Heritage Trail Indian Trails Interstate Highways Major Roads
Fig.3.1 Indian Trails, Inhabited Ghost Towns & Coal Heritage Trail Due to the large numbers of European settlers throughout the Southern West Virginia, hundreds of grid-plan communities were established according to European town pattern. The European town pattern is a type of city plan in which streets run at right angles to each other, forming a grid. Hinton, Beckley, and Fayetteville are the county seat and largest town in Summers, Raleigh, Fayette Countries separately. They also affected by the Grid Plan.
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 31
Beckley is the largest city in Raleigh County, which is situated in the central part of the county on a high plateau at an elevation of about 2,400 feet. Located near the intersection of three major highways (Interstates 64 and 77, and U.S. 19), Beckley developed from a small agricultural settlement into a commercial hub for the Southern West Virginia coalfields based primarily on retail, service, and tourism. Beckley was founded on April, 1838 by Gen. Alfred P. Beckley. The city was named for his father, John Beckley, who was the first Clerk of the House of Representatives and first Librarian of Congress (see Figure 3.2).
Oak Hill is located on the plateau south of New River in Fayette County, elevation around 2,000 feet. From the historic Map of 1932, Oak Hill is relatively flat area that maybe drew the first Native American settlers to the area, as a great location for agriculture. Surrounded by the best farmland in the county, Oak Hill developed as a trading center for local farmers before the coming of the railroad. The turnpike served as the main street of Oak Hill, which is now located on modern U.S. 19 (see Figure 3.3).
When European explorers arrived, Beckley abounded with visual evidence of Native American activity. The Indian Trail â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Paint Creek Trail was traveled through the east side of present-day Beckley, which toward Virginia. Beckley is still affected by the physical artifacts of its history. The street pattern is basically an extension of the first city plan of 1932. The grid pattern was overlaid on top of the existing streets. It makes a littler deviation from traditional grid pattern probably because of the topography and river. Some of streets having evolved from meandering Native American trail and others having paths determined by the presence of the river and the lake.
Fayetteville Fayetteville is the county seat and largest town in Fayette County. Located on the Files, Fayette & Kanawha Turnpike, the town remained small until after Civic War. The grid pattern still can be seen in the Fayetteville map of 1928 (see Figure 3.4).
Hinton Hinton is sited at the confluence of Greenbrier and New River. It was laid out in 1874 after C&O arrived. Unlike the grid pattern of other major cities in Lower New River watershed, Hinton was built exactly based on traditional grid layout. The streets were designed to cross one another at 90 degree angles, which was an earlier model of city arrangement (see Figure 3.5).
Fig.3.3 1932 Oak Hill layout
Fig.3.2 1932 Beckley layout
Fig.3.5 1914 Hinton layout
Fig.3.4 1928 ayetteville layout
Cultural Analysis
Oak Hill
Analysis
Beckley
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 32
Analysis Cultural Analysis
Architecture Style
Transportation
The architectural style in West Virginia is not planned by an architect but based upon regional traditions, the materials at hand, and sometimes expedience, which can be thought of as vernacular architecture. The settlement of Log houses were certainly the prevalent building type from the earliest days of settlement until long afterward. Log Houses were first-generation homes. The Old Stone House can best be regarded as at least a generation in West Virginia. Since stone is in scant supply, the stone was not often used in early buildings.
Air, rail, and automotive rental services are widely available to provide transportation to the Lower New River watershed and during trip. Among of them, West Virginia’s Coal Heritage Trail and New River Gorge Bridge are rich with culturally focused attractions and events that celebrate the rich heritage of West Virginia.
By the 19th century, pattern books were used in building homes for the middle classes. The symmetrical composition of the Greek revival style was introduced in houses. In 1897, the Fayette County Courthouse was completed and is a remarkable example of the Romanesque Revival architectural style. Romanesque Revival buildings tended to feature more simplified arches and windows than their historic counterparts (see Figure 3.6). Company towns in various industries also exerted an influence on housing styles. Laborers at the lumber mill lived in two stories, wood-frame buildings with gabled facades and one-story front porches. The mill owners also provided workers with a store, school, and other buildings, all in a distinctive wood-frame style (see Figure 3.7).
Coal Heritage Trail West Virginia’s Coal Heritage Trail (see Figure 3.1) is a scenic byway that winds through the heart of West Virginia Coal Country. It could be a great adventure for visitors to explore West Virginia’s coal mining history. Visitors can explore ghost towns, historic building, Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, and coal mining history along the scenic byway. The byway is a representation of cultural harmony, distinctive ethnic communities, old-world traditions, and festivals are kept alive to enjoy today. What make the Coal Heritage Trail significant are the physical remnants of the coal boom that remain scattered in the deep valleys of the region. As an industrial byway, the Coal Heritage Trail tells its story through the physical artifacts and cultural traditions that remain. The byway also provides outstanding recreational and natural features.
Fig.3.7 Lumber Mill
Fig.3.6 Fayette County Courthouse
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The bridge is the centerpiece of Fayette County’s “Bridge Day” (see Figure 3.8), held the third Saturday of every October. The event is coordinated by the New River Gorge Bridge Day Commission. Bridge Day is the only day of the year people are allowed to the events of BASE jump and down under tour. On that day, all four lanes of the bridge are closed to automobiles and opened to pedestrians. Estimates have 80,000 people attending the overall event. The bridge was also chosen to represent the state on the commemorative quarter released by the U.S. Mint in 2006.
Coal Ghost Towns In 1873 the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Company laid track through the New River Gorge. Coal mining companies, towns, and camps appeared almost overnight in order to mine the coal deposits.
Fig.3.8 Bridge Day
In 2012, almost all the old coal mining towns are ghost towns, gradually being reclaimed by the forces of nature. A string of more than 50 such towns follows the New River through its gorge. Most, along with their companion communities, had been abandoned. Only stone walls and foundations remain at many, though Prince, Terry, Thayer, and Thurmond are still inhabited.
Prince Prince, located on highway WV-41 (formerly US-19) is on one of the few major automobile routes crossing the New River deep within the New River Gorge (see Figure 3.9). Its population is estimated at nearly 100 today. A relatively large number of vacation homes have been built along the New River near Prince. The passenger station at Prince is an acclaimed example of the Art Modern style of Architecture as applied to railroad structures, and the Prince Station remains a regular Amtrak stop, providing service to Beckley and other nearby communities. Parts of Prince have been protected by the National Park Service as part of the New River Gorge National River (see Figure 3.10). Three park service camping areas are located near the Prince, and hiking, biking, kayaking, and float-fishing are popular outdoor sports that draw visitors to the area.
Fig.3.9 Amtrak’s Cardinal roars into Fig.3.10 Coal mining mural in Prince Prince Depot Depot
Cultural Analysis
The New River Gorge Bridge is within the New River Gorge National River. At the Northern end of the bridge, the Park Service operates a visitor center with scenic overlooks and a staircase that descends part of the way into the gorge. It is 876 ft (267 m) above the New River, which makes it the fifth highest vehicular bridge in the world, and the third highest in the Americas. As part of U.S. Route 19, it has an average of 16,200 vehicles crossed per day.
Analysis
New River Gorge Bridge
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 34
Analysis
Thurmond
Cultural Analysis
The town of Thurmond lies on a narrow, curved strip of land, with a steep mountain rising behind it and the New River in front of it. The first Thurmond passenger station burned in 1899. The depot was rebuilt in 1904 and still stands today.
Much of Thurmond is owned by the National Park Service for the New River Gorge National River. The entire town is a designated historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1995, the Thurmond depot was renovated and now functions as a Park Service visitor center.
Conclusion As one of the oldest rivers in the world, the Lower New River is rich with culturally focused attractions and events that celebrate the rich heritage of West Virginia. This regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s city pattern is influenced by Native Americans and European settlers such as Scotch-Irish, German, English, and Dutch. Due to the boom of coal mining, the present Coal Heritage Trail and some of Ghost Towns are also left to serve as visitor center for the rich cultural history. Coal Heritage Trail and Ghost Town could be potential to preserve and promote the cultural history.
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 35
Analysis
Fayetteville - Fayette County Economic Diversification
Economic Analysis
Employment Rate Type
Income Level
Fayetteville grew rapidly in the late 19th century thanks mainly to the coal industry, which declined in the late 20th century. Median household income level and employment rate of Fayetteville is much lower than West Virginia, especially US. The leading establishments in Fayetteville, WV are retail trade and construction. That could have possibly been due to tourism industry. Fayetteville is perhaps best known for the New River Gorge Bridge.
Fayetteville provide a wide-range of local dining options from country diners, cafes and coffee housed to elegant gourmet restaurants as well as a varied array of lodging options for tourists. For the future, Fayetteville, based on tourism, will have an inspiring economy development. The New River Gorge Bridge is still significant to this region. The tourism development, especially the Summit (beginning in 2013), will attract more visitors and bring more jobs to the local people.
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 36
Analysis
Beckley - Raleigh County Economic Diversification
Economic Analysis
Employment Rate Type 2010 Employment in Beckley, WV
28.16%
23.26%
23.76%
17.52%
Income Level
Employed Civilian Males Employed Civilian Females Armed Forces Male Armed Forces Female Unemployed Males Unemployed Females Not in the Labor Force Male Not in the Labor Force Female
0.50%
2.59% 4.20%
0.00%
The median household income in Beckley is $36,703 which is lower than the West Virginia and U.S. That could have possibly been due to the decline of coal mine. Many people lost their jobs because of coal mine market. Now the Leading establishments in Beckley, WV are Health Care, Retail Trade, and Accommodation and Food Service. That mainly comes from retirement and tourism. The city is well known for two major tourist attractions: The Beckley Exhibition
Coal Mine and Tamarack. With gorgeous natural beauty and advanced level of health care services, Beckley is one of the most sought after retirement destinations in the U.S. It is not only an attraction for retirees, but also for visitors from across the county. Retirees and tourists have contributed a lot to the economic development. There is great potential for Beckley to attract more tourists and retirees with conspicuous economy development.
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 37
Analysis
Hinton - Summers County Economic Diversification
Economic Analysis
Employment Rate Type
Income Level
Since half of residents in Hinton are unemployed, the median household income in Hinton is much lower than U.S level. There are definite social and historical reasons for this economic situation. Hinton was a railroad town on the National Registry of Historic place. With the decline of coal mines, Many people lost their jobs because of the economic depression.
Hinton is sense of place because each structure features elements of both classical and unusual architecture Hintonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Historic District. Also the museums in the Hinton speak to the importance of the past in present day Hinton. The Retail and Construction Industry could be booming with its future potential development of tourism.
Conclusion
From the economic development of county seat, the Lower New River watershed has great potential to grow up, which could have possibly been due to the further development of tourist and recreational attractions for locals and visitors alike. The recreational attractions could bring more jobs and economic income.
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 38
Analysis
introduction
Social Analysis
The Lower New River watershed is a result of the intersection of natural factors and human activities. Human interaction is more complex than simply the use of the land, which can be traced back to the industrial boom. The industrial boom and recreation opportunities left crucial marks on Lower New River watershed.
Fayette, and Raleigh is 42.21, 39.56, and 39.92 respectively. But because of the relatively low quality of education and few job opportunities, they all suffered from “brain drain”. Lots of college graduates were leaving for bigger cities where there were more opportunities, and high school graduates left home and weren’t coming back.
General Population Demographic Decline Within the Lower New River watershed region, county population was 15,875 for Summers, 57,863 for Fayette, and 86,821 for Raleigh in 1980. By 2010 the population declined to 13,927, 46,039, and 78,859 respectively for an overall negative growth rate. Since the mining industry declined in the late 20th century, the population change in a significant decline. In last 10 years, the rate of population declination has slowed down because of the developments in tourism . Even a mild positive growth rate of 7.1% was showed in 2010 Census results for Summers County (see Figure 3.11).
Fig.3.11 Historical Population As of the census of 2000, the population was spread out with 19.90% in Summers, 16.40% in Fayette, and 15.40% in Raleigh who were 65 years of age or older (see Figure 3.12). That possibly due to low crime rate, the low cost of living, and the recreational opportunities. The average age of Summers,
Fig.3.12 Percentages of Population By Age
Population Growth Due to the combination of a low crime rate and great natural beauty, the Lower New River watershed becoming one of the most sought after retirement destinations in the U.S. This area is not only an attraction for retirees, but also for visitors from across the county. The New River Gorge National park is a major draw for more than one million visitors per year. An estimated by National Park Service $130 million is contributed to the watershed’s economy annually. The Lower New River watershed is likely to continue to see growth in the two industries – tourism and retirement. Developing an infrastructure especially attractive to retirees and the region’s growing number of visitors is helpful to draw more people, such as surround by national parks, state parks, and the healthcare system. The slow growth of Beckley is persisting, which is quite different from other cities in Lower New River watershed like Oak Hill,
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 39
The New River Coalfield began to boom when the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad was completed in 1873. More than 50 coal mining towns once flourished in the New River Gorge where thousands of persons lived and worked. Most of them are ghost towns, gradually reclaimed by the forces of nature. Some, like Thurmond, are owned by the National Park Service and draw many visitors every year.
Sense of Place History of the Lower New River watershed
The Coal Heritage Trail is a great adventure for visitors to explore West Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coal mining history. It meanders through heart of West Virginia Coal Country. Visitors can explore ghost towns, historic building, Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, and coal mining history along the scenic byway.
The Lower New River watershed has a rich variety of history: from the subsistence lives of the Native American and the later pioneers, the completion of the railroad and the prosperity of the coal mining and logging industries, to the boom of outdoor recreation activities. The rich human history of the watershed makes this area special and unique, which also foster sense of authentic human attachment and belong.
The Lower New River watershed has a wealth of cultural resources, as well as natural resources to explore. However, The Lower New River is considered impaired by the State of West Virginia. Most of pollution in the Lower New River flows in from local tributaries because of abandoned coal mining operations, leaking sewer pipes, and heavy rains falling on impervious surfaces. The leaking sewage and runoff from wildlife, pasture, cropland, and residential areas are significant factors in the raised levels of fecal coliform bacteria. For the environmental issue, the stakeholders of this area try to make some attempts to
Coal mining is one of most important factors making this watershed special. For half a century, the vast New River Coalfield fueled the Industrial Revolution and thousands of persons lived and worked in Lower New River watershed. All the people who lived and died in these coal mine towns contribute to the rich history of this unique place. . These coal mine towns are carrying a lot of memory and history. Although most of boomtowns are abandoned to the forces of nature, some of towns still attract tourists for its historical scenery, such as Thurmond and Kaymoor.
Social Analysis
Public Perceptions
conserve and improve the valuable environment they have. While the local people are ignorant and unaware of the consequences of their actions, so they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay much attention on natural resources. The Beautification Toolkit is created by the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority to improve the visual reception and enhance their community. It is an inspiration guide for enhancing communities through beautification, storefronts, and signage, which is an attempt to improve the environment by stakeholders.
Analysis
Fayetteville, because of the advantage of local geology and tourist attractions. Expressways are being completed across the Raleigh County, including the Coalfields Expressway, which will open a commercial corridor from the southern Beckley into the mountains to the West. And the Z way Road project, which will decrease congestion along the road.
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 40
Analysis
Outdoor Recreation
Social Analysis
Preserving the history of the watershed builds a sense of place. Likewise, providing recreational opportunities throughout the watershed became a major focus of the Lower New River. New River Gorge National Park and the new comer – The Summit are central locations for many different outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, camping, hunting, ATV and fishing. Recreation and scenic opportunities facilitate social interaction, probably provide a strong connection with the outdoor environment, impart a sense of personal well-being, and improve the climate for economic development.
Beautification Toolkit Beautification Toolkit is an inspiration guide for enhancing communities through beautification, storefronts, and signage, which gives that area special meaning to their community. Beautification Toolkit is local values, beliefs, and behaviors as local people relate to community life and the surrounding natural environment. The community could make changes to the town to attract tourists, which were potential to the community’s sense of place.
area. It may cause inconvenient to tourists and local residents.
Transportation Air, rail, and automotive rental services are widely available to provide transportation to the Lower New River watershed. The accessibility of an interstate highway system (I64 and I77) running through the Lower New River watershed services passenger and freight transportation. The major roads are located within short distances of major population centers such as Beckley, OakHill. But the ghost towns and some recreation areas are still hard to get by public transportation.
Electricity The Local abundant natural resources – coal mining directly benefits local residents with the lowest utility rates in the Lower New River watershed. West Virginia has the nation’s lowest overall-electricity-cost and lowest industrial-electricity-cost in 2011. The state’s overall electricity rate of 9.7 cents per kilowatt-hour is 80% of the national average of 12.17 cents.
Access to Services Technology
Conclusion
Cable internet access as well as telephone access is available in most of the New River Gorge area and greater city such as Beckley, OakHill, and Fayetteville. Several established internet companies, including Web Design Firms, Website Hosting Firms, and Internet Service Providers and telephone companies such as AT&T, Sprint, are available in the greater cities. Since the cliffs and canyon walls spread all over the Lower New River watershed, cable internet and telephone access could not cover all recreation
In comparatively recent history, with the completion of C&O railroad, thousands of people made a life in the Lower New River watershed, which made a variety of wonderful, dreadful, and unusual stories. Later the Lower New River watershed is renowned for its excellent recreational opportunities with the decay of coal mines. All these people and stories make the watershed unique and special based on personal experience and memories.
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 41
Conceptual Design
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 43
Enhancing the tourism and recreational uses by developing a driving tour paths with specific stopping points, creating a historic story using existing routes Identify major cultural heritage sites such as industrially significant locations, National Register places, Native American Paint Creek trail, suggested ghost towns to visit, and ATV trails Signaling of historic sites, create learning programs, and develop brochures for visitors to use along their path Promoting tourism, recreational activities, events, and programs especially during off-seasons Reusing, restoring and maintaining buildings for business, commercial, housing and communities, and protecting architectural structures though regulation Creating areas with attractive retail and accommodations with the cultural and historical designs Supporting preservation and restoration with funding programs and volunteers in the community
2. Improvement of public transportation citywide and regionally, and provide alternative transportation to promote healthy lifestyle and reduce impacts on the environment Propose incentives for healthy transportation like biking, walking and perhaps public transportation during big events like bridge day
3. Propose centralized cities and infrastructure to reduce impact on the environment and cost Create buffers around towns to limit rapid growth, prevent sprawl, and promote re-development inside the cities in order to create sense of community Propose to expand cities in a centralized way, in order to have centralized grids instead of spread-out
Cultural Enhancements
1.Preserve cultural heritage and historical buildings in order to maintain the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s link with the past through active education, and in order to improve tourism and recreational activities
Vision
Cultural Enhancements
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 44
Vision
Economic Enhancements 1. Encourage diverse economic development By proposing programs for re-educated former coal miners
Economic Enhancements
By promoting sustainable economic development to attract clean-tech industries Propose ways to attract major technology industries, through telecommunication implementation By proposing an outdoor recreation store, such as Cabelas, which brings people to the area while supporting recreation and creating jobs
2. Encourage a local economy By creating centralized districts of diverse businesses in each counties By providing affordable rent and lower taxes for local businesses By creating opportunities to encourage local business collaboration By promoting local farming and creating connection between local food and food services
3. Revitalize the downtown area in order to prevent sprawl and encourage community development By involving local citizens in the downtown revitalization planning process By providing farmers markets, events, and opportunities in the downtown area By connecting the downtown area to parks and trails for tourism and recreation By re-using empty buildings or vacant lots for central housing development
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 45
Examine where connections of trails can be made: linking parks to other parks, parks to town developments, and ATV trails Identify areas which are not suitable for development and which are important for wildlife habitat and corridors especially for threaten species Preserve the open space between the Wildlife Management Area and the National Park Identification of open spaces in cities (Fayetteville, Oak Hill, Beckley, Shady Springs and Hinton) for recreation development in the community
2. Promote water quality through green infrastructure implementation for preserving the ecosystem and recreational industry Stormwater management through constructed wetlands that incorporate plants which will remove pollutants from the water and provide aesthetic and habitat value Stormwater retrofit which manages stormwater after development has occurred. This system improves water quality, protects downstream channels and reduces flooding. Restore and improve the sewage infrastructure to improve water quality in streams and the New River and Improve the leaky pipes within the infrastructure
3. Propose incentive programs for private land owners in order to create environmental opportunities Propose incentive programs such as reduced property taxes, if private land owners designate part of their land to wildlife conservation. Promote cleaning up of private properties by providing opportunities and tools such as event programs and gardening tools Provides education opportunities and guidance to developers, residents, and other community members on methods to protect our water resources
Environmental Enhancements
1. Promote open space and conservation through expanding existing trail systems, designate open space in order to promote preservation of the environment and enhance the identity of the area
Vision
Environmental Enhancements
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 46
Vision
Social Enhancements 1. Develop new housing opportunities for newcomers, young generations, and workers at recreational jobs
Social Enhancements
Accommodate some growth and higher density in selected and abandoned areas. For example, Rental and starter homes for the Fayetteville area appeal to young people. Reuse the buildings in the downtown area Provide information about housing through internet or media
2. Create a strong sense of place for communities to thrive the community Create space for communities (Open spaces, community center, or community garden, etc.) Improve streetscapes (vegetation, signage, and storefronts) Advertisement and programs revolved around the Regional Redevelopment Authorityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beautification Toolkit Advertise and promote the program to help downtowns clean-up or tear down dilapidated buildings Provide Green infrastructure for communities to secure clean water, flood protection
3. Improve public education system Provide incentive for new employment to move to the area Offer and connect education facilities to provide higher education
4. Improve the infrastructure of our community Cell phone and Internet coverage and quality of service
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 47
Conceptual Design
Cultural plan
Cultural Plan
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 48
Conceptual Design
Upper DayTrip
Cultural Plan
Lower New River watershed is rich with culturally attractions and events that celebrate the rich heritage. Some focused attractions can be visited in upper day trip:
Historic Nuttallburg offer opportunities to explore coal mining in New River Gorge along one or all three trails.
New River Gorge Bridge Canyon Rim Visitor Center Fayetteville Historic District Nuttallburg Kaymoor Thurmond Historic District Glen Jean Babcock State Park
Kaymoor is the site of an abandoned coal mine. The ruins, mine openings, and remaining structures at Kaymoor are now historical highlights of the New River Gorge National River. Hiking trails provider tourists access to the remants of the upper and lower towns. The rich history of coal mine can be obtained.
1. New River Gorge Bridge & Canyon Rim Visitor Center As the third longest steel single-span arch bridge, Visitors can easily enjoy the style of bridge and New river gorge by “Bridge Walk”. The Canyon Rim Visitor Center is to act as a visitor contact station for area information. Visitor can explore history of the area, such as the construction of the New River Gorge Bridge and the How the gorge is created.
2. Fayetteville Historic District Fayetteville Historic District is a national historic district located at Fayetteville. It includes the central business district and surrounding residential areas. Different architectural styles can be seen here. The district includes the separately listed Fayette County Courthouse, which is a remarkable example of the Romanesque Revival architectural style.
3. Nuttallburg Nuttallburg is considered one of the most intact examples of a coal mining complex in West Vir ginia and one of the most complete coal related industrial sites in the United States.
4. Kaymoor
5. Thurmond Historic District Thurmond - a prosperous town with a number of businesses and facilities for C & O railway. The C & O passenger railway depot was renovated in 1995 and now functions as a Park Service visitor center. As a designated historic district, Nations’ industry revolution can be learned here around New River Gorge by remaining coalmine.
6. Glen Jean Bank of Glen Jean - the bank exemplifies high standards of masonry construction made possible by immigrants from Europe who brought artisan skills such as stone-cutting to this remote region and whose influence is still seen today. Information about both the New and Gauley rivers and surrounding parklands can be obtained at the National River Headquarters.
7. Babcock State Park - Grist Mill The Glade Creek Grist Mill at Babcock State Park is among the most photographed tourist sites in the West Virginia. Visitors to the mill may journey back to the time when grinding grain by a rushing stream was a way of life.
LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 49
Because of rich culturally attractions, visitors are hard to travel in one day. From Hinton to Mount Hope, it can be another opportunity for visitors: Sandstone Beckley Mount Hope
8. Hinton - Museums and National Historic District Hinton is a railroad town on the National Registry of Historic place with a rich history. The museums in the Hinton speak to the importance of the past in present day Hinton. Hintonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Historic District features over 200 buildings, churches and homes. Each structure features elements of both classical and unusual architecture. Visitors can easily enjoy a day strolling the brick street, discovering old architecture.
9. Sandstone - Sandstone Fall and Visitor Center Sandstone Fall - It is among the most visited natural landmarks within the territory of the New River Gorge National River. It Falls marks the transition zone of the New River from a broad river of large bottomlands, to a narrow mountain river. To learn more about Sandstone Falls and the New River Gorge visit Sandstone Visitor Center.
10. Glade Creek / Hamlet Glade Creek/Hamlet once vividly illustrated the cucle of commercial logging in the southern Appalachians.
11. Beckley Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine - the largest and most popular coal heritage destination in the Lower New River Watershed. Firsthand accounts of the daily responsibilities and tasks of past and present day miners can be got from the guides, who were veteran miners. Youth Museum - Main gallery is made up of four railroad boxcars. The central exhibit area features an average of three different exhibits yearly. It offers a rewarding and educational experience for people.
12. Tamarack Tamarack is more than a unique building, because it brings most of the best things of West Virginia under one roof. The special circular design allows visitors to weave in and out of an unparalleled selection of fine crafts, books and recorded music, gourmet food, and wine.
13. Historic Mount Hope The downtown of Mount Hope remains virtually the same as it did during the 1920â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. A trip through Mount Hope provides visitor with a rare opportunity to view many the sights that were once commonplace throughout the coal fields of Southern West Virginia.
Cultural Plan
Hinton Glade Creek / Hamlet Tamarack
The piers of the abandoned Glade Creek Railroad Bridge mark the site of a former lumber mill and the remains of the company logging towns of Glade and Hamlet. The historic lumber industry of the New River Gorge can be learned here.
Conceptual Design
Lower Day Trip
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Conceptual Design
Legend Highways Major Roads Existing Trails (Non-motorized) Proposed Trails (Non-motorized) Trail Connection Open Space for Wildlife Habitat
Recreation Plan
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4. Trail Connections of Oak Hill Make a connection between proposed Oak Hill Rail-Trail, Rt 19 Bikeway and Thurmond to Minden Trail.
ConnectionsThe Trail Connection can be made from Junkyard Trail to Burnwood Trail and Canyon Rim Boardwalk.
5. Trail Connections of Babcock State Park
The whole trail is easy for visitors to walk and bike through. It offers scenic views of the gorge and New River Gorge Bridge through rich forest and rhododendron thickets.
2. Trail Connections of Nuttallburg
The Trail Connection can connect between Keeneys Creek RR Trail, Nuttallburg Tipple Trail and Nuttall Mine Trail. It connected Keeneys Creek to Nuttallburg. Enjoy a stroll or bike ride to Nuttallburg on this wide trail and that crisscrosses the rugged mountain landscape at 4% grade.
3. Trail Connections of New River
The Trail Connection can be made from Proposed Fayette County Bike Routes to South Side Junction Trail. It is not just the connction for these two trail, but also for all the trails along the New River. This riverside trail provides great views of the New River and passes through several abandoned coal mining towns.
This trail connects proposed Middle Meadow-Babcock S.P. Rail-Trail and Babcock Link Trail. The whole trail is easy for visitors to walk and bike through. It provides an opportunity to connect Babcock State Park with outside trail.
6. Trail Connections of Thurmond Make a connection between ThurmondMinden Trail and Stone Cliff Trail. The trailheads can be connected by the new connector, which connects several riverside trails.
7. Trail Connections The Trail Connection can be made from existing Stone Cliff Trail to proposed Mary Draper Ingles Trail. The connector provides more opportunity for visitors to walk and pass through the existing riverside trails and proposed trails.
open space A wide variety of animals and plants live in this watershed. The important wildlife habitat should be kept as open space. Meanwhile, New River Gorge National Park, State Parks, management areas , and summit provide critical habitat for abundant and diverse breeding populations of migratory birds. All of open spaces can be connected by existing roads.
Recreation Plan
1. Trail Connection of Fayetteville
The proposed trails provides glimpses of Coal Heritage Trail and Ghost town of Thurmond. All the proposed and existing trail make up walking system covering the whole Lower New River watershed.
Conceptual Design
Lower New River watershed offers a variety of trail experiences. Some follow the path of old roads or rail lines, while others offer opportunities to explore the local landscape. However, some trails disconnected with others. Connections can be made with others in this system and offer continual sights for visitors.
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Conceptual Design
typical streetscape
TYPICAL STREETSCAPE
TYPICAL STREETSCAPE
Typical Streetscape The Design was accomplished through the use of new street lighting, providing new street trees, and new street furniture selected to provide uniformity, balance and aesthetic appeal. All of the improvements work cohesively to enhance the heart of our community. The design is as functional as it is aesthetic, borrowing ideas from the past, while introducing new technlogy to lead the city into the future, creating an environment which is user friendly and fresh.
4" CORRUGATED PERFORATED DRAINAGE PIPE ACT AS STORMWATER RESERVOIR
STREET SLOPE TO CURB INLET
EXISTING ASPHALT ROADBED
CONC. CURB 2/ 5" WIDTH NYCDEP STANDARD CAST IRON CURB PIECE INLET/OUTLET
TREES & PERENNIAL RAIN-GARDEN PLANTINGS
2'-6" 1'-6"
Bioswales are not only good for our own water supply, but are good for the bay as well. Coupled with the contaminants that flush off of roadways, driveways and other impervious surfaces, stormwater becomes a contaminate stew that can be toxic to our bay and to the wildlife that call it home. BROKEN STONE BED, ASTM C-33, SIZE # 3 (2" TO 1")
GEOTESTILE
SPECIAL SOIL MIX: NATURAL SANDY LOAM W/ 7% - 12% HUMUS, TO PROVIDE THE RISE OF WATER BY CAPILLARY ACTION TO THE PLANT ROOT ZONE
SIDEWALK SLOPE 2%
2" MULCH CONC. CURB &TREE PROTECTION RAIL
10' WIDTH SIDEWALK AND SEATING
Bioswell
6'-0" WIDTH RAIN-GARDEN BED
Bioswell Conceptual Design
A Bioswale is essentially a vegetated channel or swale that is planted with native plants. Bioswales provide a multitude of benefits to water quality and the environment. 8' WIDTH STREET PARKING
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LOWER NEW RIVER WATERSHED 54 6"-12" TYP PONDING DEPTH 3H:1V SIDE SLOPES MAX, TYP
BEEHIVE RIM RIM EL = 3 8" WIDTH 5'
NATIVE PLANTS PER LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT/DESIGER BERM AS NEEDED COMPACTED STRUCTURAL FILL EXISTING GRADE
Rain Garden
IE OUT = 1-1/2" 18"
Conceptual Design
raingarden
2-3" MULCH UNDISTURBED NATIVE SUBGRADE AREA DRAIN NON-PERFORATED OVERFLOW PIPE MIN SUMP DEPTH 3-3/4"-0 DRAIN ROCK, OPT COMPACTED NATIVE SUBGRADE
Below the surface of the garden, a number of processes are occurring which mimic the hydrologic action of a healthy forest. Soils are engineered and appropriate plants selected for the rain garden. Rain gardens are landscaped depressions that receive stormwater runoff and allow the runoff to slowly infiltrate to the groundwater table. As well as intercepting stormwater runoff that could have added to potential flooding problems, the rain garden allows nature to play a role, removing some of the pollutants that would have otherwise affected downstream water quality. During infiltration, plants use excess nutrients for growth, sediment is trapped in the garden and biological and physical processes remove pathogens.
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Thurmond Historic Park
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Thurmond Historic Park
Inventory & Analysis
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57
Thurmond Historic Park
Inventory & Analysis
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Thurmond Historic Park Conceptual Design PARK MAIN ENTRANCE
OVERLOOK AREA & FOUNTAIN
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THE PARK CONNECTS COALING TOWER AND RESTORED COMMERCIAL BUILDING, WHICH ARE THE FOCAL POINTS FOR THURMOND. IT WILL INVITES PEOPLE TO ENGAGE IN THE PAST. THE HISTORIC PARK PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR RECREATION AND EDUCATION IN THURMOND. THE WIND PATHWAY IS THE SYMBOL OF THE LOWER NEW RIVER, WHICH IS DESIGNED AS HISTORY CORRIDOR. VISITORS CAN WANDER PATHWAY AND ENJOY A VIEW OF THURMOND AS WELL AS DISCOVER THE RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THURMOND.
Thurmond Historic Park
CONCEPT STATEMENT
Conceptual Design
ENTRANCE PLAZA
ART PLAZA
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Thurmond Historic Park
park main entrance
PARK MAIN TRANCE
EN-
Sketch
The park main entrance provides stairs, handicap access and outdoor tables. They make accessible to all people and provide great spot to eat and relax. The abandoned water pump is also kept for the historical information and local memory. Brick pavers are used in park main entrance to act in cooperation with the material of sidewalk.
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Sketch
It was concrete lab before with good view of coaling tower. So it is designed as a high place where visitors can gather to view surrounding area and to photograph it. The curb around plaza is designed as seating area. It can provide relax area for visitors. Most of stormwater falling on site can be collected and reused for irrigation gardens and fountain in the middle of plaza.
overlook area & fountain
Thurmond Historic Park
OVERLOOK AREA & FOUNTAIN
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Thurmond Historic Park
entrance plaza
ENTRANCE PLAZA Entrance plaza is a focal point connecting all the elements serving as an entrance. It connects overlook area, seating area, historic information area and also community garden.
Sketch
The plaza also can be used as community gathering area for workshop, meetings or any small event. The concrete structure covered by vine will provide shade for plaza.
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Sandstone paver is used to separate from other elements and integrate with material of retaining wall and sandstone trail.
Sketch
Historical information and seating area are provided for visitors. This space functions as pedestrian site arrival points and homes for public art. All of the public art work cohesively to enhance the heart of community.
art plaza
Thurmond Historic Park
ART PLAZA
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Thurmond Historic Park
brick pavers
Construction Detail
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Thurmond Historic Park
concrete steps
Construction Detail
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Thurmond Historic Park
brick pavers
Construction Detail
67
REFERENCES
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References
references 1. National Park Service http://www.nps.gov/neri/index.htm 2. Wild and Wonderful West Virginia State Parks & Forests http://www.wvstateparks.com/brochure.htm 3. Ghost Towns of the New River Gorge http://www.newriverwv.com/ghost_towns/ 4. National Parks Conservation Association http://www.npca.org/news/reports/watershed_report.html 5. Thurmond, West Virginia Picture http://members.efn.org/~fotozone/pzep.htm 6. Logging the Virgin Forests of West Virginia http://www.patc.us/history/archive/virg_fst.html 7. C&O railroad and Blue Island bridges 1982 http://www.flickr.com/photos/7547061@N02/4433856408/ 8. Living, Mining and Navigating along the New River http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/symposia/newriver-84/sec4.htm 9. The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, George Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Railroad http://www.american-rails.com/chesapeake-and-ohio-railway.html 10. Fayette Station Bridge (Tunney Hunsaker Bridge) http://www.bridgemapper.com/bridge_detail.php?ID=459 11. Early Native American Cultures http://www.wvculture.org/history/indian1.html#pi 12. Paint Creek Scenic Trail http://paintcreekscenictrail.com/images/mapjpg.jpg 13. Fayetteville http://www.wvencyclopedia.org/articles/2246
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14. Theresa’s Haunted History of the Tri-State http://theresashauntedhistoryofthetri-state.blogspot.com/2011/03/raleigh-countycourthouse.html 15. Archive for the “Bridge Day Vendors” Category http://officialbridgeday.com/bridge-blog/category/bridge-day-vendors/ 16. Country Road Cabins West Virginia http://www.wvcabins.com/site/area-attractions/new-river-gorge-coal-mining-heritage.html 17. America’s Byways http://byways.org/explore/byways/10346/travel.html 18. New River Gorge Regional Development Authority http://www.nrgrda.org/new-river-gorge-region/industry-strengths/utilities 19. Beckley Establishment Statistics by NAICS Code http://www.clrsearch.com/Beckley-Demographics/WV/Establishment-Statistics-byNAICS-Code 20. Beckley Employment, Occupation and Industry http://www.clrsearch.com/Beckley-Demographics/WV/Employment-Occupationand-Industry 21. Beckley Household Income Statistics http://www.clrsearch.com/Beckley-Demographics/WV/Household-Income 22. Hinton Employment, Occupation and Industry http://www.clrsearch.com/Hinton-Demographics/WV/Employment-Occupationand-Industry 23. Hinton Household Income Statistics http://www.clrsearch.com/Hinton-Demographics/WV/Household-Income 24. The Summit Bechtel Reserve http://nrgrda.org/the-summit-bechtel-reserve 25. West Virginia Division of Culture and History http://www.wvculture.org/
References
references
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References
references 26. West Virginia GIS Technical Center http://wvgis.wvu.edu/ 27. Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fayetteville,_West_Virginia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summers_County,_West_Virginia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raleigh_County,_West_Virginia 28. CountyScope.com http://www.countyscope.com/west-virginia-wv/raleigh-county/ 29. Population Overview http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/popInfo.php?locIndex=23057 30. Southern West Virginia History http://www.burningrockwv.com/atv-vacations/southern-west-virginia-history-2/ 31. History of City of Mount Hope http://cityofmounthope.org/history.html