Wilderness Coalition proposes first national monument for West Virginia

Hillsboro, WV – Mike Costello of the West Virginia Wilderness Coalition is a man with a mission to bring national monument designation to the state through the Birthplace of Rivers National Monument project. According to Costello, the potential Birthplace of Rivers National monument aims to preserve several of West Virginia’s most iconic natural features such as pristine trout streams, and some of the best backcountry recreation in the east, including the Cranberry Wilderness.

The drive to get this designation is the result of a citizen initiative that includes the support of local business owners, the West Virginia Council of Churches, and West Virginia Trout Unlimited. The Birthplace of Rivers would be the first ever national monument designation in the Mountain State. Costello also knows there are many questions about this process. He will speak about it Tuesday, May 29th at 7pm at the Hillsboro library. Refreshments will be served and all are invited to come learn more about the project.

In other Hillsboro news, the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace has announced that they will be open on Sunday afternoons from noon to 4pm on a trial basis. Tours will be offered at 12:30 and 2:30pm on Sundays.

The Pearl S. Buck Birthplace is also open Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with tours scheduled at 10:30am, and 12:30 and 2:30pm.