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Nature
Conservancy Enforces Rules for Visiting Preserves
By APRIL LEIFFER
Staff
Writer
While the Nature Conservancy allows public visitation at most
of its West Virginia preserves, officials from the organization
do enforce a set of policies that apply to all guests.
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According to West Virginia Conservation Manager Ashton Berdine,
the rules are to ensure the safety of visitors, animals and the
land itself. He added that many of the policies can often be gathered
through common sense, but the conservancy feels it is necessary
to educate individuals about observing the sites.
First, no pets are allowed on the preserves, a measure that
protects other visitors and native wildlife, which includes rattlesnakes
and copperheads. All species living on the preserves deserve the
respect of guests, conservancy officials stressed.
Next, Berdine noted that camping, which includes the use of
fire, is prohibited on all preserves. In addition, bicycles and
motorized vehicles, such as ATVs and trucks, are not permitted either.
"Most of our preserves are open to public visitation,"
he added. "They are all open to walking only. There are no
truck trails or anything like that. All preserves are open from
daylight to dark. We just ask people to be courteous to any neighbors
and not to trespass onto any neighboring landowners' property." Nature
Conservancy officials also cautioned visitors about rugged terrain,
including open cliffs with dangerous drops and steep hiking trails.
Guests should be aware of their own limits.
"Dress accordingly," Berdine advised. "Be sure
to wear boots and carry plenty of water. Stick to designated trails." Finally,
Berdine stressed that hunting is not permitted on any of the West
Virginia preserves, but many people do hunt on the neighboring areas
in the fall. Thus, visitors should wear bright colors and make noise
during that season.
He added that while hunting is not allowed, visitors should
be careful in case someone does break the rules and decides to hunt
on the preserves.
"Just in case there are people trespassing and hunting,
take extra caution," Berdine said. "That's just common
sense.
For more information about the Nature Conservancy or the
preserves in West Virginia, contact the state office at (304) 637-0160.
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