Jackson River Access Points during Renovation

Release Date: Oct 4, 2012  
Contact(s): James River Ranger District at (540) 962-2214

Jackson River Access Construction 

Covington, Va. – Four George Washington and Jefferson National Forest access points along the Jackson River between Lake Moomaw and Covington are under construction.  Petticoat Junction River Access Point will close from approximately October 8 to 19, 2012 for construction of a new ramp.  The existing stairs to the river bank will be removed and replaced with a concrete ramp.  The remaining three access points will remain open during construction, but users are cautioned to be aware of workers and equipment on site.   In addition, all parking areas are being rehabilitated, and are being expanded in two locations.

This project was made possible by the Falling Springs Ruritan Club, who in partnership with the U. S.  Forest Service, has been awarded a grant under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act.  The Ruritans have also teamed with the Alleghany Highland Chamber of Commerce and Tourism who received a grant from the Alleghany Foundation for this project.  Several Ruritan members are donating their time, expertise, and labor to make this project a reality for the benefit of the community. 

 “These improvements will make river access more convenient for the public, and will help reduce erosion and sedimentation into the Jackson River,” says District Ranger Pat Sheridan.  For additional information contact the James River Ranger District at(540) 962-2214.

-USFS-

See link for full press release: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5393716.pdf

Alleghany Foundation Awards Blueway Grant

Alleghany Foundation Grant award to the Alleghany Highlands Blueway
COVINGTON, Va. (May 18, 2012)

 The Alleghany Foundation announced today that it has awarded $1,160,732 in 12 grants to 10 area organizations for projects designed to enhance the quality of life for citizens of the Alleghany Highlands, bringing the total grants awarded to more than $37 million in the organization’s 16‐year history. “The focus areas identified a couple of years ago through the Foundation’s strategic planning process reflect opportunities with the greatest impact on quality of life in our region,” says Charlie Kahle, board president. 

“As a board, we strive to work with our community to develop ways to mark progress in these areas of focus: economic transformation, educational attainment, health and wellness, community capacity and leadership and civic vitality. We realize this can be difficult and challenging, and we appreciate the hard work of our applicants and community as we move forward together.” The largest total award was given to the Alleghany Highlands YMCA, which received $446,700 for three projects in the areas of health and wellness and leadership/civic vitality. The grants include the final payment to retire the debt of the organization as well as preschool initiatives and a leadership development program.    “Grant awards from The Alleghany Foundation demonstrate the community's commitment to the Alleghany Highlands YMCA's mission to develop healthy spirit, mind and body for all,” says Jennifer Unroe, chief executive officer, Alleghany Highlands YMCA. “These grants have been essential to advance the Y's focus in the areas of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for the well‐being of a healthy community.”

The Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism received $275,000 over a three‐year period to develop the Alleghany Blueway Initiative, a travel and tourism marketing project that will highlight the region’s lakes, rivers and streams as destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Funding will allow the organization to promote efforts to enhance public access areas to the Jackson and Cowpasture Rivers.  Enhancements to public access points will begin later this year through funding provided by a grant from Secure Rural Schools to Alleghany County and the Falling Springs Ruritan Club. “The Alleghany Blueway Initiative project is an excellent example of organizations working together to reach a common goal,” says Teresa Hammond, executive director, Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. “The Foundation’s funds will be used to create a website and marketing materials that will promote our natural resources and help bring tourism dollars to the region.”

In addition, Jackson River Enterprises received $177,750 to allow the organization to significantly increase its recycling capacity for Alleghany Highlands residents and corporations. A new recycling truck, scale, storage containers and improvements to the processing facility will allow the organization to streamline operations and improve efficiency. The non‐profit provides training and employment to more than 50 mentally, physically and emotionally‐challenged adults in the community. Other community capacity grants include funds to the C&O Historical Society for restoration of a Shenandoah Pullman Sleeper Car, an updated security system for Safehome System’s home for victims of domestic violence, and a grant to the Alleghany Highlands Arts & Crafts Center to match funds raised by the organization and for software and website upgrades.

The Alleghany Highlands Arts Council was also awarded funds for its Artists‐in‐Residency activities as well as funds to match the non‐profits’ fundraising efforts.An important health and wellness initiative will fund the purchase of 25 automated external defibrillators to be installed in police vehicles in Alleghany County, Covington, Clifton Forge and Iron Gate. The grant, which includes training for 50 area officers, was submitted by the City of Covington on behalf of all area law enforcement agencies. In addition, two of the 12 grants awarded focused on educational projects, including an environmental education grant to the Mountain Soil & Water Conservation District and a grant to help fund the continuation and expansion of the Garth Newel Music Center’s youth string program, the Alleghany Mountain String Project. Mary Fant Donnan, The Alleghany Foundation executive director, recognized the board of directors’ stewardship of Foundation assets and the applicants’ efforts to continually develop ideas to move the community forward. “The future of our region lies in the hopes and dreams of its citizens, businesses, and non‐profits to create the best environment in which to live and work,” Donnan says.  “The difficult challenge of the Foundation and its Board has always been to help bring these dreams to fruition, through financial support as well as the dedication, continuous learning, and hard work that create true community partnerships.”  

The Alleghany Foundation is a nonprofit foundation based in Covington, Va.  Since its formation in June 1995, the Foundation has awarded more than $37 million to 65 organizations for programs to benefit Alleghany Highlands’ residents. These awards total now more than the original $35 million in proceeds from the sale of Alleghany Regional Hospital to HCA. The Foundation awards grants twice annually. Nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax‐exempt organizations interested in requesting funding from the Foundation should submit an application, following the instructions outlined in the Foundation’s Application Guidelines Brochure available at the Foundation’s office and on its website at www.AlleghanyFoundation.org.

For full article see:  http://www.alleghanyfoundation.org/ALFMay2012Grants_.pdf
Reposted by Twin River Outfitters, for more info about TRO see:  http://canoevirginia.net

A Tire-Some Venture, River Clean Up Report

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

A Tire-some Venture
RiverRat, John Mays sent this report about a cleanup in the Upper James:

How many river tires can fit into a 30-yard dumpster? Well at least 190. That is the final count of tires collected from a river cleanup effort on the Upper James River that was held on October 8, 2011.

Members of the Upper James River Water Trail committee organized a river clean up and covered a 15-mile stretch of river in search of any and all trash that could be removed. The big culprit this year was tires that have been deposited along different stretches of the Upper James River by floods over the years.

This was the third year of river cleanup efforts lead by Twin River Outfitters, with the logistical help of the Botetourt County Parks and Recreation & Landfill departments, who help with properly disposing of the collected river trash. We got more tires this year than the last two years combined. This year we collected 190 tires, and 2 small dump truck beds of trash. Notable items included several chairs, a barrel, 2 bikes, air conditioner, clothing items, and a fiberglass Jon boat with lots of holes in it. The volunteer group concentrated its cleanup efforts over a stretch of the James River from the Springwood boat landing to Alpine.

A partial list of river cleanup volunteers included: Roger Sillmon, Susan Sillmon, Tyler Kern, Sam Baker, Kendal Moyer, John Besher, Karen Busher, Byron Busher, Kayla Beckner, Joseph Obeshai, John Mays, Dan Mays, Michael Denton, James Manuel and Mathew Fischer.

This was truly a team effort. Special thanks to all those that helped advertise this clean up event, coordinated the removal of the debris to local land fills, and those that did the river removal work.

Thanks again to all those that helped keep our river looking great. Interested in helping out next year? We have already set next year's river clean up date for Saturday October 6, 2012. To volunteer, contact John and Dan Mays of Twin River Outfitters, 653 Lowe Street, Buchanan, Virginia, 24066. Email tro@canoevirginia.net or phone the office at 540-261-7334.