MORGANTOWN — What are your thoughts on mixed mesophytic forests chock full of pileated woodpeckers?
And would it surprise you to know such a place exists here in Morgantown?
It’s true.
That’s what Rick Landenberger said, and he knows a thing or two about the woods.
As the science and land management specialist for the West Virginia Land Trust, he oversees some 10,000 acres of forested land across the state of West Virginia.
Earlier this month, he approached BOPARC on behalf of his colleagues in the Mon Valley Green Space Coalition about the 14 wooded acres between E. Brockway Avenue, in upper Marilla Park, and White Avenue.
The group would like to see the recreation board designate the land as a “Community Forest” through the national nonprofit Old-Growth Forest Network.
“The idea there is that these are nice examples of mature forests, but the primary outreach goal is to make them available to the community and to interpret them and talk about all the wonderful values that forests provide to society — things like nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, cooling in the summer, urban runoff absorption, wildlife habitat, scenery, recreation — all the things forests provide,” he said.
He explained the forest is in a kind of Goldilocks zone in terms of moisture level and temperature (mixed-mesophytic) and that’s allowed it to develop a complex, multi-layered canopy that serves as habitat for a diverse suite of species.
Further, it’s been left alone long enough that it has started developing old-growth characteristics.
“It’s fairly rare, and I spend a lot of time working in forests around the state. … Most of it is not like this. It doesn’t have the same qualities,” he said, later adding, “There are 300-year-old trees in there, and there are some really big trees in there that aren’t quite that old. They’ve just grown fast. It really is spectacular.”
In June, the Old-Growth Forest Network declared the forest in Toms Run Preserve a “Mature Forest,” meaning it’s not virgin forest, but human disturbance occurred so long ago that it’s approaching pristine, old-growth characteristics.
Landenberger said being included in the nonprofit’s network will literally put the forest on a map, making it a destination for forest lovers, bird watchers and generally anyone who enjoys time in nature.
In return, the Old-Growth Forest Network asks for a commitment to protect the forest — but it’s not required. There will be no deed restriction or conservation easement placed on the property.
But it will likely ramp up community pressure should BOPARC ever need to clear that land.
“It’s a big decision. The truth is, and I’m going to be completely open about this, people will want to protect it. I’m not going to downplay that,” Landenberger said. “You all have a fiduciary responsibility to do what BOPARC thinks is best in the long-term. This will add at least community sentiment to protect this forest. So, think about that. Go into it with your eyes wide open.”
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