Berwind Land Company Sells 558 Acres to NPS

Date: June 25, 2007

"This is one of the largest blocks of land sold to the National Park Service (NPS) in the past decade," announced Don Striker, Superintendent of New River Gorge National River (NRGNR). "We are extremely pleased to see this property added to the public domain."

Located on the plateau just south of Kaymoor Top and east of Gatewood Road (near Fayetteville, WV), the property also borders the rim of the New River Gorge. The Berwind tract brings the total of public lands within NRGNR to about 52,750 acres, where public facilities are provided for river access, camping, and trails used by hikers, horseback riders, bicyclists, and hunters.

According to Striker, the General Management Plan (GMP) for NRGNR is currently being revised. When a draft GMP goes out for public review this fall, it will propose various uses for different portions of the park. This Berwind tract will likely be considered for a variety of trail uses, including mountain biking, explained Striker. "In recent public meetings, our neighbors and visitors have expressed a strong desire for additional mountain biking trails, and we are working hard to increase the range of recreational opportunities we offer in the park. This new tract of land is a perfect place for mountain biking trails."