News Release

NPS Hosts Open House to Express Appreciation for Community Support During Partial Government Shutdown

News Release Date: January 31, 2019

Contact: Julena Campbell, 304-640-0724

Glen Jean, WV – New River Gorge National River Superintendent Lizzie Watts has announced an open house event this Friday, February 1, 2019, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm at the National Park Service Headquarters building (104 Main Street) in Glen Jean. This free event is meant to provide an avenue for park employees to show their appreciation for the outpouring of community support shown during the partial government shutdown. Brief remarks will be followed by refreshments and an opportunity for park staff to chat with community members. Attendees will also be able to watch a special documentary style video that was developed last year to commemorate the 40^th anniversary of New River Gorge National River.
 
“On behalf of the employees of the national parks of Southern West Virginia, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to so many community members, park neighbors, volunteers, businesses, and organizations for their generous support,” said Superintendent Lizzie Watts. “We were moved by the number of folks that stepped up to organize trash pickups and other basic services that helped protect park resources while staff were unable to work, as well as by the outpouring of generosity expressed to our furloughed employees through meals and countless other gestures over the last five weeks.”
 
“All park facilities that are normally open during the winter are now back in operation and our employees are glad to be back at work protecting resources and assisting visitors in having a safe and enjoyable experience in their national parks,” said Watts. “We always need help taking care of our three parks. There are a number of ways people can get involved at any time, I encourage them to check our website for volunteer needs, or learn more about our partner, Friends of New River Gorge National River, and support the vital work they do to help us throughout the year.”
 
More information about volunteering in the park is at nps.gov/neri/getinvolved/volunteer.htm. More information about the park’s nonprofit partner, Friends of New River Gorge National River, is at www.friendsofnewriver.org