Capito Applauds Crites Family, Forest Service Agreement to Expand Monongahela National Forest in Blackwater Canyon

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) applauded the agreement between the U.S. Forest Service and John Crites to begin the process of selling approximately 2,700 acres of the family's land adjacent to the Blackwater River in Davis, W.Va. for inclusion to the Monongahela National Forest.

"By facilitating this sale, John Crites and his family are ensuring one of the most beautiful areas of our state will always be open to the people of our state. The Monongahela National Forest, Blackwater Canyon Trail, and Blackwater Falls are instantly recognizable, and are essential components of our tourism industry in West Virginia. The growth of the national forest and increased access within the canyon will help us remain wild and wonderful for generations to come. I'm thankful for the willingness of the Crites family, and the work of my colleague Senator Manchin, to preserve a place in Tucker County that truly represents our state's splendor," Senator Capito said.

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