On Sunday, October 26, 2025, Friends of Blackwater hosted a special celebration and reception at the Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge in Davis, WV, marking a historic milestone — the preservation and public ownership of the Blackwater Canyon!
The event brought together community members, partners, and supporters for an afternoon of inspiring speeches, great food, and shared pride in protecting one of West Virginia’s most cherished landscapes.
Special thanks to Senator Joe Manchin and Rails-to-Trails author Peter Harnik for joining us in commemorating this momentous achievement.
Preservation. Community. Legacy.
THE BLACKWATER HERO AWARDS
The Grassroots Heritage Award
Awarded to Joe Dumire, representing the participants and contributors involved in Friends of Blackwater’s community history and heritage programs, including trailside signage. It has been an honor to share the stories of many individuals who have enriched the Blackwater region.
The Supporters Award
Given to Donna and Carroll Cook, Lawrence Fanning, and Jerry Payne, representing over 2,500 donors who have supported FOB’s work in the last 25 years through donations and action. The Cooks’ generosity tops our list of large donations. Lawrence has contributed the most individual times, and Jerry submitted the most comments and letters. Every one of those 2,500 donors is a hero today!
The Big Green Award
Presented to our Advisory Board member, Rafe Pomerance, who represents a vast network of environmental leaders and organizations across the country. The national environmental movement has provided us with many resources, allies, experts, problem-solvers, and supporters — and Rafe has opened many doors to this network. Today’s achievement is a win for them all.
The Politics Award
Goes to Mike Plante, representing officeholders, candidates, activists, professionals, advocates, and operatives who strategized and navigated the worlds of government and policy to bring the entire Canyon into public ownership. It takes a special kind of courage to work in this realm, and we greatly appreciate their efforts.
The Here in Spirit Award
Given to Maureen Conley for Sandy Fisher, honoring the Blackwater campaigners who passed away before reaching this milestone. Each of them has inspired us to continue with the campaign, and we honor them today.
The West Virginia Green Award
Awarded to Hugh Rogers and Linda Cooper, representing the diverse group of environmental protection advocates in West Virginia who helped make the Canyon Campaign successful. From conservation officers to community activists, philanthropists to watershed scientists, West Virginia’s “green scene” has been vital to this effort, and they are all heroes today.
The Sustainable Business Award
Goes to Matt Marcus and Sondra Goss, representing a Highlands economy and community leaders committed to protecting our special places and natural heritage – because it makes good business sense!
The Generations Award
Presented to Loki Kern, honoring the many young staffers and volunteers at Friends of Blackwater over the years. These young people have tested water, taken photos, created pamphlets, led hikes, and much more. Many are now active citizens in our region, and today we celebrate all their contributions.
The Holy Infrastructure, Batman! Award
Given to John Brown, representing the highly talented team responsible for over 25 years of managing computers, payroll, newsletters, emails, databases, personnel, and tax reports – the countless technical details involved in running an organization. John has been part of FOB from the start, and we continue to benefit from his expertise and wisdom.
The Showman Award
Presented to Tom Rodd, representing the actors, videographers, and musicians who often donated their time to support our historical productions over the years. Bringing our diverse Highland Heritage to life is no small task, but these folks’ energetic performances did just that.
