Staggers, Sr. (WV) ; Monongahela National Forest Supervisory Ephe Oliver; Regional Forester George F. James; U.S. He initially dubbed it “Blue Hole.” As construction began in 1936, Region 7 Information Officer, Frank A. Connolly, Sr., is credited with proposing the name “Blue Bend” for the campground and picnic area. An estimated 10,000 anglers and visitors were on hand for the lake’s grand opening. In 1939, a new ranger station and residence compound was built in Bartow. April 9, 1923: Monongahela National Forest acquires Rothkugel Plantation from George Craig and Sons Lumber Company. Cranberry Mountain Visitor Center (now Nature Center) dedication and opening ceremony. This 100,000 acre area was the first National Recreation Area in the USDA Forest Service. CCC members were critical to early infrastructure development on the Monongahela National Forest from 1933 to 1942. The forest administration maintains wildlife and timber programs aimed at managing a diverse mix of tree species and ages. In a delightful spot along U.S. 250 east of Bartow and on the banks of Little River, Old House Run Picnic Area was the first picnic area constructed on Greenbrier District. Seneca Rocks Visitor Center was built at the base of the Seneca Rocks in Pendleton County and dedicated June 25, 1978. July 1, 1920: Henry L. Johnson was appointed first Forest Supervisor, Monongahela National Forest. Early roadside entrance sign welcoming drivers to Monongahela National Forest, circa 1950. Originally awarded to Mower Lumber Co of Cass, WV, the contract provided for … It was established in 1920 and encompasses one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the United States. As our nation has grown, so too has the way we have used our forests and natural resources. Stuart Recreation Area’s Utility Building, circa 1940. Monongahela National Forest’s fourth ranger district, the Potomac Ranger District, was established May 16, 1938. During its first 50 years, the professional workforce of Monongahela National Forest, like that of the agency nationally, was largely white and male. In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson signed the proclamation designating land purchased for the protection of the Monongahela River as Monongahela National Forest. The Monongahela National Forest is one of West Virginia’s primary recreational attractions and protects more than 919,000 acres in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia. Gaudineer perished with his three children while attempting to save them from their burning home in Parsons, West Virginia, on April 28, 1936. Elevations range from just under 1,000 feet to 4,863 feet above sea level. Ninety-eight percent of these lands were purchased using provisions of the Weeks Act, creating a living legacy for future generations. Lua error in Module:Coordinates at line 668: callParserFunction: function "#coordinates" was not found. The following is a list of campgrounds in the forest:[15]. Blooming rhododendrons. West Virginia. The Forest Service was also in the midst of other storms at the same time - Roadless Area Review and Evaluation (RARE), several wilderness bills, testimony over the ill-fated Timber Supply Act, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and others.