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As healthcare providers in West Virginia, we the undersigned recognize the health benefits of wild lands, some of which are described below, and we, therefore, support the West Virginia Wilderness Coalition's proposal to achieve permanent wilderness designation for unprotected wild places in West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest (Mon). We give the Coalition permission to use our names as a group to publicize this support.

Clean air, clean water, physical exercise, relief of stress, anxiety and other pressures of daily life, and development of self confidence and self esteem are important for maintaining and improving the physical and mental health and well-being of West Virginians, as well as helping prevent a variety of chronic diseases that afflict the health of many of our citizens. 

The undeveloped wild lands of our state, especially the public lands accessible within the Mon, can provide all of the above health benefits. A re-connection with nature can occur here as adults and children enjoy the diverse outdoor recreation activities available that help incorporate needed exercise into the lifestyles of West Virginians, including hiking, backpacking, swimming, fishing, hunting, boating, XC skiing, and wildlife viewing. The peace, solitude and open space encountered in wilderness give a sense of freedom, exploration, and escape that may not be found elsewhere, and provide a spiritual renewal for many. Exposing children to these experiences early on can help instill in them a knowledge and appreciation of West Virginia ’s wild heritage, as well as contribute toward a healthy life.

The wild lands of the Mon encompass major headwater areas for five river systems. By protecting these forested, undeveloped watersheds, not only is drinking water kept safe, but also, by controlling storm runoff, the risk of flooding in our river communities is lowered. The high air quality in these areas is maintained from the general lack of air-polluting activities. The health and community benefits provided by Mon wild lands can translate into economic benefits for our citizens and our state.

The proposed areas possess outstanding wilderness qualities increasingly scarce in the rapidly developing East. Their protection would add needed West Virginia acreage to the National Wilderness Preservation System, currently encompassing less than ½ of 1% of our state. Through the perpetuity of Wilderness designation, the benefits of these lands can be realized by future as well as current generations of West Virginians.

Click Here for Current Listing of "Healthcare Professionals for Wilderness"

I fully support the above statement and the following information may be publicized: 

Name/Title:  

Area of Specialty

City: State:

Examples as will appear on wvwild.org healthcare professionals supporter list: 

  • Jane Doe, MD, Family Practice, Wheeling, WV
  • Jean Doe, RN, Emergency Medicine, Charleston, WV
  • John Doe, Ph.D., Psychologist, Lewisburg, WV

 

The following information is optional
and will not to be publicized or shared: 

Address: Zip:

Phone: email:
 

I prefer to be contacted via:          mail          email        phone       

Please send me a brochure and additional information/updates about the campaign.

I can support the West Virginia Wilderness Coalition by (check all applicable)

 Distributing Coalition brochures in my private office.  

My private business/practice can endorse the West Virginia Wilderness Coalition's proposal or I know other businesses that may be interested in doing so (click here for more information).

Making a donation toward the West Virginia Wilderness Coalition effort. Click here to make a donation by credit card or send a check made out to the 'West Virginia Highlands Conservancy' to:

West Virginia Wilderness Coalition
P.O. Box 6

Masontown, WV 26542

 

Thank you for your support of West Virginia's wild Monongahela National Forest!

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