John Crites, the former owner of Allegheny Wood Products, has agreed to sell 2,700 acres of land owned by his family to the U.S. Forest Service.

The land, which is located along the Blackwater River in Tucker County, will be sold to the Forest Service for addition to the Monongahela National Forest.

The acquisition of the land, which borders Blackwater Falls State Park, will bring one of the most scenic areas in West Virginia into public ownership, according to Senator Joe Manchin’s office. The sale will provide public access and outdoor recreational opportunities along a five-mile stretch of the Blackwater River that runs through Blackwater Canyon and includes a portion of the Blackwater Canyon Trail, officials said.

The purchase price is expected to be about $14 million, according to an appraisal by the Forest Service, and will be acquired using funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The Forest Service’s acquisition of the property is expected to be completed by the end of the year, officials said.

“This is a huge win for the Mountain State and the nation as people are able to enjoy more of the true treasures of Wild and Wonderful West Virginia,” Manchin said. “When this deal is complete, it will provide wonderful outdoor recreation opportunities, which will strengthen opportunities for tourism, job creation and economic growth in the region. I am proud to have worked with both the Crites family and the Forest Service to help make this agreement possible, and look forward to continuing working to improve public outdoor recreational access.”

According to a release, at its height, AWP employed over 800 people and was one of the largest producers of Eastern U.S. hardwoods. The company announced its closure in February of this year, abruptly laying off hundreds of employees. No official reason was ever given for the closure.

AWP was placed under court-appointed receivership on March 6th. Officials said the company has been selling assets since then.

Source: wdtv.com