Introduction
The Sacred Cedar Forests of the Canaan Valley, West Virginia is an incredible natural resource. It is an area of steeply sloping hillsides and valleys filled with lush green cedar forests. In these forests, you can find plenty of wildlife and a variety of rare plants. The cedar forests are also home to a unique and vibrant culture that has been passed down through the generations. The sacred cedar forests house more than 75,000 acres of interesting and picturesque areas and they are visited by people from all over the world.
History of the Forest
The history of these sacred cedar forests can be traced back to the 1700s. The Allegheny Indians were the first to inhabit the area and they used cedar as a large source of material for building homes and making other items. Over the years, the area has been used for various activities by both the white settlers and Native Americans. From logging, trapping and gathering plants to hunting, the cedar forests have been providing sustenance for those who reside in the area for centuries.
Ecology of the Forest
The ecology of the Sacred Cedar Forests of the Canaan Valley is one of the most diverse and important ecosystems in North America. It is a temperate deciduous forest that embodies a variety of species, from mammals to birds and from trees to wildflowers. This forest is home to a number of uncommon and intriguing animal species, such as black bears, rattlesnakes, bobcats, and often the timber rattlesnake. The bluegrass region is especially popular, and there are more than 130 types of wild grasses that exist in the area.
Importance of the Forest
The Sacred Cedar Forest of the Canaan Valley, West Virginia, is an important protected area because it helps maintain biological diversity by providing a place for a wide variety of plants and animals to thrive. Additionally, its unique ecology makes it a great place to observe nature. It is also a beautiful landscape of picturesque valleys, mountains, and meadows, which makes it a popular tourist destination. The forests are of particular importance to the indigenous people of the region, since they have relied on these natural resources for centuries. The forests have also been used by the localcommunity for medicinal and spiritual purposes, illustrating the importance that the native people attribute to these forests.
Environmental Protection of The Forest
Due to the important ecosystems and native communities that surround the Sacred Cedar Forest, the protection of this biome is currently in process. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with other state and federal agencies, have been actively protecting this ecosystem since the 1950s. Recently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed the designating of two national wildlife refuges in the area, which would be aided by a $20 million state-issued bond. This money would help restore and protect the Sacred Cedar Forests and the surrounding ecosystems and habitats.
Conclusion
The Sacred Cedar Forests of the Canaan Valley, West Virginia is a stunning natural resource that is home to a wide variety of wildlife and plants. It is a beautiful landscape, with lush meadows and mountains, making it a popular destination for tourists. The indigenous people have relied on these forests for generations, and they still use them today for medicinal and spiritual purposes. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently creating two national wildlife refuges in order to better protect and restore the forest, illustrating how vital this ecosystem is. This area is a great example of why natural resources need to be preserved, both for the sake of the environment and the local communities.