The Shavers Fork Coalition, based in Randolph, Pocahontas, and Tucker Counties, won this year’s Watershed of the Year award at the West Virginia Watershed Network’s Watershed Celebration day. This award goes to the watershed association "who has best exemplified outstanding efforts within their watershed." SFC also won the Forestry award, which goes to the group "who has best exemplified the establishment, restoration, enhancement or protection of the forest resource within their watershed."

The Shavers Fork Coalition is a diverse group of concerned citizens and landowners, recreationalists, businesses and organizations working together to improve the quality of life of the region through watershed stewardship. Begun in 1996 as a non-profit watershed organization, the group has initiated a number of projects from small day-long activities such as streamside trash cleanups to long-term watershed restoration efforts in conjunction with multiple partners. SFC’s mission is to protect, restore, and enhance the natural and cultural qualities of the Shavers Fork from the forested headwaters to the more populated areas near its mouth in Parsons, where it joins the Blackfork to become the Cheat.

"We are delighted to receive this award!" says SFC chair Ruth Blackwell Rogers. "The West Virginia Watershed Network and Stream Partners Program have been very supportive of our efforts. We appreciate the opportunity to meet people from other watershed organizations from all over the state and see what they are doing. As we learn about their various projects, we get inspiration and ideas for our group. Watershed Celebration Day is a genuine celebration of grassroots people coming together to work toward cleaner, healthier communities. It is clear that each of these watershed organizations cherishes their creek or stream, and only good can come of this. We are honored to be part of the Watershed Network."

"The Shavers Fork Coalition couldn’t have won this award without the help and cooperation from its members, and from many government agencies, businesses, and organizations whose mission also involves good stewardship in this watershed," said Rogers. "It is especially important to work closely with those with the most potential for impacts in the headwaters, including the US Forest Service and Snowshoe. We hope to involve even more groups in the future."