I’ve been doing a lot of recent reading on the “right to roam” that exists in Scotland and other countries around the world, where any undeveloped land is available for everyperson to use for recreation and exercise. I think this would be an incredible benefit for West Virginia and the United States more generally. These rules have restrictions - generally, a buffer of 10-15 acres is established around houses - so the concern of random people in your yard seems handled.
But for a state where most of the land is held by large, out-of-state landowners - the WV Center on Budget and Policy finds that 25 private owners hold nearly 20% of the states private acreage - this would open an enormous resource for recreation and activity. If folks read this and have thoughts, I’d love to hear them.
This will be the last “intentionally chosen” image from within an hour of Morgantown, but there will be more, I promise. I can say this with confidence because we keep finding new wonders and beautiful places in West Virginia, even in places we have visited generally in the past. It’s out there, you just have to find it. Remember to respect the place and people that might come after you - take your trash, and generally try to leave no trace.
Hope y’all have a great weekend.