State parks see to Sandy clean-up

Covering 14 acres, Cathedral State Park is one of the largest virgin hemlock forests in the state. Superintendent Rob Gilligan says meetings have begun to discuss damage from Hurricane Sandy and the action that needs to be taken at this point.

“The damage from Sandy was very extensive,” Gilligas says. “The blow-down from the heavy snow and the wind caused blockage of our trails; it caused damage to structures and buildings.”

Gilligan estimates that the hurricane caused more than $40,000 worth of damage.

“So what we need to do—the first thing—is get in there and get our trails open and do some assessments to find out what we need to do in terms of repairs to things like bridges, we’ve got some trees on buildings, picnic shelters, and our bathhouse. We’ve got to get in there and make those assessments for repairs.”

Gilligan reports that there’s one ranger posted at Cathedral who has been working to clear roadways and paths. While the park remains open to hikers, Gilligan says safety is an issue mainly because of damaged bridges.

“We’ve got requests in and are dealing with the federal agencies—FEMA primarily—and with the state agencies—we’re self insured with the state board of risk and insurance management for damages. We’re just trying to get everything all pulled together so we can get started with our work.”

Meanwhile, at Blackwater State Park a larger staff was able to clear roads. The division of highways also came to their aid and volunteers have been helping to clear trails.

Gilligan says tourists are still visiting both parks.

“We’ll get back and operating just like everybody else does. We’re kind of like that here in West Virginia. We just pick up and go on.”