Virgin timber in Pocahontas County, West Virginia

 Virgin timber in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. The most notable example is the Gaudineer Scenic Area, located in the Monongahela National Forest. This 140-acre area contains a stand of old-growth

 growth red spruce, yellow birch, beech, red maple, sugar maple, and other hardwood species. Individual trees range up to 40 inches in diameter at breast height and 300 years of age.

The Gaudineer Scenic Area escaped logging in the 1920s because of a surveyor's error. The area was originally surveyed to be logged, but the surveyor mistakenly marked the boundary lines in the wrong place. As a result, the area was left undisturbed until the 1950s, when it was designated as a scenic area.

The Gaudineer Scenic Area is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and birdwatching. Visitors can also learn about the area's natural history at the Gaudineer Visitor Center.

In addition to the Gaudineer Scenic Area, there are other small pockets of virgin timber scattered throughout Pocahontas County. These areas are typically located in remote areas that were difficult to access by loggers.

Virgin timber is an important part of the ecosystem in Pocahontas County. It provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species, and it helps to filter water and regulate the climate. Virgin timber is also a valuable cultural resource, and it provides visitors with a glimpse into the forests that once covered much of West Virginia.

Sources

1. www.fs.usda.gov/visit/destinations?category=169