In late 2003 more than 800 balsam fir seedlings were planted in the Blister Swamp exclosure by NGOs, volunteers, and the landowners (Mary and John Dalen). The outing was coordinated by The Mountain Institute and represented the "restoration" phase of this long-term project, i.e., an attempt to re-establish the original balsam fir forest that had been cleared in the early 1900s by John Dalen's great great uncle, John McClure (known by 1905 as the "cattle king of WV").

Representatives and volunteers from TMI, the Nature Conservancy, WV Highlands Conservancy, Elkins High School, and Shavers Fork Coalition were present, and Emily Hughes from WV Public Radio interviewed the Dalens and other participants throughout the day . The entire project, from the "dream phase" when we all first gathered the balsam seeds in 1998 to the building of the "deer proof" exclosures in 2000 and last July, has been an excellent experience in "partnerships for conservation" and a real privilege to work on.

Alton Byers
Director of Research and Education
The Mountain Institute