We have an extremely important project being planned, the reconstruction of the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory.

The combined George Washington-Jefferson National Forests are planning to oversee reconstruction of the popular, but currently unsafe, Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory along the ALT on Peters Mountain.

However, with recent huge federal budget cuts and reductions in work force, the USFS has no money for this project. The agency can commit staff time to the planning and contracting processes, but that is all.

A guiding committee agreed to by the Forest Service is hoping to raise enough money for:

[1] a complete removal of the current unsafe structure.

[2] a new observatory, using the longest-lasting materials available, having a similar appearance to the current observatory.

The guiding committee is made up of representatives of:

- The Friends of Monroe
- The Friends of Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory
- The WVSTA
- The Mountain Resource Conservation and Development Council, and
- The Monroe County Commission

No engineering plans and no timeline are settled upon yet, but it will be a very costly project likely in the vicinity of $500K, more or less.

There are NO FEDERAL FUNDS available for the project, nor are there likely to be any funds under the current federal administration. The success of this project is dependent upon donations to pay for:

- breakdown and removal
- new materials
- engineering costs, and
- contractor construction (using wages that match the Davis-Bacon Act guidelines)

Due to safety concerns and federal construction guidelines, very few volunteer activities will be allowed to assist.

The guiding committee asks that you donate money to this project via the Greenbrier Valley Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is graciously serving as the fiscal agent for the reconstruction project.

The Foundation does not yet have a credit card payment option set up. At this time, donations must be via a check mailed to the Foundation.

Mail donation checks to:
Greenbrier Valley Commnuity Foundation
PO Box 1682
Lewisburg WV 24901
For memo line, write: Hanging Rock Project