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Monumental Mountain Lakes
ANNA MOORE
Pushing the State Forward
Photo by Lewis County CVB .
Just as West Virginia earned its nickname , the Mountain State , from its rolling hills and forest-covered mountains , the Mountain Lakes region is also named after its natural beauty . The lakes in this area — Stonewall Jackson , Stonecoal , Summersville , Sutton and Burnsville — are the main attractions for both locals and visitors , but they are not all the communities have to offer . The seven counties in this region — Clay , Nicholas , Webster , Braxton , Upshur , Lewis and Gilmer — have been known to work together to help the entire region succeed . With an abundance of outdoor recreation and newer investments in tourism and the arts , this region is bound to become a year-round destination for tourists and locals alike .
Growth and Revitalization
Lewis County is one of six Blueprint Communities in West Virginia . The Blueprint Communities program was created by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh and lasts for approximately 10 years . It supports the development of local leadership , collaboration across sectors and strategic planning , according to the West Virginia Community Development Hub . Lewis County , the only Blueprint Community that encompasses an entire county , is in its fourth year of the program . Lewis County Commissioner Agnes
Queen says the county has been applying for grants to help with the Blueprint program for assistance in assessing dilapidated structures throughout the community . The City of Weston is also beginning the process of tearing down some dilapidated structures after receiving grant funding .
As for housing and developments , the program helped fund a housing study and summit in Lewis County , which should open doors to more affordable housing opportunities . Queen says the county has also long been needing a recreation center and is in the process of planning for one .
“ With the Blueprint initiative , we ’ ve been able to start a trail system , and we are working to get trails throughout Lewis County that would connect into Braxton and Harrison counties ,” Queen says .
Lewis County was added to the Mountaineer Trail Network , along with 14 other northern West Virginia counties , in 2022 . The network is modeled as a non-motorized equivalent to the Hatfield-McCoy Trails for biking and boating .
Lewis County has also been named a Gateway Community in partnership with Upshur County . For this initiative , eight communities were chosen by the Appalachian Regional Commission to participate in collaborative projects and partnerships made throughout the year to enhance an already close bond between the counties .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE