Twenty-two localities in western Virginia obtain at least a portion of their drinking water, directly or indirectly, from surface waters of the George Washington National Forest (GWNF). In addition, almost 4 million residents downstream obtain drinking water from the James and Potomac Rivers, fed by rivers and streams that flow from the George Washington National Forest. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality in 2006 found a large presence of impaired waters within the GWNF. And the GW Forest Plan has no special protection of these areas that would safeguard water supplies in the long term. 
FEB 3, 09
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
There is a saying, well, it can't be an "old" saying, because you can't say that something that started in 1970 is "old." But considering the speed of today's world, I wouldn't be surprised if someone called that "old." The saying says, "Make everyday Earth Day." 
Why Heartwood?
Copacetic. Community. Friends of Bob live music co-op. ,
Join Heartwood now!
HEARTWOOD is a regional network that protects forests and supports community activism in the eastern United States through education, advocacy, and citizen empowerment.
HEARTWOOD was founded in 1991, when concerned citizens from several midwestern states met and agreed to work together to protect the heartland hardwood forest.
This region was once blanketed with a majestic hardwood forest containing more than 70 species of hardwood trees. Unfortunately, much of this forest has been cleared and what remains is mostly isolated fragments of public land that nonetheless play a critical role in providing habitat for wildlife, purifying the air and water, moderating global climate change, and offering places of beauty and enjoyment. .
Today, our efforts remain rooted in the heart of the central hardwood region, with an emphasis on our “core states” of Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri. Over time, Heartwood has branched out to serve areas of need throughout an 18-state region, giving special attention to the “at risk” national forests in Michigan, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, West Virginia, and Virginia.
