To: Governor Joe Manchin III Address: 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, WV 25305 Telephone: 1-888-438-2731 or 1-304-558-2000 FAX: 1-304-558-7025 E-mail  Governor@WVGOV.org MONT CHATEAU IS IN DANGER OF BEING SOLD FOR PRIVATE DEVELOPEMENT The office of Governor has initiated an investigation into the economic potential of selling the remaining acreage of the former Mont Chateau State Park. These grounds, comprising approximately 13 acres, are the sole remnants of State-owned property on Cheat Lake and provide the only access to the Cooper's Rock trail system from the lake. The buildings and grounds are owned by the WV Public Land Corporation and have been maintained and occupied by a State research agency since the property ceased functioning as a State Park in 1977. Presumably, the land would be sold to private developers, whose perception of "highest and best use" of the land would be to maximize their profit through construction of multiple occupancy townhouses and/or condominiums, thus creating another unsightly scar on the shores of Cheat Lake. Once this scenic Stae land becomes private property, it will no longer be open for the public to enjoy. The law affords some protection against an outright sale of State property. Sections 20-1A-5 of the West Virginia State Code requires the Public Land Corporation to conduct a public hearing prior to the sale or exchange of any public property. Thjis does not guarantee, however, that private developers and others who would profit from a sale would be dissuaded from pursuing ownership of this beautiful natural resource area, currently owned by the people of West Virginia, by whatever means practical. We wish to keep this propertty open to the public and safe from private developement, so we are contacting you to voice our concerns and ask for your help at this time to protect this unique and non-replaceable natural asset. Name:______________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________________________________ Date: ______________________________________________________________