Wounded Warriors looking for new property
Courtesy of Western Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors
Western Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors Inc. is losing its lease on property in Eighty Four and is looking for a new place for members to enjoy outdoor activities.
The organization has leased more than 2,800 acres from CNX Resources for nearly two decades for hunting and fishing and was informed that the land will no longer be available when the lease expires in June.
“We have to be out by July, so we’re looking for another chunk of ground,” said Keith Byers, vice president of Western Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors. “We’re looking for another piece of property, preferably in Washington County. If we have to go to Greene or Fayette, then we may have to do that.”
Western Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors was started in 2002 by Bud West, whose original focus involved helping paralyzed veterans through fishing until the group obtained the land lease in 2005. The group became licensed in 2007.
The organization’s mission is to improve the lives of those in need by providing essential services and support to the community. The belief is that hunting and fishing should be accessible for everyone, regardless of disability. Both military and civilian disabled people are served.
The current patch of land has a pond allowing for fishing with a handicap-accessible ramp and a floating dock for those who are disabled or use a wheelchair. There also is an old pontoon boat that is a wheelchair-accessible floating dock. During hunting season, a heated facility where a hot lunch can be served is available.
Additions to the property were made over the years. In 2013, a rifle range with a pavilion was added, as well as two handicapped-accessible hunting blinds. In 2016, a concrete walkway was constructed from the pavilion to the pond, as was a handicapped-accessible floating dock.
Byers said the news of losing the land disappointed the members.
“We’ve got some guys in wheelchairs and I’m trying to at least get something for them,” he said. “That’s my main goal.”
A CNX Resources spokesperson said a change in operation plans precipitated the move.
“For the past 20 years, we’ve been pleased to partner with the Western PA Wounded Warriors, providing access to a portion of our surface property for recreational activities,” said a CNX Resources spokesperson. “Due to future operational plans, we had to unfortunately end our agreement and have provided the WpaWW with time to ensure a smooth transition for the organization. We appreciate their understanding and look forward to continuing to work with them in the future on important issues facing our local veterans.”
The quest for the Western Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors is to find a new piece of real estate.
“It’s nice for us to have a place for them to go,” Byers said. “I realize we’re not going to get that amount of property again. It would be great (to get land with a pond) so they can fish. I’ve tried to contact different places, but it’s tough. Even if we only get a couple hundred acres. We just need a place to take these guys. It’s nice for us to have a place for them to go.”