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About the Appalachian Plant Materials Center
Updated
08/13/2008
Established |
1967 (Moved from Quicksand, KY to Alderson, WV
in 1998) |
Size |
185 Acres |
Land Ownership |
NRCS |
Operation |
NRCS |
Description of the PMC Service
Area
The
area served by the Appalachian Plant Materials Center encompasses the southern Appalachian region.
Generally, the topography of the region is rugged, with steep slopes terminating
in narrow, flat valley bottoms along perennial streams.
Elevations range from 400 feet to 6,500 feet. Average annual rainfall ranges
from 32 inches to 55 inches. The minimum temperature reaches -24 degrees. The
growing season is from 130 days to 203 days, increasing in the southern states.
The area is humid and mostly forested, with soils derived from sandstone,
limestone, or shale. Urban development and agriculture tends to be concentrated
in or along the floodplains and valley bottoms.
Livestock is the main farm enterprise on the cleared lands that are too steep
for row crops. Non-agricultural activities, such as strip mining, expanding land
transportation systems, building construction and developing recreational
facilities play a major role in water quality problems of the area.
Getting to the Appalachian Plant Materials Center
To access the center, take exit 161 on Interstate Highway 64 (Alta) onto
State Highway 12 South. Continue South on State Highway 12 approximately 11
miles to Alderson. At the intersection of State Highways 12 and 3 in
Alderson, take State Highway 3 East. To access State Highway 3 from State
Highway 12 requires a left turn onto a new bridge spanning the Greenbrier
River. A second left turn is required at the opposite end of the bridge to
remain on State Highway 3. Continue East on State Highway 3 for
approximately 3 miles to the intersection of State Highway 3 and Country
Route 3/2, Creamery Road. Turn onto Creamery Road via a right turn and
proceed approximately 200 feet to the crest of a knoll. At the crest of the
knoll, turn right onto Country Route 3/29, Old Prison Farm Road, and proceed
about .25 - .3 miles to the PMC facilities.
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