![]() To all volunteers and supporters of Pocahontas State Park, On behalf of Virginia State Parks and the staff of Pocahontas State Park please accept our thanks and gratitude for all the effort, work and support that you all showed the park on Saturday August 22, as well as other recent organized volunteer events and over so many years. Pocahontas suffered a flash flood on Saturday August 15 that caused severe damage and loss to the park, to the degree that we have not witnessed in recent years. Within hours of the event we were receiving phone calls, emails and texts asking what was needed and how the community could pitch in. To see the outpouring of support that we received was truly astounding. Our community of park advocates put out the call for support and on Saturday August 22 that call was answered with over 400 people arriving at the park to help clean storm damage, recover lost equipment, clear trails and conduct assessments of damage. Truckloads of debris were removed, dozens of life jackets and paddles were recovered. The boat rental building was located, trails were assessed for damage, friendship and camaraderie were shared and an incredible amount of work was done. We met new friends, shared sweat with long time volunteers and trail lovers, greeted folks who came to the park and saw what was going on and wanted to help and we were absolutely blown away by the love for Pocahontas. The work that was done on one single day by volunteers would have taken weeks or months for park staff to complete. It is humbling to witness the love for Pocahontas and the respect of public lands that we see on a regular basis, it is spectacular to see the power and influence of a concentrated effort such as we saw on this day. We have a long road ahead of us still to fully assess damage, make repairs and submit claims, but we know that we are in better shape to continue these efforts with the support of all of you. I cannot adequately put into words how grateful we are, so I will simply say thank you. With respect and gratitude, Park Rangers of Pocahontas State Park
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