This is the letter that I think I am going to send out. I am wondering though other than the company, and an editorial to the newspaper, should I also send it to the Chamber of Commerce?

Today I found out that there are those who want to destroy the natural beauty that is the New River Gorge. It is my understanding that interest has been shown in developing the land that lays adjacent to the river in Fayette County. I am writing to express my concern against this matter.
The Gorge is a part of life in this area. Everyone who has grown up near it, grows up to appreciate it, to awe at it, and to respect it. Hearing that a company wants to build 2200 homes in the area, no matter what the reason is troubling.
While I understand the need for homes and business opportunities across our state, the Gorge is not the place to expand on. Our communities are growing. That is a wonderful thing. However where is the line between expansion, and preserving the beauty that our state is known for. The line needs to be firmly drawn, and the wonder that is the New River Gorge should stay preserved.
West Virginia has undeveloped land everywhere. There is an abundance of it. Why do they need to build 2200 homes within the confines of the New River Gorge? Yes I will agree it is a beautiful place to want to live. That does not mean that you destroy the beauty, and live there. The Grand Canyon is a beautiful place to, but no one would think of trying to build 2200 homes there, because it is fully protected.
Between 150,000 to 250,000 people, locals and tourists, raft The New River each year. While they are enjoying the rapids, many also take part in climbing adventures, repelling, hiking the many trails, and taking in the amazing view from the overlooks. These locals and tourists also enjoy many of the dining and lodging areas available to them. Who wants to come and enjoy something that is littered with houses? Those houses may be being deemed as mountain estates, however that does not change the fact that they do not belong there. It does not change that it is equivalent to visual pollution. It is not a hidden fact that once man comes into a natural setting, that the said natural setting does not erode in one form or another.
Once the houses are built, who is to say that more developers do not try to expand into the New River area as well? It is like opening flood gates. Once one is there, more will eventually want in.
I grew up appreciating my surroundings and nature, because it surrounds us here in West Virginia. I want my children, and their children to grow up being able to experience the awe that the Gorge places inside of you. Whether it is hiking through the trails, climbing, or rafting, one cannot deny the sheer magnitude and beauty of the New River Gorge. It is amazing. There had been many times growing up, where my place of solitude was the gorge. Sitting in one of the many pullovers under the bridge, and just finding peace. I know there are many others who feel the same.
The Gorge is home to one of the worlds oldest rivers. It is recognized as a natural wonder.
It is a place to cherish, not destroy with unnecessary developments.

Please, help save the Gorge. Do not let Roaring River come into New River. While the monetary gain may be well needed, the loss of the natural beauty is not worth it.

Any suggestions for improvement?