OTTER CREEK WILDERNESS, WEST VIRGINIA.

A mineral-resource survey of the Otter Creek Wilderness in West Virginia resulted in the determination of demonstrated coal resources estimated to total about 24 million short tons in beds more than 28 in. thick and an additional 63 million short tons of coal in beds between 14 and 28 in. thick. There is little promise for the occurrence of mineral or other energy resources in the area. Further core drilling would aid in better determining the extent of minable coal deposits in the wilderness, and might aid in identifying unknown coal deposits. Seismic studies and exploration drilling would be required to refine assessments of oil and gas potential in this area. 7 refs.