It is the statutory mission of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to provide and administer a long-range comprehensive program for the exploration, conservation, development, protection, enjoyment, and the use of the natural resources of the State of West Virginia.
Primary Divisions
- Wildlife Resources Section
- West Virginia State Parks Section
- Law Enforcement Section
Agency Roles
- DNR’s Wildlife Resources Section conserves , protects and manages the state’s fish and wildlife resources for the use and enjoyment of its citizens. The primary objective of the section is to maintain and perpetuate fish and wildlife at levels compatible with the available habitat, while providing diverse opportunities for recreation, research, conservation and education.
- West Virginia State Parks Section promotes conservation by preserving and protecting natural areas of unique or exceptional scenic, scientific, cultural, archaeological or historical significance. Additionally the section provides outdoor recreational opportunities for the citizens of West Virginia and its visitors.
- The Law Enforcement Section conserves and protects the natural resources of the state by strict enforcement, education and public awareness, thereby promoting voluntary compliance with all state laws.
- The Office of Land and Streams carries out the real estate title, acquisition and management of all recreational property owned or long-term leased by the division in the state. The program manages the beds of the state’s rivers and streams that are owned by the division.
- West Virginia Mineral Development holds title to certain lands and mineral resources in the state. The Division of Natural Resources administers and manages those lands to provide for the conservation, development, protection, enjoyment and use of the state’s natural resources by its citizens and visitors.