WVDNR programs and initiatives that promote and protect natural resources for future generations
National Public Lands Day, celebrated on September 28 in 2024, is more than just a day on the calendar — it’s a call to action for all of us who cherish the beauty and bounty of our natural world. This year’s theme, “Together for Tomorrow,” serves as a powerful reminder that the choices we make today will shape the landscapes we pass on to future generations.
In West Virginia, the Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) is at the forefront of this effort, protecting and enhancing our public lands through innovative conservation, community-driven initiatives and a commitment to sustainability. In this blog, we’ll explore four unique ways the WVDNR is safeguarding West Virginia’s natural heritage for generations to come. Join us in celebrating the incredible work being done to preserve these lands—together, we can create a legacy that endures.
Collaborative Conservation Initiatives: Protecting Wildlife Habitats
At the heart of WVDNR’s conservation efforts is the Wildlife Management Area Program, which focuses on protecting and enhancing high-quality habitats for native species while improving public access to these natural resources. This work is made possible through partnerships with federal agencies, local governments, NGOs and private landowners, who collaborate with the WVDNR to manage more than 1 million acres of national forest land and an additional 110,000 acres under license agreements.
These partnerships are crucial for the protection of West Virginia’s diverse ecosystems. For example, the WVDNR’s collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service allows for habitat management activities like timber harvests and planting fruit-bearing trees, which benefit a wide range of native wildlife. In 2023 alone, the WVDNR preserved 5,134 acres of public lands through new agreements with private timber companies and local county commissions, further expanding their conservation impact.
The WVDNR also works closely with conservation-based organizations, like The Conservation Fund, to secure future land acquisitions. One notable success was the establishment of the Tomblin Wildlife Management Area, a 25,000-acre expanse in Logan and Mingo counties where the WVDNR’s elk restoration project is underway. These efforts are supported by state hunting and trapping license revenues, as well as federal funding, ensuring that West Virginia’s public lands are preserved for current and future generations.
Other acquisitions which promote protection and preservation of public lands occur through land donations. One of the most recent public land donations occurred with the Forks of Coal State Natural Area. Through this donation acquisition, 102 acres of wildlife habitat has been preserved for the benefit of native wildlife and public use along the confluence of the Big Coal and Little Coal Rivers in Alum Creek. Management of this public land is supported through contributions by the Forks of Coal Foundation.
Educational and Engagement Programs: Inspiring Future Stewards
Participation of the general public with land stewardship is paramount since private land ownership occupies approximately 80 percent of the West Virginia landscape. Because of this, education is a cornerstone of the WVDNR’s mission, as the agency strives to engage people of all ages in the stewardship of West Virginia’s natural resources. The WVDNR’s Outdoor Classroom Program, for instance, has connected more than 5,000 students with conservation education, teaching them about wildlife habitats and the importance of preserving these ecosystems. Through hands-on experiences, students gain a deeper understanding of the natural world and the role they can play in protecting it.
The West Virginia State Wildlife Center and the Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center further amplify these educational efforts, offering opportunities for visitors to learn about conservation, game management, and native species. In 2023, more than 34,000 people visited these facilities, leaving with a greater appreciation for the state’s wildlife and the steps they can take to preserve it.
Beyond formal education, the WVDNR engages the public through various events and programs, such as Conservation Camp and the Outdoor Youth Challenge at the state’s National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration. These initiatives not only educate participants about West Virginia’s natural resources but also inspire them to become active participants in land stewardship.
One of the WVDNR’s most impactful programs is the Master Naturalists Program, which trains individuals in natural history, nature interpretation, and environmental stewardship. Graduates of this program become highly qualified volunteers, assisting with land management projects, supporting local schools, and contributing to environmental education efforts. This program highlights the importance of involving private landowners in conservation efforts, as they play a critical role in maintaining wildlife habitats across the state.
Volunteer-Driven Restoration Projects: Strengthening Community Involvement
The WVDNR’s commitment to preserving public lands is bolstered by the dedication of volunteers who participate in restoration projects across the state. Partnerships with local school groups, scout troops, and organizations like the Forks of Coal Foundation and Friends of Blackwater result in meaningful improvements to public lands, such as litter cleanups, trail maintenance and wildlife habitat restoration.
These volunteer-driven projects are essential for maintaining the infrastructure of WMAs and ensuring that they remain accessible to the public. Volunteers assist with tasks like maintaining gates and nesting structures, planting trees, and establishing pollinator habitats. These efforts not only enhance the natural beauty of these areas but also provide critical support for native wildlife.
The WVDNR also collaborates with organizations like Trout Unlimited to restore and improve habitats for species like brook trout. For over a decade, these partnerships have led to significant improvements in stream health, benefiting both the fish and the broader ecosystem. Additionally, citizen science projects allow volunteers to contribute to wildlife conservation by reporting sightings of various species, helping the WVDNR monitor and protect West Virginia’s biodiversity.
Sustainable Practices for Future Generations: Ensuring Long-Term Conservation
Sustainability is a key focus of the WVDNR’s habitat management practices, which are designed to protect the environment today while ensuring that future generations can enjoy West Virginia’s natural beauty. Forest management activities on WMAs, such as sound timber harvesting methods, prescribed burning, and invasive species control, are implemented to create diverse and resilient ecosystems.
These sustainable practices are essential for maintaining the health of West Virginia’s forests and the wildlife that depend on them. For example, timber management techniques are used to create a mix of young and mature forests, which supports a wider range of species. Prescribed burns and herbicide treatments help control invasive species, allowing native plants to thrive and providing better habitats for wildlife.
In 2023, the WVDNR conducted prescribed burns on 500 acres of WMA lands and applied herbicide treatments to 450 acres of early succession habitat. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure that West Virginia’s public lands remain vibrant and ecologically diverse for generations to come.
Celebrate West Virginia’s Public Lands
West Virginia’s public lands are a treasure that we all have a responsibility to protect. The WVDNR’s work in conservation, education, restoration and sustainable practices is vital for preserving these lands for future generations. But the agency can’t do it alone. You can join the WVDNR in its mission by participating in volunteer projects, attending educational events or simply practicing good stewardship in your daily life. Together, we can ensure that West Virginia’s natural beauty is preserved for tomorrow and beyond.
On this National Public Lands Day, let’s come together for tomorrow and make a lasting impact on our state’s precious public lands.