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Youth Waterfowl Season and Youth Small Game Season Dates Announced

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia’s youth waterfowl season has been set for Sept. 25, 2010, and the youth small game season is scheduled for Oct. 2, 2010, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the Division of Natural Resources (DNR). “These special youth hunts provide … Continue Reading Youth Waterfowl Season and Youth Small Game Season Dates Announced

Blue Ford North Public Access Re-Opened

ROMNEY, W.Va. – The public fishing and boating access known as Blue Ford North on the South Branch of the Potomac River in Hampshire County has been re-opened, according to Bret Preston, Asst. Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The Blue Ford North … Continue Reading Blue Ford North Public Access Re-Opened

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman

The WV Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program encourages women to participate in outdoor activities. We host two weekend workshops a year designed for hands-on training in an atmosphere where women can have fun learning new skills. The BOW program is looking for women who are at least 18 years old and … Continue Reading Becoming an Outdoors-Woman

Mourning Dove Season Opens in West Virginia September 1

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Mourning dove season opens Sept. 1, 2010, and for many hunters it marks the beginning of the fall hunting seasons, according to Curtis I. Taylor, chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The 2010 season will again be split into … Continue Reading Mourning Dove Season Opens in West Virginia September 1

Capito Announces Virtual Economic Listening Tour

WASHINGTON—Today, Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., kicks-off a month long “Virtual Economic Listening Tour” designed to provide West Virginians a platform to show Washington what real hard work looks like, how a small business operates and how American entrepreneurialism really works. “There’s a real disconnect in Washington these days.  I fear, … Continue Reading Capito Announces Virtual Economic Listening Tour

The Dog Days of Summer Lodging Discounts Make Cacapon Resort State Park More Attractive than Ever

BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. – Cacapon Resort State Park in Morgan County is a special place any time of year, but this month it’s even more attractive because of special “Dog Days of Summer” lodge room rate discounts. The Dog Days of Summer room rate through August is $70, including all taxes, … Continue Reading The Dog Days of Summer Lodging Discounts Make Cacapon Resort State Park More Attractive than Ever

WANTED: Owners of West Virginia Big Bucks

ROANOKE, W.Va. – The West Virginia Wildlife Federation, the Division of Natural Resources and Toyota are seeking hunters who own trophy white-tailed bucks that were legally taken in West Virginia with either bow or gun and have a Pope & Young or Boone and Crockett score of 150 or greater. The … Continue Reading WANTED: Owners of West Virginia Big Bucks

Hunting Season Changes Explained in New 2010-2011 WV Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Several important changes in the state’s fall hunting seasons for wild turkey and black bear, as well as the youth hunting seasons, are included in the new 2010-2011 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary brochure, according to Division of Natural Resources Director Frank Jezioro. The publication … Continue Reading Hunting Season Changes Explained in New 2010-2011 WV Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary

Geology! Rocks at West Virginia’s State Parks in 2010

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – “Geology underlies it all.” That’s the theme of a summer program at West Virginia State Parks that invites visitors to learn about some very, very old geologic formations that are a big part of what makes West Virginia unique. Visiting geologists will present talks and lead exploratory … Continue Reading Geology! Rocks at West Virginia’s State Parks in 2010

Plan now for dance, rock, and road bowling at WV State Parks July 24 weekend

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Summer fun is in full swing at West Virginia’s state parks.  In addition to activities offered at many parks during the week, there are special events scheduled that range from square dancing to Irish Road Bowling the weekend of July 24. State Parks special events include: Bill … Continue Reading Plan now for dance, rock, and road bowling at WV State Parks July 24 weekend

“I’d rather be driving a golf ball” at a West Virginia State Park

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Bumper stickers proclaiming “I’d rather be driving a golf ball” are reminders that golfers are never far from a West Virginia State Park golf course. Players find a challenge for all skill levels at five unique 18-hole courses amidst the natural settings of the Mountain State, according … Continue Reading “I’d rather be driving a golf ball” at a West Virginia State Park

West Virginia WILD - Varmint Hunting

We were sitting on the shooting mat, the boys had finished their snacks and things had quieted down when I noticed a groundhog sticking out of one of the dens we were watching. It took a minute or so for me to point the hog out to the boys, but finally … Continue Reading West Virginia WILD - Varmint Hunting

Activities and Events Scheduled for Independence Weekend at Many West Virginia State Parks 2010

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A mixture of activities and interests fill the Fourth of July weekend at West Virginia’s state parks.  When traveling the state this holiday weekend, check out events from music and art to frontier living history to bell ringing.  Most events are free of charge and all are … Continue Reading Activities and Events Scheduled for Independence Weekend at Many West Virginia State Parks 2010

Farmland Protection in West Virginia

A Ten Year Snapshot: 11,457 acres voluntarily protected During the summer of 1999, a group of everyday citizens, farmers and open space advocates from the Eastern Panhandle united behind the need to develop a farmland protection program in West Virginia. They organized under the name Eastern Panhandle People’s Empowerment Coalition (“EPPEC”) … Continue Reading Farmland Protection in West Virginia

DNR Enforcement of Boating Under the Influence Laws To Be Stepped Up June 25-27

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Recreational boaters may want to think twice before reaching for that cold beer, especially the weekend of June 25-27. West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) natural resources police officers, as part of a national coordinated effort of stepped-up enforcement known as Operation Dry Water, will be … Continue Reading DNR Enforcement of Boating Under the Influence Laws To Be Stepped Up June 25-27

“The Redcoats” Farewell Concert at Pipestem Resort State Park June 19

PIPESTEM, W.Va. – In the mid-1960s, some teenage boys began playing music in the basement of one of their parent’s homes in Princeton.  Little did they know that was the beginning of a musical journey that would span nearly 50 years. From those humble beginnings came one of the most respected … Continue Reading “The Redcoats” Farewell Concert at Pipestem Resort State Park June 19

Permit Applications Available for Special Deer Hunt from National Radio Astronomy Observatory

GREEN BANK, W.Va. – The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in Green Bank, W.Va., has announced that applications are now available and are being accepted for the special resident- only controlled deer hunt at the NRAO site.  This controlled hunt is organized and planned in cooperation with the West Virginia Division … Continue Reading Permit Applications Available for Special Deer Hunt from National Radio Astronomy Observatory

MWV and WVDNR Announce Voluntary Catch-and-Release Program on the MWV Trout Adventure Streams

RUPERT, WV (June 15, 2010) – MeadWestvaco Corporation (MWV) and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced today the implementation of voluntary catch-and-release for native brook trout on Laurel Creek above Jettsville.  The waters involved are part of the first phase of MWV Trout Adventure—a network of natural watercourses … Continue Reading MWV and WVDNR Announce Voluntary Catch-and-Release Program on the MWV Trout Adventure Streams

Free Fishing Weekend June 12 and 13 Celebrates National Fishing and Boating Week

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – National Fishing and Boating Week 2010 (June 5 - 13) will be highlighted by the 21st annual Free Fishing Weekend on June 12 and 13, according to Frank Jezioro, Director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR). During these two days, residents and nonresidents can … Continue Reading Free Fishing Weekend June 12 and 13 Celebrates National Fishing and Boating Week

Celebrate West Virginia Day and Father’s Day Weekend at West Virginia’s State Parks and Forests

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Day and Father’s Day both fall on Sunday, June 20, and a variety of outdoor activities are scheduled for the weekend at West Virginia’s state parks and forests. From the master liar Bil Lepp at Watoga State Park to birthday cake at Blennerhassett Island, West … Continue Reading Celebrate West Virginia Day and Father’s Day Weekend at West Virginia’s State Parks and Forests

South Branch Public Access Closed

The public fishing and boating access, known as Blue Ford North on the South Branch of the Potomac River in Hampshire County, is closed, according to Bret Preston, assistant chief of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section.  Following the 1985 flood, the public right-of-way was re-established in … Continue Reading South Branch Public Access Closed

Extra Stocking in May for Trout Anglers

As most trout anglers are aware, many waters that are normally stocked in February by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources did not get stocked this year because of nearly continuous snowfall and poor road conditions.  Some streams could not be stocked until late March.  As a result, state hatchery … Continue Reading Extra Stocking in May for Trout Anglers

WV Trout Waters Stocked May 3

The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources has reported that the following waters were stocked with trout the week of May 3:  Anawalt Lake Anthony Creek Back Fork of Elk River Beech Fork Tailwaters Big Sandy Creek Blackwater River Blaney Hollow and Morgan Run Buckhannon River Buffalo Creek (Brooke) Buffalo Fork … Continue Reading WV Trout Waters Stocked May 3

WV State Park Restaurants Are Cookin’ on Mother’s Day, May 9

Mom doesn’t need to be cooking this Mothers Day; she deserves to be treated to one of the different dining options found at West Virginia’s state parks Sunday, May 9.  Park lodge restaurants and two seasonal restaurants are making plans for Mother’s Day Sunday buffets.         “Far be … Continue Reading WV State Park Restaurants Are Cookin’ on Mother’s Day, May 9

Get Ready for Boating Season -  Boater Education Classes are Mandatory

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) is requesting you open your windows and look outside. It is warm out there. The water is looking great and it is boating time again. Even though it is the first part of May, it is time to get the boat out of … Continue Reading Get Ready for Boating Season -  Boater Education Classes are Mandatory

Take a Hike (or bike) June 5 at West Virginia State Parks and Forests on National Trails Day

On June 5, West Virginia State Parks and Forests welcome hikers and bikers (bicycle) in celebrating the American Hiking Society’s signature trail awareness program, National Trails Day. A number of scheduled hikes led by park and forest naturalists are planned to encourage individuals of all ages to get outside and take … Continue Reading Take a Hike (or bike) June 5 at West Virginia State Parks and Forests on National Trails Day

Cass Scenic Railroad Serving Up Murder Mystery or Bluegrass

Murder mysteries or bluegrass music with a meal are evening train options this summer at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. There are seven Murder Mystery evenings and 13 bluegrass evenings scheduled at Cass in 2010.         “The evening train runs have become a fascination and are gaining in … Continue Reading Cass Scenic Railroad Serving Up Murder Mystery or Bluegrass

Members of WV Republican Committee Request Gov. Manchin put Healthcare Freedom on Upcoming Agenda

Inwood, WV – Members of the ‘Republican Solutions Committee’, a group of House Republicans committed to implementing common sense, conservative solutions to today’s problems, have sent a letter to the state’s chief executive officer regarding a state solution to protecting those West Virginians who are against Obamacare.The Republican Delegates argue the … Continue Reading Members of WV Republican Committee Request Gov. Manchin put Healthcare Freedom on Upcoming Agenda

Republican Delegates Urge Governor Manchin to Fulfill Promise

Charleston, WV – Governor Manchin is being urged to fulfill a promise he made in his 2010 State of the Union Address.  Eight Republican Delegates want him to call a special session on education reform to pass school choice legislation.A group of 8 GOP lawmakers want a special session on education … Continue Reading Republican Delegates Urge Governor Manchin to Fulfill Promise

Statewide College Goal Sunday Event to Help WV Students and Parents Apply for Money for College

SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV - The first annual West Virginia College Goal Sunday (CGS) event will be held at 17 sites around West Virginia, including Shepherdstown, WV, on February 21, 2010 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. SHEPHERD UNIVERSITY WHITE HALL - ROOMS 204 & 209 SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV 25443 This event is an opportunity for … Continue Reading Statewide College Goal Sunday Event to Help WV Students and Parents Apply for Money for College

Summaries Of Key Bills That Have Been Introduced During the WV Legislative Session

The source for the following information is the WV Chamber of Commerce Legislative Report Email 01/29/2010 SJR 11/HJR 101 - proposes a constitutional amendment to give the Legislature flexibility in determining whether commercial and industrial machinery, equipment and inventory should be exempt from ad valorem taxation. H.B. 4001 - would require … Continue Reading Summaries Of Key Bills That Have Been Introduced During the WV Legislative Session

Tweeting the WV State of the State Address

We follow a number of politicians, pundits and people who follow the state government closely on twitter.  Here are some of the reactions, via twitter from Gov. Manchin’s State of the State address held last night.  The “tweets” are displayed oldest (start of speech) to most recent (end of speech).  Additionally, … Continue Reading Tweeting the WV State of the State Address

Delegate Jonathan Miller Proud to Sign No Climate Tax Pledge

Says West Virginia Families and Jobs are a Target of the Climate Tax, Encourages All WV Lawmakers to Sign the Pledge Also Inwood, WV – Delegate Jonathan Miller proudly signed the “No Climate Tax Pledge” last week. Americans for Prosperity, the group responsible for the pledge, applauded Miller on his action … Continue Reading Delegate Jonathan Miller Proud to Sign No Climate Tax Pledge

State Records Record Number of Jobs

More West Virginians are now working in the Mountain State than at any time in recent memory. In May 2007, the state’s total employment number was 781,000. That is the highest number in the past decade, and maybe the highest number on record. The data comes from a monthly report prepared … Continue Reading State Records Record Number of Jobs

Food Tax to drop to 4% on July 1

Effective July 1, 2007 the Sales and Use Tax on the sale, purchase and use of food and food ingredients intended for human consumption will be reduced from 5 percent to 4 percent. “Since taking office, Governor Manchin has taken numerous steps to modernize both the State Tax Department and the … Continue Reading Food Tax to drop to 4% on July 1