WVFA Mountain State Forestry Fall 2020

I N D U S T R Y N E W S www.wvfa.org Fall 2020 |  West Virginia Forestry Association Mountain State Forestry 9 funding package required a new strategy found in implementing conservation measures providing benefits to interior forest wildlife species protected under West Virginia Natural Resource Laws where large gas pipeline projects were to be constructed, operated and maintained. The clearing of rights-of-ways would result in impacts to core forest habitat and associated wildlife. High value core forest habitat blocks were identified and conserved, in part, by funding and technical assistance made available as voluntary contributions for habitat impacts anticipated to arise through the construction of the Mountaineer Xpress Project, the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, and the Supply Header Project in partnership with the WVDNR and The Conservation Fund. “Working collaboratively and in partnership with The Conservation Fund, Governor Justice, local communities, and the energy sector, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources now has the opportunity to expand its public land base and provide enhanced opportunities for wildlife-associated recreation,” said WVDNR Director Stephen McDaniel. “These lands will be managed to enhance essential wildlife habitat for a variety of forestland species. Hunters, anglers, and others interested in wildlife will directly benefit from these conservation efforts.” ©Frank Ceravalo/Courtesy of The Conservation Fund (Tomblin WMA) ©Frank Ceravalo/Courtesy of The Conservation Fund (Tomblin WMA)