WVFA Mountain State Forestry Fall 2020

I N D U S T R Y N E W S 10 West Virginia Forestry Association Mountain State Forestry  | Fall 2020 www.wvfa.org The partnership and the innovative conservation finance strategy allowed the WVDNR to create seven new Wildlife Management Areas (Burning Springs, Federal Ridge, Little Kanawha, Lynn Camp, Sandy Creek, Toll Gate, and Walker Creek) and expand four existing Wildlife Management Areas (Frozen Camp, Hughes River, Ritchie Mines, Sand Hill) along with a high priority addition to North Bend State Park. In additional projects, the partners worked together to expand Beury Mountain WMA in Fayette County and create the new Daniels Ridge WMA in Monroe County. My work today, with my Conservation Fund colleagues, is largely focused on the southern coalfield counties of West Virginia. It is a rugged landscape of industrial ravage and promising recovery. The desperate human poverty and ecological ruin are juxtaposed with still striking natural wealth and cultural history. New opportunities are to be found in forest carbon and renewable energy, climate change resilience measures, emerging technology platforms for leasing recreational use and serving the growing needs of a new generation of mountain bikers, ATV riders, bird watchers, and even military readiness training. The Conservation Fund is responding, working to rebalance the economy and the environment in West Virginia while respecting its past and traditions. We are investing through our Working Forest Fund and other programs. We are committed to ensuring that the state’s forest resources continue to provide clean air and water, wildlife habitat, and economic benefits for communities. Landowners have many options when considering the inherent ecological and economic value of property. Our state’s forestlands furnish products for the nation while also providing recreation enjoyed by citizens and visitors alike. At a time of economic uncertainty, careful and deliberate decisions about how to optimize our natural resources to benefit people and ensure their long-term viability is critical. You can contact Joe Hankins at jhankins@conservationfund.org or 304-268-2639. ©Jerry Monkman/Courtesy of The Conservation Fund (Hughes River WMA) ©Frank Ceravalo/Courtesy of The Conservation Fund (Tomblin WMA)