The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold three public meetings across the state for wildlife enthusiasts and other interested parties to review and comment on the proposed State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP).
Federal regulations require all state wildlife agencies develop a strategic plan that identifies wildlife species of greatest conservation need and recommends management strategies for these species. The plan is a comprehensive report which identifies management strategies for wildlife populations, habitat conditions and partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations. The plan also examines proposed actions to conserve wildlife and vital habitat.
“These public meetings have been designed as an ‘Open House’ format,” said Paul Johansen, Wildlife Resources Section chief. “This informal meeting style allows people to attend at their convenience during the scheduled meeting times to learn more about the proposed plan while providing everyone with an opportunity to provide input and interact with personnel from the Wildlife Resources Section.
“The plan is really a roadmap that will guide our agency and partners in making future habitat conservation recommendations in West Virginia,” said Johansen. “That’s a goal our agency shares with hunters, anglers, wildlife enthusiasts, and everyone else who enjoys the outdoors.”
Dates and locations for the SWAP meetings are:
Monday, June 15, 2015, 6 – 8 p.m.
South Charleston – DNR Headquarters, 324 Fourth Avenue
Morgantown – West Virginia University (Percival Hall)
Tuesday, June 16, 2015, 6 – 8 p.m.
Martinsburg – James Rumsey Technical Institute
Those unable to attend an open house may provide written comments on the proposed SWAP by visiting the DNR website at www.wvdnr.gov. The public comment period will run from June 15 through July 15, 2015.
