West Virginia Division of Natural Resources#Parks and Recreation Section
{{Short description|State agency of West Virginia}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox government agency
| agency_name = West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
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| formed =
| preceding1 = West Virginia Department of Natural Resources
| preceding2 = West Virginia Conservation Commission
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| jurisdiction = The state of West Virginia
| headquarters = 324 Fourth Avenue, South Charleston, West Virginia
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| chief1_name = Brett W. McMillion
| chief1_position = Director
| chief2_name = Brian Bolyard
| chief2_position = Deputy Director of Operations
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| website = {{URL|http://www.wvdnr.gov}}
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The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) is an agency of the government of the U.S. state of West Virginia. While formerly known as the cabinet-level Department of Natural Resources, it is now part of the West Virginia Department of Commerce.[http://www.boc.state.wv.us/ West Virginia Department of Commerce] The WVDNR is responsible for wildlife management, hunting and fishing regulations, and boater safety and also oversees state parks and resorts.[http://www.wvdnr.gov/ West Virginia Division of Natural Resources] It also operates the West Virginia State Wildlife Center, a zoo in French Creek that exhibits West Virginian wildlife.{{Cite web|url=http://www.wvdnr.gov/wildlife/wildlifecenter.shtm|title = West Virginia Wildlife Center}}
Sections
=Law Enforcement Section=
The Law Enforcement Section, known as the "West Virginia Natural Resources Police", is the oldest statewide law enforcement agency in West Virginia, established in February 1897.
The Section is primarily responsible for the enforcement of the game and fish laws and rules. Officers in the section carry on a continuing program of Hunter Education and Boating Safety Education, as well as enforce laws relating to littering, forestry, state parks, environmental/solid waste, pleasure boating, and whitewater rafting. They also respond to emergencies, including floods and other natural disasters, as well as provide assistance to the West Virginia State Police where necessary.{{cite web|title=West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Section|url=http://www.wvdnr.gov/lenforce/law.shtm|work=Website of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources|publisher=West Virginia Division of Natural Resources|access-date=18 April 2014}}
The Natural Resources Police are maintained under Chapter 20, article 7 of the West Virginia Code.{{cite web|title=WEST VIRGINIA CODE, CHAPTER 20. NATURAL RESOURCES. ARTICLE 7. LAW ENFORCEMENT, MOTORBOATING, LITTER.|url=http://www.legis.state.wv.us/wvcode/ChapterEntire.cfm?chap=20&art=7|work=Website of the West Virginia Legislature|publisher=West Virginia Legislature|access-date=18 April 2014}}
=Parks and Recreation Section=
{{see also|List of West Virginia state parks}}
The Parks and Recreation Section is responsible for the operation of West Virginia's network of state parks, as well as recreation facilities located in some state forests and wildlife management areas.
=Wildlife Resources Section=
==Wildlife management areas==
File:Pedlar WMA-Mason Lake.jpg]]
{{see also|List of West Virginia wildlife management areas}}
Wildlife Management Areas are managed by the WVDNR Wildlife Resources Section. These facilities are intended to provide opportunities for hunting and fishing within the state.
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==State Wildlife Center==
File:West Virginia State Wildlife Center - Bison.jpg
{{main|West Virginia State Wildlife Center}}
The Wildlife Resources Section also operates the West Virginia State Wildlife Center at French Creek, which is a zoological park exhibiting a variety of animals native to West Virginia.
==Fish hatcheries==
Image:Bowden Fish Hatchery.jpg
West Virginia began stocking fish in state waterways in the 1880s and has been operating its own fish hatcheries since 1930. Today, the Wildlife Resources Section operates a network of seven trout hatcheries and two warmwater fish hatcheries.{{cite news|url=http://www.allbusiness.com/environment-natural-resources/ecology-environmental/12340993-1.html|title=West Virginia Hatcheries 'Stock It To 'Em'|last=Ruben|first=Mike|date=2009-05-01|website=AllBusiness.com|access-date=2009-06-09}}
- Apple Grove Fish Hatchery (warm water)[http://www.wvdnr.gov/fishing/warmwater_hatchery.shtm WVDNR Warmwater Hatchery Program, accessed April 12, 2008.]
- Bowden Fish Hatchery (trout)
- Edray Fish Hatchery (trout)
- Palestine Fish Hatchery (warm water)
- Petersburg Fish Hatchery (trout)
- Reeds Creek Fish Hatchery (trout)
- Ridge Fish Hatchery (trout)
- Spring Run Fish Hatchery (trout)
- Tate Lohr Fish Hatchery (trout)
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References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.wvdnr.gov/ Official site]
{{Protected areas of West Virginia}}
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Category:State agencies of West Virginia
Category:State environmental protection agencies of the United States