Nathaniel Mountain Wildlife Management Area Expanded by 1,800 Acres
Dedication to be Held on November 20, 2003
The press release below was issued by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources on November 17, 2003. Information about The Nature Conservancy in West Virginia’s participation in the Nathaniel Mountain Wildlife Management Area expansion effort is contained within. For more information about the West Virginia chapter’s involvement, contact the Elkins office at (304) 637-0160.
November 17, 2003—The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced today that the popular Nathaniel Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA), located in Hampshire and Hardy counties, has been expanded by 1,800 acres. “Acquisition of this property will provide enhanced public access for hunting, trapping and other wildlife-associated recreational opportunities in a region of the state that is experiencing rapid human development and concurrent declines in public access to the state's wildlife resources,” said Division of Natural Resources Director Ed Hamrick. “This important acquisition effort addresses strategic and operational objectives that have been identified in our agency's Capital Improvement Plan.”
The newly acquired property lies adjacent to the southern boundary of the Nathaniel Mountain WMA, and it will be managed by DNR's Wildlife Resources Section under the state's Wildlife Management Area program. “This acquisition has expanded Nathaniel Mountain WMA to a total of 10,675 acres, making it one of the state's largest and most important Wildlife Management Areas,” Hamrick noted.
The rugged topography of this land is dominated by mature oak-hickory timber stands with scattered Virginia pine. Approximately 300 acres are suitable for the development of wildlife clearings designed to enhance brood habitat for wild turkey and ruffed grouse. The area also supports habitat for a variety of neo-tropical migratory birds and two unique wetlands identified by The Nature Conservancy. Hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrel, black bear and other game species are excellent.
The total cost for this 1,800-acre land acquisition effort was $1,139,400. Hunting and fishing license monies, including funds from the Conservation Stamp, were used to purchase this property. “This is yet another example of how sportsmen and women in West Virginia are true conservationists,” said Hamrick. “This dedicated group of hunters and anglers continue to foot the bill for wildlife conservation in the state and across the Nation. The property was purchased from the MeadWestvaco Corporation, and they once again proved to be an excellent conservation partner in this effort.”
“MeadWestvaco is pleased to have been able to withhold this area from a larger land sale and continue our longstanding cooperative relationship with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources in working together to make this a part of the Nathaniel Mountain WMA,” said Trenor Hypes, Manager of MeadWestvaco's Appalachian Region. MeadWestvaco's presence in West Virginia extends back to 1886. Historically their lands have been an important outdoor recreational resource for the people of the state for virtually the entire period. According to Hypes, “Our land stewardship embraces not only a commitment to sustainable production of wood resources but also to active management of game and non-game wildlife. The result is a very valuable outdoor recreation resource that yields a host of both public and private benefits.”
“On behalf of the Division of Natural Resources, I would like to extend our appreciation to MeadWestvaco Corporation, the Hampshire County Development Authority, The Nature Conservancy, Senator Walt Helmick and Delegate Harold Michael for their willingness to work with us throughout this acquisition effort,” Hamrick said. “This has been a collaborative effort resulting in direct and substantial benefits to the state's wildlife resources and the many user groups associated with these resources.”
A special dedication recognizing this land acquisition effort is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, 2003 in Moorefield, West Virginia. The dedication will be held at the Hardy County Commission Office, located in the Hardy County Courthouse, beginning at 11 a.m. The public is cordially invited to attend. Individuals interested in obtaining more information on the property may contact the Division of Natural Resources' District Office in Romney, West Virginia at 1 Depot Street (telephone: 304-822-3551).
**DNR**
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