Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : June 26, 2006

Hoy Murphy, Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Curtis Taylor, Wildlife Resources Section Chief (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

DNR Expands Allegheny Wildlife Management Area Acquiring 512 Additional Acres in Mineral County

  The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) has purchased 512 acres of property from New Allegheny, Inc. in Mineral County . These lands will be used to expand and enhance the existing Allegheny Wildlife Management Area, according to DNR Director Frank Jezioro.

  The price for this property was $384,000, and these lands were acquired using money provided by the state's hunters and anglers through their purchase of hunting and fishing licenses, including the Conservation Stamp. These new lands, which will be available for public, wildlife-associated recreation, lie adjacent to the Allegheny WMA and bring the total size of this area to 6,345 acres. This additional property possesses good habitat for forest game species, including deer, bear and grouse, and contains a native trout fishery in Howell Run and its tributaries.

  “Once again, the dollars of our state's hunters and anglers are being put to good use for the benefit of everyone who enjoys the outdoors,” said DNR Director Frank Jezioro . “This is the latest example of DNR's continuing efforts to provide more land for public use, so that we can continue to keep the great West Virginia traditions of hunting and fishing alive for future generations. It's an effort we will continue as money and land become available.”

  Noting that increased outdoor sporting recreation opportunities are a boost for tourism, Jezioro said that providing more public land, including stream access, gives both residents and non-residents a better opportunity to enjoy the great hunting, fishing, hiking and wildlife watching opportunities that people have come to expect from West Virginia .

**DNR**