The primary objective of this grant is to expand the agencys existing WMA system to help achieve the wvdnrsmission of providing and administering a long-range comprehensive program for the…

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WV DNR) received a $13,608,264.96 Formula Grant award from the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 5 under the Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education and Safety (CFDA 15.611) program. The 5-year grant, effective from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2028, will be used to expand the WV DNR's Wildlife Management Area (WMA) system. This will help the agency fulfill its mission of protecting, conserving, and managing high-quality wildlife habitat across the state of West Virginia. The grant funding will allow the WV DNR to acquire an additional 15,000 to 25,000 acres of land for its WMA program, which provides public access and recreational opportunities related to the state's natural resources. The Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act authorizes this grant program to support projects that restore, conserve, manage, and enhance wild birds and mammals, as well as associated habitats.

The primary objective of this grant is to expand the agencys existing WMA system to help achieve the wvdnrsmission of providing and administering a long-range comprehensive program for the exploration, conservation, development, protection, enjoyment and use of the natural resources of the state of west virginia. Wvdnrs wmaprogram is designed to protect, conserve and or manage high quality wildlife habitat for a variety of wildlifespecies (many of which are identified in the state wildlife action plan) and to increase public access andrecreational opportunities associated with these resources. The wvdnr, wildlife resources section anticipates acquiring 15,000 to 25,000 acres of additional wmas during THE5-year grant period.