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Download the West Virginia FY13 Projects and Talking Points

Download the LWCF Factsheet for West Virginia, FY 12 Projects and Talking Points

LWCF Success in West Virginia

The Land and Water Conservation Fund has helped protect some of West Virginia’s most treasured places.  West Virginia has received approximately $221 million over the past four decades, protecting places such as the New River Gorge National River and the Harpers Ferry National Historic Park.

Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge

The Canaan Valley NWR is a forested valley containing one of the east’s largest high elevation wetlands, which provide significant waterfowl and wetland values.  It is listed as a priority in the FWS’s Priority Wetlands Conservation Plan.  The Refuge provides important wildlife corridors between other protected lands, as well as habitat for grassland nesting birds and numerous rare plant species.

Economic Benefits

Active outdoor recreation is an important part of the West Virginia economy.  The Outdoor Industry Association has found that active outdoor recreation supports 61,000 jobs across West Virginia, generates $272 million in annual state tax revenue and produces $4.3 billion annually in retail sales and services across West Virginia - accounting for more than 9 percent of gross state product.  The U.S. Census Bureau reports that each year over 994,000 people participate in hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching in West Virginia contributing over $905 million to the state economy.

Download "The Active Outdoor Recreation Economy Report for West Virginia"