West Virginia Division of Natural Resources: A Comprehensive Overview

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) plays a vital role in the conservation, development, protection, enjoyment, and use of the state’s natural resources. As an agency within the West Virginia Department of Commerce, the WVDNR manages a diverse portfolio encompassing wildlife, state parks, law enforcement, and land management.

Organizational Structure and Leadership

The WVDNR is structured around four primary sections:

• Wildlife Resources: Focused on the conservation and management of the state’s fish and wildlife.
• State Parks: Dedicated to preserving natural areas and providing outdoor recreational opportunities.
• Law Enforcement: Responsible for enforcing state laws related to natural resources.
• Administration: Overseeing administrative functions including property, energy, and internal services.

Key leadership positions within the WVDNR include:

• Brett W. McMillion: Director (Brett.W.McMillion@wv.gov)
• Wendy L. Greene: Deputy Director (Wendy.L.Greene@wv.gov)
• Brian R. Bolyard: Chief of Staff (Brian.R.Bolyard@wv.gov)
• Col. Bobby L. Cales: Chief, Law Enforcement Section (DNR.lawenforcement@wv.gov)
• Dillard Price: Acting Chief, Parks and Recreation Section (Dillard.J.Price@wv.gov)
• Paul R. Johansen: Chief, Wildlife Resources Section (DNR.wildlife@wv.gov)
• Mark C. Collins: Chief, Property and Energy (Mark.C.Collins@wv.gov)

District Offices

The WVDNR operates through several district offices throughout the state:

• Elkins Operations Center: 738 Ward Road, P.O. Box 67, Elkins, WV 26241, (304) 637-0245
• District 1: 1110 Railroad Street, PO Box 99, Farmington, WV 26571, (304) 825-6787
• District 2: 1 Depot Street, Romney, WV 26757, (304) 822-3551
• District 3: 163 Wildlife Road, French Creek, WV 26218, (304) 924-6211
• District 4: 2006 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, WV 25801, (304) 256-6947
• District 5: 480 Forks of Coal Way, Alum Creek, WV 25003, (304) 756-1023
• District 6: 76 Conservation Way, Parkersburg, WV 26104, (304) 420-4550

Key Responsibilities and Programs

The WVDNR’s mission encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, including:

• Conserving and protecting the state’s fish and wildlife resources.
• Managing and preserving natural areas of scenic, scientific, cultural, archaeological, or historic significance.
• Providing outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
• Enforcing state laws related to natural resources.
• Managing state-owned lands and mineral resources.

Contact Information

WVDNR Headquarters: 112 California Avenue, Charleston, WV 25305, (304) 558-6200

Additional contact information is available on the WVDNR Contact Page, including email contacts for specific departments like Webmaster, Law Enforcement, Land and Streams, Wildlife Resources, and Parks and Recreation.