DNR Wildlife Diversity Gets an 'Attaboy'
Charleston Gazette
13 December 2013
Editor:
If no one has given an "attaboy" to the state Division of Natural
Resources Wildlife Diversity program, then this is long overdue.
All the publications and website are well done and help create a
positive image of the state. Among the many natural-science
educational materials are:
- Books on West Virginia flora and fauna for sale.
- Free full-color booklets on various types of flora and
fauna (also other similar guides put out by the Department of
Agriculture, also now in color and gorgeous).
- Various nicely done brochures and checklists.
- One-page mini-guides on West Virginia wildflowers,
mushrooms, etc., available for downloading and laminating from
the website. Done w/color photos with a text page on the back
explaining about each species.
- The Wild Yards program, with the excellent booklet that
shows how even owners of very small lots can create wildlife
habitat.
- The Master Naturalist program.
- And, of course, the stunning West Virginia wildlife
calendar with all the paintings and daily events -- we always
look forward to the new edition.
- The WV Wildlife Magazine, another well-done publication
to make the state proud.
I need to recognize at least two individuals for their efforts on
the above: Jim Fregonara and Art Shomo, both in the DNR Outreach
program.
(Not to slight the game program and all their publications and
educational efforts, especially the excellent annual Hunting and
Fishing Day over at Stonewall Resort.)
I would encourage as wide a distribution as possible. The cost of
the free materials is worth it many times over for the good PR it
gives the state. They will undoubtedly help lead to numerous
return visits to our state's public lands and parks. West Virginia
has produced some of the most prominent and renowned naturalists
in the Appalachians, such giants as Earl Core, A.B. Brooks, and
Maurice Brooks, and I think they would be proud.
Andy Stump
Elkins