Joe Manchin III, Governor
Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : September 10, 2007

Hoy Murphy, Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov
Contact: Blair Taylor, Parks and Recreation Section (304) 558-2764 parks@wvdnr.gov

Gov. Manchin and DNR dedicate first state parks sporting clays shooting range at Cacapon Resort

The first sporting clays shooting range to be built in a West Virginia state park was dedicated today at Cacapon Resort State Park by Gov. Joe Manchin III and Division of Natural Resources Director Frank Jezioro. Construction on the Wobble Clay Shooting Range began this summer at a section of the park where it was determined that noise levels would be minimal at areas normally used by park visitors.

Sporting clays shooting is one of the fastest growing of all shooting sports, according to DNR Director Frank Jezioro, who says building the facility in the park near Berkeley Springs in Morgan County is a good fit. “We believe that offering this added attraction at Cacapon will complement the other activities already offered there, including golfing, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and swimming. In neighboring Virginia, some of the colleges offer scholarships for youngsters who are proficient in clay target shooting, and it has long been an Olympic event as well.”

Gov. Joe Manchin sees this as another way to attract individuals to another type of outdoor recreation. “Recreational shooting is traditional in West Virginia. Just about anyone can shoot a shotgun with proper safety training, no matter their age. Tourism surveys show that people want more things to do within their limited leisure time., and this will become another activity to make Cacapon Resort State Park more attractive to both in-state and out-of-state visitors.”

Construction of the facility was done mostly with West Virginia State Parks staff, and much of the equipment has been donated by manufacturers. Operating hours and usage costs are being determined and will be announced later.

“We believe that this type of facility, with guns, shells, and eye and ear protectors furnished, is a perfect place to introduce new shooters, especially youngsters and women, to another outdoor activity they can participate in for the rest of their lives,” said DNR Director Jezioro.

Offering 6,000 acres of exciting outdoor getaways any time of year, Cacapon Resort State Park provides golfing, lake activities and hiking opportunities in West Virginia 's eastern panhandle, while providing top visitor service in a first-class lodge. For more information visit online www.cacaponresort.com or call 1-800-CALL-WVA.

**DNR**