Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : March 17, 2005

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3380 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Kim McHenry, Parks and Recreation Section (304) 558-2764 parks@westvirginia.com

10 th Annual State Parks Day at the Capitol

March 29, 2005

Discover Why West Virginia State Parks Are

Among the Best in the Nation

  Legislators, the public and news media are invited to attend the tenth annual State Parks Day at the Capitol on March 29, 2005 to discover why West Virginia 's state parks, forests and wildlife management areas are among the best in the nation. This event is scheduled at the Capitol Rotunda from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

  On West Virginia State Parks Day, the public has a chance to learn about what the park system has to offer. See a group of living history interpreters in costume; witness park nature programs; and learn about outdoor recreation opportunities, the 100th birthday of the Shay #5 locomotive and the Very Important Parks Person (VIPP) program.

  The state parks system in West Virginia is an important part of the state's tourism industry and economy. With more than 78,000 acres of state park lands and more than 120,000 acres of state forest and wildlife management recreation areas as part of its park system.

  “The diversity of the state park system allows the public to enjoy many different opportunities, all close to home,” says Division of Natural Resources Director Frank Jezioro.

  West Virginia has a park system dedicated to preserving and showcasing its scenic beauty while providing recreational opportunities to the citizens of the state and its visitors. The park system has an economic impact of approximately $127 million to the state's economy and welcomes more than 7.6 million visitors a year. It enhances quality of life and is one of the cornerstones of the states burgeoning tourism industry.

  For more information about West Virginia State Parks, please call (304) 558-2764 or 1-800-CALL WVA or visit the parks' Web site at www.wvstateparks.com .

**DNR**