Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : July 8, 2005

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

Contact: J. R. Pope, Parks and Recreation Section Chief (304) 558-2764 parks@westvirginia.com

Public Comment Deadline Extended Through July 29
For Proposal to Allow Pets in State Parks Cabins

The Parks and Recreation Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will extend the deadline for public comments about a possible rule change that would permit overnight park guests to keep pets (dog and/or cats) in state parks cabins and possibly in lodge rooms through July 29, 2005 .

 Anyone wishing to comment in favor or against this proposal should send their comments to:

John R. Pope, Chief
DNR Parks and Recreation
State Capitol Complex
Building 3, Room 713
Charleston , WV 25305

Or you may email your comments to parks@westvirginia.com .

Written comments will be received until July 29, 2005 at 12:00 p.m. Comments will not be taken by telephone.

The availability of the proposed rules will be advertised in the State Register. After the public review and comment period closes July 29, 2005 , appropriate changes will be made to the proposed rules and they will be re-filed by the DNR for action by the Legislative rule Making Committee prior to the 2006 Session of the West Virginia Legislature.

**DNR**